The Remington 700 stands out as one of today’s most renowned long-range rifles. Since its adoption by the Marines in the 1960s, and later by the army in the mid-1980s, its popularity has only grown. It’s a favorite not just among military forces but also police departments and civilian sharpshooters. If you’re among these enthusiasts, pairing your reliable Remington 700 with the top scope can elevate your precision shooting to the next level.
A high-quality scope transforms you into a sharpshooting expert, enabling you to hit your mark with flawless accuracy. As a shooter, your aim is to combine your rifle with a scope that guarantees pinpoint precision at all times. The good news is, this is entirely achievable with the Remington 700, especially when matched with the ideal scope.
Such a combination enhances your shooting accuracy, allowing you to shoot straighter and with greater precision. Many hunters and shooters attest that the right scope for this celebrated rifle enables them to hit their targets with remarkable consistency. Our buyer’s guide is here to help you select the perfect scope, highlighting our top recommendations for you.
Top 6 Best Scopes for Remington 700 in 2024
- Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 Riflescope
- Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm Riflescope
- UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope
- Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen I First Focal Plane Riflescopes
- Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 6-24X50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes
- Bushnell Elite 4500 4-16×50 Hunting Riflescope
1. Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 Riflescope
For hunters who prioritize precision and durability, the Vortex Optics Diamondback Riflescope 4-12×40 with BDC Reticle & Hat is an exceptional choice for your Remington 700. This sleek black scope, designed specifically for hunting, is notably lightweight. Constructed from robust aluminum, it’s built to endure the challenges of outdoor activities.
With a magnification range from 4x to 12x and a 40mm objective lens, it provides clear, adjustable views for various distances. The scope mounts easily with a cantilever mount, though it doesn’t support night vision. Evidently, it comes with an unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty, showcasing Vortex’s confidence in its durability and performance.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle aids in estimating hold-over for accurate shots, while the fully multi-coated lenses and metal on metal precision turrets enhance image clarity and zero resetting. Its robust construction includes a shockproof one-piece tube, an argon-purged and O-ring sealed body for fog proof and waterproof performance, making it a reliable option for any weather conditions.
With overwhelmingly positive customer feedback on its clarity, accuracy, and the exceptional warranty service, it’s clear why this scope is a favored accessory among hunters.
Best For: Hunters seeking a reliable, durable scope with excellent clarity and an unbeatable warranty for their Remington 700.
Pros:
- Unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty ensures peace of mind.
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle and fully multi-coated lenses for superior accuracy and clarity.
- Shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof construction for durability in all weather conditions.
Cons:
- Doesn’t support night vision, limiting use in low-light conditions.
2. Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm Riflescope
If you’re in search of excellent clarity and durability for your Remington 700, the Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm Riflescope stands out with its Elite Optical System and robust build. This model comes with a Duplex Reticle, CDS-ZL for quick elevation adjustments, and a matte finish that enhances its sleek design. Its ZeroLock feature prevents accidental dial movements, ensuring your settings remain precise.
It’s not just about looks; this scope is 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, making it reliable in any condition. Assembled in the USA, it’s backed by Leupold’s legendary customer care. Users rave about its easy setup, exceptional clarity, especially during dawn and dusk, and its overall superior viewing experience. Despite initial skepticism due to its price, the positive feedback and outstanding performance justify the investment, making it a beloved choice for precision shooters.
Best For: Hunters and precision shooters looking for a high-quality, durable riflescope with excellent clarity and easy adjustment features.
Pros:
- Superior optical quality with Elite Optical System for clear vision in various light conditions
- CDS-ZL (ZeroLock) feature prevents accidental elevation adjustments
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof for reliability in all conditions
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to some competitors
3. UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope
Hunters and marksmen seeking unparalleled clarity and durability in their optics will find the UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope, with its multi Emerald coated lenses and True Strength Platform, an ideal match for the Remington 700. Its EZ-TAP illumination system provides both red/green dual-color and 36 color multi-color modes, ensuring visibility in various lighting conditions.
The scope’s premium zero locking and resetting target turrets, along with a side wheel adjustable turret for parallax adjustment, make precision shooting easier. It’s sealed, nitrogen filled, shockproof, fog-proof, and rain-proof, guaranteeing reliability in all weather conditions. The inclusion of the EZ-TAP Illumination Enhancing Technology, a range estimating Mil-dot reticle, and accessories like an integral sunshade and quick detach rings make it a versatile choice.
With its sturdy build and advanced features, it’s designed to enhance your shooting accuracy and experience.
Best For: Hunters and marksmen who demand high precision and adaptability in varied lighting and weather conditions.
Pros:
- Multi Emerald coated lenses and True Strength Platform ensure maximum durability and light transmission.
- EZ-TAP Illumination System with 36 color modes enhances visibility in all lighting conditions.
- Premium zero locking and resetting turrets, along with side wheel adjustable turret for Parallax adjustment, offer precise shooting adjustments.
