A comfortable sight picture can make a significant difference in my shooting experience, and the best long eye relief scopes give me the extra viewing distance I need. I appreciate the added space between my eye and the scope, as well as the practical combination of comfort, target visibility, and mounting flexibility for hunting, range shooting, and other outdoor applications.
My search for the best long eye relief scope goes beyond eye relief alone. I consider optical clarity, magnification, field of view, reticle design, durability, mounting options, and overall value before making a decision. In this buying guide, I will break down these important features to help you find an option that suits your rifle and intended use.
Best Long Eye Relief Scopes
1) Burris 2-7x32mm Scout Scope
The Burris 2-7x32mm Scout Scope is the best long eye relief scope. It offers a practical combination of extended eye relief, versatile magnification, and a compact design for scout rifles.
Its 2-7x magnification range lets you acquire targets quickly at lower power while giving you extra magnification for more precise shots at medium distances. The scope also provides an impressive 9.2 to 12 inches of eye relief, which supports forward mounting and allows you to keep both eyes open for faster target acquisition and better situational awareness.
Optically, its 32mm objective lens and Hi-Lume multicoated optics help deliver a bright, clear sight picture, while the Ballistic Plex reticle provides simple holdover references without making the sight picture unnecessarily busy. At 9.7 inches long and 13 ounces, the scope also keeps a scout rifle relatively compact and easy to carry.
The Burris 2-7x32mm Scout Scope also features durable construction and straightforward controls. Its one-piece 1-inch tube, nitrogen-filled body, waterproof construction, and internal spring-tension system help it withstand recoil, shock, vibration, and changing weather conditions.
The capped, low-profile turrets use 1/4 MOA adjustments, giving you precise control when zeroing the scope, while the fixed 100-yard parallax setting keeps the design simple. I also like the combination of generous eye relief and variable magnification because it makes the scope useful for both quick target acquisition and more deliberate shooting.
Key Features
- 9.2-12 inches of eye relief
- Ballistic Plex reticle
- 1/4 MOA adjustments
- 1-inch main tube
- Hi-Lume multicoating
- Fixed 100-yard parallax
Pros
- Excellent extended eye relief
- Versatile 2-7x magnification range
- Clear and bright optical performance
- Simple and useful Ballistic Plex reticle
- Compact and lightweight design
- Durable one-piece construction
- Precise 1/4 MOA adjustments
- Well suited to scout rifle setups
Cons
- Fixed 100-yard parallax
2) UTG AccuShot 2-7x44mm IE Scout Scope
The AccuShot 30mm 1.5-6×44 IE Scope combines versatile magnification, a large 44mm objective lens, and an illuminated glass Mil-Dot reticle for shooters who need flexibility across different distances.
Its 1.5x setting provides a wide field of view for faster target acquisition, while the 6x maximum magnification gives you more detail when you need to engage smaller or more distant targets. Furthermore, the scope uses a 30mm one-piece tube and features a True Strength platform designed to improve durability and zero retention under recoil.
Its fully sealed, nitrogen-filled construction also helps protect the optic from rain, fog, and other demanding outdoor conditions. Moreover, the emerald lens coating helps improve light transmission and image clarity.
Regarding eye relief, its extended eye relief up to 11” enables shooters to effectively use it on any firearm where the optics cannot be mounted directly above the action.
Another impressive feature is its EZ-TAP illumination system, which gives you red, green, and 36 additional color options to help you choose a reticle color that works well with different lighting conditions. The etched glass Mil-Dot reticle also provides useful aiming and range-estimation references without relying on a simple illuminated aiming point.
In addition to everything else, the zero-lockable and zero-resettable turrets make adjustments more convenient after you establish your zero, while the 1/4 MOA click value allows precise windage and elevation corrections
Key Features
- 30mm one-piece main tube
- 36-color illuminated glass Mil-Dot reticle
- EZ-TAP illumination system
- Red and green illumination modes
- True Strength platform
- Zero-lockable and zero-resettable turrets
- 1/4 MOA adjustment clicks
- 100-yard parallax setting
Pros
- Versatile 1.5-6x magnification range
- Bright and flexible illuminated reticle
- Durable construction
- Precise and resettable turrets
- Good light transmission
- Useful Mil-Dot aiming references
- Includes mounting accessories
Cons
- Bulky compared with some competing optics
- Fixed 100-yard parallax setting
3. Burris 2.75x20mm Scout Scope
The Burris 2.75x20mm Scope is one of the best long eye relief scopes for scout use. It offers a simple, lightweight design for shooters who want a compact optic for scout-style rifles and close to medium-range applications.
