You have a great and reliable rifle, the Remington 700. Now, what to do about the optics? What kind of rifle scope should you get?
The same as for other firearms, there’s a myriad of scopes out there that should work well for this rifle. You’ll find our curated list of the best scopes for Remington 700 below so you don’t have to grind through reviews, feedback, tests yourself. We’ve taken care of that for you and spent countless hours compiling this list and picking the top candidates.
The Remington 700 is a classic bolt action rifle, serving as the preferred choice for many generations of hunters over the years. First released in 1962, the manually operated bolt action rifle has become known for its accuracy and dependability.
The only drawback is trying to find the best scope for Remington 700 models. Scopes come in a vast array of styles with dozens of features to compare. If you want to maintain accuracy at several hundred yards, use the following buying guide and reviews.
What Are the Basics of a Remington 700?
The Remington 700 is a versatile rifle, available in a wide variety of calibers, barrels, and stocks to suit different uses.
No matter which version of this popular rifle you purchase, it features a centerfire bolt action, requiring manual operation by hand. However, many variations and magazine configurations exist for the Remington 700.
The caliber of the Remington 700 determines the capacity of the magazine. You may have a magazine capacity of three, four, or five rounds.
Most hunters choose the .308 caliber or .270 caliber for their Remington 700. Both options are suitable for almost any mid-sized game in North America.
The Remington 700 is primarily used as a long-range rifle, but it does not come fitted with a scope.
This rifle can put a shot through a target at 1000 yards. However, when hunting, you are most likely dealing with a range of 300 to 500 yards or less. Magnification helps at that distance, but it is not the only feature to consider when you’re looking for the best scope for Remington 700 rifles.
Glass Quality, Light Transmission, and Lens Diameter
You also need to think about glass quality, light transmission, the field of view, objective lens size, turrets, reticles, and more when you’re looking for the best scope for Remington 700 rifles.
Glass quality affects the clarity of the image. This is one of the most important features to consider and most difficult to determine without first-hand testing.
Typically, the highest-quality glass comes from Europe or Japan. Good glass also tends to have multi-coating to reduce glare and control light transmission, blocking unwanted light to increase sharpness.
Objective lens size also impacts light transmission. With a larger lens, the scope gathers more light and creates a brighter image. This is useful in low-light settings, such as hunting at dawn or dusk. Forty millimeters to 56 mm is a good range of sizes, depending on the magnification and shooting distance.
Field of View, Reticles, and Turrets
The field of view (FOV) impacts what you can see through the scope. With a limited FOV, it becomes difficult to track movement. The FOV also decreases as you increase the magnification. As mentioned above the Remington 700 is a great choice for long-range hunting and shooting. Therefore, you’ll need a scope with a large objective lens and scope tube to have sufficient FoV at long distances.
Most hunting scopes feature fixed turrets. For tactical shooting, some shooters enjoy the flexibility of tactical turrets. These turrets allow you to adjust for parallax, windage, or elevation as needed.
Some scopes provide a variety of reticles to choose from. A simple duplex reticle works well for long-range hunting while you may prefer the MIL or MOA reticles for tactical shooting. The MIL and MOA reticles allow for precise adjustments on the best scope for Remington 700 rifles.
Fully Multi-Coated Lenses
The lens coating is another consideration when you’re figuring out the best scope for Remington 700 rifles. Most Remington 700 scopes feature some type of coating to help protect against fogging.
Most manufacturers use their own proprietary chemical lens coatings. You’ll often find fully multi-coated lenses in high-quality scopes. This typically means that the lenses are coated in multiple layers to make them fog-proof as well as improve light transmission. Many fully multi-coated lenses also have anti-glare capabilities which make it easier to use the scope in bright sunlight.
This is an important feature when hunting, as the cold early morning air makes it easier to fog up the lens. Argon and nitrogen-filled scopes keep the lens fog-free but also increase the cost of the scope.
Of course, you also need to take a closer look at the magnification power of the scope to make sure it’s a good fit for your shooting with a Remington 700.
Check out our recommendations on the best scopes for the Winchester 270!
What Magnification Do You Need for a Remington 700?
Magnification is an important factor when choosing the best rifle scope for Remington 700 rifles. The magnification depends on the type of shooting, including the target and the range.
What ranges does the Remington 700 work best?
A higher magnification helps bring your target closer, but also limits your field of view, making it harder to track. Too much magnification also decreases your accuracy for long-range hunting. Experienced marksmen will tell you that anything over 20x on the Remington 700 is excessive. – Is that true also for the AR-15? What are the magnifications you need for the AR?
