Ever found yourself squinting through a scope, wishing you could get a clearer picture without getting too close? Imagine this: you’re on a hunt, and the perfect shot is within reach, but your scope’s eye relief makes you feel like you’re playing a dangerous game of “hot potato” with your forehead. That’s where long eye relief scopes come into play, offering a welcome solution for shooters who value safety and a comfortable view.
Choosing the right long eye relief scope can feel like navigating a maze. You want to see clearly, but you also don’t want to be pushed back by recoil. This can lead to frustration and uncertainty. If you’ve ever wondered if there’s a better way to mount your optic or if your current scope is putting you at risk, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll explore what makes these scopes special and why they might be the perfect fit for your shooting needs. We’ll break down the benefits and help you understand what to look for, so you can finally feel confident about your choice. Get ready to discover how to get a comfortable, clear, and safe sight picture for every shot.
Our Top 5 Long Eye Relief Scopes Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Long Eye Relief Scopes Detailed Reviews
1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout
Rating: 8.5/10
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout riflescope is a fantastic choice for your scout rifle. It offers a clear view and is built to last. This scope makes it easy to find your target quickly.
What We Like:
- Great for scout rifles.
- The V-Plex reticle works well for many types of hunting.
- It has a long eye relief, so you can see clearly even when the rifle kicks.
- The fast focus eyepiece lets you adjust the view easily.
- The lenses are coated to give you bright and clear pictures.
- The turrets are easy to adjust with your fingers and can be reset to zero.
- It’s made from strong aircraft-grade aluminum, so it’s tough.
- It’s waterproof and fogproof, meaning it works in any weather.
- Vortex offers an amazing VIP Warranty that covers almost any damage.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1-inch tube might limit some mounting options compared to larger tubes.
- While versatile, some hunters might prefer a reticle with more specific aiming points for extreme distances.
This scope is a solid performer for its price. Its rugged build and clear optics make it a reliable companion in the field.
2. TACFUN 3-9×42 Long Eye Relief Scope with Weaver/Picatinny Ring
Rating: 9.4/10
The TACFUN 3-9×42 Long Eye Relief Scope is built tough. It’s made from strong aluminum. This scope can handle a lot of shaking and bumping. It’s also fog-proof and shock-resistant. The lenses are specially coated to let in lots of light and resist scratches. This helps you see your target clearly.
What We Like:
- It’s very strong and can handle heavy recoil.
- The long eye relief of 8.5 to 10.5 inches keeps you safe.
- The lenses are green and coated for clear pictures.
- It comes with mounts for Weaver or Picatinny rails.
- The magnification goes from 3X to 9X, so you can zoom in.
- It’s not too heavy at only 14.5 ounces.
What Could Be Improved:
- The adjustment knob needs to be pulled out to work, which might be a bit tricky at first.
- While good, the 1/4 M.O.A. adjustment might not be precise enough for some expert shooters.
This TACFUN scope offers a lot of value for its price. It’s a reliable choice for many shooting needs.
3. TACFUN 3-9×42 Long Eye Relief Scope/w Ring for Mosin Nagant M44 M91/30 M38 1891/30 (Black)
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your Mosin Nagant rifle with the TACFUN 3-9×42 Long Eye Relief Scope. This scope is built tough for your M44, M91/30, M38, or 1891/30. Its black finish looks great on any rifle. You get clear views and a safe shooting experience.
What We Like:
- It’s made from strong aircraft-grade aluminum. This means it can handle lots of kicking from your rifle.
- The scope is fog-proof and shock-resistant. It’s filled with nitrogen to keep moisture out and seals protect it from weather.
- Its green, multi-coated lens lets in lots of light. This gives you a clear, bright picture and resists scratches.
- You can easily adjust the windage and elevation for accurate shots.
- The new knob design is easy to use; just pull it out to unlock adjustments.
- Its long eye relief (8.5-10.5 inches) keeps you safe from recoil. It also helps you find your target faster.