Its fixed 2.75x magnification keeps the sight picture consistent while the long eye relief supports forward mounting and both-eyes-open shooting. Furthermore, the 20mm objective lens keeps the scope slim and lightweight, while the fully multi-coated optics help deliver a bright, clear image in changing light conditions.
At just 7 ounces and 9.2 inches long, the scope adds very little weight or bulk to a rifle. Its 1-inch main tube also works with widely available 1-inch scope rings. Moreover, the Heavy Plex reticle uses thick outer posts that draw the eye toward fine center crosshairs, giving you a clean aiming point without cluttering the sight picture.
The Burris 2.75x20mm Scout Scope also emphasizes durability and straightforward operation. Its low-profile adjustment knobs provide 1/2 MOA clicks, while the scope offers 140 MOA of total windage and elevation adjustment. The nitrogen-filled construction helps the optic resist fogging, and the rugged aluminum housing supports dependable field use.
To top it all off, the extended eye relief makes the scope is useful for scout rifle configurations because you can mount it forward of the action while maintaining a comfortable sight picture.
Key Features
- 2.75x fixed magnification
- Heavy Plex reticle with bold outer posts and fine center aiming point
- 1-inch main tube
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 1/2 MOA click adjustments for windage and elevation
- 140 MOA total adjustment range
- Fixed 100-yard parallax setting
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- Excellent eye relief for scout rifles
- Simple and uncluttered Heavy Plex reticle
- Clear, bright optical performance
- Fast target acquisition
- Durable field-ready construction
- Easy-to-use adjustment system
Cons
- Fixed magnification limits its versatility
4) Hi-Lux Optics MK II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope
Whether you are tracking game through thick brush or ringing steel at distance, the LER MK II is ready to perform wherever your rifle takes you.
Its most notable feature is the generous 9 to 13 inches of eye relief, which gives you a comfortable sight picture while keeping the scope well forward of your eye. The 2-7x magnification range also gives you plenty of flexibility, with the 2x setting supporting fast target acquisition and both-eyes-open shooting while the 7x setting provides additional detail for more precise shots at moderate distances.
Beyond that, the redesigned 32mm optical system produces a bright, crisp image, while the 1-inch tube keeps mounting options widely compatible. At only about 12 ounces and 10.9 inches long, the MK II adds relatively little weight or bulk to a rifle.
The MK II also improves usability with modern finger-adjustable turrets that provide tactile and audible 1/4 MOA clicks and approximately 70 MOA of adjustment travel. Its fiber optic illuminated center dot offers six brightness levels and helps the aiming point stand out in bright daylight.
Moreover, the BDC reticle provides additional holdover references and is calibrated around common .308 Winchester ballistics, although shooters using different ammunition should verify their actual points of impact.
Key Features
- 2-7x magnification
- 9-13 inches of eye relief
- 1-inch main tube
- Fiber optic illuminated center dot
- Six illumination levels
- 1/4 MOA adjustments
- Approximately 70 MOA adjustment range
- Second focal plane BDC reticle
Pros
- Excellent long eye relief for scout-style setups
- Versatile 2-7x magnification range
- Bright fiber optic illuminated center dot
- Clear and improved optical performance
- Lightweight and compact construction
- Positive and easy-to-use turret adjustments
- Wide compatibility with 1-inch mounting systems
Cons
- Low-light performance falls short of premium optics
5) TACFUN 3-9x42mm Long Eye Relief Scope
Lastly, we have the TACFUN 3-9×42 Long Eye Relief Scope. It offers a practical combination of magnification, generous eye relief, and rugged construction for shooters who need a scout-style optic.
The scope features a variable 3-9x magnification range that gives you flexibility for short to moderate distances, while the 42mm objective lens helps provide a bright sight picture in suitable lighting conditions.
Regarding user comfort, its 8.5- to 10.5-inch eye relief keeps your eye well away from the scope during recoil and makes it easier to acquire targets quickly. TACFUN also builds the scope from aircraft-grade aluminum and adds a nitrogen-charged, weather-resistant housing to improve durability.
Optically, the green multi-coated lenses also help with light transmission and image clarity, making this scope a budget-friendly option for hunting and general range use.
Beyond that, the scope uses a 25.4mm tube and provides windage and elevation adjustments with 1/4 MOA adjustment increments. Also included is a pair of Weaver/Picatinny 1913 rings, a lens cloth, and an Allen tool, so you get the basic mounting accessories with the optic.
