Long-range shooting, whether for hunting or competitive purposes, demands precision and reliability from your equipment. At the heart of any long-range setup is a high-quality rifle scope capable of accurately engaging targets at 800 yards and beyond. As an experienced long-range shooter with a passion for pushing the boundaries of marksmanship, I’ve made it my mission to stay on top of the latest advancements in optics technology.
Over the past year, I’ve dedicated countless hours to rigorously testing and evaluating a wide array of rifle scopes at the range. My assessment criteria include optical clarity, build quality, turret precision and repeatability, reticle design, and overall performance under various conditions. After extensive hands-on experience and in-depth research, I’m excited to present my top 10 picks for the best rifle scopes for 800-yard shooting in 2024.
While budget-friendly options might suffice for closer range hunting or casual target practice, consistently hitting small targets at 800 yards or more requires a significant investment in superior optics. The scopes that have earned a spot on my list represent the cream of the crop – offering the crystal clear image quality, precise adjustments, and bulletproof durability necessary for serious long-range work.
Let’s dive into my top three recommended scopes for this year:
Best Overall: Leica PRS 5-30x56i
The Leica PRS 5-30x56i stands head and shoulders above the competition as the best overall scope for 800-yard shooting. Leica’s renowned optical expertise shines through in the unparalleled glass clarity of this scope. The image quality is nothing short of breathtaking, with exceptional light transmission and color fidelity that allows for precise target identification even in challenging lighting conditions.
What truly sets the Leica PRS apart is the harmonious balance it strikes between performance and usability. The controls are beautifully smooth and intuitive, allowing for quick and precise adjustments without taking your eye off the target. The elegant, compact design belies the scope’s robust construction, making it a joy to use in the field or on the competition range.
The first focal plane reticle is thoughtfully designed, providing useful hold-over and wind-drift references without cluttering the sight picture. With 29 MILs of elevation adjustment and 14 MILs of windage, you’ll have more than enough range to dial for even the most extreme long-range shots.
While the price point is certainly at the upper end of the spectrum, the Leica PRS 5-30x56i delivers a shooting experience that’s simply unmatched. For the discerning shooter who demands the absolute best, this scope is a dream come true.
Best Value: Bushnell Match Pro ED 6-24×50
Proving that exceptional long-range performance doesn’t have to break the bank, the Bushnell Match Pro ED earns my pick for the best value scope of 2024. This optic punches well above its weight class, offering a feature set that rivals scopes costing twice as much.
The ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass is the star of the show here, providing impressive clarity and color accuracy typically reserved for much pricier optics. The first focal plane Deploy MIL reticle is clean and functional, with enough detail to be useful without becoming distracting.
Mechanical performance is where the Match Pro ED really shines for its price point. The turrets provide positive, audible clicks with no mushiness or play. The zero stop feature is easy to set and rock-solid once engaged. With 24 MILs of elevation adjustment, you’ll have plenty of room to dial for long-range shots.
Build quality is excellent, with a durable aluminum body that’s nitrogen-purged for fogproof performance. The included throw lever is a nice touch that makes magnification changes quick and easy, even with gloved hands.
For under $700, the Bushnell Match Pro ED offers an outstanding balance of optical quality, mechanical precision, and thoughtful features. It’s an excellent choice for shooters looking to step up their long-range game without emptying their wallet.
Most Innovative: Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36×56
Vortex has long been known for pushing the envelope in optics design, and the Razor HD Gen III 6-36×56 continues that tradition with some truly innovative features. The standout here is the L-TEC (Locking Turret with Easy Click) turret system, which provides a unique clickless zero and return-to-zero functionality.
This system allows for incredibly fast and intuitive adjustments, especially useful in competition scenarios where time is of the essence. The ability to quickly return to your zeroed position without counting clicks is a game-changer for many shooters.
Optically, the Razor HD Gen III is superb, with edge-to-edge clarity and excellent low-light performance thanks to the large 56mm objective lens. The EBR-7D reticle is a versatile design that works well for both tactical and long-range hunting applications.
The 6-36x magnification range is particularly noteworthy, offering tremendous flexibility for engaging targets from medium to extreme long range. At 36x, you’ll have no trouble precisely placing shots on small targets at 800 yards and beyond.
Build quality is top-notch, with a robust construction that’s ready to handle the rigors of competition or harsh field conditions. The RevStop Zero System allows for easy and repeatable return to zero, while the integrated throw lever makes quick magnification changes a breeze.
While it comes at a premium price point, the Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36×56 offers cutting-edge features that make it a standout choice for competitive shooters and those who demand the latest in optics technology.