Cons:
- The complexity of the illumination system may require a learning curve for some users.
4. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen I First Focal Plane Riflescopes
Precision shooters will find the Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen I 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope’s EBR-1 reticle and CRS zero stop mechanisms ideal for their long-range needs. Its one-piece, shockproof 30mm tube, crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, guarantees durability and reliability. The EBR-1 reticle facilitates precise ranging, holdover, and windage corrections, enhancing your precision shooting experience.
With the added benefits of XD glass, this scope enhances resolution and color fidelity, ensuring clear, sharp images. The Vortex Viper PST isn’t just about performance; it’s also supported by an unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty, showcasing the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. Given its exceptional quality and the consistent positive feedback on its optical clarity and dependable performance, it’s an excellent choice for those dedicated to precision shooting.
Best For: Precision shooters and hunters who require top-tier optics for long-range shooting.
Pros:
- Unmatched optical clarity and excellent performance in low light conditions.
- Durable construction with a shockproof 30mm tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum.
- Backed by an unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty.
Cons:
- The magnification adjustment ring is noted to be stiff, potentially hindering quick adjustments.
5. Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 6-24X50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes
For avid shooters looking to enhance their Remington 700, the Argos BTR GEN2 6-24X50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes are a top choice, thanks to their first focal plane reticle and fully multicoated optics. These scopes, designed by Athlon Optics in a sleek black finish, boast an APMR FFP IR MIL reticle, making them ideal for hunting. Crafted from durable aluminum and lightweight, they’re built to last.
With a magnification range of 6-24x and a 50mm objective lens, these scopes don’t offer night vision but do provide a comfortable 3.3 inches of eye relief. The precision Zero Stop system, 0.1 MIL click value, and 18 MIL total adjustment make for easy, accurate shooting. Plus, the XPL coating protects the lens against dirt and scratches. Whether you’re hunting or engaging in precision shooting, this scope’s crystal-clear optics and robust construction offer great value and performance.
Best For: Hunters and precision shooters looking for high-quality optics with advanced features at a competitive price.
Pros:
- First focal plane reticle and fully multicoated optics enhance accuracy and visibility under various conditions.
- Precision Zero Stop system allows for easy and reliable return to zero, enhancing shooting consistency.
- Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring durability and reliability in harsh environments.
Cons:
- Lacks night vision capability, limiting its use in low-light conditions.
6. Bushnell Elite 4500 4-16×50 Hunting Riflescope
If you’re in the market for a scope that combines clarity and durability, the Bushnell Elite 4500 4-16×50 Hunting Riflescope stands out as a top choice for your Remington 700. Its ultra-wide band coatings guarantee image clarity, while the Exo Barrier protective lens coating shields against the elements. This scope is waterproof, featuring capped windage and elevation adjustments for precision.
The second focal plane with a Multi-X reticle, paired with durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction, ensures reliability. It offers easy target acquisition and wide eye relief, with a close focus at just 10 yards. Despite its heavy construction, which provides rigidity and impact resistance, users appreciate its ergonomic design and ease of zeroing.
While some report issues with the turret adjustment knob, the overall consensus is positive, highlighting its excellent performance in low light conditions and its value for money, despite not including mounting rings.
Best For: Hunters and shooters looking for a durable, clear, and reliable riflescope for their Remington 700 or similar rifles.
Pros:
- Ultra-Wide Band Coatings and Exo Barrier protective lens coating ensure image clarity and protection against the elements.
- Waterproof construction with capped windage and elevation adjustments adds to its reliability and precision.
- Durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction paired with easy target acquisition and wide eye relief.
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with mounting rings, requiring an additional purchase.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Scopes for Remington 700
When selecting a scope for your Remington 700, you’ll need to take into account several key factors to make sure you get the right fit for your shooting needs.
You’ll want to examine the magnification range, reticle types, and lens quality to start, as these directly impact your precision and clarity.
Additionally, don’t overlook scope durability and weight considerations, as these impact the overall balance and ruggedness of your setup.
Magnification Range
Selecting the right magnification range, from 3-12x to 6-24x, is important for optimizing your Remington 700’s shooting performance, whether you’re hunting, target shooting, or engaging in tactical applications. Higher magnification ranges, like 6-24x, provide better target identification and long-range shooting precision. They’re ideal when you need to hit targets at significant distances, ensuring each shot counts.
On the other hand, lower magnification ranges, such as 3-12x, offer a wider field of view. This is essential for close to mid-range engagements where situational awareness and quick target acquisition are key. It’s critical to choose a magnification range based on your specific shooting needs, considering the distances and environmental conditions you’ll face to maximize your Remington 700’s potential.
Reticle Types
Understanding the different reticle types is another important factor in choosing the best scope for your Remington 700.
Duplex reticles, with their simple crosshair design, are great for quick target acquisition, making them a solid choice for beginners or fast-paced shooting situations.
