Best Scope for PRS

If you want to flex some long-range shooting muscle, the Precision Rifle Series provides the perfect opportunity to do just that. However, you’ll need the right optic (along with major marksmanship skills) to ring steel at extreme ranges alongside serious precision shooters.

We’ve done the hard work for you by researching and testing the optics that make frequent appearances on the PRS circuit. Here are a few of what we (and many top competitors) consider the best scopes for PRS.  

How to Choose a Scope for PRS?

Whether your plan is to shoot in the tactical class, production class, or some other division entirely, there are a few key things to look for in a competition optic. 

1. Optical clarity – You can’t hit what you can’t see. Optical clarity is crucial for engaging long-range targets, and the clarity needs to extend through the scope’s entire magnification range. 
2. Quality target turrets – A typical PRS stage will include multiple targets at varying distances. This often requires quick MIL or MOA adjustments. The best PRS scopes feature turrets that provide tactile, audible adjustments that are precise and easy to track. 
3. Reticles – Horus, Christmas tree, and special competition reticles (SCR) are the most common styles found on the PRS circuit. These complex reticles allow shooters to quickly adjust for windage and distance without having to touch the scope’s turrets. 
4. Parallax adjustment – Because PRS shooters often use the higher end of the magnification range on their variable power scopes, parallax adjustment is critical. 
5. Additional features – Zero stop, throw levers, and fast focus eyepieces can help shave seconds off your time and therefore increase your match scores.

Top 3 Best Scopes for PRS

1. NightForce NX8 2.5-20×50 – Editor’s Pick

NightForce riflescopes are some of the most rugged optics in the shooting world. The company somehow manages to find a near-perfect balance between usability and affordability. To keep the price reasonable (this platform has a price tag under $2000), NightForce focuses on the key features necessary for precision rifle shooting. 

Magnification and Parallax Adjustment

For a PRS scope, the NX8 4.5-20x has a relatively low magnification range. However, we found 20x more than enough for pinging steel out to 1000 yards and beyond, especially when paired with the scope’s incredibly optical quality. 

The scope also features parallax adjustment from 11 yards to infinity and a throw lever for quick magnification adjustments. 

Glass Clarity

NightForce uses a patented broadband multi-coating on all air-to-glass surfaces. The coatings are designed to resist abrasion and reduce glare. 

The company also aligns the lenses by hand to ensure the best optical performance. 

As a result of NightForce’s attention to detail, this scope provides jaw-dropping edge-to-edge clarity. We could really see the difference between the NX8 and most of the competition, especially in low light.

Reticle

NightForce offers the NX8 with several different FFP (first focal plane) reticles. We highly recommend their new TReMoR3 reticle from Horus. 

Although it appears super busy at first glance, this detailed reticle has everything PRS shooters need. It features marks for ranging and provides wind speed and drop correction information, so you can make accurate, on-the-fly corrections. This is the reticle you want for precise follow-up shots. 

We admit there’s a pretty steep learning curve with this reticle, but it is a major asset once you get used to it. Use it right, and it will shave seconds off your time, and time equals points in PRS. 

The reticle is also illuminated in your choice of red or green, so it really pops against a variety of target colors. 

Durability

The main housing of the NX8 is machined from solid bar stock 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy. This thing is engineered for rugged conditions. 

Each scope is thoroughly tested to withstand saltwater, wind, dust, and mud. Their accuracy is even proven in extreme temperatures, ranging from -80 degrees to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Turrets

The NX8 is built with a 30mm tube, which is small for a PRS scope. However, NightForce managed to fit an impressive 32 MILs of elevation and 23 MILs of windage adjustments into the turrets. 

Mounting and Rings

We recommend using the NightForce Ultralite 30mm Titanium/Alloy Ring Set.

Is It Worth It?

One of the things we love about the NX8 is its relatively compact size. Compared to other PRS scopes, this one has a streamlined, low-profile design. This makes it suitable for everything from bolt-actions to AR-15s. 

The NightForce NX8 offers top-notch performance and all the right features for serious competition shooting. And if you want a long-range scope that can transition seamlessly from the competition field to open-country hunting, this is it. 

Features:

• Durable construction.
• Illuminated FFP reticle.
• Fully multi-coated, hand-aligned lenses.
• Parallax adjustment.
• Power throw lever.
• Zero Stop function. 

Summary

We love the NX8 because it offers all the key features serious PRS competitors need. It also does a fine job at pegging pronghorn across the open prairie. 

Pros

• Compact size.
• Durable design.
• Impeccable clarity.
• Illuminated FFP reticle. 

Cons

• Expensive.
• The complicated reticle requires some getting used to.

2. Burris XTR2 5-25×50 – Best Budget Scope for PRS

Burris Optics is often overlooked in the world of PRS. However, the XTR2 holds its own, even in the presence of serious long-range superstars like NightForce, Steiner, Vortex, and Schmidt & Bender. The best part is this one will cost you well under $1500. 

Magnification and Parallax Adjustment

Burris built the XTR2 with a versatile 5x zoom system, which provides a wider field of view and facilitates faster target acquisition at longer ranges. 

The scope also has a side focus knob and convenient parallax adjustment from 50 yards to infinity.

Glass Clarity

Burris uses premium glass and index-matched Hi-Lume multi-coatings. The coatings are designed to enhance light transmission while reducing glare, and they definitely succeed. 

The XTR2 offers a crystal-clear, razor-sharp sight picture. When it comes to optical quality, this one definitely performs well above its price point. 

