Selecting the right reticle is as critical as choosing the rifle itself for long-range precision. The pattern etched into your scope’s glass is your direct link to the target, providing the necessary data for windage, elevation, and holdovers. In 2025, the options are more advanced and specialized than ever, designed to give shooters a decisive edge at extreme distances.
This roundup examines eight top-tier rifle scopes, each featuring a distinct reticle system. From sophisticated military-proven designs to clean, hunter-friendly options, these scopes represent the pinnacle of optical engineering. Understanding the strengths of each will help you match the perfect reticle to your specific long-range discipline.
Our Top Picks for Long-Range Rifle Scopes
- Schmidt & Bender 5-45×56 PM II High Power Rifle Scope
- Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm M1C3 FFP Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Viper HS LR 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope
- Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm F1 Illuminated Moar Reticle
- Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm Riflescope with Deploy MOA
- Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen III 6-36×56 FFP Riflescope
- Nightforce ATACR 7-35×56 F1 Riflescope (Mil-C Reticle)
- Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 M5C3 FFP Riflescope
Schmidt & Bender 5-45×56 PM II High Power Rifle Scope
The Schmidt & Bender PM II is a benchmark in the long-range community, known for its exceptional build quality and optical clarity. With a massive 5-45x magnification range, this scope is built for professionals who need to identify and engage targets at the farthest limits. The generous 3 inches of eye relief ensures comfortable shooting, even with high-recoil rifles, reducing the risk of scope eye.
Its first focal plane design means the reticle’s subtensions remain accurate at any magnification setting, which is vital for precise holdovers. The scope is engineered to mount securely on Weaver-style rails, providing a stable platform that maintains zero under demanding conditions. This is an optic designed for unwavering reliability and performance.
Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm M1C3 FFP Riflescope
Leupold’s Mark 5HD combines American-made craftsmanship with cutting-edge features for the serious long-range shooter. The illuminated PR1-MOA reticle in the first focal plane offers a clean center dot with useful hashmarks for rapid corrections. Built to withstand the harshest environments, it is guaranteed to be 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
The M1C3 turret system is a standout feature, providing three revolutions of travel with precise 1/4 MOA clicks. The push-button ZeroLock prevents accidental adjustments, while the revolution indicator gives you a clear picture of your dial position. This scope delivers a robust set of features in a reliable and user-friendly package.
Vortex Optics Viper HS LR 6-24×50 First Focal Plane Riflescope
The Vortex Viper HS LR offers exceptional value, bringing professional-grade long-range features to a broader audience. The XLR reticle, located in the first focal plane, is an MOA-based grid with dedicated windage dots, allowing for effective bullet drop and wind drift compensation without dialing. The 6-24x magnification is well-suited for a wide variety of long-range applications.
Vortex’s XD glass elements produce a sharp, high-resolution image from edge to edge. Combined with XR fully multi-coated lenses, the scope maximizes light transmission for a bright sight picture in low-light conditions. This scope is a solid choice for hunters and precision shooters who need reliable performance without a premium price tag.
Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm F1 Illuminated Moar Reticle
Nightforce packs incredible capability into a compact and rugged package with the NX8. Designed to operate in extreme conditions, from desert heat to arctic cold, this scope is built for absolute reliability. The 8x zoom ratio, from 2.5-20x, provides remarkable versatility for both close-quarters and extended-range shooting.
The illuminated MOAR reticle offers a fine, precise aiming point, while the built-in ZeroStop feature ensures you can always return to your original zero quickly. The optional integrated Power Throw Lever (PTL) allows for rapid magnification changes. This scope is an excellent option for hunters who need a durable, lightweight, and high-performance optic.
Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm Riflescope with Deploy MOA
The Bushnell Engage series brings high-end features to a very accessible price point. The Deploy MOA reticle features clear 1-MOA hashmarks for both windage and elevation, making holdovers straightforward. With 24x maximum magnification and a 50mm objective lens, this scope has the reach needed for long-range target shooting.
Fully multi-coated optics ensure a bright and clear image by reducing glare and maximizing light transmission. A key user-friendly feature is the Toolless Locking Turret (TLT), which allows for easy zero resets and secure adjustments without needing any additional tools. It represents outstanding value for entry-level precision shooters.
Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen III 6-36×56 FFP Riflescope
The Razor HD Gen III is Vortex’s flagship long-range scope, boasting an incredible 6-36x magnification range for ultimate target identification. The EBR-7D MOA reticle is a sophisticated first focal plane design that provides a wealth of aiming and holdover data without cluttering the view. This scope is engineered for competitors and shooters who demand the highest level of optical performance.
With high-density, extra-low dispersion glass, the image quality is exceptional, offering outstanding color fidelity and resolution. The generous eye box and smooth magnification dial make it easy to use at high power. This optic is a top contender for anyone involved in PRS-style competition or extreme long-range shooting where clarity and magnification are paramount.
Nightforce ATACR 7-35×56 F1 Riflescope
The Nightforce ATACR represents the peak of the company’s manufacturing capability, built for unmatched durability and performance. The 7-35x magnification range is ideal for ultra-long-range shooting where precise shot placement is critical. The Mil-C reticle in the first focal plane provides a clean, tactical layout favored by many military and law enforcement professionals.
