Choosing the best 1000 yard scope is a crucial decision for long-range shooters, whether you’re a seasoned marksman, a competitive shooter, or a hunting enthusiast. At such distances, precision and clarity are paramount, and the right scope can make all the difference in achieving your shooting goals.
This guide will introduce you to the top 1000-yard scopes on the market, augmenting their key features, pros, and cons. From superior optics and advanced reticle systems to durable construction and user-friendly adjustments, these scopes have been selected for their exceptional performance and reliability. Join us as we explore the best options available, ensuring you make an informed choice for your long-range shooting needs.
What Magnification Do You Need for 1000 Yards?
For shooting at 1000 yards, a scope with a magnification range of 10x to 20x is generally recommended. This range provides a good balance between a wide field of view and the ability to clearly see and engage distant targets. Higher magnifications, such as those above 20x, can offer even greater detail but may also reduce the field of view and make the scope more susceptible to issues like mirage and reduced light transmission.
Ultimately, the ideal magnification depends on the specific shooting conditions and the shooter’s preferences, but a 10x to 20x range is a versatile and effective choice for 1000-yard shooting.
Best 1000 Yard Scopes
Here are some top picks.
1) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Riflescope
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x56mm combines durability, advanced optics, and user-friendly features. Its single-piece tube is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring robustness and reliability in various shooting conditions. The scope is designed to be waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, making it a dependable choice for any environment.
The Viper PST features XR fully multi-coated lenses and XD lens elements, which enhance light transmission and provide stunning clarity and color accuracy. Its glass-etched reticle is illuminated, offering optimal visibility in low-light conditions and allowing for precise aiming.
Tactical style turrets, combined with the RZR Zero Stop feature, enable quick and accurate adjustments, ensuring you can maintain your zero regardless of conditions.
The fast focus eyepiece on this best 1000 yard scope allows for rapid target acquisition by ensuring the reticle is always in focus, while the precision glide erector system ensures smooth magnification changes.
All these features come together to make the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Riflescope an exceptional tool for long-range shooting, offering the perfect blend of performance, reliability, and ease of use for hitting targets at 1000 yards.
Features
- 50mm lens diameter
- Hard anodized finish
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- XR fully multi-coated lenses
- XD glass
- Armortek protective lens coating
- Precision glide erector system
- Precision force spring system
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Glass-etched reticle
- 3.4 inches of eye relief
- 5x low magnification
- 25x high magnification
Pros
- Incredibly bright and clear optics
- Unconventional lifetime warranty
- Lighted reticle
- Easy to operate
Cons
- Gigantic
2) Leupold Mark 5-25x56mm Riflescope
The Leupold Mark 5-25x56mm riflescope deploys the Professional Grade Optical System that delivers exceptional clarity, color fidelity, and low-light performance, ensuring you can identify and engage targets with confidence at long distances.
It features Leupold’s Twilight Max HD Light Management System that provides an additional minutes of shooting light, unparalleled resolution, and impeccable lens clarity. The scope delivers excellent visibility regardless of the lighting conditions making it the best 1000 yard scope.
This riflescope features a side focus adjustment, allowing for easy parallax correction and sharp focus on targets at varying ranges. The Zerolock adjustments provide tactile, precise elevation and windage changes, with a Zero Stop feature that ensures a quick and reliable return to zero after adjustments.
It employs a first focal plane reticle, which maintains accurate reticle subtensions throughout the entire magnification range.
What of durability? It’s a given. The rugged construction is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, making it a reliable companion in the harshest environments and most demanding shooting scenarios.
Features
- Side focus for parallax adjustment
- Waterproof
- Fogproof
- Shockproof
- 56mm objective lens
- 3.6 to 3.8 inches of eye relief
- 35mm tube diameter
- Matte finish
- First focal plane reticle
- Weighs 30 oz
- 5x to 25x magnification
Pros
- Very robust
- Excels in ergonomics
- Excellent light transmission
- Very firm clicks on the dials
Cons
- Upgrade for illumination would be stellar
3) NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm Riflescope
The NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm scope is built with sound mechanics, featuring standard adjustments with Hi-Speed ZeroStop, allowing for quick and precise return to zero. Capped windage adjustments offer additional protection and maintain accuracy in the field.
