Long-range shooting has never been more popular, with a growing number of enthusiasts worldwide. Whether for the surgical precision of target shooting or ever-further distance shooting, this discipline requires equipment adapted to each discipline. At the heart of this quest for performance, two elements stand out as fundamental: a suitable rifle and, above all, a suitable long-range riflescope .
The democratization of sport shooting has seen the emergence of a particular craze for long-distance shooting. In France, the number of members of the French Shooting Federation (FFTir) is constantly increasing, rising from 170,000 in 2017 to more than 250,000 in 2025, with a significant proportion moving towards precision disciplines. Globally, competitions such as the PRS (Precision Rifle Series) attract tens of thousands of shooters, demonstrating the scale of this phenomenon. Hitting a target at 600, 800 meters, or even further, is no longer the preserve of an elite, but is becoming an attainable goal with the right equipment and sufficient information and preparation.
In this context, your riflescope is not just an accessory, but a real tool, the essential interface between you and your target. This is why investing in a quality optic, specifically designed for long distance shooting, is essential to exploit the full potential of your rifle and push your limits.
Key features of a TLD scope for gong shooting:
Versatile magnification:
A versatile magnification range (e.g., 5-25x, 6-36x, or even 4-24x configurations) is often preferable. This allows for quick acquisition of the gong at varying distances while still providing the ability to fine-tune the aim for longer shots. The idea is to be able to quickly scan the area to locate the target, then increase the magnification just enough to fine-tune the aim without losing the overall picture.
First Focal Plane (FFP): Why is it crucial for the gong?
The principle: In an FFP scope, the reticle is placed in front of the inversion lenses. This means that when you change the magnification of the scope, the reticle changes size proportionally to the image of the target .
The advantage for the gong: This is a major advantage for dynamic gong shooting. The graduations (MIL or MOA) on your reticle retain their true value regardless of the selected magnification. If a dot on your reticle represents 2 MIL at x10, it will always represent 2 MIL at x20 or x5. This greatly simplifies correction calculations and distance estimations. You don't need to remember specific conversion tables for each magnification, which saves valuable time and reduces errors under pressure. You can use your reticle to compensate for bullet drop (holdover) or lateral drift (windage) directly, without adjusting the turrets.
Graduated reticle (MIL or MOA): The estimation and correction tool.
A graduated reticle (often "Christmas tree" type, or with clear subtensions like MIL-DOT or MRAD/MOA) is absolutely essential. These graduations have long been used to quickly estimate the distance to a target of known size (by stadiametry), but with the popularization of laser rangefinders this function is no longer part of the specifications of a modern shooter. The reticle is mainly used to compensate for bullet drop and wind drift without affecting the turrets (holdover/windage) . In situations where time is of the essence or if you are chaining shots at slightly different distances, using the graduations on your reticle is much faster than clicking your turrets.
Example of the reticle I use on my SIGHTRON S8 5-40x56 scopes
Tactical turrets with audible, precise clicks and high elevation:
High Elevation: Gong shooting is often practiced at distances that require significant ballistic corrections. A scope must offer a sufficiently large total (vertical) elevation range (for example, 25-35 MIL or 80-120 MOA) to cover all the distances planned during your shooting session. To do this, you will need to run simulations to see the elevation required to reach your target with your caliber. To do this, I invite you to follow our guide to using a ballistic calculator: available here
Once you determine the maximum elevation needed, this will allow you to choose a scope with sufficient elevation.
Minimal and Adjustable Parallax: Parallax adjustment must be extremely precise to eliminate any aiming errors caused by eye movement. An easily accessible lateral parallax correction is a major plus.
Audible and precise clicks: Each click should be distinct and correspond exactly to the indicated value (e.g., 0.1 MIL or 1/4 MOA). Repeatability is key: once you click a certain value, the turret should return to it precisely when you zero it, and these adjustments should be consistent.
This must be validated by a tall target with confidence in your optics, for this go to this video to understand the process:
Zero-stop: A "zero-stop" or "zero reset" system is highly recommended. It allows you to instantly and accurately return to your zero setting (e.g., 100 meters) without having to look at the turret numbers. This saves time and provides safety so you don't make a mistake by a single turn.
Sufficient field of vision: A good field of vision (usually wider at lower magnifications) is vital for finding the gong after each shot and for maintaining better awareness of the surroundings (for example, to spot a wind indicator). A wider field of vision also allows you to see the impact of your bullet and make corrections if necessary.
Robustness and reliability: Gong shooting can be demanding on equipment, especially with the recoil of long-range calibers. Choose a scope built to withstand impacts and varied weather conditions. One-piece (single-tube) construction and good sealing (nitrogen or argon purged to prevent internal fogging) are indicators of durability and long-term performance.
In short, for gong shooting, the scope must be a real tool. The First Focal Plane and a clear graduated reticle, good optical quality are your best allies for quick and instinctive adjustments. The large elevation range and the precision of the turrets guarantee you can reach the most distant gongs with confidence and repeatability.
Want to go further and understand glasses better?
Here is a selection of 4 videos to help you understand glasses!
You now have all the tools you need to choose your future long-distance rifle scope!