Renowned for its ruggedness, the ATACR is constructed to handle repeated recoil from large-caliber rifles without losing zero. The optical system delivers exceptional clarity and brightness, even at the highest magnification settings. For shooters who will not compromise on reliability and optical excellence, the ATACR is a premier choice.
Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 M5C3 FFP Riflescope
This variant of the acclaimed Mark 5HD features the M5C3 turret and the PR2-MIL reticle, catering to shooters who prefer Milradian calculations. The PR2 reticle offers a simple, uncluttered center with useful hashmarks that speed up windage and elevation holds. Like its sibling, it is built to be completely waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
The M5C3 turret provides a massive 35.5 MILs of total elevation adjustment, which is essential for engaging targets at very long distances. Combined with the ZeroLock feature and crystal-clear glass, this scope is a formidable tool for tactical competitors and long-range hunters who require maximum elevation and a MIL-based reticle.
What to Look For in a Long-Range Precision Reticle
Choosing the right rifle scope reticle for long-range precision in 2025 is less about finding a single “best” option and more about matching a reticle’s features to your specific needs and shooting style. I’ve spent a lot of time behind various scopes, and the reticle is your primary interface with the target; a poor choice can make a great scope feel useless. The first thing I consider is the type of reticle: First Focal Plane (FFP) or Second Focal Plane (SFP). For serious long-range work, I almost always lean towards FFP. Why? Because the reticle’s subtensions (the markings used for holdover and windage) remain true at any magnification level. If a mil-dot is one mil at 5x, it’s still one mil at 25x. This is a game-changer for making rapid, accurate holds at unknown distances, which is common in PRS competitions or hunting in varied terrain.
Next, I look at the reticle’s design philosophy. There are two main camps: Christmas-tree-style and standard MIL/MOA-based. The Christmas tree reticles, with their extensive horizontal and vertical hash marks, are incredibly popular for a reason. They offer a massive “holdover” area, allowing you to compensate for wind and bullet drop without ever touching your turrets. This is fantastic for dynamic shooting. On the other hand, a cleaner reticle with standard MIL or MOA markings encourages a more disciplined approach of dialing your elevation for each shot, which many precision rifle purists prefer for its consistency. Your choice here depends on whether you’re a “holder” or a “dialer.”
Finally, don’t overlook practicality. A reticle that looks great on a website can be a muddy, indistinct blob in low light. I prioritize reticles with fine, yet distinct lines that don’t obscure the target. Illumination is another key factor for 2025. A good illuminated center dot or crosshair can be a lifesaver against a dark background or in fading light, but it should be subtle enough not to cause glare or wash out the target. Remember, the best reticle is one you can use quickly, confidently, and correctly under pressure. It’s the bridge between your calculations and your shot placement.
FAQ
What is the difference between FFP and SFP reticles for long-range shooting?
The core difference is how the reticle scales with magnification. A First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle grows and shrinks as you zoom in and out. This means the subtension values (like mil-dots or hash marks) are always accurate at every magnification setting. A Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle stays the same size, so its subtensions are only correct at one specific magnification, usually the highest setting. For long-range precision where you need to make quick holdovers at various magnifications, FFP is the modern standard because it’s always “on.”
Are MIL or MOA reticles better for long-range precision?
This is a classic debate, and the honest answer is that both are excellent systems. MIL (Milliradian) and MOA (Minute of Angle) are just different angular measurements. MILs are based on the metric system (1 mil ≈ 3.6 inches at 100 yards), which some find easier for mental math. MOA is roughly 1 inch at 100 yards. The most important thing is to match your reticle’s unit of measure to your scope’s turrets. If your turrets adjust in MILs, get a MIL reticle. Having a mismatched system is a recipe for confusion and error. Neither is inherently “better”; proficiency with your chosen system is what matters most.
Why are “Christmas tree” reticles so popular now?
These reticles, which look like an inverted tree with extensive hash marks, are popular because they provide a huge amount of data right in the glass. They offer multiple windage holds and a long vertical drop scale. This allows a shooter to engage multiple targets at different distances quickly without dialing their turrets. For competitive shooting like PRS or in a tactical environment where speed is critical, the ability to hold for both wind and elevation is a massive advantage. They represent a shift towards faster, more intuitive shooting for long-range precision.
How important is reticle illumination for long-range shooting?
Reticle illumination is more of a tactical convenience than a strict necessity for pure precision. Its main job is to prevent your crosshair from disappearing against a very bright or very dark target. If you’re shooting a dark-colored steel target in the shade, a black reticle can vanish. A low-setting red or green illuminated dot at the center can make all the difference. However, it’s a feature you should use sparingly. High illumination can cause flare and actually reduce your ability to see the target clearly. For most daytime long-range shooting, it’s not needed, but it’s a very nice option to have when you do need it.
Can a busy reticle be a disadvantage?
Absolutely. While a feature-rich reticle like a Christmas tree is great for holds, all those lines can sometimes clutter your view and obscure a small, distant target. For a shooter who primarily dials for elevation and uses the reticle mainly for windage, a simpler design with less visual noise can be preferable. It’s a trade-off between having maximum data on hand and maintaining a clean, unobstructed sight picture. This is why looking through different scopes, either in person or through high-quality online reticle simulators, is so crucial before you buy.