Ever squinted through a scope and felt like you were playing a risky game of hide-and-seek with your own eyebrow? If you’ve ever worried about getting “scope bite” after a shot, you know exactly what we’re talking about. It’s a common problem, especially when you’re using powerful rifles or shooting from awkward positions.
Choosing the right long eye relief scope can feel like navigating a minefield. There are so many choices, and it’s tough to know which one will give you that comfortable, safe view you need. You want a scope that works with you, not against you. You want to see your target clearly and hit it accurately, without any painful surprises.
In this blog post, we’re going to clear up all the confusion. We’ll show you what makes a long eye relief scope special and how to pick the perfect one for your needs. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what to look for, so you can finally say goodbye to scope bite and hello to confident shooting. Let’s dive in and find the best long eye relief scope for you!
Our Top 5 Long Eye Relief Scopes Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Long Eye Relief Scopes Detailed Reviews
1. TACFUN 3-9×42 Long Eye Relief Scope with Weaver/Picatinny Ring
Rating: 9.0/10
The TACFUN 3-9×42 Long Eye Relief Scope is a tough and clear optic for your rifle. It’s built to handle strong kicks and bad weather. This scope helps you see targets clearly, even in low light.
What We Like:
- It’s made from strong aluminum, so it won’t break easily.
- It’s fog-proof and shock-resistant, meaning it works even in rain or when your rifle bumps around.
- The special green lens coating lets in more light and resists scratches.
- You can adjust the windage and elevation easily with its new knob design.
- The long eye relief (8.5-10.5 inches) keeps you safe from recoil and helps you aim faster.
- It comes with mounts for Weaver or Picatinny rails, making it easy to attach.
- It’s lightweight at only 14.5 oz.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1/4 MOA adjustment might be less precise for very long-range shots compared to scopes with finer adjustments.
- While durable, some users might prefer a slightly more robust feel for extreme tactical situations.
This scope offers great value and performance for its price. It’s a solid choice for hunters and shooters who need a reliable optic.
2. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout
Rating: 8.8/10
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout scope is a fantastic choice for your scout rifle. Its V-Plex reticle is a popular all-around hunting reticle that works well for many different hunting situations. This scope is built tough and designed for quick target acquisition.
What We Like:
- It has a long eye relief (9.45 inches) and a forgiving eye box, which helps you get on target quickly.
- The fast focus eyepiece makes it easy to adjust the reticle for clear vision.
- The lenses are fully multi-coated and anti-reflective, giving you bright and clear views.
- The capped reset turrets are easy to adjust with your fingers, and they click in MOA for precise adjustments.
- It’s made from aircraft-grade aluminum, making it strong and shockproof.
- The scope is also O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, so it’s waterproof and fogproof.
- Vortex offers a lifetime VIP Warranty, which means they’ll repair or replace it if it gets damaged or defective.
What Could Be Improved:
- For very long-range shots, a higher magnification might be preferred by some hunters.
- While the V-Plex reticle is versatile, some hunters might prefer a reticle with more advanced features like holdover points for extreme distances.
Overall, the Vortex Crossfire II Scout scope is a reliable and affordable option for hunters. Its durable construction and user-friendly features make it a great addition to any scout rifle setup.
3. Yatrouys Long Eye Relief Scout Scope 2-7X42 w/Weaver Scope Rings 30mm Tube Diameter Fits Mosin 1891/30 M39 M44 (Rangefinder Reticle)
Rating: 9.2/10
Looking to upgrade your Mosin Nagant rifle? The Yatrouys Long Eye Relief Scout Scope 2-7X42 is a fantastic option. This scope is designed specifically for Mosin Nagant models like the 1891/30, M39, and M44. It features a long eye relief, which is great for comfortable shooting. The scope also comes with Weaver scope rings and has a 30mm tube diameter. You can choose between a Mil-dot or a Rangefinder reticle, making it versatile for different shooting needs.
What We Like:
- It offers a clear and bright view thanks to its multi-coated lens.
- The scope is built tough with aircraft-grade aluminum, making it strong and shockproof.
