As an experienced hunter, let me tell you something important: if you’ve never taken a hit to the face from a riflescope, consider yourself lucky. But for those of us who have experienced it, we know firsthand the importance of having sufficient eye relief.
Eye relief is one of those aspects of a rifle scope that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. Before we go any further, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about what eye relief actually means and why it matters so much.
Simply put, eye relief refers to the distance between your eye and the back lens of the scope. It’s crucial because it determines how far away you can comfortably position your eye while still getting a full and clear view through the scope.
Now, why is this such a big deal, you might ask? Well, let me paint you a picture. Imagine you’re lining up the perfect shot, fully focused on your target. You’re ready to squeeze that trigger, anticipating the recoil from your powerful rifle. And then it happens—the scope smacks you right in the face. Ouch!
That’s what can happen when the eye relief on your scope is inadequate. If the distance between your eye and the scope is too short, the recoil can send the scope slamming into your face, causing pain and even injury. It’s an experience no hunter wants to go through.
That’s why it’s crucial to pay attention to the eye relief offered by any rifle scope you’re considering.
So, let’s embark on this journey together and explore the scopes I’ve personally tested. I’ve made sure to select scopes with excellent eye relief, so you can take aim with confidence, knowing that your face won’t be taking a beating. These scopes will give you the freedom to focus on what truly matters: the thrill of the hunt and making that perfect shot.
The 5 Best Best Long Eye Relief Scopes
1. Burris 200261 Ballistic Plex 2-7x32mm
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First on my lis is this Burris Scope, which is a solid piece of equipment for a variety of reasons, so let me break it down for you.
My Feeling After Using the Product
For starters, the Burris scope comes with excellent eye relief. I’m talking much longer than you are used to, typically between 11 to 21 inches. As a result, I tested this scope with high-recoil rifles and found it to be an enjoyable, safe experience. You can absolutely use the 200262 Ballistic Plex scope with a high-recoil weapon without worrying about injuring your orbital bone.
On top of that, the Burris 200262 Ballistic Plex has a pretty good short to medium-range shooting range of between 2x and 7x. Pair that with a scout rifle for maximum fun and a stellar target shooting experience from start to finish, in my experience.
I really appreciated that the scope comes with multicoated lenses to reduce glare and maximize light transmission, as well. That lens durability is reflected by nitrogen purges, ensuring long-term stability and durability in the field. This is definitely a weatherproof scope from start to finish.It is my top choice for an M1A scout rifle.
Product Highlights
But out of everything in the 200262 Ballistic Plex scope, I was most impressed by the coil spring system that enabled me to lock my position perfectly. When lying prone and trying to track a moving target, this is more beneficial than you may realize. Indeed, this is a stellar feature I wish would be integrated into more optics, especially from other manufacturers.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
Although the Burris 200262 Ballistic Plex has a lot to like, it also has one big problem: blurriness at high zoom. When I was testing this scope, I found that the blurriness became almost unacceptable when I zoomed in to 7x. Since that isn’t that far in terms of the full range of magnification levels available to rifle scopes, this was a bit of a down. Keep that in mind, but remember that it might also have been my particular scope model, not an issue with the product line overall.
Key Features
- 2-7x magnification
- SFP scope
- 32mm objective lens
Pros
- Generally excellent construction
- Weatherproof functionality
- Good lenses
- Coil spring system to lock your position
Cons
- Image can be blurry at longer zooms
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Burris |
| Weight | 13 oz |
| Eye Relief | 9.2”-12” |
| Magnification | 2-7x |
| Field of View | 7’-21’ |
The Bottom Line
Overall, I’d rate the Burris 200262 Ballistic Plex scope very highly thanks to its flexibility and coil lock system. The rest of the scope is similarly high-quality.
My rating: 4.8/5
2. Leupold VX-3 2.5-8x32mm Handgun Scope, Matte
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Leupold’s VX-3 scope has a lot of excellent features, particularly if you are looking for a handgun optic.
My Feeling After Using the Product
The VX-3 scope is, as its title suggests, a top choice for those in the market for handgun scopes. That’s a bit of a unique optic, but you might want one for target shooting or, in my experience, varmint hunting. Regardless, this has excellent eye relief, usually over 15 inches or so. That’s right; in my testing, I could have over 1 foot of eye relief when using this scope.
The sight picture is phenomenal, and the scope overall is very lightweight. With a slim, 1-inch main tube design, you can mount it on practically any pistol or even some rifles without any difficulty or balance issues.