Long-Range Scopes for over 500 Yards
For long-range shooting at ranges over 500 yards, most people should find the accuracy and clarity needed with a 9x to 12x scope. – Check out the best scopes for 500 yards here.
Medium-Range Scopes
Medium-range shooting does not require as much magnification. A 5x to 9x scope should provide more precision without severely restricting your field of view. When shooting 250 yards or under, 1x to 3x magnification is all you need.
Basically, 3x up to 20x should meet your needs for most situations.
Fixed or Variable Scope?
You may also want to consider the pros and cons of fixed versus variable scopes. With a fixed power scope, you have fewer moving parts, making the scope more rugged and durable.
Fixed scopes are also typically cheaper, lighter, and smaller. However, you may need to bring a pair of power binoculars for spotting, as the scope provides a fixed magnification setting.
A variable scope provides more flexibility to adjust the magnification based on the circumstances. With a 3-9x or 4-12x scope, you have the versatility needed for shooting at almost any distance.
Variable scopes also tend to cost more, weigh more, and provide a limited FOV at higher magnifications.
In the end, the right magnification depends on the target and the range. For competition or tactical shooting, you may prefer a fixed power scope, like the SWFA SS 10×42 fixed sniper scope, suited to your typical range. A variable scope gives you more versatility, allowing you to select the magnification based on the distance of the target.
Limiting your budget to $500? Find the best scopes in that price range!
What Are the Best Scopes for the Remington 700?
Based on the details discussed, the following six options stand out as the top choices for the Remington 700.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x50mm
The VX-Freedom from Leupold offers the best overall value for your money. It is a reasonably priced scope with several great features, including a durable design made from aircraft quality aluminum.
Check out the history of riflescopes and their use by sharpshooters!
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x50mm scope also has waterproof and fog-proof coatings, making it suited for use in almost any environment. Leupold uses nitrogen to purge the lenses of fogging and a proprietary coating to maximize light transmission.
The Twilight Light Management System is the proprietary coating, helping to improve the vibrancy of colors and the contrast of shadows during low-light hours. When hunting at dawn or dusk, the increased clarity becomes incredibly helpful.
With the 3-9x50mm version, you receive a 3x to 9x magnification range with a large 50mm objective lens. Thanks to the ergonomic power selector, adjusting the magnification is quick and easy.
Leupold positioned the reticle on the VX-Freedom on the second focal plane. The scope has an eye relief of 3.66 to 4.17 inches. Elevation and windage can be adjusted by 60 MOA.
The magnification range and advanced coating technology help make the Leupold VX-Freedom a top recommendation for medium-range hunting at up to 300 yards.
Pros
- The superior coating improves clarity
- Offers a wide 33.7-foot FOV at 100 yards
- Includes a durable design
Cons
- May not offer enough magnification for longer ranges
Overall, the Leupold VX-Freedom is a great buy, featuring top-end components at a reasonable price. The highest magnification is on the lower end of the scale for these variable rifle scopes, but still offers enough power for zeroing in on targets at up to 300 yards.
Another outstanding great scope from Leupold for hunting is the VX-5HD. Have a look at our review!
Click here to find more of our Leupold red dot sight and rifle scope reviews!
Nikon Black FX1000 6-24x50mm
If you want a variable scope with greater magnification, the Nikon Black FX1000 stands out as a top choice. It offers 6x to 24x magnification, high-speed turrets, and side-mounted illumination control.
Here are our recommendations when you’re looking for a great scope under $300!
Most of the features of the Nikon Black FX1000 6-24x50mm should appeal to tactical shooters, most of all that the scope is having a first focal plane reticle. The scope includes a quick-focus eyepiece while the tactical turrets are clearly marked and include return-to-zero integral zero-stop. Unfortunately, it may take several tries to properly set the zero stop.
You also get waterproofing and fog-proofing. The FX1000 has an O-ring seal and undergoes nitrogen gas purging. It also comes equipped with either an FX-MOA or FX-MRAD reticle, both of which include clear markings for range estimates and compensation for wind drift and bullet drop.
The reticle on the Nikon Black FX1000 is located on the front focal plane. The scope comes with a 3.5 – 4 inch eye relief. Windage and elevation can be adjusted by 60 MOA with the FX-MOA reticle and 17 MRAD if you choose the FX-MRAD reticle.
The field of view is a little limited, with a FOV of 18-feet at 100 yards. However, the scope provides a bright, clear image due to the quality glass and 50-millimeter objective lens.
Along with the 6-24x variable scope, the FX1000 comes in a few other power magnification ranges, including 4-12x, which may suit hunters a little better compared to the more powerful scope.