Key Features
- 8.5-10.5 inches of eye relief
- 25.4mm tube diameter
- Aircraft-grade aluminum body
- Green multi-coated lenses
- Nitrogen-charged, fog-proof, and shock-resistant design
- Weaver/Picatinny rings included
- Matte black finish
Pros
- Versatile 3-9x magnification range
- Rugged aluminum construction
- Includes Weaver/Picatinny rings
- Nitrogen charged for fog resistance
- Lightweight for a long-eye-relief scope
- Affordable option for budget-conscious shooters
Cons
- Its optical quality does not match that of premium scopes
How to Choose the Best Long Eye Relief Scopes – Key Factors to Consider
Choosing the best long eye relief scope requires more than simply looking for an optic with extra distance between your eye and the eyepiece. To find the right scope, consider these key factors:
Magnification Range
Choose magnification based on the distances and targets you expect to encounter. Lower magnification works well for close and intermediate-range shooting because it provides a wider view and makes it easier to acquire moving targets. Higher magnification helps you identify and aim at smaller targets at greater distances.
Many long eye relief and scout scopes use relatively modest magnification ranges because these optics prioritize fast target acquisition and a broad field of view. A fixed-power scope can offer simplicity and a consistent sight picture, while a variable-power model gives you more flexibility across different distances.
Field of View
Field of view becomes especially important when you use a long eye relief scope for hunting or fast-moving targets. A wider field of view helps you locate your target quickly and maintain better awareness of the surrounding area.
Keep in mind that magnification and field of view work together. Increasing magnification generally narrows the visible area. If you mainly hunt in thick woods or engage targets at shorter distances, prioritize a scope that provides a generous field of view at its lowest power.
Reticle Design
Next, choose a reticle that matches your shooting conditions and the type of targets you pursue. A simple duplex reticle provides a clean sight picture and works well for general-purpose hunting. BDC and ballistic-style reticles can help you compensate for bullet drop when shooting at different distances.
Consider reticle visibility as well. A reticle that stands out against dark vegetation can make target acquisition easier during hunting. If you frequently shoot in changing light, look for a design that remains easy to see without becoming overly distracting.
Optical Quality
The best long eye relief scopes should offer good optical quality that helps you see targets clearly and distinguish important details, especially in low-light conditions. Examine the quality of the glass, lens coatings, image brightness, contrast, and edge clarity when comparing scopes.
A larger objective lens can improve light transmission, but it can also add size and weight. Instead of choosing the largest objective available, balance light-gathering capability with the compactness and handling characteristics you need for your firearm.
Durability and Weather Resistance
A long eye relief scope should withstand the conditions you expect to encounter. If you plan to hunt outdoors, choose an optic with a rugged construction and protection against water, fog, and impacts.
Recoil resistance also matters. A scope that cannot handle repeated recoil can lose its zero or develop mechanical problems. Look for a well-built optic designed for the firearm and caliber you intend to use. Reliable construction becomes even more important when you use the scope on a heavy-recoiling rifle.
Size and Weight
Consider the scope’s overall size and weight, especially if you carry your rifle for long periods. A large, heavy optic can affect the rifle’s balance and make it less comfortable to carry and maneuver.
Compact long eye relief scopes often make a practical choice for hunting rifles, scout rifles, and lever actions because they preserve a lightweight and maneuverable setup. However, do not sacrifice optical quality or durability simply to save a few ounces. Choose a scope that provides the right balance of weight, performance, and ruggedness for your needs.
Mounting Compatibility
Lastly, check mounting compatibility before buying your scope. The best long eye relief scopes often require a different mounting position from conventional rifle scopes, particularly when you use them on scout-style rifles.
Measure your rifle’s available mounting space and confirm that the scope, rings, and base can work together. Pay attention to tube diameter, ring height, rail or base compatibility, and the amount of adjustment available. Proper positioning allows you to achieve comfortable eye relief without forcing an awkward shooting position.
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FAQs
- Are long eye relief scopes good for hunting?
Yes. Long eye relief scopes can work very well for hunting, particularly when you hunt with scout rifles, lever action rifles, or firearms that produce substantial recoil. Their generous eye relief can also make them comfortable during extended use.
- Are long eye relief scopes suitable for high recoil rifles?
Yes. Their extended eye relief provides more distance between your eye and the scope, which improves safety and comfort when shooting rifles with significant recoil. However, you should still choose a scope specifically rated to withstand the recoil of your firearm.
- What magnification is best for a long eye relief scope?
It depends on your intended shooting distance. Lower magnification works well for close and medium ranges because it provides a wider field of view and faster target acquisition. Higher magnification can help when you need to identify or engage targets at longer distances.
Final Thoughts
The best long eye relief scope should provide comfortable eye placement, suitable magnification, a useful field of view, a clear reticle, and reliable optical performance. You should also ensure that the scope can withstand your firearm’s recoil and fit your mounting system correctly. With the right long eye relief scope, you will enjoy a more comfortable and confident shooting experience..