Now, let’s explore the remaining seven excellent scopes that round out my top 10 list for 2024:
Nightforce ATACR 7-35×56 F1
The Nightforce ATACR series has long been a favorite among serious long-range shooters, and the 7-35×56 F1 model continues that legacy of excellence. This scope represents a perfect marriage of ruggedness and precision, built to withstand the harshest conditions while delivering pinpoint accuracy.
The optical quality is superb, with excellent light transmission and edge-to-edge clarity. The first focal plane MIL-C reticle is a standout feature, offering an innovative MOA-based design that provides intuitive holdovers and ranging capabilities.
Mechanical precision is where the ATACR truly shines. The ZeroStop feature is among the best in the industry, allowing for quick and confident returns to your zeroed position. With 100 MOA of elevation adjustment, you’ll have more than enough range for even the most extreme long-range shooting scenarios.
The build quality is nothing short of legendary, with a 34mm main tube machined from a single piece of aluminum. This scope is built like a tank and can handle any abuse you might throw at it in the field or on the competition range.
While it comes at a premium price point, the Nightforce ATACR 7-35×56 F1 is an investment in uncompromising quality and performance. For shooters who demand the utmost in reliability and precision, this scope is hard to beat.
Burris XTR Pro 5.5-30×56
The Burris XTR Pro series brings some fresh thinking to the world of long-range optics, with distinctive race-inspired styling and smart design choices that cater to the needs of competitive shooters.
Optically, the XTR Pro delivers excellent performance with high-grade glass that provides sharp images and good light transmission. The first focal plane SCR 2 MIL reticle is well-designed for long-range work, offering a clean sight picture with useful reference points for holdovers and wind calls.
What sets the XTR Pro apart is its focus on user-friendly features for competition use. The Zero Click Stop system allows for quick and easy zeroing, while the Race Dial turrets provide large, easy-to-read markings for fast adjustments under pressure.
The included throw lever and integrated lens covers are nice touches that add to the scope’s overall usability. With 34 MILs of elevation adjustment, you’ll have plenty of room to dial for extreme long-range shots.
Build quality is solid, with a robust 34mm main tube and weatherproof construction. While it may not have the same tank-like feel as some of the more expensive options, the XTR Pro is more than capable of handling the rigors of competition or field use.
For shooters looking for a scope that combines high performance with competition-focused features, the Burris XTR Pro 5.5-30×56 is an excellent choice that won’t break the bank.
Steiner T6Xi 5-30×56
German engineering meets long-range precision in the Steiner T6Xi 5-30×56. This scope is built like a tank, with phenomenal build quality and attention to detail that’s immediately apparent when you handle it.
Optically, the T6Xi delivers the clarity and light transmission you’d expect from a high-end European optic. The first focal plane Special Competition Reticle (SCR) is particularly well-suited for PRS and NRL-style matches, offering a clean design with useful reference points for holdovers and wind holds.
The controls on the T6Xi are a standout feature. The turrets provide positive, tactile clicks with no slop or mushiness. The throw lever is integrated into the magnification ring, providing a sleek look and excellent functionality.
With 34 MILs of elevation adjustment, you’ll have more than enough range for extreme long-range shooting. The zero stop feature is easy to set and rock-solid once engaged.
While it comes at a premium price point, the Steiner T6Xi 5-30×56 delivers exceptional quality and performance that justifies the investment. For shooters who appreciate fine German engineering and demand the utmost in durability, this scope is a top contender.
Tract Toric UHD 4-25×50
The Tract Toric UHD 4-25×50 is a relative newcomer to the long-range optics scene, but it’s quickly made a name for itself with its impressive performance and feature set. What sets this scope apart is its enormous 47 MIL elevation adjustment range, packaged in a relatively compact and lightweight design.
Optically, the Toric UHD delivers excellent performance with high-quality glass that provides sharp images and good light transmission. The first focal plane T-Plex MIL reticle is clean and functional, offering useful references for holdovers and wind calls without cluttering the sight picture.
Mechanical performance is where the Toric UHD really shines. The turrets are butter smooth, with positive clicks and no play. The zero stop feature is easy to set and holds rock-solid. The enormous elevation range means you’ll never run out of adjustment, even for the most extreme long-range shots.
Build quality is excellent, with a durable 34mm main tube and weatherproof construction. At just 29.5 ounces, it’s notably lighter than many competitors in its class, making it a great option for hunters who need to watch their pack weight.
For shooters who prioritize maximum internal adjustment range in a relatively compact package, the Tract Toric UHD 4-25×50 is an excellent choice that offers tremendous value for its performance.