If you’re into more precise distance shooting, Mil-Dot reticles offer detailed holdover points for windage and elevation adjustments, using small dots for precise calculations.
BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticles are tailored for specific bullet trajectories, helping you compensate for bullet drop over various distances without manual adjustments.
Additionally, MOA (Minute of Angle) reticles provide the ability to make fine-tuned accuracy adjustments, typically in 1/4 or 1/8 MOA increments, ideal for long-range precision shooting.
Lens Quality
Diving into lens quality, you’ll find that high-quality coatings are essential for enhancing clarity and reducing glare in your scope’s visuals. These coatings greatly improve light transmission, ensuring that images appear brighter and more precise.
Multi-coated lenses take this a step further by enhancing image sharpness and color fidelity, giving you a more vivid and detailed view. Additionally, lenses crafted from quality glass with low dispersion characteristics offer superior resolution and contrast, making it easier to distinguish your target against varied backgrounds.
Don’t overlook the importance of lens diameter and objective size, as these factors influence light-gathering capabilities and your field of view. Furthermore, lenses equipped with anti-reflective coatings are important for minimizing reflections, hence improving visibility across different lighting conditions.
Scope Durability
After examining lens quality, it’s essential to consider the durability of scopes for your Remington 700, as these need to withstand significant recoil. Seek out scopes crafted from tough construction materials, such as aircraft-grade aluminum, to guarantee they endure.
You’ll also desire features like shock-resistant, mist-resistant, and watertight capabilities to handle various environmental conditions. Don’t underestimate the significance of scratch-resistant lenses; they’re essential for maintaining optical clarity over time.
Lastly, choose scopes with sealed and nitrogen-filled tubes. This design prevents internal fogging, ensuring that your scope performs consistently, regardless of weather conditions. By prioritizing these durability features, you’re setting yourself up for success with a scope that’s as tough as it’s precise.
Weight Considerations
When selecting scopes for your Remington 700, it’s important to think about weight for improved handling and accuracy. Lightweight scopes offer easier maneuverability, important during hunting or long shooting sessions.
The weight of a scope directly impacts the rifle’s balance and stability, which in turn affects your overall accuracy and comfort. Opting for scopes made from durable, yet lightweight materials helps maintain your Remington 700’s balance, enhancing your shooting experience.
Conversely, heavy scopes can lead to fatigue, negatively influencing your precision over time. It’s crucial to find a balance between the scope’s weight and the rifle’s, ensuring ideal handling and a better shooting performance without compromising on quality or durability.
Mount Compatibility
Selecting the appropriate mount compatibility for your Remington 700’s scope is vital, as it ensures a secure fit and peak performance. Make sure the scope has a mount that’s compatible with the standard Picatinny rail of the Remington 700.
It’s wise to look for scopes with versatile mounting options to accommodate different setups. You also need to take into account the height and spacing of the scope rings. These aspects are important for optimizing eye relief and ensuring comfort during use.
Additionally, check that the scope’s mounting system doesn’t interfere with the Remington 700’s action and bolt clearance. Opt for a scope with a secure and stable mounting system that can maintain zero and withstand the rifle’s recoil, ensuring long-term reliability and accuracy.
Light Transmission
Understanding the role of light transmission in your Remington 700 scope is vital, as it greatly impacts image brightness and clarity, especially in low-light conditions. High-quality lenses, treated with multi-coating or fully multi-coated surfaces, greatly improve this feature.
The size of the lens, its quality, and the type of coatings determine how much light reaches your eye. Opting for larger objective lenses, such as 40mm or 50mm, allows more light to enter, enhancing visibility in dim settings. Scopes with superior light transmission capabilities offer better image quality, essential during dawn, dusk, or in dark environments.
This makes selecting a scope with excellent light transmission a key factor for precision shooting, ensuring you don’t miss a shot due to poor visibility.
Price Vs. Performance
When choosing a scope for your Remington 700, striking a balance between price and performance is crucial to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. It’s important to evaluate the features and quality that align with your budget, guaranteeing satisfactory performance.
Seek out scopes that provide a good value proposition, delivering the desired performance without overspending. Prioritize key features that improve shooting accuracy and experience within your budget.
Evaluating the long-term benefits and durability of the scope in relation to its cost is essential for making a cost-effective choice. By carefully considering these factors, you’ll discover a scope that meets your needs without emptying your wallet, ensuring a fulfilling shooting experience with your Remington 700.
Conclusion
In selecting the perfect scope for your Remington 700, consider your shooting needs and preferences. From the versatile Vortex Optics Diamondback to the high-performance Bushnell Elite 4500, each scope offers unique features, such as first focal plane reticles and variable magnification ranges.
Remember, it’s not just about magnification but also clarity, durability, and reticle type. Make an informed choice by weighing factors like optical quality and budget to enhance your precision shooting experience in 2024.