Of course, this VX-3 handgun scope is weatherproof, shockproof, and fog proof. So you can take it into any hunting or target shooting environment and have a great time. It comes bolstered with MOA finger adjustable windage and elevation adjustment turrets, helping you to compensate for these values easily. I also really liked the simplistic duplex reticle and matte finish, which keeps the scope stealthy in the field.
Product Highlights
The proprietary Leupold Twilight Max Light Management System is the standout feature of this handgun scope. In a nutshell, it’s designed in such a way as to collect a few extra minutes of shooting light for you at the beginning and end of each day. If you like to hunt at dusk and dawn, this is a must-have feature, in my opinion.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
All that said, the VX-3 scope is a bit pricey compared to other scopes, including other handgun optics. On top of that, I discovered that the windage and elevation turrets aren’t marked. This is an overall minor downside, but it can cause some issues if you aren’t used to keeping track of your windage and elevation values in your head as you sight-in to your target.
Key Features
- 2.5-8x magnification
- 32mm objective lens
- SFP scope
Pros
- Excellent durability
- Has a matte black finish
- Eye relief is fantastic
- Max light management system gives you extra shooting light
Cons
- Windage and elevation turrets aren’t marked
- A bit expensive
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Leupold |
| Weight | 10.9 oz |
| Eye Relief | 15” |
| Magnification | 2.5-8x |
| Field of View | 13.7’-37.5’ |
The Bottom Line
All in all, the Leupold VX-3 scope is arguably the best long eye relief handgun scope on the market today, so consider checking it out.
My rating: 4.7/5
3. UTG 2-7X44 30mm Long Eye Relief Scout Scope
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UTG also has an excellent long eye relief scope, which is designed for scout rifles. I found there were plenty of excellent features about this optic worth considering.
My Feeling After Using the Product
The UTG 2-7×44 Scope has customizable reticles. I liked this feature during my time with the optic, as I love having maximum control over my hunting and firearm equipment. In short, the reticle is illuminated by default and comes with 36 different colors to pick from. Because of this, you can always guarantee that the reticle will be visible and bright no matter what the background of your sight picture happens to be. In addition, it’s a stellar feature for colorblind shooters.
As far as eye relief is concerned, the UTG 2-7×44 Scope does a great job of providing 11 inches of it. Even at max eye relief, you can easily see the Mil-Dot etched glass reticle clearly. Emerald lens coatings protect the lenses from environmental conditions like rain and fog, plus guard against scratches from dirt and debris.
On top of that, the UTG 2-7×44 Scope comes with a packaged sunshade for extra protection, as well as zero locking and zero resetting windage and elevation turrets. I like this feature because it helps me compensate for these elements when trying to take long-distance shots.
Product Highlights
In addition to the above factors, the UTG 2-7×44 Scope does an even better job of providing excellent shooting experiences for scout rifle users thanks to a parallax adjustment turret. Because of this, you can adjust for parallax from 10 yards to infinity: a key concern when using a scout rifle at max range. In my experience, this is a must-have feature for this firearm type. The parallax turret can be locked and reset when necessary, just like the windage and elevation turrets.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
There’s only one downside when it comes to the UTG 2-7×44 Scope, and that’s weight. It’s a bit heavier than average, so it might offset the balance you’ve struck and become used to with your rifle. But after a few hours of using this optic in the field, I’ll bet that you become used to it just like I did.
Key Features
- 2-7x magnification
- 44mm objective lens
- SFP scope
Pros
- Excellent windage and elevation turrets
- Allows you to eliminate parallax
- Customizable and illuminated reticle
Cons
- A bit heavier than average
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | UTG |
| Weight | 25.4 oz |
| Eye Relief | 9.5”-11” |
| Magnification | 2-7x |
| Field of View | 10’-32’ |
The Bottom Line
All in all, the UTG 2-7×44 Scope provides a ton of value for money, even if it’s a bit heavy. Consider picking this up if you like the option to customize your reticle exactly to your preferences.
My rating: 4.7/5
4. Trijicon AccuPoint TR-22 2.5-10x56mm Rifle Scope
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Trijicon’s AccuPoint TR-22 riflescope is one of the best in the industry for those seeking long, generous eye relief. I spent some time with this scope, so let me tell you what I found.
My Feeling After Using the Product
The AccuPoint TR-22 optic starts off with a crosshair amber dot reticle. This reticle is phenomenal for keeping track of your target and tracking its movement with pinpoint accuracy, in my experience. I certainly liked it thanks to the fiber-optic/tritium aiming point illumination system. Thanks to the illuminated reticle, you don’t have to worry about not being able to shoot in lowlight environments.