- It’s protected from water, fog, and dust, so you can use it in various weather conditions.
- The long eye relief of 7.8 inches is very comfortable, even at higher magnifications.
- The 2-7x magnification range is perfect for hunting and general shooting.
- It comes with the necessary Weaver scope rings for easy mounting.
What Could Be Improved:
- The matte black finish can sometimes show fingerprints.
- While the reticle is clear, some users might prefer finer adjustments for extreme precision.
Overall, this scope is a solid choice for Mosin Nagant owners. It provides good performance and durability for its price.
4. TACFUN Long Eye Relief Scout Scope 2-7X32 w/Weaver Scope Rings
Rating: 9.3/10
The TACFUN Long Eye Relief Scout Scope 2-7X32 is a versatile optic built on a strong platform. It offers a flexible 2x to 7x magnification range, perfect for spotting targets at various distances. The generous eye relief makes it comfortable to use, even for extended periods. This scope comes ready to mount with a pair of scope rings that fit 20mm Weaver or Picatinny rails. You also get a lens cloth and an Allen tool to get you set up quickly.
What We Like:
- Excellent long eye relief (8.5″ – 10.5″) provides a comfortable shooting experience.
- The 2x-7x magnification is great for different shooting situations.
- It includes scope rings, a lens cloth, and an Allen tool, making it a complete package.
- The matte black finish looks sleek and helps reduce glare.
- It’s lightweight at only 9 oz, making it easy to carry.
- The 32mm objective lens gathers a good amount of light.
What Could Be Improved:
- The Field of View (FOV) at higher magnifications (4.6 feet at 100 yds) is a bit narrow.
- While good for its price, the overall clarity might not match premium scopes.
This TACFUN scope offers a solid performance for its price point, making it a good option for many shooters. It’s a practical choice for those looking for a reliable scout scope.
5. Hammers Long Eye Relief Hunting Revolver XP100 Bolt Action Pistol Scout Rifle Scope 2-7X32 with Weaver Rings
Rating: 9.1/10
The Hammers Long Eye Relief Hunting Revolver XP100 Bolt Action Pistol Scout Rifle Scope 2-7X32 with Weaver Rings is a versatile optic designed for serious shooters. Its adjustable magnification lets you zoom in from 2x to 7x, making it suitable for different shooting distances. The long eye relief is a key feature, offering a comfortable viewing experience when mounted on pistols or revolvers, and it works equally well on scout rifles. This scope comes with a simple yet effective fine line 4plex reticle, and a 1-inch main tube for a sturdy build. Plus, it includes Weaver mounting rings, so you can get it attached to your firearm right away.
What We Like:
- The 2x-7x zoom power is great for various shooting situations.
- Long eye relief provides a comfortable and safe shooting experience, especially with handguns.
- The included Weaver rings save you money and hassle.
- The fine line 4plex reticle is clear and easy to see.
- It’s built with a sturdy 1-inch main tube.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 4plex reticle might not be detailed enough for some precision shooters.
- The 32mm objective lens might not gather as much light in low-light conditions compared to larger scopes.
This scope offers a good balance of features and performance for its intended use. It’s a solid option for handgun hunters and scout rifle enthusiasts looking for a reliable and adaptable optic.
Long Eye Relief Scopes: Your Clear Vision Solution
What is Long Eye Relief?
Long eye relief means you can hold the scope farther away from your eye and still see a clear picture. This is super important for shooters, especially those using powerful rifles or wearing glasses. It stops the scope from hitting your face when the gun recoils.
Why Choose a Long Eye Relief Scope?
These scopes are designed for comfort and safety. They let you keep a good distance from the eyepiece. This is great for hunting in tough weather, shooting from awkward positions, or when you need to wear bulky glasses. A longer eye relief means less chance of getting “scope bite” after a shot.
Key Features to Look For
1. Eye Relief Distance
This is the most important thing. Look for scopes with at least 3.5 inches of eye relief. Some can offer 4 inches or even more. More is usually better for maximum comfort and safety.