Reticle

The XTR2 features an illuminated SCR (Special Competition Reticle) located on the first focal plane. It is available with either MIL or MOA markings. 

The SCR is one of our all-time favorite long-range reticles. It provides all the pertinent information, but in a simplified format that won’t clutter up your sight picture. If you’re new to long-range shooting, this is one of the best reticles you can start with. 

Durability

The XTR2 is nitrogen-filled and o-ring sealed for reliable fogproof, waterproof performance. 

The scope has a one-piece main tube that is insanely durable. The XTR2 also features a triple internal spring-tension system. 

Engineered for shockproof performance, this scope holds its zero, even through rough use and harsh recoil. 

The XTR2 is an optic you can easily pair with heavy-hitting calibers like .338 Lapua, although it works just as well on a rimfire .22 LR if that’s more your style. 

Turrets

The Burris XTR2 has better-than-average target turrets. They provide precise, tactile clicks for each elevation and windage adjustment.

If we’re being nitpicky, we aren’t huge fans of the knobs. They are a smidge on the stiff side, but it is the markings that really bust our bubble. The font isn’t exactly easy to read, and if Burris had left the upper +10 numbers off, we would be much happier. The extra numbers just add too much visual clutter to the knobs. 

Mounting and Rings

Burris makes 34mm scope rings designed to perfectly compliment the XTR2. 

Is It Worth It?

The Burris XTR2 is designed for serious, technical, long-range precision rifle shooters, and it does not disappoint. This scope offers excellent value for the money. In fact, we almost forgot this was a “budget” PRS riflescope. 

Features:

• Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses. 
• 5x zoom.
• Wide FOV.
• Side focus and parallax adjustment. 
• Special Competition Reticle. 
• Zero Stop Function.

Summary

With the right shooter behind it, the Burris XTR2 will easily ping long-range steel, and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg in the process. 

Pros

• Affordable price tag. 
• Illuminated FFP Special Competition Reticle. 
• Excellent clarity.
• Wide FOV. 

Cons

• Stiff turret adjustments.
• Hard-to-read turret numbers.

3. Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27×56 – Best Scope for Serious PRS Competition

Vortex scopes make frequent appearances in the Precision Rifle Series, and no model is more popular among top shooters than the Razor HD Gen II. 

Magnification and Parallax Adjustment

The Vortex Razor HD Gen II features 4.5-27x magnification with a 6x zoom range that makes engaging targets at extreme distances a piece of cake. 

The scope also has a handy side knob for easy parallax adjustment from 32 yards to infinity. 

Glass Clarity

Because this is one of Vortex’s top-of-the-line models, we expected stunning image quality. In this regard, Vortex did not disappoint. 

Vortex incorporated extra-low dispersion (ED) glass, fully multi-coated lenses that are optically indexed, and an extra anti-reflective coating to deliver sharp contrast, true-to-life colors, and an ultra-bright sight picture.  

Once you’ve looked at targets through the Razor HD Gen II, it’s hard to settle for anything else. The image quality is absolutely impressive. 

Reticle

The Razor HD Gen II is available with several different reticle designs. Our favorite is the EBR-7C. This detailed FFP reticle was designed specifically for PRS shooting. 

It features an easy-to-use windage tree in the lower quadrant of the sight picture that works well for off-the-cuff adjustments. Although the design is fairly intricate, it doesn’t clutter up the sight picture like some other competition reticles. 

The reticle is illuminated for easy visibility in any lighting condition. It is also glass-etched, so it works even when the illumination isn’t switched on. 

Durability

The Razor HD Gen II features a 34mm single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube with a hard-anodized black finish. The scope is fogproof, waterproof, and shockproof. 

This scope also holds its zero like there’s no tomorrow. It easily endures repetitive harsh recoil, as well as accidental bumps from the side, top, and front without moving even a wiggle. 

Turrets

The Razor HD Gen II features L-TEC turrets, which are some of the best in the industry. These turrets conveniently lock into place to prevent accidental adjustments. 

As a bonus, the turrets also have convenient visual rotation indicators, so keeping track of your revolutions couldn’t be easier. These turrets let us have 100% confidence in our adjustments, no matter how many we had to dial in.  

Mounting and Rings

To mount the Vortex Razor HD Gen II, you’ll need a set of 34mm scope rings. We love the rings from Badger Ordnance. 

Is It Worth It?

Vortex is the only brand of scope that has been used by at least 15% of the circuit’s top shooters every year since the PRS first kicked off. As a staple of the series since 2012, the Razor HD Gen II is a proven performer and several top shooters swear by this model.

Features:

• 6x zoom range.
• Locking turrets with visual rotation indicators. 
• Side parallax adjustment. 
• ED glass.
• Fully multi-coated lenses. 
• FFP reticle. 
• Fast focus eyepiece. 
• Micro Adjust Zero Setting.
• Locking side illumination. 
• Vortex VIP warranty. 

Summary

If you want to use the scope the top PRS shooters run, this is it. This one comes with a fairly hefty price tag, but we sincerely believe this one is worth every penny. 

Pros

• Stunning image quality. 
• Durable construction.
• Detailed, yet easy-to-use reticle. 
• Locking turrets with visual rotation indicators. 

Cons

• Expensive. 

Conclusion

Our top pick for PRS shooting is the NightForce NX8. It provides plenty of top-notch features at a price point that won’t break the bank. 

For novice competitors, especially those on a shoestring budget, the Burris XTR2 makes a great entry-level optic. 

However, if you’ve got some cash to burn, the Vortex Razor HD Gen II is one of the absolute best scopes for PRS that money can buy.