Are you looking for the 7 Best scopes for 30-06 Remington 700? You’re at the right place. The .30-06 Remington 700 is a legendary rifle, renowned for its accuracy, versatility, and reliability in both hunting and shooting applications. To unlock its full potential, pairing it with the right scope is essential.
The 7 Best scopes for 30-06 Remington 700 are those that combine high-quality optics, durable construction, and features tailored to meet the needs of hunters and long-range shooters alike. From rugged hunting scopes built to withstand harsh environments to precision optics designed for pinpoint accuracy at extended ranges, today’s top choices offer a balance of performance, clarity, and value.
7 Best scopes for 30-06 Remington 700
1. Leupold Mark 4HD 1-4.5×24 Riflescope
The Leupold Mark 4HD 1-4.5×24 Riflescope is one of the top optic choices for pairing with a .30-06 Remington 700, especially for hunters and tactical shooters who value fast target acquisition and reliability in demanding environments. Built with Leupold’s renowned durability and clarity, this scope is designed to excel in close-to mid-range shooting while holding up to the recoil and rugged use that the .30-06 is known for.
One of its standout features is Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System, which provides exceptional light transmission. This system ensures that you get bright, clear images even in difficult lighting conditions, such as dawn, dusk, or heavy glare.
The industry-leading glare reduction makes it possible to acquire targets quickly even when the sun is at its harshest angle, while its superior resolution guarantees crisp visuals that meet the needs of professional shooters and guides in the field.
The scope utilizes a Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle, meaning the reticle remains the same size throughout the magnification range. For hunters, this is an advantage because it allows for a consistent sight picture regardless of zoom level, which is particularly beneficial in low-light scenarios or when you don’t require complex holdover marks.
Combined with a magnification range of 1-4.5x, it strikes the perfect balance between rapid close-range performance and enough magnification to stretch shots out to medium ranges with precision.
Another key feature is Leupold’s Motion Sensor Technology (MST). This intelligent system conserves battery life by automatically turning off the illuminated reticle after five minutes of inactivity and reactivating it the moment movement is detected. This ensures that the scope is always ready when you need it, without constant manual adjustments.
In terms of durability, the Mark 4HD is 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, making it an optic that can handle adverse weather and the stout recoil of the .30-06.
Pros
- Professional-Grade Optical System
- SFP reticle offers a consistent sight picture and is ideal for low-light hunting.
- Motion Sensor Technology
- Compact and versatile 1-4.5x magnification range
- Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof
Cons
- Limited magnification
2. Nightforce Benchrest NF 8-32X56mm F2
The Nightforce Benchrest NF 8-32x56mm F2 is a precision optic built for shooters who demand extreme accuracy from their .30-06 Remington 700 at extended ranges. Known for its superior resolution, rugged construction, and exceptional tracking reliability, this riflescope is designed to meet the needs of long-range hunters and competitive shooters alike.
Its large magnification range and 56mm objective lens make it an outstanding choice for those who regularly stretch their shots well past typical hunting distances.
At the heart of this model are its 56mm multi-coated lenses, which deliver superior resolution and the ability to distinguish fine details at extreme distances. This optical clarity makes it much easier to identify targets and their surroundings, even under challenging light conditions. For those engaging in long-range shooting, such resolution is indispensable.
The scope includes an adjustable objective, which allows parallax correction from as close as 25 yards to infinity. This ensures sharp focus and reduced aiming error across all ranges. Additionally, the target turrets are calibrated in true .125 MOA (1/8 click) adjustments, offering shooters the precision necessary for fine-tuned accuracy. These turrets can also be re-indexed to zero after sighting in, a valuable feature for repeatable performance.
Another hallmark of the Nightforce Benchrest series is its coil spring plunger return system, designed to maximize tracking accuracy. This ensures that adjustments hold, shot after shot, which is critical for long-range consistency.
The fast-focus eyepiece provides quick reticle adjustments, while the glass-etched illuminated reticle enhances contrast, making aiming precise in virtually any lighting condition.
Equipped with the NP-R2 reticle, the scope features 2 MOA elevation and 5 MOA windage increments. This reticle design allows for multiple hold points and effective rangefinding, making it ideal for long-range big-game hunting and precision target shooting.
Pros
- 56mm multi-coated lenses deliver superior resolution and detail at extreme ranges.
- Adjustable objective for parallax correction from 25 yards to infinity.
- Precision .125 MOA turrets allow.
- Coil spring plunger system ensures reliable tracking accuracy.