Pros
- Quality glass provides clarity
- Illuminated FX-MRAD or FX-MOA reticles
- High-speed turrets with an integral zero stop
- First focal plane reticle
Cons
- Setting the zero stop may require multiple tries
The Nikon FX1000 holds its own against some of the more expensive scopes on the market, but the zero stop feature and turrets are not the easiest to operate.
Compare the Nikon Prostaff and Buckmaster scopes here!
Looking for a high-end tactical or hunting scope? Check out the Steiner riflescopes!
Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 FFP
Vortex Optics is another trusted brand known for using high-quality glass. With the Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II, you receive a scope geared toward tactical shooting (do you need different scopes for hunting and tactical shooting?). It includes laser-etched turrets, adjustable parallax (do you need a scope with parallax adjustment?), and zero stop.
Have a look at our comparison of the Leupold VX-3HD and the Vortex Viper HST!
The fiber optic rotation indicator is a useful feature, allowing you to keep track of the turret position a little easier. It also comes with an illuminated reticle with 10 intensity levels.
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II comes either a first or second focal plane scope. The reticle is located on the front focal plane or on the back focal plane. Windage can be adjusted by 40 MOA and elevation ranges within 75 MOA.
Eye relief on the Viper PST Gen II is 3.4 inches. The field of view at 100 yards is between 41.2 and 8.6 feet depending on your magnification settings. The objective lens measures 44 mm in diameter.
As with most rifle scopes, the Vortex Viper PST Gen II has multiple lens coatings to reduce glare, improve light transmission, and protect against fogging. The scope has an O-ring seal and is argon purged.
Vortex Optics chose to use single-piece construction with aircraft-grade aluminum construction for greater durability. It is rugged and durable, yet remains lightweight, weighing just over 2.5 pounds.
While it comes in different magnifications, the 3-15x version provides a suitable range for hunting or tactical shooting. However, tactical shooters may get more use out of some of the features, such as the exposed turrets with easy-to-read elevation and windage adjustments.
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Superior image clarity and sharpness in low light
- Fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof
- Second or first focal plane (FFP) reticles available
Cons
- Light transmission decreases significantly after several hundred yards
If you want crystal clear sights with easy turret adjustment and parallax setting, the Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II delivers exceptional value.
Have a closer look at our in-depth evaluation of the Viper HST from Vortex!
Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14x42mm Ballistic Plex
The Burris Fullfield II is a budget scope that offers a surprisingly clear sight picture that puts it into the same class as the Leupold VX-Freedom. However, you will likely notice a difference if using this side-by-side with one of the higher-priced options.
What are the differences between a rimfire and centerfire scope?
This scope has several useful features, starting with the lightweight design. You should not feel a significant difference with this scope mounted on your Remington 700. It is also compact and easy to mount.
This version offers 4.5-14x magnification, a solid range that works well for medium-range and long-range shooting. It also includes the Ballistic Plex reticle designed by Burris to allow for compensation for bullet drop.
The BDC reticle is located on the rear focal plane. Eye relief on the Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14x42mm is between 3.1 and 3.8 inches and the objective lens measure 42mm in diameter.
The scope offers a field of view at 100 yards that ranges from 22 feet to 7.5 feet. Elevation and windage can be adjusted with 40 MOA.
The main issue is the integrated power/focus ring. Some shooters dislike the integrated ring as it makes it easier to lose focus when adjusting the magnification.
Pros
- Lightweight, compact design
- Incredibly affordable price
- Ballistic reticle available
Cons
- Limited clarity compared to more expensive options
- Some shooters dislike the integrated focus/power ring
The Burris Fullfield II is not the highest-end scope available. It is a low-end option for those wanting a decent scope at the lowest cost. The sight is decent but does not quite compare to the higher quality choices.
Meopta MeoPro Optika6 5-30x56mm FFP
The first focal plane (FFP) reticles, side parallax adjustment, and 30x max power help make the Meopta Optika6 5-30x56mm one of the best Remington 700 scopes for competition and tactical shooting at long range.
It includes an illuminated reticle, which is useful in low-light settings. You also get first focal plane (FFP) and tactical MOA turrets for quickly adjusting the power while keeping your target in your sights.
The Meopta Optika6 comes with a massive 34 mm scope tube and a large 56mm objective lens providing great performance in low light conditions. Eye relief on the optic is 3.94 inches. The field of view at 100 yards ranges from 24.6 to 3.6 feet. Elevation and windage adjustments range within 115.2 inches at 100 yards.
While this scope includes useful features, it does have a limitation. It features inferior glass compared to other scopes in the same price range. The MeoPro scope is made in the Czech Republic, but some of the components, including the glass, are outsourced to other countries.
