Top 5 Long Eye Relief Scopes: A Comprehensive Buyer Guide

Have you ever looked through a scope only to find yourself squinting or inching your face uncomfortably close to the eyepiece? There is nothing worse than the dreaded “scope bite” when a heavy recoil sends your optic slamming into your brow. For many shooters, finding the perfect balance between clear magnification and a safe distance is a constant, frustrating struggle.

Choosing the right long eye relief scope is about more than just comfort; it is about safety and confidence on the range. With so many brands, mounting systems, and technical specs on the market, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the options. You might worry about spending your hard-earned money on a scope that does not fit your rifle or your shooting style properly.

In this guide, we will clear up the confusion. You will learn exactly what eye relief is and why it matters for your specific firearm. We will break down the top features to look for so you can stop guessing and start shooting with ease. By the end of this post, you will have the knowledge to pick a scope that keeps your eyes safe and your aim steady. Let’s dive into the details and find the best setup for your next adventure.

Top Long Eye Relief Scopes Recommendations

No. 1
Burris Hunting Durable Compact Lightweight Finger-Adjustable Scout Riflescope 2.75x20mm with Heavy Plex Reticle, Matte Black
  • MULTI-PURPOSE SCOUT RIFLESCOPE: Specifically designed for users employing a versatile scout gun for working or combat situations, offering quick and effective close-to-medium range shots - a perfect match for the scout gun's intended use
  • FIXED 2.75X MAGNIFICATION - With a fixed magnification of 2.75x, this scout riflescope provides the ideal setting for both-eyes-open shooting, ensuring rapid target acquisition and increased situational awareness
  • GENEROUS EYE RELIEF WITH HEAVY PLEX RETICLE - Boasting a generous 8.5-14 inches of eye relief, the hunting scope features the classic Heavy Plex reticle for a clean, uncluttered design, delivering long-range accuracy and quick usability
  • FORWARD MOUNTING DESIGN - With extended eye relief and both-eyes-open shooting, forward mounting design allows the riflescope to be mounted in front of the ejection port - a valuable feature for enhanced situational awareness and swift target acquisition
  • COMPACT, LIGHTWEIGHT, AND DURABLE - Weighing only 7 ounces and measuring 9.2 inches, Burris Scout riflescope is compact and lightweight, ensuring easy handling and carrying in the field
No. 2
BVGD 2-7X42 Rifle Scope Long Eye Relief Scout Scope w/Weaver Scope Rings 30mm Tube Diameter Fits Mosin 1891/30 M39 M44 (Rangefinder Reticle)
  • 2-7x42 long eye relief Scope,2X to 7x magnification,7.8’ inch eye relief at all magnification with huge eye box.
  • Long eye relief 2-7x42 Hunting rifle scope fits Mosin Nagant 1891/30 M39 M44 with Mil-dot or Rangefinder Reticle with Weaver/Picatinny ring mounts.
  • Multi-coated lens with improved refractive and crystal clear view,filled with nitrogen,provide water-proof,fog-proof,dust-proof,scratch-resistant.
  • One piece 30mm tube constructed from 6066T6 aircraft grade aluminum ensures strength and shockproof performance. O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, Exceptional strength and superior mechanical integrity will protect these world class optics.
  • Magnification: 2X-7X ; Tube Diameter: 30mm; Objective: 42 mm ; Eye Relief: 7.8"; FOV (feet at 100 yds.): 33.3-11.5; M.O.A.: 1/4; Finish: Matte Black.
No. 3
Viiko 1-5x24 Rifle Scope Long Eye Relief Scope LPVO 7.6’ Eye Relief Huge Eye Box Fits Mosin 1891/30 M39 M44(Mount Not Included)
  • Viiko 1-5x24 long eye relief Scope,SFP LPVO optics,1X to 5x magnification,5' to 7.6’ inch eye relief at all magnification with huge eye box.
  • Built for extremer and adventurers,Top glass quality with top of the optics designers,the huge eye box and long eye relief provides optimal experiences for better situation awareness and quick response for target acquisition.
  • XC High Density Glass - Build with German Schott Glass for Impressive light transmission and scene clarity,with 95% Light Transmission Multi-coated Clarity lens with improved refractive and crystal clear view.
  • One piece 30mm tube constructed from 6066T6 aircraft grade aluminum ensures strength and shockproof performance. O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, Exceptional strength and superior mechanical integrity will protect these world class optics.
  • Half Mil-dot Reticle with -/+40MOA W/E Adjustment turrets features re-zero cap.(Cantilever Mount is Not Included).
No. 4
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-4x24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope - V-Brite Illuminated Reticle (MOA) , black
  • 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 an illuminated 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. Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear views for the user.
  • The fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing. Capped reset turrets are finger adjustable with MOA clicks that can be reset to zero after sighting in.
  • A single piece tube constructed from aircraft grade aluminum ensures strength and shockproof performance. O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, the Crossfire II delivers waterproof and fogproof performance.
  • Backed by our unlimited, unconditional, lifetime, VIP Warranty. A fully transferable promise to repair or replace your item if it becomes damaged/defective. Does not cover loss, theft, deliberate damage or cosmetic damage that doesn't hinder performance.
No. 5
UTG 2-7X32 1" Handgun Scope, Long Eye Relief, PDC Reticle
  • Built on true strength platform, completely sealed and Nitrogen filled, shockproof, Fogproof, and rainproof
  • UP to 25 inch of Eye relief allowing for effective Use on handguns
  • Projectile drop compensation reticle assists Shooting at difference distances
No. 6
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope - Dead-Hold BDC Reticle
  • The 2-7x32 Crossfire II riflescope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is good for hunting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is a concern.
  • 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.
  • A single piece tube constructed from aircraft grade aluminum ensures strength and shockproof performance. O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, the Crossfire II delivers waterproof and fogproof performance.
  • Backed by our unlimited, unconditional, lifetime, VIP Warranty. A fully transferable promise to repair or replace your item if it becomes damaged/defective. Does not cover loss, theft, deliberate damage or cosmetic damage that doesn't hinder performance.
No. 7
BVGD Long Eye Relief 2-7x32 Red Green Illuminated Duplex Reticle Scope Fits Pistol and Mosin Nagant 1891/30 M39 Scope with 1 Inch Scope Ring (20mm Picatinny)
  • Fully anodized matte black,2X-7X Magnification,32mm objective diameter,8.5 - 10.5 Inch eye relief provides safety from heavy recoil.
  • Compatibility Mount: Classic reliable Hunting Scope,with 10” Eye relief fits Pistol and Mosin Nagant 1891/30 M39 with duplex reticle with premium 1-inch scope rings for swift mounting on standard 11mm Dovetail rails, delivering a rigid and reliable mounting capability.
  • Milled from one solid piece of aircraft grade aluminum body to withstand constant heavy recoil Fog proof and shock-resistant housing.
  • Scope length: 10.5" ; Weight: 9 oz ; Mount length: 6" ; Weight: 2.3 oz;MOA: 1/4 ; Illumination: Red Green Illuminated ; Reticle: Duplex ; Lens color: blue ; Color: black
  • This scope is great for long range hunting and shooting because it allows you a complete and clear view picture so that you can quickly acquire your targets.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide to Long Eye Relief Scopes