- Glass-etched illuminated NP-R2 reticle
- Wide 8-32x magnification range ideal for long-range shooting.
Cons
- Heavy
3. Vortex Optics Viper HD Second Focal Plane Scopes
The Vortex Optics Viper HD 5-25×50 Second Focal Plane Scope is a versatile, long-range optic that pairs exceptionally well with the .30-06 Remington 700. Designed to withstand rugged field conditions while delivering precise, repeatable performance, it combines Vortex’s well-known durability with advanced optical technology.
Built on a robust 30mm tube, this scope is engineered for hunters and shooters who demand precision at extended distances.
One of its standout features is the HD Optical System, which uses select glass elements to cut chromatic aberration, enhance color fidelity, and provide excellent edge-to-edge sharpness. This results in superior resolution and light transmission, ensuring clarity in both bright daylight and low-light conditions.
The fine subtensions of the VMR-3 reticle maximize long-range capabilities, enabling accurate holdovers, windage corrections, and range estimation, while the illuminated center enhances visibility in dim light.
The scope is also equipped with a fast-focus eyepiece for quick reticle adjustments and a side parallax knob, allowing shooters to dial in accuracy without breaking their shooting position. The exposed locking elevation turret features the RevStop Zero System, making it easy to return to zero after dialing for distance, while the capped windage turret prevents accidental adjustments in the field.
Durability is another strength of the Viper HD. With Armortek coatings protecting the lenses from scratches, dirt, and oil, and a rugged construction that is shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof, the scope is designed to handle the recoil of the .30-06 and adverse outdoor conditions.
To top it off, it’s backed by Vortex’s unlimited, unconditional, fully transferable VIP Warranty, ensuring lifelong support for your optic.
Pros
- HD Optical System delivers excellent resolution, color fidelity, and low-light performance.
- VMR-3 reticle enhances long-range shooting
- RevStop Zero System ensures fast, reliable return to zero.
- Shockproof, fogproof, waterproof, with Armortek lens protection.
- Side parallax adjustment and fast-focus eyepiece improve ease of use.
Cons
- Pricey
4. Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24X50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 First Focal Plane Riflescope is a feature-rich optic that offers impressive performance at a budget-friendly price, making it an excellent pairing with the .30-06 Remington 700. Designed for hunters and long-range shooters who need both reliability and precision, this scope combines modern optical technology with rugged construction to meet the demands of the field.
At the core of the Argos BTR GEN2 is its First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle, which grows and shrinks along with your target as you zoom in or out. This ensures that holdovers, range estimation, and windage corrections remain accurate at every magnification setting, an essential feature for long-range applications.
The magnification range of 6-24x offers versatility, allowing you to shoot from mid-range out to extreme distances with confidence.
The fully multicoated optics enhance image brightness and clarity by reducing reflected light and maximizing light transmission. This means clearer visuals, sharper details, and better color fidelity, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
Combined with parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity, the scope ensures precise focusing across a wide range of distances.
Athlon also equips this model with a Precision Zero Stop system, enabling you to lock down your zero and return to it instantly, even in pitch darkness or when operating without looking. This is a practical advantage for hunters and shooters who frequently dial for elevation in changing conditions. With 0.1 MIL click values and 18 MIL of total adjustment, the turrets provide fine-tuned control for accurate shooting at long ranges.
Durability is another strong point. The Argos BTR GEN2 is waterproof, ensuring it stands up to rain, snow, or accidental submersion. It’s purpose-built for hunting and rugged outdoor use, making it a dependable choice in harsh environments. Athlon includes an instruction manual, simplifying setup and adjustment for users of all experience levels.
Pros
- First Focal Plane reticle maintains accuracy at all magnifications.
- Wide 6-24x magnification range for mid- to long-range shooting.
- Fully multicoated optics provide clear, bright, and sharp images.
- Precision Zero Stop system ensures fast, reliable return to zero.
- Fine 0.1 MIL adjustments with 18 MIL total elevation/windage travel.
- Waterproof and built for tough outdoor conditions.
- Affordable price point compared to similar-featured scopes.
Cons
- Heavy
5. Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Side Focus Riflescope
The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Side Focus Riflescope is an outstanding optic for the .30-06 Remington 700, offering a combination of precision, versatility, and rugged dependability. With its wide magnification range and premium optical features, it’s built for hunters and shooters who demand clarity, accuracy, and reliability in the field.
At the heart of this model is Leupold’s CDS-ZL2 (ZeroLock 2) system, which provides two revolutions of elevation adjustment while eliminating accidental dial movement. The push-button ZeroLock feature ensures that your adjustments stay locked in place, giving peace of mind when moving through dense brush or rugged terrain.
