Today I’m going to show you the best long eye relief scope.
In fact:
I’ve hand- tested over 10 scopes alone for this review.
The best part?
I’ve sorted the scopes by use. So whether you’re on a budget or need the best long eye relief scope for mosin nagant, you’ll find it here.
Let’s dive in!
What is a Long Eye Relief Scope?
A long eye relief scope is generally categorized as any scope whose eye relief starts at 6 inches, but those lengths can go a lot, lot further. With extended eye relief, users are able to mount a scope on weapons with a much heavier recoil without the concern of punching their eyes out. This means that handguns, rifles with restricted scope options, and heavy recoiling weapons like shotguns and cartridges like the 375 H&H magnums can all be fitted with a scope for precision shooting.
But what is eye relief and why do you need to start considering it when shopping for your next scope?
Long Eye Relief Scope vs. Regular Eye Relief
Eye relief matters when choosing a scope for a specific shooting situation.
If you are a long distance, range shooter high magnification ranges matter. You shouldn’t choose a forward mounted scout scope.
For those who shoot close-range targets in enclosed tactical situations, or if you hunt in rough terrain, you don’t want a scope right up in your face blocking your field of view.
While this may seem obvious, what you may not realize is that these considerations also take eye relief into account. Eye relief plays a bigger role in your shooting experience than you may realize. Don’t skip it over the next time you spec out a scope.
Let me explain why…
Eye Relief Explained
When you line up behind an optic, eye relief is simply the distance between your eye and the eyepiece lens. Easy right?
When you are too far away from your scope, outside of its spec’d eye relief, you will see black rings in your sight picture or your view will be dark and fuzzy.
If you get too close, you also get a poor picture, plus you risk getting smacked in the face by your scope from the recoil on your rifle.
When you are properly distanced, within the correct eye relief for your optic, you will get a bright, clear sight picture.
Because of ocular physics when you increase eye relief and magnification, less light reaches your eye and you get a dark, hard to see picture. So, if you want a longer eye relief, then you need a lower magnification range.
And the reverse holds true: a shorter eye relief allows for a higher magnification range.
If you are a long distance, range shooter, opt for a shorter eye relief. For those who shoot close-range targets in enclosed tactical situations, or if you hunt in rough terrain, opt for a longer eye relief.
If all of this sounds confusing, then I’d recommend watching this video:
Regular Eye Relief
Before we get into long eye relief scopes, let’s talk for a minute about regular eye relief, or the industry standard of 3.5 to 4 inches. Most scopes fall in this range.
The physics relating to optics give shooters the best compromise between, comfort behind the scope, field of view, and magnification at this distance.
Regular eye relief scopes will have higher magnification powers available than their long eye relief counterparts. These scopes can easily exceed 10x.
3.5-4 inches behind the scope is enough distance for most shooters to avoid bloody eyebrows from contact with the scope during the recoil of their rifle.
These scopes are intended for the shooter to use with only one eye open. Between this, and the generally higher magnification range that these scopes have, the shooter a decreased field of view compared to longer eye relief scopes.
Considering that most folks using these scopes are shooting long range targets in open areas, the decreased situational awareness caused by a limited field of view isn’t a big deal.
Another benefit for rear mounted, standard eye relief scopes will make your rifle feel more balanced and easier to hold compared to a forward mounted long eye relief scopes.
You won’t be feeling like you’re fighting against a heavy-nosed rifle to line up your shots.
Keep in mind that variable magnification scopes will also have a variable eye relief as you move through their magnification range. So, as you go up in power, you’ll need to shimmy a little closer to your scope to maintain a clear picture.
This is a factor that is important to be aware of if you are shooting a heavy-hitting caliber. Some scopes will require you to move up so that you’re less than 3 inches from the scope. You don’t want to leave the range feeling like a fool with bloody scope rings around your eye.
If you are shooting a high powered rifle, it would be well worth the investment to buy a high quality scope. High quality scopes tend to have a much finer eye relief range than a lower quality scope with passable specs.
In other words, if you plan on shooting rifles that pack a heavy punch, don’t be cheap, unless you’re okay with having your eyebrows scraped off.
