If your goal is to hit targets at long ranges, the best Leupold scope for long-distance shooting is cardinal. High-level precision is impossible at long ranges without a high-quality scope. The scope must have precision match-grade ammo and high-performance optics.
Whether you are an amateur at shooting or a professional shooter, long-distance shooting requires more than what the standard sight can offer.
The market is overflowing with a variety of scopes, with different price ranges and features. It might be difficult to choose from all the available options. We have therefore combined a list of the best Leupold scopes for long-distance shooting.
In addition, we have reviewed the important factors to consider before choosing the scope of your choice as well as answered the frequently asked questions.
Leupold Scope For Long Distance
#1) Leupold VX-3i LRP 4.5-14x50mm Side Focus Riflescope
The Leupold VX-3i LRP 4.5-14x50mm Side Focus Riflescope is equipped with a front focal CCH reticle and a matte finish. The Front Focal Plane (FFP) allows the reticle to zoom in on the image thus allowing the shooter to estimate the range at all magnification settings.
It also has Long-Range Precision (LRP) Target Adjustments with dials that are easy to hold with 3 revolutions of travel, a revolution indicator, and a zero-stop.
Its Twilight Max Light Management System reduces glare that gives quality images. It also adds up to 20 extra minutes of shooting light. The scope has a lightweight design that diffuses recoil energy to give outstanding performance and durability. Its throw lever enables a shooter to efficiently change magnification to quickly zero in on a target.
Key features
- Mil Rad adjustment type
- Optical coating; Diamond Coat 2 has a matte finish
- Fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof performance
- Objective lens diameter: 50mm
- Magnification: 4.5-14x
- Eye relief: 3.6-4.5
- Parallax free
- W/E travel at 100yds: 110MOA
#2) Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Riflescope
The Leupold Mark 5HD is perfect for hunting. this is because it’s lightweight and gives a shooter the flexibility to attain targets over long distances. It has a versatile magnification of 5-25x that perfects the midrange shots.
It is equipped with a Front Focal H59 reticle and a black finish. Its optical system guarantees outstanding light transmission that makes it possible to hunt in any weather/light conditions. It has a glare reduction that furnishes clear images and resolution and clarity that makes hunting a success.
It has three revolutions of elevation adjustment and multiple reticle options.
Key features
- Professional-Grade Optical System
- Zero stop and zero lock dial
- M5C3 Zerolock adjustment
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Magnification range: 5-25x
- 35mm main tube diameter
- Weight:1.5 pounds
- 50mm objective lens diameter
#3) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Scope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Scope has the reliability that is perfect for hunting and outdoor enthusiasts. It has an unparalleled low-light performance, is lightweight and its performance is rugged.
Its Twilight Light Management System can balance light transmissions, reduce glare and image contrast, and resolution that gives an outstanding image in any light/weather setting.
Its design has modern sealing methods which can hold out against shock, extreme temperatures, and elevation changes and can keep it from getting wet.
All Leupold riflescopes are designed to withstand a minimum of 5000 impacts of the punisher which is Leupold’s recoil simulation machine. It also boasts a 3:1 zoom ratio that helps a shooter magnify up to three times more magnification at high power than at low power.
Key features
- It has an advanced optical system
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Weight: 0.63 pounds
- Length: 14×3.3×3 inches
- Objective lens diameter: 40mm
- Has a matte color
#4) Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster 3-9×40 Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster 3-9×40 Riflescope has a 3-9 magnification that is perfect for hunting. its dial is custom engraved and calibrated for the .450 Bushmaster round.
With an Advanced Optical System, the Leupold VX-Freedom has excellent light transmission, glare reduction, and image clarity and resolution that makes hunting fun and accurate.
The Twilight Light Management System adds up to ten minutes of shooting light, while the ¼ MOA finger click adjustments for elevation and windage make it possible to use the scope repeatedly over a long period. The scope is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof.
Key features
- Unparallel low-light performance
- Has an advanced optical system
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Second focal plane
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Weight: 12.2 oz
- Magnification range of 3-9x
#5) Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire Riflescope
With a parallax adjusted for 60 yards, the Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire Riflescope is perfect for rimfire cartridges. The scope has a unique Rimfire MOA reticle that is excellent for hunting. with an Advanced Optical System, the light transmission is effective in glare reduction in harsh light.
The Twilight Light Management System helps in producing clarity and brightness by balancing light transmission and ensuring a clear image. Like other Leupold scopes, it is impact tested and verified, can withstand extremely harsh climate exposure, and is waterproof and fog-proof.
Key features
- Has ¼ MOA finger click adjustments for windage and elevation
- Lightweight, rugged performance
- Unparalleled low-light performance
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
- Length: 14x3x2.75 inches
- Magnification range of 3-9x
- Objective lens diameter of 40mm
#6) Leupold VX-Freedom 6-18x40mm Side Focus Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 6-18x40mm Side Focus Riflescope can be used on any rifle. It is efficient for long-range hunting with an impressive magnification of 18x. the main tube is 30mm and it has exposed adjustments.