The Meopta MeoPro Optika6 is a good choice for competition shooting and a great scope for a Remington 700 rifle. However, the inferior glass may become an issue for hunters, especially when hunting in less than optimal lighting conditions.
Pros
- Includes an illuminated reticle
- Features a large 56 mm objective lens
- Includes FFP reticles and side parallax adjustment
Cons
- Too many settings for some shooters
- Uses lower quality glass compared to other scopes in the same price range
The Optika6 from Meopta MeoPro has the power magnification and adjustments needed for long-range competition shooting. However, hunters may not need the parallax adjustment and MIL reticle.
Have a look at our review of the Meopta Optika6 riflescopes!
Burris Eliminator 4-16x50mm
Burris produces top-of-the-line scopes and the Eliminator is one of the company’s top products. The Burris Eliminator III features precision and accuracy that you may not get from less expensive scopes. It is also backed by a lifetime warranty and factory tested.
Hunters may appreciate a few of the details that Burris added to this scope, starting with the inclinometer. The inclinometer helps account for variations in elevation when shooting up or down steep hills.
The scope also has a laser rangefinder built into it. Use the Laserscope to increase your accuracy at greater distances, even in poor lighting.
Windage and elevation can be adjusted within 40 MOA. The field of view at 100 yards is between 26 and 7 feet.
This is also a surprisingly light scope when you consider the additional features. It weighs just 30.4 ounces and measures 15.5 inches. With the 4-16x power magnification and 50 mm lens, you get a solid scope for long-range hunting or tactical shooting.
Pros
- Includes a laser rangefinder
- The inclinometer helps improve accuracy
Cons
- Relatively expensive option
The Burris Eliminator is a major step up from the Burris Fullfield II riflescope, thanks to the superior glass and separate focus and power rings.
Have a look at all of our other Burris riflescope and RDS reviews!
Nightforce Optics 5-20×56 SHV
The Nightforce Optics 5-20×56 SHV Scope is one of the more costly options for your Remington 700 rifle. Luckily, it is worth the cost, thanks to the illuminated MOAR reticle, second focal plane (SFP), and high-end optics.
In fact, glass is the main advantage of this scope. The Nightforce gives you exceptional sharpness and contrast in almost any lighting condition. It also has a zero-stop setting 3.5-inch eye relief.
The MOAR reticle includes clear markings for fast targeting. It also has a floating center crosshair for precise aiming. The only problem you may encounter is the SFP design. Some shooters dislike the rear-focal plane reticles as the spacing only remains correct for one magnification.
Internal adjustments ranges are 50 MOA for windage and 80 MOA for elevation. The field of view @ 100 yds is 17.9 to 5 feet.
While the SFP may not appeal to everyone, the Nightforce Optics scope remains a top option for its image quality. Along with sharper images, you get less distortion, blurring, and color aberrations when increasing the magnification.
Pros
- High-quality glass for greater clarity
- Illuminated MOAR reticle
Cons
- Not everyone likes SFP scopes
Overall, the Nightforce Optics 5-20×56 SHV is the top-of-the-line option for your Remington 700, delivering greater clarity compared to most options. However, if you prefer FFP reticles, you may want to consider one of the other scopes.
Nightforce scopes made it into many of our evaluations and recommendations. Here are a few for you to check out:
– https://riflescopescenter.com/best-for-6-8-spc/#NightForce_SHV_4-1450_mm_F1_Riflescope
– https://riflescopescenter.com/best-sniper-scopes/#Nightforce_Optics_55-2221556_NXS_Riflescope
Conclusion
These seven rifle scopes provide something for everyone. Before choosing a scope, think about how you intend to use your rifle. The best scope for Remington 700 series rifles depends on the range and type of shooting.
If you plan on taking your Remington 700 hunting at short-range or medium-range, consider using one of the lower-power scopes, such as the Leupold VX-Freedom with its 3-9x power.
When you need serious magnification, the Nightforce Optics SHV remains a top choice but also costs more compared to the other choices. The Nikon Black FX1000 is no longer available but would have been a suitable alternative for those with a limited budget. However, the image quality does not match the Nightforce Optics scope.
The Burris Fullfield II is a great alternative to the Leupold optic. The Burris Eliminator IV is in a category of its own. Coming with a built-in laser rangefinder and an inclinometer makes it a very interesting choice for hunting.
Finally, the Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II is a scope that’s without a doubt on par with the Nikon optic for tactical shooting. The same is true for the Meopta Optika6 which comes with a massive zoom range and superb quality.
In the end, each scope comes with its own pros and cons. Consider where you plan on using your scope and select the one that best matches your specific needs.