Of course, the AccuPoint TR-22 scope also comes with adjustable and pop-up pointer dials for windage and elevation. These let you sight-in to your target, then adjust for those windage and elevation factors on the fly, plus reset them to zero, whenever you need. Talk about ease of use!
The rest of the scope is similarly well-made. It’s made of aircraft-grade aluminum, plus features a matte black finish to keep you stealthy. The matte black finish reduces sun glare and is complemented by waterproof functionality, allowing you to take it into the field and in a variety of temperatures, ranging from -20°F to 140°F.
Product Highlights
Let me return to the illuminated reticle for a moment. I really liked this feature in part because it uses a dual illumination fiber-optic system. In other words, it automatically adjusts brightness levels for you without you having to fiddle with a control.
That’s an invaluable benefit in the field, especially if you are lying prone and trying to keep your eye on a target. It’s overall one of the easiest illuminated reticles to use, bar none. I found that the automatic illumination settings a did pretty good job of predicting what brightness level was appropriate given the light in my environment. I only ever had to change the brightness setting manually a few times.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
Even though the AccuPoint TR-22 has excellent features, it also has one big flaw in its weight. It’s a bit heavier than average at 22.1 ounces, but that’s certainly something you can manage with a bit of practice and spending some time with the optic after mounting it to your rifle of choice.
You just won’t be able to use this scope as capably with lightweight rifles and handguns without having to spend a lot of time rebalancing your weapon. Overall, this is a minor downside at worst.
Key Features
- 2.5-10x magnification
- 56mm objective lens
- SFP scope
Pros
- Excellent illuminated reticle
- Matte black finish
- Designed to be durable
- Good eye relief
Cons
- A little heavy for some rifles
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Trijicon |
| Weight | 22.1 oz |
| Eye Relief | 2.8”-41.” |
| Magnification | 2.5-10x |
| Field of View | 10.1’-37.6’ |
The Bottom Line
All in all, I’d classify the AccuPoint TR-22 as a stellar long eye relief scope, particularly for fans of nighttime shooting or those who want to have an automated system take control of illumination settings for them.
My rating: 4.7/5
5. TACFUN Long Eye Relief Scout Scope 2-7X32
TACFUN might not be the most well-known optic manufacturer in the business, but this long eye relief scout scope is a great piece of equipment thanks to its big benefits.
My Feeling After Using the Product
The Long Eye Relief Scout Scope is one of the lightest in the industry, clocking in at just 9 ounces. Because of that, I found I could mount it on plenty of different firearms, and even handguns, without issues regarding balance or clunkiness. Extra ease of use is always a good thing.
In addition, the Long Eye Relief Scout Scope comes with a matte black finish and waterproof functionality. These elements mean that you can effectively take the scope into any weather environment without worrying about durability or wear and tear. The matte black finish prevents sun glares from appearing on the surface of the scope, as well.
Then there are the finger-adjustable windage and elevation turrets. These don’t offer tactile feedback, but they are precise and very smooth to use. Just keep in mind that bumping them could cause them to jostle out of position.
Product Highlights
I like the fact that the Long Eye Relief Scout Scope comes with Weaver scope rings included in the package. This is already a scope for budget-minded shooters, as it’s less than $100. But it also comes with easy-to-use Weaver scope rings so you can almost instantly mount it to your firearm right out of the box. A lens cloth and an Allen tool are included for even easier installation and maintenance. Because of this, this is one of the best scopes in terms of pure value for money, in my opinion.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
The windage and elevation turrets, on the downside, aren’t marked with any indicators. Because of that, you’ll have to keep track of your windage and elevation values if you hope to hit your shots accurately. Alternatively, you can take a marker and come up with your own markings for the turrets. Just make sure that you find a white marker so it stands out against the black surfaces .
Key Features
- 2-7x magnification
- 32mm objective lens
- SFP scope
Pros
- Made for durability
- Has a matte black finish
- Very easy to use
- Comes with Weaver mounting rings and accessories
Cons
- Windage and elevation turrets aren’t marked
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | TACFUN |
| Weight | 9 oz |
| Eye Relief | 10” |
| Magnification | 2-7x |
| Field of View | 12’-35.7’ |
The Bottom Line
Overall, the TACFUN Long Eye Relief Scout Scope is an affordable and effective scout scope that’s perfect for purchasing something quickly and bootstrapping it to your rifle for a day of target shooting with your friends.
My rating: 4/5
What To Look For When Buying Long Eye Relief Scopes
Eye Relief
Well, obviously. As I mentioned above, eye relief is of paramount importance in keeping your eyes out of harm’s way if you’re using anything with considerable recoil.