Arken EPL-4 6-24×50
The Arken EPL-4 6-24×50 has quickly gained a reputation as the working man’s precision scope, offering excellent performance and features at a price point that won’t break the bank. This scope proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get into serious long-range shooting.
Optically, the EPL-4 punches well above its weight class. The glass quality is impressive for the price, delivering clear images with good contrast and color fidelity. The first focal plane MIL-C reticle is well-designed for long-range work, offering useful reference points without becoming cluttered.
Mechanical performance is where the EPL-4 really shines for its price point. The turrets provide positive, audible clicks with no mushiness. The zero stop feature is easy to set and holds well. With 32 MILs of elevation adjustment, you’ll have plenty of room to dial for long-range shots.
Build quality is solid, with a 34mm main tube and weatherproof construction. While it may not have the same tank-like feel as some of the more expensive options, the EPL-4 is more than capable of handling regular use in the field or on the range.
For shooters on a budget who want to get into long-range shooting without compromising on features or performance, the Arken EPL-4 6-24×50 is an excellent entry-level choice that punches well above its weight class.
Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 has become a workhorse scope for many long-range shooters, offering a winning combination of quality, features, and value. This scope has proven itself time and again in both competitive and hunting scenarios.
Optically, the Viper PST Gen II delivers strong performance with clear glass and good light transmission. The first focal plane EBR-7C reticle is a versatile design that works well for both tactical and long-range hunting applications, offering useful holdover and windage references.
One standout feature is the intelligent illumination system, which provides 10 intensity levels with off positions between each setting. This allows for quick changes to match lighting conditions without having to cycle through all the brightness levels.
Mechanical performance is solid, with positive clicking turrets and a reliable zero stop system. With 22 MILs of elevation adjustment, you’ll have enough range for most long-range shooting scenarios.
Build quality is excellent, with a robust 30mm main tube and weatherproof construction. The included throw lever is a nice touch that makes magnification changes quick and easy.
For shooters looking for a proven performer that balances quality and value, the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 is an excellent choice that won’t disappoint.
Zeiss LRP S5 318-50
Zeiss has long been synonymous with optical excellence, and the LRP S5 318-50 lives up to that reputation while offering features specifically tailored for long-range precision shooting.
As you’d expect from Zeiss, the optical quality is simply stunning. The glass clarity and light transmission are among the best in the industry, providing a crisp, bright image even in challenging light conditions. The first focal plane ZF-MRi reticle is well-designed for long-range work, offering a clean sight picture with useful reference points.
Mechanical precision is where the LRP S5 really shines. The turrets provide positive, tactile clicks with no slop or mushiness. The External Locking Windage Turret (ELWT) is a unique feature that prevents accidental adjustments in the field. With 40.7 MILs of elevation adjustment, you’ll have more than enough range for even the most extreme long-range shots.
Build quality is exceptional, with a robust 34mm main tube and weatherproof construction. The fit and finish are impeccable, as you’d expect from a high-end European optic.
While it comes at a premium price point, the Zeiss LRP S5 318-50 delivers uncompromising quality and performance for shooters who demand the very best in their long-range optics.
Conclusion
Selecting the right rifle scope for 800-yard shooting and beyond is a critical decision that can make or break your long-range performance. While these 10 scopes span a wide range of prices from around $500 to nearly $4000, they all deliver where it counts – allowing you to consistently engage targets at extreme distances.
If I had to choose just one scope to trust for that crucial shot on a trophy buck at 800 yards, I’d reach for the Leica PRS 5-30x56i. In my experience, nothing else quite matches its combination of pristine glass quality, perfectly weighted controls, and sheer precision.
However, the “best” scope always depends on the individual shooter’s needs and preferences. If maximum internal adjustment range is your priority, the Tract Toric UHD is hard to beat. For unparalleled ruggedness, the Nightforce ATACR is your best bet. And if you need to keep your budget under $1000, the Bushnell Match Pro ED or Arken EPL-4 will serve you admirably.
The key to selecting the right scope is to prioritize quality glass, repeatable mechanics, and the specific features that align with your intended usage – whether that’s ringing steel at extreme distances, competing in precision rifle matches, or ethically taking game at long range.
Investing in any of these top 10 rifle scopes for 800 yards and beyond is a solid choice. Pair your new optic with dedicated practice and a deep understanding of ballistics, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of long-range shooting. Remember, the scope is just one part of the equation – it’s the Indian, not the arrow, that ultimately makes the shot. So get out there, put in the range time, and push your limits. I’ll see you out there!