Long Eye Relief
Scopes with an eye relief of more than 4.5 inches fall into the long eye relief or “scout scope” category.
Long eye relief scopes are often seen forward mounted on the barrels of rifles and shotguns.
While it might look a bit awkward, mounting a scope so far down the barrel actually has a bunch of benefits. First, this position is more comfortable to sit behind. You don’t have to strain your neck to find your scopes sweet spot. Less strain makes for a longer, more enjoyable day at the range.
If you have to carry your rifle and hike, this is more comfortable to do with a forward mounted scope because you can carry your gun at its center of gravity.
Second, a forward mounted scope allows you to load rounds for follow-up shots in your bolt action easier.
And third, forward mounted scopes are meant to be used with both eyes open. Using both eyes will let you see peripherally. Unobstructed vision paired with the scope’s naturally wide field of view, and you will have an easier time engaging your targets.
Faster target acquisition, faster loading, and improved situational awareness give long eye relief optics a tactical advantage over standard eye relief optics.
The biggest drawback for long eye relief scopes are that they are limited by physics. It’s nearly impossible to build a long eye relief scope with a high magnification range.
As magnification power goes up, less light will be able to reach your eye and the picture will get darker.
Long eye relief scopes are limited to lower magnification powers. They usually max out at about 8x. Most long eye relief optics are usually 1-6x.
These scopes are perfect for shooters who hunt or shoot in enclosed or mountainous and hilly terrain. In fact, high magnification is useless in these situations anyway and when you shoot uphill, eye relief shortens.
You won’t have to adjust uncomfortably behind the scope like you would with a standard eye relief scope. Plus, having an already extended eye relief makes shooting heavier calibers safer.
Conclusion
Lets recap the differences between long and regular eye relief.
Regular eye relief:
- Higher magnification range
- Best for long range shooting
- Common spec has more scope selection
- More suitable for lighter to medium weight calibers.
Long eye relief:
- Wider field of view
- Improved tactical advantage
- Short to mid range magnification
- Useful in enclosed or uphill shooting
- Best for heavy caliber, high powered rifles
I hope that you can now see that eye relief isn’t a spec that you should skim over the next time you shop for a scope. You want an eye relief that will compliment the type of shooting that you do.
The 4 Best Long Eye Relief Scope
If you’re pressed on time, here’s a quick list of the best long eye relief scope:
- Trijicon TR22 AccuPoint 2.5-10×56: Best Overall Long Eye Relief Scope
- Vortex Crossfire II: Best for the Budget
- UTG 2-7X44: Best for the Money
- Hensoldt ZF 6-24×72: Best For Long Range Shooting
1. Trijicon TR22 AccuPoint 2.5-10×56: Best Overall Long Eye Relief Scope
Let me start by saying that the Trijicon TR22 AccuPoint 2.5-10×56 is the best overall long eye relief scope.
In fact:
I rely on this scope for hog hunting in the very last light, and this scope extended my shooting time by more than 30 minutes.
Here’s how…
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The Trijicon TR22 AccuPoint has the best glass quality in the game, at half the price.
The optics are ultra-clear with unbelievable light-gathering due to the large 56 mm objective and a 30mm tube diameter.
The lenses are fully multi-layer coated for reduced glare and color distortion so you get a bright, accurate sight picture.
The AccuPoint comes with two reticle options: MIL-Dot crosshairs or a Triangle Post.
Overall, if you plan on shooting large targets or hunting at shorter distances, I’d suggest the post reticle. It’s still possible to use at long distances if you use the very tip of the reticle to aim.
The MIL-Dot crosshair is ideal for more precise shooting at longer distances. I opted for the MIL-Dot crosshairs for my needs.
Both reticle options are Second Focal Plane (SFP), so the reticle size remains constant, even when changing the magnification. This provides more exact aiming points at higher magnifications.
The scope’s best feature, by far, is its battery-free illumination.
Using fiber-optic technology, the scope automatically adjusts the brightness levels and contrast of your reticle to the available light conditions without the use of batteries.
So not only do you get an extra 30-40 minutes of shooting time, but you don’t have to worry about the batteries on your scope being dead when you move to take a shot.
Plus it’s always ready for us, so you can just point and shoot.