2. Magnification Range
Consider what you’ll be shooting at. For close-range targets, a lower magnification is fine. For longer distances, you’ll want a scope with a higher magnification range. Many long eye relief scopes come in variable magnification, like 3-9x or 4-12x.
3. Objective Lens Diameter
This is the front lens of the scope. A larger objective lens lets in more light. This means a brighter image, especially in low light conditions like dawn or dusk. Common sizes are 40mm or 50mm.
4. Reticle Type
The reticle is the crosshair or aiming point you see inside the scope. Simple crosshairs are common. Some scopes have illuminated reticles, which are helpful in low light. Choose a reticle that works best for your shooting style.
5. Field of View (FOV)
FOV tells you how wide an area you can see through the scope at a specific magnification. A wider FOV makes it easier to find your target quickly. This is especially useful for moving targets.
Important Materials and Construction
1. Lens Coatings
Good scopes have special coatings on their lenses. These coatings help reduce glare and improve light transmission. This results in a sharper, brighter image. Multi-coated lenses are better than single-coated ones.
2. Scope Body Material
Most scopes are made from aircraft-grade aluminum. This makes them strong but lightweight. They are also usually anodized to resist scratches and corrosion. A durable body means your scope can handle rough use.
3. Waterproofing and Fogproofing
Look for scopes that are sealed and filled with nitrogen or argon gas. This prevents water from getting inside and stops the lenses from fogging up. This is crucial for shooting in wet or humid environments.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Factors That Improve Quality:
- High-quality glass for the lenses.
- Precise internal adjustments for windage and elevation.
- Durable construction that can withstand recoil.
- Excellent lens coatings for clarity and brightness.
- A wide field of view.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Lower quality glass can make the image blurry.
- Inaccurate or sticky adjustment turrets.
- A narrow field of view makes it hard to find your target.
- Poor lens coatings can cause glare and dimness.
- A scope body that isn’t durable might break easily.
User Experience and Use Cases
User Experience:
When you use a long eye relief scope, you’ll notice it’s more comfortable. You can shoot for longer periods without feeling strain. It feels safer because you don’t worry about recoil hitting your eye. Finding your target feels easier, and you can stay on it longer.
Use Cases:
- Big Bore Rifles: Scopes with long eye relief are perfect for powerful rifles like .300 Win Mag or .338 Lapua.
- Shooting with Glasses: If you wear glasses, these scopes give you the space you need.
- Tactical Shooting: For quick target acquisition and shooting from various positions.
- Hunting: Especially in changing weather conditions or when wearing hats or helmets.
- Muzzleloaders: These often have significant recoil, making long eye relief a must.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the minimum eye relief I should look for?
A: Aim for at least 3.5 inches of eye relief for good comfort and safety.
Q: Can I use a long eye relief scope on any rifle?
A: Yes, but they are especially beneficial for rifles with heavy recoil.
Q: Do long eye relief scopes have lower magnification?
A: Not necessarily. Many offer a range of magnifications, including higher ones.
Q: Are these scopes good for beginners?
A: Yes, the added comfort and safety make them great for new shooters.
Q: Will a larger objective lens make the scope heavier?
A: Yes, a larger objective lens usually means a slightly heavier scope.
Q: What does “fully multi-coated” mean for lenses?
A: It means all lens surfaces have multiple layers of anti-reflective coatings, offering the best clarity and brightness.
Q: How do I clean my scope lenses?
A: Use a soft lens brush or microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution specifically made for optics.
Q: Can I mount a long eye relief scope on a pistol?
A: Some pistol scopes are designed with very long eye relief, but standard rifle scopes usually aren’t suitable for pistols.
Q: What is the difference between eye relief and eye box?
A: Eye relief is the distance from the eyepiece. The eye box is the area behind the eyepiece where your eye must be placed to see a full, clear image.
Q: Are there any downsides to long eye relief scopes?
A: Sometimes, scopes with very long eye relief might have a slightly narrower field of view compared to standard scopes at the same magnification, but this is not always the case.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.