Precision rifle shooting rewards a scope built to hold and dial with confidence. If you are choosing your first one, a handful of features matter far more than the rest. Shop the category in long-range rifle scopes.
First focal plane, in MIL
Choose a first-focal-plane scope so your holdovers stay true at any magnification — see FFP vs SFP. Most of the PRS world speaks MIL, so a MIL reticle with MIL turrets keeps you aligned with the community and its data; read MOA vs MIL.
A tree reticle
A grid or "tree" reticle lets you hold wind and elevation precisely without dialing — a big advantage when the clock is running. See understanding reticles.
Turrets with a zero stop
Exposed, tactile elevation turrets with a positive zero stop let you dial up for distance and return reliably to zero every time. This is non-negotiable for a match scope.
Magnification and tube
A 5-25x or 4-16x range covers most stages; a 34mm tube typically gives the elevation travel long range needs. Do not overspend on maximum magnification you rarely use — glass quality and tracking matter more.
Pair the scope with a stable bipod (see rifle bipods 101) and mount it right with the mounting guide.