The green dot reticle is nice and bright in low light. It’s not fuzzy and doesn’t disrupt the eye’s natural night vision.
There is a manual brightness adjustment if you want to override the fiber optics. I haven’t used this feature much since the auto-adjustments work fine for me, but it’s a nice option to have just in case.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
With 4.1 in. – 2.8 in. of eye relief, it’s a solid long eye relief scout scope.
There’s ample room to take a shot even when maxing out the magnification, but always remember to practice good cheek weld just in case.
The forgiving eye box and long eye relief also allow for both eyes open shooting, meaning fast target acquisition and engagement.
Durability
I needed this scope to be durable for hog hunting, and it hasn’t let me down.
The Trijicon TR22 Accupoint is a grade-A, American made unit.
If you’re looking at the brands made in China, a percentage of them tend to have quality control issues despite costing a large chunk of change.
While the Trijicons are more expensive, they’re a safer investment because they’re made and tested in America to MIL-STD-810G methods and procedures.
It’s water-resistant as well as nitrogen-filled, meaning that you won’t have to worry about the scope fogging.
The optic’s body is crafted from aircraft-quality, hard-anodized aluminum to withstand serious abuse. However, that does come with some added weight.
In all, the scope is around 22.1 oz so it’s a little heavy to carry all day. But for still or stand hunting, weight isn’t an issue.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The capped windage and elevation turrets are crisp and precise.
The zero stop adjusters ensure no accidental shifts, and the ¼ MOA adjustments don’t need tools to adjust, so you can do everything in the field by hand.
The zoom ring runs tight and takes an especially firm grip to turn. The more I use it the easier it is to turn.
I was zeroed within 10 rounds and putting ammo on steel at 500 meters with no issues.
The pop-up, resettable pointer dial tac-knob is also resettable to your own zero without using tools. Tracking is reliable as well.
Parallax & Magnification
Versatility is the name of the game with a broad magnification range of 2.5x-10x.
If you plan on hunting both short and long distances, you can’t beat the 2.5x-10x magnification range.
At 10x, the optics are just as crisp and clear so I could make my 600+ yard shots with confidence.
Mounting & Rings
Rings are not included, and finding a pair that clears a 56mm objective can be difficult.
I definitely recommend the Extra High 30mm aluminium rings from Trijicon in order to clear a picatinny rail with no issues.
I would also recommend the WARNE high quick detach 202LM 1 inch rings as a more affordable option.
- Precise, rugged, and easy to use
- Developed through years of trials and testing
- For heavy duty or precision applications
The scope packaging includes Trijicon Brilliant Aiming Solutions look through scope covers which sell for 30 bucks separately. They’re a great added bonus.
Is the Trijicon TR22 AccuPoint 2.5-10×56 worth it?
The Trijicon TR22 AccuPoint is an incredible scope that’s crystal clear, durable, and versatile.
It’s a great investment for short- to long-range hunters. It’s optimized for low light hunting, working better for longer to gain you more time doing what you enjoy.
Here’s why it works:
- Long eye relief
- Quick-focus eyepiece
- Battery-free illumination
- Multi-layer coated lenses
- Trijicon limited lifetime warranty
The impeccable clarity in low light situations is one of the reasons why I keep coming back to this particular scope for all of my shooting needs.
If you’re considering the Trijicon TR22 AccuPoint 2.5-10×56, you won’t be disappointed.
2. Vortex Crossfire II: Best for the Budget
Looking for a line of budget scopes that can literally meet all of your shooting needs but not hurt your bank account?
Check out the Vortex Crossfire II. This optic performs exceptionally well at an affordable price point.
You won’t want to miss this one:
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The Vortex Crossfire II has fully multi-coated lenses with anti-glare coatings that give a crisp clear view. I tried it in varying lighting conditions and was pleased with the color fidelity and bright picture.
I only saw fuzziness around the edges on the 12x version at full power. The lower magnification versions provide a beautiful sight picture. I honestly can’t believe this optic comes in under $200.
There are three reticles to choose from in the Crossfire II line up. The Dead-drop BDC is a simple reticle with hashes for holdover and windage estimations. The crosshair is very simple and easy to see.
