When it comes to long range shooting and hunting with the venerable .30-06 cartridge, a scope is an essential item to have. In our article today, we will analyze and take you through the best scope for 30-06 long range and help you find the appropriate model for your needs.
As thrilling as long-range shooting is, it is important to have the right gear at hand to make it successful. With the help of a quality scope, you will have an easy time finding the targets at any distance. A rifle scope is also essential in that it provides a crisp view of the target so you can plan your shot and know where to place it.
Whether you are a seasoned long range shooter or a novice one, I’m here to give you a lost of the very best scopes for long range shooting that pair well with the 30-06. Our roundup will mainly focus on scopes that have versatile magnification power, best quality glass and robust construction suitable for your application.
But first, let’s start by looking at the attributes that make a great .30-06 scope for long range shooting.
Attributes of a Great Scope for 30-06 Long Range
A great scope for 30-06 long range is made of a variety of attributes to enhance precision, performance and overall durability. These factors include:
Durable Construction. It is important for the scope to have a robust and reliable construction for optimal performance in all fields and unmatched durability.
Premium Quality Optics. A rifle scope for long range shooting is as good as its optics. So, a great scope for long range shooting with the 30-06 should have the best quality optics to enhance optical performance.
Long Eye Relief
Long and comfortable eye relief is another attribute that the best scope for 30-06 long range should have.
Lightweight Design
A good scope is built lightweight to scatter the recoil this cartridge generates while being easy to carry around from one location to the other.
Ease of Adjustments
Last but not least, a great scope for 30-06 should have an intuitive design and easy adjustments.
Best Scopes for 30-06 Long Range
1)Vortex Viper HS 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Viper HS 4-16x50mm Rifle is by far the best scope for 30-06 long range. It graces its presence with an array of high-quality features that will take the guesswork out of long-range shots and enhance your overall precision.
This rifle scope boasts a variable 4-16x magnification power built in a second focal plane reticle. The parallax is adjustable from 50 yards to infinity to fine tune accuracy at extended ranges. Furthermore, the scope features a long eye relief of 4-inches to ensure comfortable shooting from any angle.
Durable construction is another facet that makes this rifle scope outstanding. It is crafted on a 30mm tube for great sturdiness and rigidity. The tube is made from aircraft quality aluminum and it has dependable waterproof and fog proof protection to outlast weather elements.
Optically, the Vortex Viper HS 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope has a large 50mm aperture responsible for enhancing performance in low level light settings. It is also graced with XD lens elements that work in tandem with XR fully multi-coated lenses to maximize image brightness, clarity and detail.
Features
- 30mm single-piece tube
- XD lens elements
- Hard anodized finish
- Precision-force spring system
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- Aircraft grade aluminum housing
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Adjustable parallax
- 4-16x total magnification
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Relatively lightweight
- Excellent craftmanship
- Good light transmission
Cons
- Non illuminated
2)Crimson Trace Hardline Pro 5-20x50mm Rifle Scope
Sitting comfortably in second is the Crimson Trace Hardline Pro 5-20x50mm Rifle Scope. Ideal for long range hunting and shooting, this rifle scope excels in all kinds of weather and lighting conditions.
It is designed with a variable 5-20x magnification power to help you cover targets at any distance and bring you closer to the faraway game. Across the entire zoom range, the scope provides clear views of targets thanks to the large 50mm objective lens. It also maintains a significantly spacious field of view which is vital for rapid target finding.
The scope is built with durability in mind. It features an aerospace grade 30mm tube that guarantees unrivaled durability and rigidity. On top of that, it is fully waterproof, fog proof and shock proof to take in any abuse and withstand all weather elements.
To complement the robust construction, the scope has exceptional glass elements and fully multi-coated lenses which guarantee high light transmission. It is also designed with quick spring loaded zero reset turrets that are capped to prevent accidental adjustment.
Features
- MOC coating finish
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- Aerospace aluminum housing
- Spring-loaded zero reset capped turrets
- High-end glass quality
- 30mm tube size
- Second focal plane reticle
- Variable 5x to 20x magnification range
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Long eye relief
- Great magnification range
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Non illuminated
3)Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope
If you want to take your hunting/shooting skills to the next big level, you need a quality scope like the Argos BTR Gen II 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope. It is optimized for long range shooting and made with ease of use in mind to accommodate all users, including beginners.
The selling point of this scope is optical finesse. It boasts a large 50mm objective lens that draws in as much light as possible to make the magnification useful even at the highest levels. Additionally, it features advanced fully multi-coated lenses that effectively minimize reflected light and increases light transmission.
This rifle scope also comes with a Precision Zero Stop System that allows you to lock down your zero position and dial back to it with a sharp and precise stop. In terms of construction, the scope has a 30mm tube made from 6061-T6 aluminum. It is toughly built to weather whatever punishment you throw at it.
Above all, the Argos BTR Gen II 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope is waterproof, fog proof, shockproof and guaranteed to perform for life.
Features
- Advanced fully multi-coated lenses
- XPL hydrophobic lens coating
- Precision zero stop system
- 30mm tube diameter
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- First focal plane reticle
- 6-24x variable magnification
- LED reticle illumination
Pros
- Crisp turrets
- Illuminated reticle
- Holds zero well
- Excellent build quality
Cons
- Short eye relief
- Heavy
4)Shepherd Scopes Rogue Series 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope
Shepherd Scopes Rogue Series 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope, marks our fourth pick of the best scope for 30-06 long range. Mounting this rifle scope onto your favorite rifle will enable you pull off impressive shots at long distances and make every shooting expedition worthwhile.