The parallax adjustment is marked with approximate numbered distances, making it easy to fine-tune focus for different ranges, and is coupled with DigIllum digital reticle illumination for enhanced visibility in varying lighting conditions.
The eyepiece is designed for efficiency and ease of use, featuring enhanced engraving for clear visibility. An integrated Power Throw Lever makes transitions from one magnification level to another seamless, and an XtremeSpeed thread promotes quick diopter adjustments. These features come together to provide a seamless and precise shooting experience.
This best 1000 yard scope has extra-low dispersion optics that provide superior light transmission, color contrast, and resolution, ensuring that targets are seen with unparalleled clarity even at extreme distances.
Features
- First focal plane design
- 34mm tube diameter
- 3.5 inches of eye relief
- 5x to 25x zoom range
- Capped windage adjustments
- Hi Speed zero stop
- ED optics
- Digillum illumination
- Integrated power throw lever
- XtremeSpeed thread for fast diopter adjustment
- Enhanced engraving on the reticle
Pros
- Great low-light performance
- Rugged design
- Generous eyebox
- Bright and clear
Cons
- High-end price
4) Vortex Venom 5-25x56mm Riflescope
The next item that qualifies as the best 1000 yard scope is the Vortex Venom 5-25x56mm riflescope. It is a standout performer for 1000-yard shooting, combining advanced optical technologies and rugged construction to deliver exceptional precision and reliability.
With XD lens elements, this scope provides superior resolution and color fidelity, ensuring clear and sharp images at long distances. The fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission, offering bright and vivid visuals even in low-light conditions.
This best 1000 yard scope is equipped with a first focal plane reticle, which maintains accurate subtensions throughout the entire magnification range. The glass-etched reticle ensures durability and consistent performance, making it ideal for precision shooting.
The single-piece tube from aircraft-grade aluminum construction makes the Venom as tough as nails. It is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, thanks to the O-ring seals and robust construction. The ArmorTek coating protects the exterior lenses from scratches, oil, and dirt, ensuring long-lasting clarity.
The tactical-style turrets provide precise and tactile adjustments, while the fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick target acquisition. The included throw lever enables rapid magnification changes, and the RevStop Zero System ensures a reliable return to zero after adjustments.
Features
- First focal plane
- Matte finish
- Aircraft-grade aluminum constitution
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Shockproof
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Throw lever for fast power changes
- RevStop Zero System
- Exposed turrets
- Armortek lens coating
- Glass-etched reticle
- 56mm lens size
Pros
- Excellent glass
- Effortless installation
- Great durability
Cons
- A bit overkill on size
5) Steiner 5-25x56mm Riflescope
With a magnification range of 5x to 25x and a large 56mm objective lens, this scope delivers outstanding clarity, brightness, and field of view, making it ideal for long-range shooting.
The riflescope features a first focal plane reticle, specifically the Special Competition Reticle (SCR), which is illuminated for uncompromised visibility in low-light conditions. This FFP reticle ensures that the subtensions remain consistent across all magnifications, providing accurate holdovers and ranging.
The windage and elevation adjustments have a click value of 1/10 mRad, offering precise and repeatable tracking. The turrets are low-profile, resettable, and feature a Second Rotation Indicator, allowing shooters to easily keep track of their adjustments even during extended shooting sessions.
It is surely constructed for the toughest environments as evidenced by the waterproof feature which means you can submerge it to a depth of 33 feet, ensuring reliable performance in all weather conditions. T
Features
- SCR reticle
- Generous eye box
- Low profile turrets
- Waterproof
- First focal plane pattern
- 34mm tube
- Resettable zero stop
- Side parallax adjustment
- Innovative rotation indicator
Pros
- Positive turret adjustment
- Outstanding glass
- It comes with a sunshade and throw lever
Cons
- Blurry reticle
6) EOTECH Vudu 5-25x50mm Riflescope
The EOTECH Vudu 5-25x50mm riflescope is feature-filled to ensure you get the most of your long-range shooting experience. It is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum with single-piece construction and an anodized finish. This admirable construction makes it one of the most durable pieces out here.
