5 Best Scopes for Remington 700

1. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40

Best for general hunting and lightweight setups

The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 offers a combination of modest weight, practical magnification, and generous eye relief. Its specifications make it a suitable option for Remington 700 owners looking for a conventional variable-power riflescope.

Why Choose It

This scope has a familiar 3-9x magnification range and a 40mm objective lens. Its relatively low weight can help keep a rifle easier to carry, while the Duplex reticle offers a simple aiming reference without a complicated arrangement of markings.

Key Features

• Magnification: 3-9x

• Objective lens: 40mm

• Tube diameter: 1 inch

• Weight: 12.2 oz

• Eye relief: 4.2 inches at low magnification, 3.7 inches at high magnification

• Reticle: Duplex, second focal plane

• Adjustment: 1/4 MOA per click

• Fixed parallax: 150 yards

• Waterproof and fogproof construction

What These Features Mean in Real Use

The 3-9x magnification range provides a flexible viewing experience for different environments. Lower magnification offers a wider field of view, while higher magnification makes distant objects appear larger. The 40mm objective lens balances light collection with a manageable overall size.

The 4.2-inch eye relief at low magnification gives the shooter some flexibility in positioning the scope. Its second focal plane reticle maintains the same apparent size as magnification changes, although the reticle’s subtensions are calibrated for a specific setting.

Leupold’s manufacturer specifications list a 1-inch tube and a 12.2-ounce weight, which can be useful when considering mounting hardware and the overall balance of the rifle.

Trade-Offs

The fixed parallax setting and lack of side focus limit adjustment options for users who need to account for parallax at different distances. It also does not have an illuminated reticle in the standard Duplex configuration.

Pros

• Lightweight construction

• Generous eye relief

• Simple Duplex reticle

• Waterproof and fogproof design

• Familiar 3-9x magnification range

Cons

• No adjustable parallax

• No illumination in the standard model

• Limited magnification compared with higher-power scopes

Decision Summary

Best if: you want a lightweight, conventional riflescope with practical magnification and simple controls.

Consider another option if: you need adjustable parallax, illumination, or a more specialized reticle.

2. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40

Best for versatile, general-purpose use

The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 is a conventional variable-power riflescope with fully multi-coated lenses, a fast-focus eyepiece, and resettable MOA turrets. Its combination of familiar features makes it a practical option for Remington 700 owners comparing straightforward optical configurations.

Why Choose It

The Crossfire II is available with different reticle configurations, including V-Plex and Dead-Hold BDC, depending on the model. This gives buyers the opportunity to select an aiming reference that matches their preferences.

Key Features

• Magnification: 3-9x

• Objective lens: 40mm

• Tube diameter: 1 inch

• Reticle: V-Plex or Dead-Hold BDC, depending on configuration

• Fully multi-coated lenses

• Fast-focus eyepiece

• Resettable MOA turrets

• Waterproof and fogproof construction

What These Features Mean in Real Use

The variable magnification allows the user to change the apparent size of distant objects while maintaining the flexibility of lower magnification. The fully multi-coated lenses are designed to improve light transmission and reduce unwanted reflections.

The fast-focus eyepiece helps adjust the reticle’s sharpness to suit the user’s eyesight. Meanwhile, the resettable turrets make it possible to return adjustment indicators to a preferred reference after initial setup.

The V-Plex reticle provides a straightforward crosshair layout. In contrast, the Dead-Hold BDC version includes additional aiming references, although the relationship between those markings and actual bullet trajectories depends on the rifle’s specific setup. Vortex lists the Crossfire II as a hunting-oriented model with a 1-inch tube and a lifetime VIP warranty.

Trade-Offs

The Crossfire II uses a fixed parallax setting, which limits its flexibility for applications that require adjustable focus. Its capped turrets also prioritize protection against accidental changes rather than frequent external adjustments.

Pros

• Fully multi-coated optics

• Multiple reticle configurations

• Fast-focus eyepiece

• Resettable turrets

• Lifetime VIP warranty

Cons

• Fixed parallax

• No side-focus adjustment

• Basic turret configuration

• Reticle options vary by model

Decision Summary

Best if: you want a conventional riflescope with straightforward controls and a choice of reticle styles.

Consider another option if: you need adjustable parallax or frequently use exposed adjustment turrets.

3. Vortex Diamondback Tactical 3-9×40

Best for MOA-based adjustments and target observation

The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 3-9×40 differs from traditional hunting-oriented scopes through its tactical-style turrets and MOA-based reticle. It may appeal to Remington 700 owners who prefer a more technical adjustment system and want clear reticle references.

Why Choose It

This configuration features the VMR-1 MOA reticle and tactical turrets. Its design offers a more adjustment-focused experience than a conventional scope with capped turrets, while retaining the familiar 3-9x magnification range.

Key Features

• Magnification: 3-9x

• Objective lens: 40mm

• Tube diameter: 1 inch

• Reticle: VMR-1 MOA, second focal plane

• Eye relief: 3.9 inches

• Field of view: 33.7–11.3 feet at 100 yards

• Adjustment: 1/4 MOA per click

• Maximum elevation adjustment: 80 MOA

• Weight: 15.9 oz

• Fixed parallax: 100 yards

What These Features Mean in Real Use

The VMR-1 MOA reticle incorporates measurement references that can help users understand angular adjustments and evaluate the position of objects within the field of view. As a second focal plane reticle, its subtensions are accurate at the manufacturer’s specified magnification.

The tactical turrets provide external adjustment controls, making the configuration distinct from scopes with protected capped turrets. The 3-9x magnification offers a balance between a broad field of view at low power and increased image size at higher power.