The industry standard for eye relief is about 3.5 inches at the lowest magnification. In higher magnification levels, you need to move your eyes closer to the lens to get a clearer picture. In my opinion, long eye relief scopes should have at least 5 inches at the lowest magnification to ensure your eyes stay safe even when you’re shooting from unconventional angles.
Magnification
Plenty of people believe that magnification is the most critical aspect of a rifle scope.
If you’re hunting big game, you would definitely want as much distance as possible between you and the target. A large magnification range gives you a lot of versatility and lets you hunt the way you want, up close and personal or long range and tactical.
The Reticle
When it comes to accuracy, nothing is more critical than the reticle and its crosshairs. Reticles can be of two types – first focal plane and second focal plane.
A reticle should provide adequate information, have adjustment and holdover positions and basically, give you a good idea of the bullet’s trajectory.
Light Transmission
A good rifle scope will have multicoated, anti-reflective lenses. These lenses transmit as much light as possible from the surroundings which make for a vivid, bright picture. Contrast is especially important when you’re shooting in a forest with a lot of grass and trees.
Excellent light transmission is absolutely essential when you’re shooting in the dark. The lens should at least, provide as clear a picture as you can get with your naked eyes.
Durability
What really separates the best scopes from the sub-standard ones is their durability. Whereas a cheap china knockoff is probably going to be in shambles after only a few shots, high-quality scopes are made with craftsmanship that will last you years, often a lifetime.
A good scope should be made out of aircraft grade aluminum, and the scopes should have nitrogen or argon purging. These features protect your rifle from both environmental conditions like grass, trees, and branches and climatic conditions like rain, fog, and water. Having a lifetime warranty also helps a lot! All the scopes I tried during my testing are quality ones that will last you a long time,
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Long Eye Relief Scope?
A scope’s eye relief must be at least 6 inches for it to be deemed to have a lengthy eye relief. This is the maximum distance at which you can look away from the scope and still see a clean image.
If you have a rifle that has a lot of recoil, such one that fires large-caliber ammo, you’ll need a gun with a lot of eye relief. When the gun kicks back from recoil, a long eye relief will allow you to aim properly without fear of the scope hitting you straight in the face.
Long eye relief scopes may or may not contain a large focal lens, but they must always have strong light transmission. As a result, even when your eye is far from the ocular lens, the sight picture is always clear. When looking for a scope, this is one of the most important factors to consider.
What’s the difference between a long eye relief scope and a regular?
You can get by with just a standard scope if you have a rifle that utilizes low-recoil ammo, such as a 270 Winchester or a 30-06 Springfield. Because the ammo has so minimal recoil, your shoulders can take the majority of the shock, these scopes have eye reliefs of 4 inches or less.
A long eye relief rifle sight is required if your rifle fires.40-65 Winchester, 416 Ruger, 444 Marlin, or any other high-powered ammo. You won’t be able to take good aim with a standard scope on a high-powered rifle without injuring yourself.
The power of the ammunition leaving the rifle’s barrel will be so great that the entire thing will kick back. It’s possible that you’ll break your eye socket in multiple locations as a result of this. You’ll need a rifle sight for high-powered weapons that allows you to aim effectively while keeping your face a safe distance away from the scope’s eyepiece.
What is objective lens size?
The objective lens is the one on the scope’s front end. The bigger of the two exterior lenses is this one. This lens is in charge of allowing as much light as possible into the scope. The image projected out the back of the scope will be clearer and crisper as more light gets in. It is not necessary for the objective lens in long eye relief scopes to be the largest one available. You simply need to find one that allows you to see clearly even when your eye is half a foot away from the scope.
What is lens coating?
The layer that covers each lens is known as the lens coating. The protective covering permits the lenses to absorb as much light as possible while reducing the amount of light that is reflected back. Nowadays, almost all scopes are fully multi-coated. This indicates that there are many layers of anti-reflective film on both the objective and the focal lens. However, coated and fully coated scopes are still available.
Final Words
Eye relief is a feature that doesn’t get nearly as much publicity as it should. A lousy experience resulting from insufficient eye relief, ending in a cut above the eye can be enough to put off a newcomer from hunting forever.
The riflescopes reviewed above are all top-notch scopes, which are highly accurate and have excellent picture quality. But more than everything else, they have incredibly abundant eye relief.
So what are you waiting for? Buy one of these scopes, put on your hunting boots and set out into the wild.
Mike Fellon was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He inherited his hunting passions after his father John – he was fascinated by his stories, hearing how much attention, focus, dedication and patience he invested in shooting every animal. When he was old enough, his father first allowed him to shoot some cans and bottles with his shotgun, and then took him hunting – it was love at first sight. Mike has never stopped pursuing his hobby ever since.