Reaching out to 600 yards is a significant milestone for any hunter or long-range shooter. It’s a distance that demands respect for wind, bullet drop, and, most importantly, your equipment. At this range, the quality of your riflescope becomes just as critical as the quality of your rifle and ammunition. A scope that provides clarity, reliable tracking, and intuitive adjustments is no longer a luxury; it’s an absolute necessity for making consistent, ethical shots.
Whether you are pursuing western big game across canyons or pushing your limits on the steel range, the right optic makes all the difference. The market is filled with options, each promising superior performance. To help you cut through the noise, we’ve tested and compiled a list of scopes built to excel at this challenging distance. This field review focuses on models that deliver the optical clarity, robust construction, and precision controls you need to confidently engage targets at 600 yards and beyond.
Our Top Picks for 600-Yard Scopes
- Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20×50 Parallax Adjustment Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 EBR-2C MRAD Riflescope
- Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm FireDot Twilight Hunter Riflescope
- Nightforce SHV 5-20x56mm .250 MOA Riflescope
- Sig Sauer Whiskey5 5-25x52mm 34mm Riflescope
- Burris Veracity PH 4-20x50mm Ballistic Plex E1 FFP Riflescope
- Athlon Optics Ares ETR 4.5-30×56 APRS6 IR MIL Riflescope
- Primary Arms Platinum Series 6-30×56 FFP Riflescope
Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20×50 Parallax Adjustment Riflescope
The Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50 is a proven workhorse for hunters needing to reach out to 600 yards. Its 30mm main tube and hard anodized finish provide a rugged platform that stands up to field use. The versatile magnification range is ideal for spotting your target and making a precise shot, while the side-focus parallax adjustment ensures a clear, parallax-free sight picture at varying distances.
Optical performance is strong, with premium, fully multi-coated lenses that deliver excellent resolution and color fidelity. The XR coatings enhance light transmission for brighter images in low-light conditions, and the Armortek coating protects the exterior lenses from scratches and oil. The capped reset turrets are a practical feature, allowing you to quickly re-index the turret to zero after sighting in, making field adjustments straightforward.
Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 EBR-2C MRAD Riflescope
For the shooter who demands tactical-grade features, the Viper PST Gen II is a top contender. Its 5-25x magnification range provides immense flexibility, and the first focal plane EBR-2C reticle ensures your holdover points remain accurate at any power setting. The scope is built on a 30mm tube and is available with either MRAD or MOA adjustments to match your preferred shooting system.
This model includes an illuminated reticle for use against dark backgrounds and features a highly tactile, precise turret system with a revolution indicator. The optical system is fully multi-coated with XR anti-reflective coatings, providing a bright, sharp image even at the highest magnifications. The side-mounted parallax adjustment includes an illuminated red and green display for visibility in all lighting conditions.
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm FireDot Twilight Hunter Riflescope
The Leupold VX-5HD is engineered for the hunter who operates in the critical minutes of dawn and dusk. Its Twilight Max HD Light Management System is designed to provide extra minutes of shooting light with a clear, high-contrast image. The 3-15x magnification range is perfectly suited for 600-yard shots on game, offering a wide field of view at low power and plenty of precision at high power.
This scope is remarkably lightweight and durable, thanks to its 30mm main tube and aircraft-grade aluminum construction. The FireDot illuminated reticle provides a bright aiming point that stands out in low light without overpowering the target. It also features Leupold’s Custom Dial System (CDS) compatibility, allowing you to order a custom elevation dial matched to your specific load for quick and easy long-range adjustments.
Nightforce SHV 5-20x56mm .250 MOA Riflescope
Nightforce brings its reputation for uncompromising reliability to the SHV series. The 5-20x56mm model offers a large 56mm objective lens that, combined with premium glass, gathers a significant amount of light for superior performance in dim conditions. The simple yet robust .250 MOA adjustment turrets provide precise and repeatable clicks for making windage and elevation corrections.
Built to handle heavy-recoiling rifles, the SHV is shockproof and waterproof, ensuring it stays zeroed under harsh conditions. The reticle options are clean and functional, designed for fast target acquisition and accurate holdovers. For shooters who need a no-frills, incredibly dependable scope from a top-tier manufacturer, the Nightforce SHV is an excellent choice for consistent 600-yard performance.
Sig Sauer Whiskey5 5-25x52mm 34mm Riflescope
Sig Sauer’s Whiskey5 series is designed for long-range hunting and shooting applications. The 5-25x52mm model provides a high level of magnification on a 34mm main tube, which allows for greater internal adjustment range—a key feature for engaging distant targets. The HD Optical System produces a flat, high-resolution image with minimal chromatic aberration for a crisp sight picture.
This scope features Sig’s MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination) system, which automatically powers up the illuminated reticle upon sensing motion and powers down to conserve battery life when not in use. The turrets offer tactile and audible clicks, and the side focus parallax adjustment ensures a sharp image from close range out to 1000 yards and beyond.
Burris Veracity PH 4-20x50mm Ballistic Plex E1 FFP Riflescope
The Burris Veracity PH stands out for offering first focal plane performance at an accessible price point. The Ballistic Plex E1 FFP reticle scales correctly at all magnification levels, allowing for accurate range estimation and holdovers regardless of your zoom setting. The 4-20x magnification is a practical range for 600-yard shooting, providing a wide field of view and high magnification when needed.