For those wanting a simple duplex, the V-plex reticle is a wonderful choice. It’s a simple cross, no hashes, bells or whistles. I really liked that it didn’t obscure my target at any distance.
The V-Bright reticle has a battery powered illuminated red dot in the middle. With this second focal plane reticle, the dot doesn’t change sizes the magnification increases.
This reticle version is also very simple and straightforward to use. I think this option is fantastic for anyone who wants an illuminated sight at a low cost.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The eye relief is within the standard range of about 3.75-4 inches. The eye box is comfortable. I found I could shoot from awkward angles around cars and over barriers without issue.
There’s a scout scope version that’s 2-7×32 (model number CF2-31002) with an extended eye relief of over 9 inches. This scope’s reliability wrapped up in a lightweight bundle makes this an awesome long eye relief scope for an M1A Scout rifle.
Durability
This Crossfire II is o-ring sealed and nitrogen purged. I took it for a swim in a mountain lake and it worked perfectly afterwards. I’ve used it on freezing midwinter hunts in northern climbs and even a few desert outings. I didn’t have problems with fogging. It adjusted to the temperature changes like a champ.
Vortex stands behind their products. If I ever managed to maim or break it, they would repair or replace it.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The turrets on this optic aren’t as crisp or tactile as more expensive Vortex models. That’s to be expected for a budget optic. I would rather have excellent glass and mushy turrets than the other way around.
The turrets do turn smoothly, they just don’t have a very tactile or audible click. I needed to listen very carefully for it. There are a few times I thought I had missed the click.
After fiddling with the turrets for a bit to get a feel for how they adjusted, they ended up being easy to use.
As with all Vortex scopes I’ve tested, the scope was easy to zero. I was able to hit reliable groups after 5 shots.
As you know, I’m not easy on any of my equipment. I set this scope to zero once and have not had to reset it. It has held zero very well after being knocked around and through drastic climate changes.
In fact, I think this holds up way better than other budget scopes on the market.
Parallax & Magnification
The Vortex Crossfire II is available in a variety of magnification ranges. You can get this scope in 2-7×32, 3-9×40, 3-9×50, and 4-12×44. That said, I’ve found 3-9×40 to be plenty for hunting.
I had low enough magnification to engage close- qrange targets, but I still have the clarity to push my shots out above 600 yards if I wanted.
There is no side adjustment for parallax on this scope. The parallax is fixed at 100 yards for standard models and 50 yards for rimfire models.
Mounting & Rings
With 1 inch tubes, it’s pretty easy to find rings to match your rifle base and still accommodate this scope.
These rings by Vortex work really well and they won’t set you back financially. I easily bought this scope and mounting hardware for less than $250 total out of pocket.
Is the Vortex Crossfire II worth it?
I’ll be honest, I have a couple Vortex Crossfire II optics at home on different rifles. They work well. I’m impressed by the quality of the glass for this price point. I haven’t had any issues with them.
- The 1-4x24 Crossfire II Riflescope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line. The V-Brite reticle uses the v-plex format with battery-powered electronics to brighten the center dot.
- With long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving Eye box, you'll be able to quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target. The fast focus Eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing.
- Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear views for the user.
For new hunters, shooters, or hobbyists, I think this scope would be a valuable piece of equipment, especially if this is your first experience with magnified optics. Its straightforward, easy to use, and offers a clear picture.
You can mount it on almost any gun from traditional hunting rifles, AK-47s, even AR platforms.
Other benefits include:
- Durable build
- Affordably priced
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Multiple reticle options available
- Many magnification variations across the model line
With so many variations available, it is easy to find an affordable Crossfire II that will suit your shooting needs. You really can’t go wrong with this optic. If you don’t believe me, drop $200 on this scope and I promise you won’t regret it.
Looking for the best night vision scopes? You need to check this updated list out.
3. UTG 2-7X44: Best for the Money
The UTG 2-7X44 is the best scope for the price.
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It has unique features that set it apart from other budget scopes. Even the turrets are more exciting.
Want to see for yourself?
Keep reading…
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The glass clarity is clear.
Due to its fully multi-coated emerald lenses, you get pretty good light transmission.
