The best long eye relief pistol scopes give me the extended viewing distance I need for comfortable and reliable shooting without placing my eye too close to the optic. A well designed long eye relief pistol scope provides a clear sight picture while giving me greater flexibility in positioning my head and maintaining a comfortable shooting position.
Throughout this buying guide, I examine the key features that separate high quality long eye relief pistol scopes from average options. I also consider adjustment performance, mounting compatibility, construction, and overall ease of use. Whether you use your pistol for hunting, target shooting, or other extended range applications, these factors will help you to narrow down the options and find a scope that delivers reliable performance.
Best Long Eye Relief Pistol Scopes
1) Burris Handgun 3-12x32mm Rifle Scope
The Burris Handgun 3-12x32mm is the best long eye relief pistol scope. It is a purpose-built optic for handgun hunters who want substantial magnification without giving up the long eye relief needed for powerful handgun cartridges.
Its 3-12x magnification range gives you flexibility for close and extended-range shooting, while the Ballistic Plex reticle provides straightforward aiming points for trajectory compensation.
Optically, the scope uses high-grade optical glass with Hi-Lume multicoating to produce a bright, clear sight picture and reduce glare. Its 32mm objective lens also helps maintain useful light transmission without making the optic excessively large.
With adjustable parallax from 25 yards to infinity, the scope gives you additional control when shooting at longer distances. Furthermore, the 1-inch tube and 16-ounce weight keep the overall package relatively compact for a high-magnification handgun scope.
Burris also builds this scope to handle the demanding recoil generated by powerful handguns. Its solid one-piece tube, nitrogen-filled construction, and shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof design provide the durability needed for hunting in challenging conditions. The double internal spring-tension system helps the scope maintain zero through recoil, shock, and vibration, while steel-on-steel adjustments support repeatable corrections.
Above all, the long eye relief ranges from 10 to 19 inches at low magnification and 10 to 12.5 inches at high magnification, giving you plenty of distance between your eye and the ocular lens.
Key Features
- 3-12x magnification
- Second focal plane Ballistic Plex reticle
- Adjustable from 25 yards to infinity for improved long-range precision
- 1-inch main tube
- Hi-Lume multicoating
- Recoil-resistant construction
- Waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof
- 1/8 MOA adjustments
Pros
- Durable construction
- Clear, bright optics
- Useful Ballistic Plex reticle
- Adjustable parallax
- Compact one-piece design
- Waterproof and fogproof construction
Cons
- Narrow field of view at 12x
2) BSA Optics Edge 2-7x28mm Pistol Scope
The BSA Optics Edge 2-7×28 Duplex Reticle Pistol Scope offers a practical combination of variable magnification, generous eye relief, and straightforward optics for shooters who want more precision from a handgun or scout-style setup.
Its 2-7x magnification range gives you flexibility for both closer targets and more deliberate shots at extended distances, while the 28mm objective lens keeps the scope relatively compact.
Reticle-wise, the 30/30 Duplex reticle provides a simple aiming pattern that works well for general-purpose shooting without adding unnecessary complexity. Furthermore, the fully multi-coated optics help produce a clear sight picture, and the 12-20 inches of advertised eye relief gives you useful flexibility when positioning the scope on a pistol.
For added ease of use, the 1/4 MOA adjustment clicks also make zeroing straightforward, while the scope’s waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction adds useful protection for outdoor use.
Overall, this scope makes a sensible choice for shooters who want an affordable variable-power optic with long eye relief and a simple Duplex reticle, particularly for target shooting and suitable handgun or scout applications.
Key Features
- 2-7x variable magnification
- Second focal plane 30/30 Duplex reticle
- 12-20 inches of eye relief
- Fully multicoated optics
- 1/4 MOA adjustments
- 50-yard fixed parallax
- 1-inch tube
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
Pros
- Versatile 2-7x magnification range
- Generous eye relief
- Clear multi-coated optics
- Simple Duplex reticle
- Precise 1/4 MOA adjustments
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof construction
- Good value for budget-conscious shooters
Cons
- Mounting hardware is not included
3) Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope
Crafted with renowned Burris craftsmanship, the 2-7x32mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope is purpose-built for handgun hunters who need generous eye relief, dependable construction, and useful magnification in a compact package.
Its 2-7x magnification range gives you a wide field of view at the lower setting while providing additional target detail at higher magnification. Furthermore, the 32mm objective lens, high-grade glass, and Hi-Lume multi-coating help produce a bright, clear sight picture, while the second focal plane reticle remains the same apparent size as you change magnification.