The construction quality doesn’t stop there. Its rugged design is water-resistant, fog-resistant, and shock-resistant, featuring a single construction eyepiece that enhances durability and performance in adverse conditions.
Nitrogen gas purging prevents internal fogging across a wide operating temperature range, ensuring clear visuals in all weather. O-ring seals keep moisture and dust out, maintaining its performance even in the harshest environments.
The laser-etched adjustment indicators and push-button illumination controls offer ease of tracking and quick adjustments, ensuring precision in the field.
It features an MD3 reticle on the first focal plane that offers ranging, holdover, and wind compensation in a very clean sight picture. The stadia lines are pulled back from the illuminated center dot for enhanced accuracy at extended ranges.
The XC high-density, low dispersion glass with anti-reflective coated lenses ensures efficient light transmission and unmatched edge-to-edge clarity, delivering bright and sharp images at long distances.
Features
- XC high-density glass
- MD3 reticle with a first focal plane design
- 0.1 MRAD adjustments
- Waterproof
- 34mm tube
- Hard anodized finish
- 50mm lens diameter
- Push/pull locking system on the elevation turret
- Nitrogen-gas purged for fogproofing
- O-ring seals for watertight performance
- Laser-etched adjustment indicators
Pros
- A forgiving eyebox
- Tactile windage and elevation adjustments
- Built like a tank
- Excellent glass
Cons
- The illumination is weak
7) Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56mm Riflescope
The Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56mm riflescope sports extra-low dispersion glass which increases resolution and color fidelity, resulting in crisp, sharp images that enhance target acquisition and identification at long ranges.
The intricate reticle design, protected between two layers of glass is durable and will not break. The ultra-hard, scratch-resistant coating on the exterior lenses protects against scratches, oil, and dirt, maintaining clear and unobstructed views in any environment.
The Strike Eagle can withstand heavy recoil and impact as it is rugged and shockproof, making it a reliable companion for folks looking for a scope that will endure whatever comes its way.
O-ring seals and nitrogen gas purging provide exceptional protection against moisture, dust, and debris, preventing internal fogging across a wide range of temperatures. The 34mm diameter tube maximizes internal adjustment and strength, offering greater precision and durability.
The side parallax adjustment, located on the left side of the turret housing, is easily accessible from the shooting position, providing optimal image focus and parallax removal. The integrated locking mechanism prevents accidental adjustments, while the turrets offer fast, accurate, and easily read elevation and windage changes.
The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, and the included throw lever can be installed for swift magnification adjustments. The patented streamlined design ensures a rock-solid return to zero after turret adjustments, making it easy to maintain accuracy and consistency.
Features
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Modeled from aircraft-grade aluminum
- Matte finish
- 3.7 inches of eye relief
- First focal plane
- The reticle is etched on glass
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Waterproof
- Fogproof
- Shockproof
- Armortek protective coating on the lenses
- 5x to 25x power range
- Locking mechanism on the turrets
- A throw lever for easy magnification changes
Pros
- Clean reticle that is easy to see
- Sturdy construction
- Stunning glass clarity
- Installation ease
Cons
- Sloppy turrets
Considerations When Buying the Best 1000 Yard Scope
Magnification
Prioritize magnification before buying the best 1000 yard scope. It is important to know how much magnification you need to land accurate shots since 1000 yards is quite the distance.
A scope with a magnification range of 10x to 25x is generally recommended. This allows for a balance between a wide field of view and the ability to clearly see and engage distant targets.
Optical Quality
High-quality glass, such as extra-low dispersion or high-density glass, improves resolution and color fidelity, resulting in sharper images.