The optical performance of this rifle scope is impressive. It employs HD glass elements that yield detailed and high-resolution image views across the whole 6-24x zoom range. Furthermore, the lenses are multi-coated to amplify light transmission and produce bright, vivid and color accurate sight pictures even in low light.
In addition to the superb optical features, the scope has a green illuminated reticle housed in the rear focal plane. It stays the same size across the whole zoom range and has 11 brightness settings to choose from.
Moreover, this rifle scope is optimized for durability. It boasts a hardened aircraft grade aluminum body which protects the internals without adding much weight. The body is anodized against scratches, rust and corrosion for extra durability. It is also completely waterproof, fog proof and shock proof.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- HD glass elements
- Waterproof and fog proof
- LED reticle illumination
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 6-24x total magnification
- 120 MOA adjustment range
- Type III black anodized finish
- 11 brightness settings
- Hardened aircraft quality aluminum body
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Exceptional glass quality
- Accurate
- Great build quality
Cons
- Narrow eye relief at max power
5)Hawke Sports Optics Vantage 6-24x50mm AO Rifle Scope
Next up, we have the Hawke Sports Optics Vantage 6-24x50mm AO Rifle Scope. This is a highly functional rifle scope that will get the job done every time in any situation.
It boasts a high torque zoom ring which is vital for easy magnification changes in the field. On top of that, the scope has an adjustable objective for parallax adjustment and image focusing. It also comes with a fast focus eye bell for easy reticle focusing.
In terms of construction, the scope has a magnesium alloy body that is durable yet lightweight. The lightweight construction is vital for dispersing heavy recoil and ensuring easy maneuverability in the field.
Furthermore, the scope has a Mil Dot center reticle that is put in the second focal plane. It is illuminated with 5 adjustable brightness intensities to ensure precision aiming in low light. Besides that, this rifle scope is built to be operable in all kinds of weather conditions.
Features
- 11-layer fully multi-coated lenses
- 60 MOA adjustment range
- Adjustable objective
- Second focal plane reticle
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- 6-24x magnification range
- 1/4 MOA low profile fingertip turrets
- Fast focus eye bell
- High torque zoom ring
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Lightweight and durable construction
- Good magnification range
- Crisp clear optics
- Ease of use
Cons
- Short eye relief
6)Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope
Last in our list of the best scope for 30-06 long range is LeupoldVX-6HD 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope. Carrying the highly respected Leupold name, this scope comes with an array of advanced features to help you make the most out of your hunting and shooting expeditions.
It features a Twilight Max Light Management System which maximizes light transmission while controlling glare. This results to production of bright, clear and tack-sharp images in virtually all lighting conditions.
Moreover, this rifle scope is built with a twin bias erector system which prevents accidental adjustment and guarantees precise return to zero every time. Besides that, it features an ambidextrous reversible throw lever for quick magnification changes.
With a weight of 20.4oz, the scope is relatively lightweight, portable and easy to shoot with. The other essential features it brings to the table include a Guard-ion rain shedding optical coating, weather proof construction and a ruggedized 30mm body tube made from 6061-T6 aluminum.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- Guard-ion rain shedding coating
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- 75 MOA windage and elevation adjustment range
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- 30mm single-piece main tube
- 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum housing
- Reversible throw lever
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Zero lock windage adjustment
- Twin bias spring erector system
Pros
- Lightweight
- Illuminated reticle
- Solid and sturdy construction
- Great low light visibility
Cons
- Comparatively expensive
Also Read,
- https://outdoorandsurvival.com/best-reels-for-bottom-fishing/
- https://outdoorandsurvival.com/best-hunting-recurve-bow-for-beginners/
How to Choose the Best Scope for 30-06 Long Range
Below is a list of the most important things you should look for in a scope for .30-06 long range.
Magnification Power
Magnification power is the back bone of every rifle scope. For long range shooting with the 30-06, look for a scope that has a high magnification power of 14x and above. The higher the magnification, the longer the distance you will be able to cover without breaking a sweat.
Lens Quality
After magnification, take a look at the quality of lenses the scope uses. You will need to have clear views of the targets to place accurate shots at long ranges. This is where quality lenses come in to play.
We recommend that you get a scope with the best quality glass elements you can afford. On top of that, get a scope that has premium lens coatings applied on all air to glass surfaces.
Durability
The next feature to consider is durability. Irrespective of the kind of shooting you will be doing, ensure that you get a scope that is optimized for durability. With sturdy and tough construction, the scope will weather whatever abuse you throw at it and guarantee many years of use.
On top of the quality construction, the best scope for 30-06 long range should be fully waterproof, fog proof and dust proof to outlast elements and be usable even in harsh weather conditions.
Reticle
The reticle system of a scope can either make or break your shooting expeditions. It is therefore important that you get a scope whose reticle suits the kind of shooting you will be doing. Additionally, it is vital to have a rifle scope with easy reticle adjustment for added convenience.
FAQs
- What is the best scope size for long range?
The best scope magnification for long range hunting and shooting is in the region of 3-18x power and 5-25x power range. A scope with high magnification and crisp clear glass will get you close to the faraway targets and help you make precise shots no matter the distance.
- Which is better, 30mm or 1-inch scope?
For long range shooting, 30mm scope are better than 1-inch counterparts. The larger tube size provides more room for adjustment which is vital for long range shooting. Scopes with 30mm tube size also tend to be more durable than 1-inch scopes.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the kind of shooting you will be using a scope for is important when looking to buy the best scope for 30-06 long range. With the right information at hand, you will have an easy time finding a scope that works best for your specific needs. So, take a look at all the features a scope brings to the table and settle for the unit that will revolutionize the way you shoot at long ranges.