What about the reticle?
The 6 mil-dot Tactical Range Estimating (TRE) reticle is ready for action.
But what does having a TRE reticle mean?
When your reticle can estimate the distance between you and the target, you get better accuracy.
Plus, the reticle is etched and illuminated with 36 color options. So you can choose the color that your eyes see best in any light condition…
…or just choose the prettiest color that catches your eyes.
And one more awesome feature is the 1-click Illumination Memory. If you ever want to go back to your previous color and brightness setting, it’s simply one click away.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The eye relief is 9.5-11 inches.
Which sounds like a very generous amount of eye relief, but it is hit and miss.
Here’s why:
The extended eye relief makes it possible for the scope to be used on any firearm where the optic cannot be mounted above the action.
So that’s a pro for this scope. Plus, you get a Field of View (FOV) of 10-32 feet from 100 yards.
But the eye relief decreases significantly when the magnification is increased.
In fact, another three inches added to the eye relief would help to reduce this issue.
Durability
The UTG 2-7X44 is sturdy.
It’s shockproof, rainproof, and fogproof. Plus, it’s nitrogen-filled and completely sealed so it’s ready to take any abuse.
In fact, even after 150 rounds, it was still holding up well.
However, it is quite bulky on most firearms. And it looks unproportional on a rifle.
Plus, the scope weighs a whopping 25 ounces compared to the majority of scopes on the market weighing 12 ounces.
But if the weight and size doesn’t bother you, it’s safe to say that the durability features will seal the deal.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The low profile zero-reset turrets are fantastic.
When adjusted, they have an audible click with a locking function. So it’ll keep your preferred adjustment right in place.
But does it hold zero?
It sure does!
Due to its Premium Zero Locking feature, it’ll hold zero with no problem.
In fact, even after hundreds of rounds, the scope held zero perfectly.
Plus, it also has a zero reset. So the turrets will reset to zero once your rifle is sighted in.
Parallax & Magnification
The magnification is 3-9x.
And the parallax set from 10 yards to infinity.
But the most exciting feature is that it’s got a Side Wheel Adjustable Turret (SWAT) for parallax adjustment.
So you can achieve a much finer adjustment. More on that later in my recommendations.
Mounting & Rings
The UTG 2-7X44 includes the following: picatinny mounts, MaxStrength picatinny/weaver rings, a hex screw, flip-open lens caps, an Allen wrench, cleaning cloth, CR2032 3V High Energy lithium battery, scope manual, and a Mil-Dot chart.
Now back to that SWAT adjustment. I paired the UTG 2-7X44 scope with the UTG Add-on Index Wheel for Side Wheel AO Scope, 80mm.
- UTG 80mm Diameter Side Wheel Add-on for Making Finer Parallax Adjustments
- Compatible with Side AO ACCUSHOT Optics and Not Compatible with Bubble Leveler Side AO ACCUSHOT or Side AO BUGBUSTER Optics
- Aids in Finely Tuning Parallax Adjustments
For a much finer parallax adjustment, I highly recommend the add-on index wheel. It adjusts your parallax from 10 yards and up.
And you don’t even have to keep your eye on the scope while adjusting with the wheel. I’ve gotten some of my best shots using it.
Is the UTG 2-7X44 worth it?
If you’re looking for a great scope for a more affordable price, you’ve found exactly what you’re looking for right here.
Plus, the UTG 2-7X44 scope is great for just about any kind of shooting, so you’ll definitely be getting your money’s worth.
In fact, I highly recommend this scope for plinking, target shooting, range shooting, and even hunting.
Here’s why:
- Premium Zero Locking
- 1-click Illumination Memory
- Side Wheel Adjustable Turret (SWAT)
- Multi-Color mode with 36 color options
It also comes with 1-year limited lifetime warranty.
Overall, I highly recommend the UTG 2-7X44 scope for its budget-friendly price with fantastic top features that make it completely worth it.
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4. Hensoldt ZF 6-24×72: Best For Long Range Shooting
There’s nothing more satisfying than tracking, sighting, and nailing an extremely long-range shot.
Every once in awhile, I like to take my old Mosin out hunting.