It also incorporates Leupold’s award-winning Custom Dial System (CDS), which allows shooters to order a custom laser-marked bullet-drop dial tailored to their specific ballistics and environmental conditions, making long-range shooting far more intuitive and accurate.
The optical performance is equally impressive. With high-definition lenses and Leupold’s Guard-ion hydrophobic coating, the scope delivers exceptional clarity and sharpness at all magnification levels while resisting dirt, fingerprints, and water for a crisp, maintenance-free view.
These features are particularly valuable during hunts in wet or dusty environments where clear glass is essential for quick, confident shots.
The side focus parallax adjustment enhances versatility by allowing shooters to fine-tune parallax from various shooting positions quickly and easily. Combined with the 3-15x magnification range, the VX-5HD is well-suited for both close-to-medium hunting distances and long-range shots, giving it excellent adaptability for the wide-ranging capabilities of the .30-06.
Durability rounds out the package. Designed, machined, and assembled in the USA, this scope is 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring it can handle the recoil of the .30-06 and survive the harshest hunting conditions.
Pros
- CDS-ZL2 system prevents accidental dial movement with secure ZeroLock.
- Custom Dial System (CDS) allows a ballistic-specific dial for precise long-range shots.
- Guard-ion hydrophobic lens coating keeps lenses clear and low-maintenance.
- High-definition lenses provide superb clarity and resolution.
- Side focus parallax adjustment for quick, precise focusing.
- Wide 3-15x magnification range suitable for close to long-range shooting.
- Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, and USA-made with lifetime support.
Cons
- Slightly heavy
6. Burris 3-9 x 40mm Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Rifle Scope
The Burris 3-9x40mm Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Rifle Scope is a time-tested option that pairs exceptionally well with the .30-06 Remington 700, offering hunters and shooters reliable performance and durability.
Designed with Burris’s reputation for rugged optics, this scope is simple yet effective, providing clear glass, a practical magnification range, and features that make it highly functional for big game hunting and long-range shooting.
One of the standout features is the 3-9x magnification combined with a 40mm objective lens, which strikes the perfect balance between light transmission and portability. This makes it suitable for hunting in various conditions, from open fields to dense woods.
The Ballistic Plex reticle is another strong point, providing an uncluttered design that helps shooters quickly compensate for bullet drop without overwhelming the sight picture. With a field of view ranging from 33 feet at low magnification to 13 feet at high, target acquisition remains fast and intuitive.
In terms of adjustments, the scope features a 1/4 MOA click value with an adjustment range of 50 MOA, giving shooters plenty of flexibility for zeroing at different ranges. The eye relief of 3.1–3.8 inches offers comfort and safety, especially when mounted on the recoil-heavy .30-06 platform.
At 12.2 inches long and weighing just 13 ounces, it is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for long treks in the field without adding unnecessary bulk.
Durability is a key highlight, with Burris backing this optic with a lifetime warranty, ensuring long-term confidence and peace of mind. The scope is built to withstand recoil, rough handling, and changing weather conditions, making it a reliable companion for hunters who demand consistent performance.
Pros
- Excellent balance of magnification (3-9x) for versatile hunting applications
- Ballistic Plex reticle simplifies long-range compensation
- Lightweight and compact design (13 ounces, 12.2 inches long)
- Generous adjustment range (50 MOA) and precise 1/4 MOA clicks
- Comfortable eye relief (3.1–3.8 inches) suitable for .30-06 recoil
- Covered by Burris’s lifetime warranty
Cons
- Lacks advanced features such as an illuminated reticle
7. ATN X-Sight Pro Smart Day/Night Hunting Scope
The ATN X-Sight Pro Smart Day/Night Hunting Scope is a high-tech option for the .30-06 Remington 700, designed to push the limits of what a riflescope can do. Built with an Ultra HD 4K sensor powered by the Obsidian 4 dual-core processor, this optic delivers exceptional image quality, vibrant color reproduction, and faster optics performance.
A standout feature is its ballistic calculator, which factors in range, wind, angle, temperature, humidity, and more to provide exact ballistics for confident long-range shooting. This ensures hunters make responsible, accurate shots with minimal guesswork.
The inclusion of Recoil Activated Video (RAV) adds to this reliability, as the scope automatically records before and after every shot, allowing hunters to relive and review their hunts without manual activation.