- It comes with Weaver/Picatinny rings so you can mount it right away.
- The magnification goes from 3x to 9x, letting you see targets up close or far away.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the scope is durable, some users might prefer a slightly lighter option for extended carrying.
- The 1/4 MOA adjustments are standard, but for extreme precision shooters, finer adjustments might be desired.
This TACFUN scope offers great value and performance for Mosin Nagant owners. It’s a solid choice for improving your shooting accuracy and safety.
4. UTG 2-7X32 1″ Handgun Scope
Rating: 8.6/10
The UTG 2-7X32 1″ Handgun Scope with its long eye relief and PDC reticle is built tough. It’s designed to handle the recoil of handguns and stay clear in bad weather. This scope helps you aim accurately, even at different distances.
What We Like:
- It’s built on a strong platform, so it’s very durable.
- The scope is completely sealed and filled with nitrogen. This means it won’t fog up and it’s protected from water and shock.
- It offers up to 25 inches of eye relief. This is a lot of space, making it easy and safe to use on handguns.
- The Projectile Drop Compensation (PDC) reticle helps you hit targets at various distances. You don’t have to guess as much.
- It’s fogproof and rainproof, so you can use it in almost any weather condition.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the PDC reticle is helpful, it might take some practice to fully master its use at all ranges.
- For some shooters, the 2-7x magnification range might be limiting for very long-range handgun shots.
This UTG handgun scope offers a robust and reliable aiming solution for handgun enthusiasts. Its durable construction and helpful reticle make it a strong contender for your next firearm accessory.
5. Hi-Lux Optics Long Eye Relief 2-7×32 Rifle Scope – .308 BDC Reticle
Rating: 8.5/10
The Hi-Lux Optics Long Eye Relief 2-7×32 Rifle Scope is a fantastic choice for shooters who need a versatile and reliable optic for their scout rifles, lever actions, or mil-surplus firearms like the Mauser K98 or Mosin. Its special design makes it perfect for forward-mounted scopes, giving you a clear view and quick target acquisition.
What We Like:
- The 2-7x zoom is great. It helps you shoot accurately up close and also at medium distances.
- You get a lot of room to move your eye back, from 9 to 13 inches. This is super important for scout scopes so you don’t get hit by the scope when you shoot.
- The scope is made from a strong, one-piece aluminum tube. It’s light and built to last for many years.
- The 1/4 MOA adjustments for windage and elevation let you fine-tune your aim precisely.
- The .308 BDC reticle is really helpful. It’s made for common .308 bullets and gives you easy aiming points for longer shots.
- You have plenty of adjustment range, 60 MOA, to get your scope zeroed in just right.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 32mm objective lens is a bit smaller than some other scopes. This means it might not gather as much light in dim conditions.
- While the BDC reticle is great for .308, it might not be as effective for other calibers without some understanding of bullet drop.
This scope offers a great balance of features for its intended use. It’s a solid option for anyone looking to equip a forward-mounted rifle.
Long Eye Relief Scopes: See Clearly, Shoot Safely
Are you tired of getting too close to your scope when you shoot? Do you want a scope that lets you keep both eyes open for better awareness? If so, a long eye relief scope might be the perfect choice for you. These scopes offer more space between your eye and the eyepiece, making them ideal for certain shooting situations.
Why Choose a Long Eye Relief Scope?
Long eye relief scopes give you more wiggle room. This means you don’t have to press your face right up to the scope. This is super helpful for shooters who use powerful rifles or for people who want to wear shooting glasses. It also makes it easier to aim quickly.
Key Features to Look For
Eye Relief Distance
This is the most important thing! Eye relief is how far away your eye can be from the scope’s eyepiece and still see a full picture. For long eye relief scopes, you’ll want at least 3.5 inches, and often more.
Magnification Range
Think about what you’ll be shooting. For hunting at medium distances, a scope with a variable magnification, like 3-9x, works well. For longer shots, you might need a higher magnification.