I appreciate it’s simplicity. It’s incredibly reliable and it doesn’t have any of the frills so many firearms have today.
It’s been used by generations of hunters with great success, and it’s satisfying to use a weapon that’s been used for over a hundred years.
When I’m shooting at extreme distances, I need a long eye relief scope for my Mosin Nagant.
That’s where the Hensoldt ZF 6-24×72 comes in.
This scope was made for protecting military facilities and is used by militaries worldwide.
The clarity, image quality, and illumination control are simply unmatched.
Keep reading, and I’ll tell you exactly why I recommend the Hensoldt ZF 6-24×72.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The glass clarity on this scope is completely unmatched.
Military snipers use it because the image quality is still pristine even at extremely high magnifications.
The glass is multi-coated which allows for amazing light transmission and great resolution.
In addition, the MIL-DOT reticle is illuminated red, and the illumination is completely adjustable.
That means you can make it as bright or dim as you like which makes it exceptional for shooting no matter what time of day it is.
This scope is amazing for low-light shooting, early morning shooting.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
It’s got an incredibly generous eye box.
If you use the ring mounts I recommend below then you’ll also have a fully customizable eye-relief.
I’ve never once felt cramped while using this scope, and thanks to the giant exit pupil, I always remain completely aware of my surroundings.
That’s invaluable when you’re hunting in the middle of the woods.
Durability
Since it was originally designed for military use, you can bet that this scope is durable.
It’s made of high-quality materials and has a matte black finish.
That makes it perfect for hunting in the brush and forests as it allows for easy camouflage and isn’t going to be easily knocked around.
The one main downside is that it’s extremely heavy.
We’re talking 38.8 ounces heavy.
If you’re not used to that kind of extra weight on your rifle, then it’s definitely going to take some getting used to.
Make sure you get a mount that can properly handle and distribute its weight so you don’t wind up off-balance.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The tactical turrets are finger adjustable and audibly click when turned.
There’s not a lot of extra frills on this scope though, so there’s no zero stop included.
That said, the adjustments you can make with the elevation, windage, and parallax turrets allow for superior accuracy and quick target acquisition.
I prefer a simple scope like this that does what it needs to without a ton of extra buttons.
That’s not for everybody though, so if you’re looking for a more tech-savvy scope, check these scopes out.
Parallax & Magnification
This scope has a 6-24x magnification range with a 72mm objective lens.
You can see halfway around the world with this thing!
Ok, maybe not that far, but I have taken down deer from 300-800 yards consistently with it.
I also took down an elk once at 1041 yards, which has been my farthest shot so far.
At every magnification I’ve shot it at the image has been so incredibly clear that it didn’t even feel like I was looking through a scope.
It felt like I was standing right next to my target.
On top of that, it’s got a parallax adjustment turret that starts at 50m and goes to infinity
Thanks to that feature, I’ve never had an issue with tunneling.
This would be a great option for a 3 gun competition if it wasn’t so heavy.
If you’re looking for a 3 gun scope, then check out these scopes.
Mounting & Rings
There’s no mount included, so you’ll need to buy your own.
Unfortunately, not just any mount is gonna fit this beast of a scope.
Because of that, I recommend the ERA-TAC ring 34mm ring mounts.
- 42mm-1.65" Height
The quality is exceptional and they’re made specifically for tactical riflescopes like the Hensoldt.
It’s what I personally use, and it’s treated me right so far.
Is the Hensoldt ZF 6-24×72 worth it?
If you’re looking to do some extremely long-range shooting, then this is the riflescope for you.
Let’s review, it’s got:
- MIL-DOT reticle
- 6-24x magnification
- Simple, efficient design
- Great for extreme long-range shooting
- Completely adjustable reticle illumination
- Multi-coated lenses allow for maximum light transmission
It’s not for everyone, especially due to how heavy it is, but the glass clarity on this can’t be beaten.
Check out the Hensoldt ZF 6-24×72 for yourself and see if it’s the scope for you.
Now It’s Your Turn
I hope you enjoyed my best long eye relief scope guide.
Now I want to turn it over to you:
Which scope will you pick for your rifle?
Let me know by leaving a quick comment down below.