With Leupold’s Advanced Optical System, the light transmission is perfect and reduces glare in harsh light and resolution which is a requirement for effective hunting.
It has the Leupold Custom Dial System (CDC) that is easy to install and use. With your preferred specific ballistics, a custom dial can be made to eliminate the use of holdovers. You can aim dead at your target by simply ranging your target and dialing the distance.
Like other Leupold scopes, it is designed, manufactured, and assembled in the USA.
Key features
- Has a Twilight Management System
- Lightweight, rugged design and performance
- It is impact tested and verified for heavy performance
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
- Length: 14x3x2.75 inches
- Magnification of 1.5-4.00x
- Objective lens diameter of 20mm
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof performance
#7) Leupold Freedom RDS (Red Dot Sight) BDC 1x34mm
The Leupold Freedom RDS is made with 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum that is tested by the Leupold punisher. this ensures its durability even under harsh conditions. It offers a 3:1 zoom ratio that is flawless for any situation.
The Leupold Red Dot Sights on its Twilight Max Management System gives excellent performance in dimly light environments, reduces glare, and has a precise focus on your target.
Properties like scratch-resistant lenses, waterproof and fog proof, and punisher tested to make it long-lasting and can be used repeatedly. The USA-made scope has a matte finish.
Key features
- Lightweight and standard color consistency
- Has precise ¼ MOA click adjustments
- Disperses recoil energy
- Delivers clear and precise aiming point with 1 MOA dot
- Length: 14x3x2.75 inches
- Weight:1.05 pounds
- Objective lens diameter of 34mm
- Magnification of 1.5-4x
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
#8) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x33mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x33mm Riflescope is perfect for a small-caliber optic. Its lightweight and external focus ring helps a shooter to focus close to the target hence making the shot precise.
Equipped with the Leupold’s Advanced Optical System, its light transmission, glare reduction properties, and high resolution makes it efficient to hunt in harsh lighting and weather conditions.
The scope is 100% fog proof, waterproof and shockproof, qualities that make it durable. Like all Leupold scopes, it is designed, machined, and assembled in the USA.
Key features
- Durable
- Weatherproof
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Length: 14x3x2.75 inches
- Weight: 1.19 pounds
- Magnification of 3.00-9.00x
- Main tube diameter of 1 inch
Choosing the Best Leupold Scope for Long Distance
Magnification
This is the first significant feature to consider. It has a huge impact on your accuracy at long ranges. The average magnification power of 10x or higher is good for long-range shooting. Some firearms need a magnification setting of 20-30x power. Magnification of 6-24x is excellent for mid to long-range shooting.
Objective lens
This determines the amount of light that is transmitted into the scope. A wider lens provides more light and better edge-to-edge clarity. It also increases your field of view, even at a high magnification setting. This means that a scope with a wide objective lens will not obstruct the field of view at high magnification.
However, a big objective lens is heavy, may alter the weight and balance of your rifle, and may limit the number of scopes it can be mounted on. Try to balance the objective lens with the firearm you are using.
Reticle type
Reticles are either on the first or second focal plane. FFP changes size as you switch between magnification levels. They always represent the same distance. SFP on the other side is fixed on the magnification setting.
This means that the estimation points on the reticle are accurate for one zoom level. Unlike the FFP, it needs quick math to adjust your estimates for a clear shot. It is for these reasons that most shooters prefer the FFP to maintain accuracy and don’t need guesswork as much.
It is also important to pick a scope with illuminated reticles that help in dimly lit environments.
Durability
It is important to choose a scope that will last long especially if you are purchasing an expensive scope. Scopes made from high-grade aluminum material on the tube are more efficient. This material is long-lasting and rust-resistant.
Check also for a scope that is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. You will be able to use the scope in rough terrains and weather conditions and be reassured that the scope can be used multiple times.
BDC reticles
The Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) gets bonus points in our eyes. They have estimation points. The estimation points are found in a vertical line beneath the center of your crosshairs. They correspond with the rifle’s zeroed range and help you place a shot’s impact point accurately at the alternative ranges.
A BDC reticle is a great addition for any long-range shooting and they don’t take much practice to get used to. Its downside is the limitation. You cannot use the same BDC scope for different riffles firing different caliber bullets.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Ballistics Aiming System from Leupold?
It is a specific reticle feature found in Leupold scopes to help you shoot accurately in long ranges. With the right cartridges, you can aim effectively at a distance of 200-300 yards.
- Where are Leupold scopes manufactured?
All Leupold scopes are designed, manufactured, and assembled in Beaverton, Oregon. Some parts come from other parts of the world but the machinery and assembly process is done in the USA.
Final Thoughts
Getting the best Leupold scope for long-distance is not the easiest of choices to make. However, as long as you put into consideration all the factors and features discussed, the options become narrower and you can pick exactly what you want. Finally, always keep your budget in mind before struggling to purchase high-end scopes.
See also; Best vortex long range scopes