Finding the Best Scope For Long Action Rifle is critical if you want to maximize accuracy, especially when shooting calibers like .30-06, .300 Win Mag, or .338 Lapua. These rifles are built for power and distance, and pairing them with the wrong optic will limit their true potential. I’ve spent years testing scopes across bolt-action long rifles, dialing turrets at extended ranges, and evaluating optical performance in real-world conditions. In this guide, I’ll walk you through six outstanding scopes that excel in long-action setups, based on hands-on experience, tracking tests, and feedback from the shooting community.
Top Product List: Best Scope For Long Action Rifle
- Arken Optics EP5 5-25X56 Rifle Scope FFP – Best overall long-range precision scope
- Arken Optics EP5 Gen 2 7-35x56 FFP Long Range Precision Rifle Scope – Best for extreme long-range shooting
- Arken Optics SH4 GEN2 4-16X50 Rifle Scope FFP – Best budget-friendly precision optic
- Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 8-34X56 First Focal Plane Riflescope – Best high-magnification value scope
- Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescopes – Best premium mid-range performer
- NightForce ATACR 5-25x56 F1 – Best elite-tier professional scope
Arken Optics EP5 5-25X56 Rifle Scope FFP
This scope is one of the best value-driven long-range optics I’ve tested. Built around a 34mm tube with a large 56mm objective, it delivers impressive light transmission and tracking reliability.
Product Specs:
- Magnification: 5-25x
- Objective Lens: 56mm
- Tube Size: 34mm
- Reticle: FFP VPR MIL
- Turrets: 0.1 MIL clicks
Pros:
- Excellent glass for the price
- Precise turret tracking
- Solid zero stop system
Cons:
- Slightly heavy
- Illumination could be brighter
The glass clarity is surprisingly good. Edge-to-edge sharpness holds up well, though I noticed minor chromatic aberration in high-contrast sunlight. The FFP reticle is ideal for long-action rifles because holdovers remain accurate at all magnifications.
Eye relief feels generous at around 3.5 inches, and the eye box is forgiving even at 20x. This made it easier to stay on target during recoil from my .300 Win Mag.
Durability is solid. I mounted it on a Remington 700 using a 20 MOA rail and 34mm rings. Zeroing took about 10 rounds at 100 yards, and it held zero after 300+ rounds.
Turrets are tactile with clear clicks. I performed a box test and found tracking to be nearly perfect.
From Reddit discussions, many shooters praise its value and repeatability, especially compared to scopes twice its price.
Verdict: A top-tier budget option for long-range shooting.
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Arken Optics EP5 Gen 2 7-35x56 FFP Long Range Precision Rifle Scope
This upgraded version pushes magnification further, making it ideal for extreme long-range shooters.
Product Specs:
- Magnification: 7-35x
- Objective: 56mm
- Tube: 34mm
- Reticle: FFP MIL
Pros:
- Massive magnification range
- Improved turret feel
- Excellent for spotting impacts
Cons:
- Narrow eye box at max zoom
- Heavy build
The glass clarity is impressive, especially above 20x. I used it on a .338 Lapua platform and could clearly spot hits at 800+ yards.
Eye relief is consistent, but the eye box tightens at 35x, requiring careful positioning.
Turrets feel more refined than Gen 1. Clicks are crisp, and the zero stop is reliable.
In forums, users highlight its performance for PRS-style shooting.
Verdict: Best for extreme-distance shooting enthusiasts.
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Arken Optics SH4 GEN2 4-16X50 Rifle Scope FFP
A more compact option that still delivers reliable performance.
Product Specs:
- Magnification: 4-16x
- Objective: 50mm
- Tube: 30mm
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Good tracking
Cons:
- Lower magnification ceiling
- Simpler reticle
Clarity is good but not as sharp as EP5. Still, for hunting applications, it performs well.
Mounted on a .30-06, it zeroed quickly and held consistent performance.
Verdict: Best for mid-range hunting setups.
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Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 8-34X56 FFP
A strong competitor in the high-magnification category.
Product Specs:
- Magnification: 8-34x
- Objective: 56mm
- Tube: 34mm
Pros:
- Wide magnification
- Good reticle design
- Solid construction
Cons:
- Slight edge distortion
- Heavy
Glass is clear in the center but soft at edges. Still usable for long-range.
Tracking is reliable, and turrets feel solid.
Verdict: Great value high-power scope.
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Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II FFP
A well-balanced premium option.
Product Specs:
- Magnification: 5-25x
- Tube: 30mm
Pros:
- Excellent glass
- Lifetime warranty
- Reliable turrets
Cons:
- Expensive
- Slightly heavy
Glass clarity is excellent with minimal aberration. Reticle is intuitive.
Verdict: Best premium mid-range option.
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NightForce ATACR 5-25x56 F1
This is the gold standard for professional shooters.
Product Specs:
- Magnification: 5-25x
- Tube: 34mm
Pros:
- Unmatched durability
- Elite glass clarity
- Perfect tracking
Cons:
- Very expensive
I tested this on a custom .308 build. Zero held perfectly after 500 rounds.
Verdict: Ultimate professional-grade optic.
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How to Choose the Right Scope for This Pistol
Choosing the right scope for a long-action rifle requires careful consideration of several factors. First, magnification range is critical. Long-action rifles are often used for distances beyond 300 yards, so I recommend at least 4-16x, with 5-25x being ideal for precision work.
Second, the focal plane matters. I strongly prefer FFP scopes for long-range shooting because the reticle scales with magnification, allowing accurate holdovers at any zoom level. This becomes essential when shooting at varying distances without adjusting turrets constantly.
Third, turret quality is non-negotiable. You need precise, repeatable clicks—typically 0.1 MIL or 1/4 MOA. A good zero stop system also prevents dialing errors in the field.
Fourth, consider tube diameter. A 30mm or 34mm tube provides more internal adjustment range, which is crucial for long-range shooting.
Fifth, glass quality impacts target identification. Look for scopes with fully multi-coated lenses and minimal chromatic aberration.
Lastly, durability matters. Long-action rifles produce significant recoil, so your scope must withstand repeated impact without losing zero.
FAQs
1. What magnification is best for long-action rifles?
I recommend 5-25x for versatility, especially for shooting beyond 300 yards.
2. Is FFP better for long-range shooting?
Yes, FFP allows accurate holdovers at all magnifications, which is crucial.
3. Do I need a 34mm tube?
Not mandatory, but it provides more adjustment range for long distances.
4. How important is turret tracking?
Extremely important. Poor tracking leads to missed shots at long range.
5. What is the Best Scope For Long Action Rifle for beginners?
The Arken SH4 GEN2 is a great entry-level option with solid performance.
Conclusion
Choosing the Best Scope For Long Action Rifle comes down to your shooting style, budget, and distance requirements. From my experience, the Arken EP5 offers unbeatable value, while the NightForce ATACR stands at the top for professional use. Whether you're hunting or shooting steel at 1,000 yards, the right optic will transform your rifle’s performance.