Burris offers the scope with Plex or Ballistic Plex reticle options depending on the model, giving you a choice between a simple aiming pattern and a trajectory-compensating design. The 1-inch main tube also makes it straightforward to pair the scope with compatible mounting rings.
The scope shines most for its long and variable eye relief, which ranges from 11 to 21 inches at low power and 10 to 14 inches at high power. This design suits powerful handguns and helps you maintain a comfortable viewing position while shooting.
In addition to everything else, Burris builds the optic to withstand recoil, using a solid one-piece tube and a double internal spring-tension system designed to help maintain zero through shock and vibration. The scope is also waterproof, fogproof, nitrogen-filled, and uses 1/4 MOA adjustments with 64 MOA of total elevation and windage adjustment.
Key Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- 1-inch main tube
- Hi-Lume multicoated optics
- 1/4 MOA adjustments
- 64 MOA adjustment range
- Fixed 100-yard parallax
- Waterproof and shockproof design
Pros
- Excellent long eye relief
- Versatile 2-7x magnification
- Clear, bright optics
- Rugged recoil-resistant construction
- Compact and manageable design
- Precise 1/4 MOA adjustments
- Waterproof and fogproof
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
4) Burris Handgun 2x20mm Rifle Scope
The Burris 2x20mm Handgun Scope is a compact fixed-power optic designed specifically for handgun hunting and target shooting.
Its 2x magnification provides more detail than traditional iron sights while keeping the sight picture simple and easy to manage. The 20mm objective lens and 1-inch main tube help maintain a lightweight profile, while the 7-ounce weight minimizes the effect of the optic on handgun balance.
Another feature that makes it one of the best long eye relief pistol scopes is the simple Plex reticle. It adds to the scope’s practical design, with bold outer posts and fine central crosshairs that make aiming straightforward. Burris also uses high-grade optical glass and Hi-Lume multi-coating to improve brightness, clarity, and glare control, making the scope useful across changing lighting conditions.
Beyond that, this scope combine a simple optical design with the durability needed for heavy-recoiling handguns. Its one-piece tube, nitrogen-filled construction, and recoil-resistant internal spring system help the scope withstand shock, vibration, moisture, and temperature changes.
Over and above that, the steel-on-steel adjustment system provides positive clicks, while the 1/2 MOA adjustment value gives shooters useful control when sighting in the optic.
Key Features
- 2x fixed magnification
- Second focal plane Plex reticle
- 10 to 24 inches of eye relief
- 1-inch main tube
- 7-ounce weight
- Hi-Lume multi-coating
- Recoil-resistant construction
- Waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof
- Fixed 100-yard parallax
Pros
- Excellent long eye relief
- Compact and lightweight design
- Simple and fast Plex reticle
- Clear and bright optical performance
- Built to withstand heavy recoil
- Positive and repeatable adjustment
Cons
- Fixed 2x magnification limits versatility
- No illumination
5) TACFUN 3-9x42mm Long Eye Relief Scope
The TACFUN 3-9×42 Long Eye Relief Scope with Weaver/Picatinny Ring is our last recommendation for the best long eye relief pistol scopes. It offers a practical combination of extended eye relief, variable magnification, and rugged construction for shooters who need more distance between their eye and the optic.
Its 3-9x magnification range gives you flexibility for closer shots as well as more detailed target acquisition at longer distances, while the 42mm objective lens helps gather light for a brighter sight picture.
Furthermore, TACFUN builds the scope from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum and adds a fog-proof, shock-resistant, nitrogen-charged housing with weather-resistant seals. The green multi-coated lenses also help improve light transmission, resolution, and scratch resistance.
With a 25.4mm tube, 1/4 MOA adjustments, 11.25-inch length, and approximately 14.5-ounce weight, the scope maintains a relatively compact profile without sacrificing its long-eye-relief design.
Another advantage comes from the included Weaver/Picatinny 1913 rings, which let you mount the scope directly onto compatible rails without purchasing a separate set of rings. The combination of long eye relief and included mounting hardware makes this scope an appealing budget-friendly option for rifles where conventional scopes may sit too close to the shooter’s eye.