Long eye relief scopes have a smaller field of view.
Great job!!!!! Scott 🙂
Thanks for putting this out! I’m looking for an alternative for my current scope on my scout rifle. I will probably be switching to the Vortex, and hopefully it will be more durable with the brutal snap of my .375 Ruger.
I made my second trip to Alaska this past fall for moose hunting with my nephew in the air force. The first trip I carried a .308 and I felt completely under equipped, for grizzly protection. I was looking for an economical option during the 2020-2021 run on guns during covid, and pickin’s were slim or expensive. A local pawn shop had a new Mossberg Patriot chambered in .375 Ruger, at under $500 out the door. All stainless, nice crisp trigger, good open sites, but it is very punishing to sight in. The only ammo I could find was sold at the same pawn shop, which was Hornady Dangerous Game 300gr DGS that get over 2600fps at the muzzle. I was able to get the open sites close enough at 50 yards within 6 shots, but I had to wrap my middle finger with a shop towel and then stuff my hand in a leather glove, because the trigger guard isn’t padded and the recoil brakes the grip for both hands. I also stuffed the other glove under my shirt for shoulder padding. Even after that, I was done after 6 shots and didn’t want to shoot it any more that day. I then needed a scope option and was also scheming other ways to mitigate the nasty kick. I bought the UTG 1×6 LPVO that Mossberg sold, but it was being discontinued. I mounted it anyways and took 3 shots to sight at 50yds, and then stepped out to 100yds. I had epoxied over a pound of BBs into the butt stock to add weight, that along with added rail, plus the scope and a second butt pad (Limbsaver), which got the brute up over 10lbs with ammo. I then then placed it in a LeadSled with a 25lb olympic weigh in the base. About 3 shots in, I realized that the rubber cover for the Red Reticle was gone from the UTG, exposing the microswitch. I had no idea where the cover went so I just continued sighting in. A few shots later the microswitch was hanging on by one wire, and was almost off. By the time I was happy with the sighting, I’d found the microswitch on my shooting table. Even with the weight added to the rifle and the Leadsled taking the brunt, the legs of my plastic shooting table would still leave the ground on the muzzle end. I don’t think the UTC was built for that kind of shock. I just filled the switch hole with silicone, then wrapped it with electrical tape and took it to Alaska for the hunt because I was out of time and did not want to shoot that beast any more. I only shot it when I was there to ensure that it was still hitting right, and it may be fine now, but I’m not sure I trust it to stay that way for the next trip. I now have a box of Buffalo Bore 270GR that are getting over 2800fps, but slightly less recoil. The problem is that they shoot about a foot high at 100yds. So, now have to do it all over again, ugh! At over $6 per shot, I want the scope to be right after the next round of abuse. I’m betting on the Vortex now.
BTW, I have since talked to the pawn shop owner… he said that he’d shot that gun once and never wanted to shoot it again. lol
I just read your article on extended eye relief scopes for scout rifles or rifles that require forward mounting scopes and although I don’t think the article applies to my situation I was able to get a good bit of information from it, and of course I now have a question about extended eye relief scopes.
If an scope with a 9” eye relief is mounted closer to the eye, say at 4.5” to 5” will it still work or will it be too close and distort the sight picture?
What I’m looking for is a scope to mount on my Savage 99 (308), that is lower magnification variable, (2-7X32 would be ideal), with an eye relief of 4.5”. So far everything that I’ve mounted on it doesn’t seem to have the eye relief that I need and I end up craning my head forward in order to get a decent sight picture. I read an old article by Chuck Hawks about Leopold’s VX2 2-7 scope that seemed like the perfect scope but unfortunately they no longer make it and don’t make a replacement for it.
Do you have any suggestions?
Ok so I’m confused and here’s my situation I have a 3-9×50 on my 30.06 I have a picittany rail now the scope is mounted fully back now I did a eye relief paper flashlight test to check eye relief the clearest sharpest dot is your eye relief the measurement for me is 2″ what power or magnification do I need plus recommendations within reason are welcome
Burris Scout Scope 2X-7X-32mm
Provides a generous 9.2 to 12 in. of eye relief
For me this is the choice.
running on SA M1A Scout