It features a precision, hand-turn, zero-stop elevation turret that allows for quick return to your primary zero. The optical system uses Index Matched Hi-Lume multicoating for maximum light transmission and clarity. Built to be waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, the Veracity PH is a rugged and reliable partner for serious long-range hunting.
Athlon Optics Ares ETR 4.5-30×56 APRS6 IR MIL Riflescope
The Athlon Ares ETR is a competition-grade scope that brings exceptional features to the field. Its 4.5-30×56 configuration offers an enormous magnification range for precise shot placement at 600 yards and well beyond. The first focal plane APRS6 illuminated reticle is detailed and functional, providing all the tools needed for advanced ballistic calculations and wind holds.
Built on a 34mm tube, the Ares ETR offers a generous 120 MOA of total elevation adjustment. It features Athlon’s Precision Zero Stop system and tactile, locking turrets to prevent accidental adjustments. With Japanese ED glass and multiple layers of broadband anti-reflective coatings, the image quality is sharp, bright, and color-true, rivaling scopes at a much higher price point.
Primary Arms Platinum Series 6-30×56 FFP Riflescope
Primary Arms is known for delivering high value, and the Platinum Series 6-30×56 is a prime example. This first focal plane scope is available with several reticle options, including their popular ACSS HUD DMR design, which is packed with ranging and holdover information. The 6-30x magnification provides ample power for spotting bullet impacts and making precise shots at extended ranges.
The scope is constructed with a 34mm main tube, providing a robust platform and ample internal travel for long-range adjustments. It includes an intuitive zero-stop mechanism, exposed tactical turrets, and an illuminated reticle. The glass quality is excellent, with high-density (HD) elements and a fully multi-coated optical system to ensure a bright, clear, and sharp image from edge to edge.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a 600-Yard Scope
When you’re picking out a scope for shooting out to 600 yards, it’s not just about magnification. I’ve spent a lot of time on the range and in the field, and getting the right setup makes all the difference. The goal is to connect with your target consistently, whether that’s a steel plate or a game animal. Here’s what I focus on when I’m looking at the 8 best scopes for 600 yards.
First, let’s talk about magnification. A lot of folks think they need a huge 25x or higher scope, but for 600 yards, that’s often overkill. I find a scope that tops out around 15x to 18x is more than enough. It gives you a clear picture without sacrificing field of view at closer ranges. A variable power scope like a 4-16x or 5-25x is a fantastic and versatile choice.
Next is the objective lens size. This is the big glass at the front, and it dictates how much light gets in. For low-light hunting situations, a larger objective lens, like 44mm or 50mm, is a huge advantage. It keeps the image bright and clear when the sun starts to drop. Just remember, a bigger lens can mean a higher mounting setup, so you need to balance size with a comfortable cheek weld.
The turrets are your control center. For 600 yards, you need precise, repeatable adjustments. I always look for scopes with exposed, tactile turrets that track accurately. You’ll be dialing for elevation, so you need to trust that when you click, the point of impact moves exactly as advertised. A zero-stop feature is also a lifesaver, letting you quickly return to your zero without counting clicks in a high-pressure moment.
Finally, the reticle is your roadmap. A simple duplex might work for 200 yards, but at 600, you need more information. I strongly prefer a First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle for long-range work. The holdover marks are accurate at every magnification level, which is critical for making quick windage or elevation holds. A christmas-tree style reticle gives you a lot of holdover options without ever touching the turrets. Pairing the right reticle with a reliable scope is the key to mastering your 8 best scopes for 600 yards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a First Focal Plane scope necessary for 600-yard shooting?
It’s not an absolute necessity, but I highly recommend it. With a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope, the reticle shrinks and grows with the magnification. This means your holdover points (like the marks for windage and bullet drop) are accurate at any power setting. For 600 yards, where you might need to make a quick shot at a lower magnification or a precise hold at max power, FFP offers incredible flexibility and eliminates calculation errors.
What magnification range is best for a 600-yard scope?
From my testing, a versatile magnification range like 4-16x, 5-25x, or 6-24x is the sweet spot. This gives you enough power to see your target clearly at 600 yards while still having a wide field of view on the lower end for acquiring targets at closer distances. You don’t need a massive 36x scope; the image quality and your ability to manage mirage often become bigger issues than pure magnification at that point.
How important is glass quality for 600 yards?
Extremely important. Superior glass clarity, resolution, and color fidelity are what allow you to see your target clearly, spot mirage to read wind, and make precise shots in low-light conditions. A cheaper scope with poor glass will have a fuzzy image at 600 yards, making accurate shot placement much more difficult. Investing in good glass is one of the best decisions you can make for consistent performance at this distance.
Can I use a hunting scope for target shooting at 600 yards?
Absolutely, and many of the top scopes are built for this dual-purpose role. The key features to look for are robust turrets that track accurately for dialing elevation, a forgiving eye box for quick shots, and a reticle that works for both holdover and precise aiming. Many modern hunting scopes now include target-style turrets and FFP reticles, making them perfectly capable for a day at the range pushing out to 600 yards.
What is a zero-stop feature and do I need it?
A zero-stop, or revolution indicator, is a feature that allows you to mechanically “lock” your elevation turret at your zero distance. After you’ve sighted in your rifle, you set the stop. This means you can dial up for long-range shots and then quickly return to your zero by simply twisting the turret back down until it stops. For a 600-yard scope, I consider it essential. It prevents fumbling and mistakes under pressure, especially in a hunting scenario.