The scope’s 80 MOA maximum adjustment range and 1/4 MOA click value are manufacturer-listed specifications. Its fixed 100-yard parallax setting should also be taken into account when assessing its intended use.

Trade-Offs

At 15.9 ounces, the Diamondback Tactical is heavier than some conventional 3-9×40 scopes. Its tactical adjustment features may also be unnecessary for users who prefer a simple hunting-oriented configuration.

Pros

• MOA-based reticle

• Tactical-style turrets

• 1/4 MOA adjustment increments

• Broad adjustment range

• Familiar magnification range

Cons

• Heavier than some comparable scopes

• Fixed parallax

• No illumination in this configuration

• Tactical features may be unnecessary for basic use

Decision Summary

Best if: you prefer MOA references and external tactical-style adjustment controls.

Consider another option if: you prioritize lower weight, capped turrets, or a simpler reticle.

4. Burris Fullfield 3-12×42

Best for a wider magnification range

The Burris Fullfield 3-12×42 provides a broader magnification range than conventional 3-9×40 scopes. It is worth considering for Remington 700 owners who want the option to increase magnification while retaining a relatively compact optic.

Why Choose It

The 3-12x magnification range provides more flexibility when viewing objects at different distances. Its 42mm objective lens and Ballistic E3 or Plex reticle options, depending on configuration, give buyers alternatives for their preferred viewing and aiming experience.

Key Features

• Magnification: 3-12x

• Objective lens: 42mm

• Tube diameter: 1 inch

• Focal plane: Second focal plane

• Reticle: Ballistic E3 or Plex, depending on model

• Eye relief: 3.9–4.2 inches

• Adjustment: 1/4 MOA per click

• Maximum elevation and windage adjustment: 72 MOA

• Weight: 14.7 oz

• Length: 11.1 inches

• Fixed parallax: 100 yards

What These Features Mean in Real Use

The additional magnification provides a larger range of viewing options than a 3-9x scope. At 3x, the scope offers a wider field of view, while 12x makes distant objects appear larger. However, higher magnification also narrows the field of view and makes maintaining a steady image more demanding.

The 42mm objective lens provides a moderate balance between light collection and scope size. The second focal plane reticle remains visually consistent in size as magnification changes, while its calibrated references apply at the appropriate magnification.

Burris lists a 1-inch main tube, capped turrets, and a fixed 100-yard parallax setting for this model. These specifications help buyers assess its mounting and adjustment requirements before purchasing.

Trade-Offs

The 3-12x magnification range offers flexibility, but the higher setting may not be necessary for every application. The fixed parallax setting also limits adjustment options, and the scope is heavier than some lightweight 3-9×40 models.

Pros

• Wider 3-12x magnification range

• 42mm objective lens

• Multiple reticle options

• Capped adjustment turrets

• Compact 11.1-inch length

Cons

• No adjustable parallax

• Heavier than some conventional hunting scopes

• No illumination in the listed configurations

• Narrower field of view at maximum magnification

Decision Summary

Best if: you want more magnification flexibility than a standard 3-9x scope offers.

Consider another option if: you prioritize minimal weight or require adjustable parallax.

5. Bushnell R3 3-9×40

Best for protective lens coatings and outdoor conditions

The Bushnell R3 3-9×40 combines conventional magnification with fully multi-coated optics and EXO Barrier lens protection. Its waterproof construction and choice of reticles make it another option to consider when comparing scopes for a Remington 700.

Why Choose It

The R3 features a one-piece 1-inch tube, capped turrets, and protective lens coatings intended to repel water, oil, dust, and debris. It is offered with different reticle configurations, including Multi-X and DOA Quick Ballistic, depending on the specific version.

Key Features

• Magnification: 3-9x

• Objective lens: 40mm

• Tube diameter: 1 inch

• Weight: 14.6 oz

• Reticle: Multi-X or DOA Quick Ballistic, depending on configuration

• Eye relief: Varies by version, up to 4.5 inches

• Adjustment: 1/4 MOA per click

• Maximum elevation and windage adjustment: 65 MOA

• IPX7 waterproof rating

• EXO Barrier lens protection

• Second focal plane

What These Features Mean in Real Use

The 3-9x magnification provides a familiar variable-power viewing range, while the 40mm objective lens maintains a conventional scope profile. The fully multi-coated optics are designed to support light transmission and image clarity.

Bushnell’s EXO Barrier coating is intended to help keep exterior lens surfaces clearer by repelling moisture and debris. This can reduce the inconvenience of cleaning exposed lenses in changing outdoor conditions.

The IPX7 waterproof rating indicates a specified level of protection against water ingress. Its capped turrets help protect adjustment controls, while the available reticles provide different visual layouts for users to compare. Bushnell lists a 14.6-ounce weight and a 1-inch tube for the R3 3-9×40.

Trade-Offs

The R3 does not have adjustable parallax in the listed configuration. Its weight is also higher than some lightweight 3-9×40 alternatives. Buyers should check the exact reticle and eye-relief specifications, as these vary between versions.

Pros

• EXO Barrier lens protection

• Fully multi-coated optics

• IPX7 waterproof construction

• Multiple reticle options

• Capped turrets

Cons

• Fixed parallax

• Heavier than some alternatives

• No side-focus adjustment

• Reticle and eye-relief specifications vary by version

Decision Summary

Best if: you want protective exterior lens coatings and waterproof construction in a conventional 3-9×40 scope.

Consider another option if: you need adjustable parallax, a lighter configuration, or more specialized adjustment features.