Hey there, fellow hunters and shooting enthusiasts! Joel Mccartan here, back with another deep dive into the world of night vision and hunting gear. Today, we’re talking about something near and dear to my heart: scopes for the iconic Remington 700. As an avid hunter who’s spent countless hours in the field, I know firsthand how crucial a good scope is for maximizing the potential of this legendary rifle.
The Remington 700 has been a staple in the hunting and shooting world for decades, and for good reason. Its reliability and accuracy are second to none. But to truly unleash its potential, you need a scope that’s up to the task. That’s why I’ve put together this list of the absolute best scopes for the Remington 700 in 2024, based on my personal experiences and rigorous testing.
Why Trust My Recommendations?
Before we dive in, let me tell you a quick story. Last fall, I was out on a deer hunt in the Rockies with my trusty Remington 700. I had just upgraded my scope, and let me tell you, it made all the difference. As the sun was setting and the light was fading, I spotted a beautiful buck about 300 yards out. Thanks to my new scope’s superior light gathering and crisp reticle, I was able to make a clean, ethical shot that would have been impossible with my old setup.
That experience reinforced for me just how important it is to have the right scope for your rifle and shooting style. So, I’ve spent the past year testing out the latest and greatest scopes on the market, putting them through their paces in various conditions to bring you this comprehensive guide.
Now, let’s get into the good stuff – the best scopes for your Remington 700 in 2024!
Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x40mm – Best Overall
When it comes to all-around performance, it’s hard to beat the Leupold VX-3i. This scope has been a favorite among hunters for years, and the latest version is better than ever.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 4.5-14x
- Objective Lens: 40mm
- Reticle: Wind-Plex
- Eye Relief: 4.4-3.7 inches
- Twilight Max Light Management System
Pros:
- Exceptional clarity and light transmission
- Durable, weather-resistant construction
- Versatile magnification range
- User-friendly Wind-Plex reticle
Cons:
- Premium price point
- No parallax adjustment
Personal Experience:
I’ve used this scope in everything from bright midday sun to twilight conditions, and it never fails to impress. The Twilight Max system really shines in low light, giving you those crucial extra minutes of shooting time at dawn and dusk. The Wind-Plex reticle is intuitive and makes holdover and windage adjustments a breeze.
Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36×56 – Best for Long Range
For those looking to really stretch the legs of their Remington 700, the Vortex Razor HD Gen III is a game-changer.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 6-36x
- Objective Lens: 56mm
- Reticle: EBR-7D (MRAD or MOA)
- Eye Relief: 3.7 inches
- L-Tec Zero Stop system
Pros:
- Incredible glass quality
- Precise and repeatable adjustments
- Versatile EBR-7D reticle
- Innovative zeroing system
Cons:
- High price tag
- Heavy (38.8 oz)
Personal Experience:
I had the chance to use this scope at a long-range shooting competition last summer, and it blew me away. The clarity at full magnification is astounding, and the L-Tec Zero Stop system makes returning to zero foolproof. If you’re serious about long-range shooting with your Remington 700, this scope is worth every penny.
Athlon Argos BTR 6-24×50 – Best Value
Don’t let the affordable price fool you – the Athlon Argos BTR punches well above its weight class.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 6-24x
- Objective Lens: 50mm
- Reticle: APMR FFP IR MIL
- Eye Relief: 3.3 inches
- First Focal Plane reticle
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- First Focal Plane reticle
- Good low-light performance
- Solid build quality
Cons:
- Slightly less clear glass than premium options
- Heavier than some competitors
Personal Experience:
I was initially skeptical of this scope given its price point, but it quickly won me over. The first focal plane reticle is a feature usually reserved for much more expensive scopes, and it performs admirably. While the glass isn’t quite on par with the Leupold or Vortex, it’s more than adequate for most hunting and shooting scenarios.
Nightforce ATACR 7-35×56 F1 – Best Premium Option
If money is no object and you want the absolute best, look no further than the Nightforce ATACR.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 7-35x
- Objective Lens: 56mm
- Reticle: MOAR or MIL-R (First Focal Plane)
- Eye Relief: 3.6 inches
- ZeroStop elevation turret
Pros:
- Unparalleled optical clarity
- Extremely precise adjustments
- Rugged, military-grade construction
- Wide magnification range
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Heavy (39 oz)
Personal Experience:
I had the opportunity to use this scope on a long-range hunting trip in Alaska, and it was a revelation. The clarity is simply unmatched, even in challenging light conditions. The build quality is tank-like – I accidentally dropped my rifle from a standing position onto rocky ground, and the scope didn’t even lose zero. If you demand the absolute best and are willing to pay for it, the ATACR is the way to go.
Burris XTR Pro 5.5-30×56 – Best for Competition
For those looking to get into precision rifle competitions, the Burris XTR Pro is an excellent choice.
Key Features:
- Magnification: 5.5-30x
- Objective Lens: 56mm
- Reticle: SCR2 MIL (First Focal Plane)
- Eye Relief: 3.5-4 inches
- Zero Click Stop turrets
Pros:
- Competition-ready features
- Excellent glass quality
- User-friendly turret system
- Includes extra “Race Dial” turret
Cons:
- Fairly heavy (32.1 oz)
- May be overkill for casual hunters
Personal Experience:
I’ve used this scope in several PRS (Precision Rifle Series) matches, and it’s become my go-to competition optic. The SCR2 reticle is incredibly fast and intuitive, and the extra “Race Dial” turret is a game-changer for quickly transitioning between known distances. While it might be more than the average hunter needs, it’s perfect for those looking to get into competitive shooting with their Remington 700.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Scope for Your Remington 700
Intended Use: Are you primarily hunting, target shooting, or competing? This will greatly influence the features you need.
Magnification Range: For general hunting, 3-9x or 4-16x is usually sufficient. For long-range work, consider scopes with higher magnification like 6-24x or even 7-35x.
Objective Lens Size: Larger objectives (50mm+) gather more light but add weight and bulk.
Reticle Type: Choose between simple duplex reticles for hunting or more complex rangefinding reticles for long-range work.
First or Second Focal Plane: FFP reticles maintain their subtensions at all magnifications, while SFP are simpler and often less expensive.
Durability: Look for scopes with quality construction that can withstand recoil and harsh conditions.
Budget: Quality scopes can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Determine what you’re comfortable spending.
Conclusion
The Remington 700 is a fantastic rifle platform, and pairing it with the right scope can elevate your shooting experience to new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a long-range enthusiast, or a competitive shooter, there’s a perfect scope out there for your needs and budget.
Remember, the “best” scope is ultimately the one that works best for you and your shooting style. Don’t be afraid to try out different options if possible, and always prioritize quality and reliability over flashy features.
I hope this guide has been helpful in your quest for the perfect Remington 700 scope. If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences, drop a comment below – I always love hearing from fellow shooters and hunters!
Happy shooting, and may your groups be tight and your hunts successful!