Key Features
- 3-9x magnification
- 8.5-10.5-inch eye relief
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Green multi-coated lenses
- Fog-proof and shock-resistant
- Weaver/Picatinny rings included
- 25.4mm tube diameter
- 14.5-ounce weight
- Simple crosshair reticle
Pros
- Versatile 3-9x magnification range
- Durable aluminum construction
- Fog-proof and shock-resistant design
- Multi-coated objective lens
- Includes Weaver/Picatinny rings
- Lightweight
- Budget-friendly option
Cons
- Narrow field of view at higher magnification
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Key Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Long Eye Relief Pistol Scopes
Eye Relief
Eye relief should rank among your top priorities when choosing a pistol scope. Look for a scope that provides enough distance between your eye and the ocular lens to create a full sight picture without forcing you to position your face too close to the optic.
Long eye relief also gives you greater flexibility when mounting and should help you maintain a comfortable shooting position. Consider your pistol’s recoil characteristics and choose an optic that provides adequate eye relief throughout its magnification range.
Magnification Range
Secondly, choose magnification based on how you plan to use your pistol. Lower magnification works well for close and medium range shooting because it provides a wider field of view and makes target acquisition easier. Higher magnification can help you identify and engage smaller targets at longer distances.
For most hunting and target shooting applications, a moderate magnification range offers a useful balance between versatility and ease of use. Avoid excessive magnification if you rarely shoot at extended distances because it can narrow your field of view and make the optic harder to use quickly.
Field of View
The best long eye relief pistol scopes should have a wide field of view that helps you locate targets quickly, especially when shooting at moving game or targets at shorter distances. Higher magnification generally reduces the field of view, so consider how much area you need to see around your target.
Reticle Design
The reticle should provide a clear aiming point without obstructing the target. Simple duplex reticles work well for many applications because they offer a clean sight picture, while illuminated or ballistic reticles can provide additional aiming references.
Consider the type of shooting you do and the lighting conditions you typically encounter. A reticle with an uncluttered design can help you acquire targets faster, while additional holdover marks may benefit shooters who regularly engage targets at different distances.
Durability and Recoil Resistance
Furthermore, the best long eye relief pistol scopes must withstand repeated recoil and the demands of field use. Look for a rugged construction that can handle shock, vibration, moisture, and temperature changes.
Also pay attention to the quality of the tube, lenses, adjustment turrets, and internal components. A durable scope should maintain its zero after repeated use rather than requiring frequent adjustments.
Optical Quality
Clear glass makes it easier to identify targets and maintain a precise aiming point. Look for fully multi-coated lenses that improve light transmission, reduce glare, and provide better contrast.
Optical quality also becomes important when you shoot in low-light conditions. A scope that delivers a bright, sharp image can help you distinguish your target and reticle without unnecessary eye strain.
Size and Weight
A pistol scope should complement the firearm rather than make it unnecessarily difficult to handle. A large or heavy optic can affect the pistol’s balance and make it harder to hold steady during extended shooting sessions.
Consider the scope’s overall length, weight, and mounting requirements before buying. A compact and lightweight model can provide a better balance of optical performance and handling, particularly for hunting pistols that you carry for long periods.
Adjustment System and Mounting Compatibility
Lastly, the best long eye relief pistol scopes have reliable adjustment turrets for you to zero the scope accurately and make necessary corrections in the field. Choose turrets that provide positive, repeatable adjustments and remain secure during recoil.
You should also confirm that the scope works with your pistol’s mounting system. Check the required rings, bases, tube diameter, and mounting height before purchasing. Proper compatibility makes installation easier and helps you achieve a stable setup.
FAQs
- What is long eye relief on a pistol scope?
Long eye relief refers to the distance your eye can sit behind the scope while still seeing a complete, clear sight picture. Pistol scopes typically require more eye relief than rifle scopes because you hold the firearm farther from your face.
- How much eye relief should a pistol scope have?
A pistol scope should provide enough eye relief of at least 8.5-10.5-inch to let you maintain a comfortable and safe shooting position. Look for a model that offers generous eye relief across its entire magnification range rather than only at the lowest setting.
- Can I use a rifle scope on a pistol?
You can use some rifle scopes on compatible firearms, but many rifle scopes do not provide enough eye relief for comfortable pistol use. A dedicated pistol scope generally offers a better combination of eye relief, magnification, size, and recoil resistance.
Final Thoughts
The best long eye relief pistol scope should give you a comfortable sight picture, withstand recoil, and match your intended shooting distance. Prioritize eye relief, magnification, field of view, reticle design, durability, optical quality, weight, and mounting compatibility to narrow down your choices. By balancing these factors, you will select a scope that improves usability and provides reliable performance on the range or in the field.