The coatings are also instrumental when determining the optical quality. Fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission and reduce glare, improving image clarity and brightness. Anti-reflective coatings are particularly beneficial in low-light conditions.
Reticle
The next factor to keep in mind when choosing the best 1000 yard scope is the reticle. Think about the placement of the reticle and the type.
The reticle can be found either on the first or second focal plane. First focal plane reticles maintain the same relative size to the target at all magnifications, allowing for accurate holdovers and range estimations. Second focal plane reticles stay the same size regardless of magnification, which can be easier to see at lower magnifications.
When it comes to reticle type, choose a reticle design that suits your needs, such as MOA, MRAD, or BDC. Illuminated reticles are beneficial in low-light conditions.
Turret Adjustments
Look for turrets that offer precise and repeatable adjustments. Common click values are 1/4 MOA or 1/10 MRAD.
A zero-stop feature allows you to quickly return to your original zero after making elevation adjustments, which is essential for maintaining accuracy.
Integrated locking mechanisms are a welcome addition for any scope as they prevent accidental adjustments, ensuring your settings remain consistent.
Parallax Adjustment
Parallax adjustment is crucial for long-range shooting, as it helps to eliminate parallax error and ensures the target remains in sharp focus at various distances.
Side parallax adjustments are more accessible from the shooting position compared to those on the objective bell.
Build Quality
Build quality is a critical element for any scope. A scope is a massive investment you need to get one that is well-built and lasts a long time to make it worth your hard-earned money.
Aircraft-grade aluminum is preferred for the best 1000 yard scope because of its strength and lightweight properties. A single-piece tube construction increases durability and helps maintain alignment.
Ensure the scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof to withstand harsh environments and recoil. O-ring seals and nitrogen or argon gas purging prevent moisture and debris from entering the scope.
ArmorTek or similar scratch-resistant coatings protect the exterior lenses from scratches, oil, and dirt.
Size and Weight
While larger scopes with big objective lenses provide better light transmission, they can also be heavier and more cumbersome. Consider the overall balance and weight, especially if the scope will be mounted on a rifle that you need to carry for extended periods.
Eye Relief
Adequate eye relief typically 3.5 to 4 inches is essential for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil rifles. The last thing you want is go home with a nasty injury on your face so ensure the scope you intend to buy has sufficient eye relief.
Cost
While it’s tempting to go for the most expensive option, the best scope for you is one that fits your budget and meets your specific needs. Higher-end scopes generally offer better optical quality and more features, but there are excellent mid-range options available as well.
How Much Should You Spend On a Scope?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how much you should spend on a scope. Your budget should align with your specific needs and the level of performance you require. While it’s possible to find functional scopes at lower price points, investing in higher-quality optics will generally provide better performance, durability, and satisfaction in the long run.
Assess your needs, research the available options, and choose a scope that offers the best balance of features, quality, and cost for your specific shooting requirements.
Next Read: 5 Best Scopes for 450 Bushmaster
What Is Considered a Long-Range Scope?
A long-range scope is typically characterized by its ability to provide clear and precise targeting at distances of 600 yards and beyond, often extending to 1000 yards or more.
Such scopes generally feature high magnification ranges, commonly from 10x to 25x or even higher, and are equipped with advanced reticle designs, such as first focal plane reticles, that maintain accuracy across all magnifications.
Long-range scopes also boast superior optical quality, including extra-low dispersion (ED) glass and fully multi-coated lenses for enhanced light transmission and clarity.
Besides, they are built with robust construction to withstand harsh environments and recoil, and offer precise, repeatable adjustments for elevation and windage, often including features like zero stop and parallax adjustment for optimal performance at extended distances.
Conclusion
Choosing the best 1000 yard scope is a crucial investment for any long-range shooter. Investing in a high-quality scope with advanced features ensures accurate and reliable performance, enabling you to confidently engage targets at 1000 yards and beyond. With the right scope, you’ll enhance your shooting experience, improve your accuracy, and achieve your long-range shooting goals.