The demanding environment of Precision Rifle Series (PRS) matches requires optics that perform flawlessly under intense pressure. Top PRS competitors prioritize scopes that track perfectly, maintain zero through rigorous use, offer a forgiving eyebox, provide crystal-clear glass in difficult conditions, and facilitate rapid impact spotting. To provide data-driven insight into what elite shooters truly use, precisionrifleblog.com surveyed the top 200-ranked PRS Open Division shooters, identifying their preferred rifle scopes, reticles, and magnification ranges.
According to the findings reported by precisionrifleblog.com, a concentrated group of premium brands overwhelmingly dominates among the highest-ranked PRS shooters. Zero Compromise Optics (ZCO) stands out, having dominated the field for the second consecutive year. Forty-five of the top 200 competitors, including the largest share of shooters in the top 25, utilize ZCO scopes. This represents 23% of the surveyed professionals, with ZCO accounting for two of the top 10 and seven of the top 25 competitors overall. Founded by experienced optical engineers, ZCO scopes have earned a reputation for exceptional optical clarity, precise tracking, outstanding mechanical consistency, and forgiving eyeboxes—qualities that many competitors deem worth the premium investment.
Among ZCO’s offerings, the 5-27x56 is the most popular model, favored by 28 professionals. The newer 8-40x56, released in 2022 compared to the 5-27x56’s 2019 debut, is gaining traction, with two top-10 shooters adopting it. Street prices for these models are $4,485 for the 5-27x56 and $4,655 for the 8-40x56. A significant feature lauded by pros is the 10-mil turret option on ZCO scopes. This design simplifies precise dialing due to fewer, more distinct lines per revolution, even though the scopes offer a total of 35 mils of elevation travel. For instance, a 6mm Dasher engaging a 1,045-yard target might only require 8.4 mils of elevation, making a single turret revolution often sufficient.
Leupold also maintains a strong presence, with 18% of top-ranked pros, including two in the top 10, running their scopes. Leupold’s Mark 5HD lineup is particularly popular due to its reticle options, solid tracking performance, and competitive pricing. The Mark 5HD 5-25x56 is used by 23 shooters, while the 7-35x56 is preferred by 10. Priced at $2,199 (as of May 2026), the Mark 5HD offers substantial value, often at half the cost of other top-tier optics. Its lighter weight, with the 5-25x56 model at just 30 ounces compared to the typical 36-39 ounces for high-end optics, is another key advantage. Its optical performance is considered adequate for the highest levels of competition.
Other notable brands include Tangent Theta and Nightforce, both showing strong representation among the top 50 and top 10 respectively. Kahles and Vortex maintain market share deeper in the field, though neither had shooters represented in the top 10 or, for Vortex, in the top 25. The data underscores that consistency, clarity, and mechanical reliability are paramount for success in precision rifle competition.