Field of View
This is how much you can see through the scope. A wider field of view helps you spot targets faster, especially if they’re moving.
Lens Quality
Good lenses make a big difference. Look for multi-coated lenses. They reduce glare and let more light in, giving you a clearer, brighter image.
Durability and Construction
Your scope needs to be tough. It should be able to handle recoil and different weather conditions. Look for scopes made from strong materials.
Important Materials
Lens Coatings
Most good scopes have special coatings on their lenses. These coatings help with light transmission and reduce reflections. Fully multi-coated lenses are the best.
Scope Body Material
The main body of the scope is usually made of aluminum. Aircraft-grade aluminum is strong and light. Some scopes also have a rubberized coating for extra grip and protection.
Internal Components
Inside the scope, you’ll find glass elements and adjustment turrets. High-quality glass ensures a sharp image. Durable turrets allow for precise adjustments.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality
- Clear Optics: Crisp, bright images with no distortion make a huge difference.
- Precise Adjustments: Turrets that click reliably and hold their zero are essential for accuracy.
- Rugged Build: A scope that survives bumps, drops, and recoil without losing its settings is high quality.
- Good Light Gathering: Scopes that perform well in low light (dawn and dusk) are very useful.
Reducing Quality
- Blurry Images: If the picture looks fuzzy or has color fringes, the lenses aren’t great.
- Stiff Adjustments: Turrets that are hard to turn or don’t feel precise make sighting in difficult.
- Fragile Construction: A scope that breaks easily or loses its zero after a few shots is not good.
- Poor Low-Light Performance: If you can’t see well when it’s dim, the scope limits your shooting time.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who Benefits Most?
Long eye relief scopes are great for:
- Rifle Shooters: Especially those using powerful calibers that produce strong recoil. The extra space prevents scope bite.
- Shooters Wearing Glasses: You can keep your glasses on comfortably without them fogging up or getting in the way.
- Quick Target Acquisition: The ability to keep both eyes open makes it easier to find and track moving targets.
- Certain Shooting Styles: Some shooters prefer the feel and faster aiming that long eye relief provides.
Common Use Cases
- Hunting: Whether you’re stalking deer or waiting for elk, a long eye relief scope can help you shoot accurately and safely.
- Tactical Shooting: For situations where speed and situational awareness are key, these scopes offer an advantage.
- Pistol Caliber Carbines: These firearms can have a lot of recoil, making long eye relief a smart choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is considered “long” eye relief?
A: Generally, anything over 3.5 inches is considered long eye relief. Many go up to 4 or even 5 inches.
Q: Can I use a long eye relief scope on any rifle?
A: Yes, you can. However, they are especially useful on rifles with heavy recoil.
Q: Will a long eye relief scope make my image dimmer?
A: Not necessarily. Good quality lenses and coatings help maintain brightness. It depends more on the objective lens size and coatings.
Q: Do I need special scope mounts for long eye relief?
A: Sometimes. You might need mounts that position the scope further back, or cantilever mounts that extend forward.
Q: Are long eye relief scopes more expensive?
A: They can be, especially if they offer high-quality optics and features. But there are affordable options available.
Q: Can I use a long eye relief scope for close-range shooting?
A: Yes. Many long eye relief scopes have lower magnification settings that work well for closer targets.
Q: What is “scope bite”?
A: Scope bite is an injury to your forehead caused by recoil pushing the scope into your face. Long eye relief helps prevent this.
Q: Are there different types of long eye relief scopes?
A: Yes. You can find them with fixed or variable magnification, and with different reticle types.
Q: How do I clean the lenses on my scope?
A: Use a soft lens brush to remove dust, then a lens cleaning cloth and solution. Never use rough materials.
Q: Where should I buy a long eye relief scope?
A: Look at reputable online retailers, sporting goods stores, or gun shops. Read reviews before you buy.
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.