The X-Sight Pro also excels in its night vision mode, enabling clear visibility in low-light and complete darkness, an essential feature for those who hunt nocturnal game. Coupled with its dual-stream video recording, users can live-stream their hunts to a mobile device in HD while simultaneously recording directly onto an SD card, offering both convenience and shareability.
Another major advantage is its ultra-low power profile, providing more than 18 hours of continuous operation, ensuring that the scope lasts through long days and nights in the field. Its wide operating temperature range makes it dependable across diverse climates and environments, from freezing winter hunts to scorching desert outings.
Durability is complemented by practicality, as the scope comes with 30mm standard rings and an IR illuminator for improved nighttime performance. Altogether, this optic blends modern smart technology with hunting tradition, making it a powerful choice for hunters who want cutting-edge features paired with the reliability of the Remington 700 in .30-06.
Pros
- Ultra HD 4K sensor with Obsidian 4 dual-core processor for sharp, vivid images.
- Ballistic calculator accounts for multiple environmental variables for precision shots.
- Dual-stream video recording and RAV for seamless hunt documentation.
- Enhanced HD night vision mode for reliable nighttime hunting.
- 18+ hours of battery life ensure lasting performance in the field.
- Wide operating temperature range (-20°F to +120°F).
- Includes IR illuminator and 30mm standard rings.
Cons
- Requires battery management despite low power profile.
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What to consider when choosing the 7 Best scopes for 30-06 Remington 700
Magnification
The 7 Best scopes for 30-06 Remington 700 a versatile rifle capable of both medium- and long-range shooting, so selecting the right magnification range is crucial. A 3-9x scope is ideal for most hunting scenarios, offering a balance between a wide field of view for close encounters and enough zoom for precision shots at longer distances.
Reticle Design
The reticle should match the shooter’s intended use. Traditional hunters may prefer simple duplex or ballistic plex reticles for quick target acquisition, while long-range shooters may benefit from advanced reticles with holdover points or illuminated options for low-light conditions. A well-designed reticle can significantly improve accuracy and confidence in the field.
Optical Clarity
Clear, bright optics are essential for taking accurate shots in various lighting conditions. High-quality glass with fully multi-coated lenses ensures maximum light transmission, sharp images, and reduced glare. This becomes particularly important when hunting during dawn or dusk, which are peak activity times for many game animals.
Durability
The 7 Best scopes for 30-06 Remington 700 must withstand recoil and harsh outdoor conditions. Look for scopes that are shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof to ensure reliable performance in rain, snow, or extreme temperatures. A rugged, durable build ensures the scope can handle the field as well as the power of the .30-06 cartridge.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is a critical factor for both safety and comfort. The .30-06 has notable recoil, so choosing a scope with at least 3–4 inches of eye relief prevents scope bite while maintaining a comfortable shooting position. This is especially important for extended shooting sessions or when hunting in challenging positions.
FAQs of the 7 Best scopes for 30-06 Remington 700
- What magnification range is best for a .30-06 Remington 700?
A versatile magnification range such as 3-9x is sufficient for most hunting applications, offering a wide field of view and enough zoom for medium-range shots. For long-range shooting or precision hunting, higher magnification scopes like 4-16x, 6-24x, or even 8-32x provide greater accuracy and detail.
- Are first focal plane (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP) scopes better for a .30-06?
It depends on your needs. FFP scopes keep reticle proportions consistent across magnification, making them excellent for long-range shooting and tactical applications. SFP scopes, on the other hand, keep the reticle size fixed, which many hunters prefer for simplicity and clearer sight pictures at lower magnification.
- How important is durability in a .30-06 scope?
Very important. The .30-06 produces significant recoil, so the scope must be shockproof to maintain zero. Waterproofing and fog-proofing are also essential for use in challenging weather conditions. A durable scope ensures reliable performance across different terrains and environments.
- Do I need advanced features like ballistic calculators or night vision?
Not always. For traditional hunting, a reliable scope with good glass, a practical reticle, and solid adjustments is usually enough. However, advanced features like ballistic calculators, illuminated reticles, or night vision can significantly enhance performance, especially for long-range shooters or those who hunt in low-light or nocturnal conditions.
Conclusion
Choosing the 7 Best scopes for 30-06 Remington 700 ultimately comes down to matching the optic’s features with your shooting style and goals. Whether you prioritize long-range accuracy, low-light performance, or cutting-edge technology like ballistic calculators and night vision, there is a scope designed to enhance your shooting experience.
A well-chosen scope doesn’t just complement the .30-06 Remington 700 it transforms it into a precision tool capable of handling any challenge in the field.