A long eye relief scope is a must-have for shooters who need extra space between their eye and the optic. This design keeps your brow safe from heavy recoil. It also helps you get on target faster. Whether you use a scout rifle, a handgun, or a shotgun, choosing the right scope makes a big difference.

Key Features to Look For

  • Eye Relief Distance: Look for at least 8 to 12 inches. This gives you plenty of clearance.
  • Magnification Power: Lower power is often better for quick target acquisition. Fixed power scopes are very reliable.
  • Reticle Style: Choose a simple crosshair for hunting. A BDC reticle helps with longer shots.
  • Field of View: A wide field of view helps you spot moving targets quickly.

Important Materials

Durability starts with the tube. Most high-quality scopes use aircraft-grade aluminum. This metal is lightweight but very strong. It resists bumps and drops in the field. The lenses should be made of high-quality glass. Look for multi-coated lenses. These coatings reduce glare and make the image look brighter. Nitrogen or argon gas purging is also vital. It prevents the internal glass from fogging up in cold weather.

Factors That Affect Quality

The quality of a scope depends on the glass clarity. Cheap glass looks blurry at the edges. High-quality glass stays sharp across the whole view. The mechanical adjustments also matter. When you turn the turrets, you should feel a firm “click.” If the clicks feel mushy, the scope might lose its zero. Finally, the seal quality determines if the scope stays waterproof. A well-built scope keeps moisture and dust out for years.

User Experience and Use Cases

Shooters love these scopes for scout rifles. Because the scope sits further forward, you can keep both eyes open. This helps you track moving game easily. Handgun hunters also rely on these optics. They allow the shooter to hold the pistol at arm’s length while aiming. If you shoot a shotgun with heavy recoil, a long eye relief scope prevents “scope eye.” It keeps your face safe while you focus on the shot.

10 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What exactly is eye relief?

A: Eye relief is the distance your eye must be from the eyepiece to see the full image clearly.

Q: Why do I need “long” eye relief?

A: You need it to avoid getting hit by the scope during recoil or to mount the optic forward on a rifle.

Q: Can I use a regular scope on a handgun?

A: No. Regular rifle scopes have very short eye relief. You will not see a full image, and you could get hurt.

Q: Is higher magnification always better?

A: Not always. Higher magnification makes it harder to find targets quickly and narrows your view.

Q: What does “multi-coated” mean?

A: It means the lenses have chemical layers that reduce reflection and increase light transmission.

Q: Will these scopes fog up in the rain?

A: If the scope is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, it will not fog up internally.

Q: How do I mount a long eye relief scope?

A: You usually mount them on a forward rail, like a scout mount, located in front of the rifle’s action.

Q: Are these scopes heavy?

A: Most modern aluminum scopes are quite light and won’t add much weight to your firearm.

Q: Can I use these for target shooting?

A: Yes, they work well for target practice, especially if you prefer keeping both eyes open.

Q: How do I know if the scope is durable?

A: Check for a “shockproof” rating. This means the internal parts can handle heavy recoil without breaking.