Are you in the market for a new tactical sniper scope that can accurately shoot 1,000 yards or more?
My guide should clear all your doubts on how to choose the best 1,000 yards scope. I’ll tell you about the most important features to look for in a long-range scope and then suggest a few great scopes available on the market today.
Long-range (1,000-yard) scopes have a few decisive advantages over mid-range scopes when it comes to accuracy and making super precise wind and elevation adjustments. All these features come at a price, though, and so most long-range scopes have a pretty hefty price tag.
Because you’ll be dishing out a large chunk of money, it’s important you spend it on a scope that is perfect for you and suits all of your requirements. For that very reason, I have decided to pitch in and share my experience with scopes I’ve favored during my hunting and shooting journey.
Most scopes come in a variety of powers and specs, and each has its own unique reticles and adjustment turrets. So, let’s get down to what features are essential in a long-range scope.
Magnification
First up comes magnification. You definitely want a scope with a magnification of over 18X, at the very least. If you’re hunting big game, you definitely want to put as much space as possible between you and your target. So that if you miss your target or you hit but fail to kill, your target doesn’t spot you hunkering down close by and start charging at you.
Magnification comes at a price, though. The higher the magnification, the more restricted your field of view. If your target isn’t stationary, it will be tough to hit with a limited field of view. If you zoom in very deep, mirages also become way more prominent. Ultimately, it’s a tradeoff.
Objective Lens
The larger the lens facing your prey, the more light will come into it. The more light comes in, the clearer your picture gets.
When zooming into extremely large distances, you need as much light as possible to come in to get a good bright, and sharp picture. But be wary that a large objective lens can make a scope heavier. This will limit your mobility and will restrict your ability to move your rifle around and focus on your target as fast as you would want.
Multi-Coated, Anti-Reflective Lens
The picture quality on the lens is of paramount importance. No matter how big the size of the lens is, if the light transmission through it isn’t good enough, you won’t get a clear picture.
The multi-coated, anti-reflective lens usually provide excellent light transmission and pictures with high contrast and vividity. You will need this true color contrast if you’re spotting your prey out of a dense and grassy environment.
Precise Adjustment Turrets
Turrets for wind and elevation adjustments and to remove parallax are an absolute must in all 1,000-yard scopes. You are bound to face a large amount of bullet drop over long distances, and you need to make up for it by making adjustments with these turrets.
A minimum range of 40 MOA adjustment is recommended with individual gradations of at least 1/4 MOA. It would also be a great help if the turrets could be reset to zero easily and be locked in place. The bigger the range of adjustment and the finer the graduations, the more accurate your scope would be.
The Reticle
Every rifle scope has its own type of reticle, and it is probably the single most important differentiating factor between the two scopes. Tastes vary when it comes to rifle scopes, but a few things are essential.
The reticle should have an uncluttered crosshair which gives you a clear view of your prey. It should have multiple aiming points accounting for bullet drop over different ranges.
It’s great if the reticle has a bullet trajectory calculating technology because that takes away all the guesswork in your shots. Some people also prefer their reticles to be illuminated, while others might find it distracting.
Durability
Last, but perhaps most importantly, comes durability. Cheap scopes will undoubtedly give way only after a few shots. You need one made out of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy or some material just as strong, which also has anodized exteriors. These scopes can take quite a beating and still be fine.
Nitrogen/argon purged lenses hold their own in all sorts of weather conditions and make the optic pieces waterproof, fog proof, dustproof, and also shock-resistant to a large degree.
My 5 Best 1,000–Yard Scopes
Now that you know what to look for in a great sniper scope, here are my top 5 picks for the best 1,000-yard optics in the market today.
1. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50
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First up on my list comes this absolute gem of a product from Vortex. This scope has a ton of tactical features which makes it highly versatile while also making it exceptionally accurate and precise.
My Feelings after Using the Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50
After extensive testing, I concluded that this is the best vortex scope for 1,000 yards. I put the scope to the ultimate test during a three-day pronghorn antelope hunt in Wyoming. This was an ideal setting for it because the animals are notoriously difficult to approach closely, necessitating long-range shots. The Viper PST Gen II performed flawlessly, allowing me to spot and successfully take a shot at a pronghorn from approximately 850 yards. Some would complain that eye relief is a bit short; however, I found it quite comfortable even when lying prone on the rough prairie ground. The scope would work just fine with basically any rifle you have. Overall, it’s a high-end scope – durable, comfortable, and provides crisp clarity.
Product Highlights
The first focal plane reticle is becoming more and more popular with long-range shooters nowadays, and Vortex has been quick to jump on the bandwagon. The reticle grows larger or shrinks as you zoom in or out, setting the foundation for a very precise kill shot.
What I found to be a particularly nice touch was the laser-etched turrets for windage, elevation compensation, and parallax removal. The RZR zero stop ensures you have no problems with holding zero. A fiber optic rotation indicator ensures you can easily keep track of your current turret position.
The reticle is highly intuitive, with several hold positions for accurate shooting. Even with all this detail, the reticle stays free of clutter. It has 10 different intensity levels with off positions in between.
Moving on to the optics, the glass has exceptionally low dispersion, which makes for very high resolution and vivid color quality. Rest assured, there are no compromises when it comes to picture quality.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
The only flaw I have noticed is the short eye relief. There is nothing else in particular that disturbed me during my hunting trip with it,
Key Features
- CMR-2 MOA reticle
- Illuminated Reticle
- Built-in accuracy features
- Shockproof
Basic Parameters
Manufacturer Vortex Optics Weight 22.7 Ounces Eye Relief 3.4” Magnification 5-25x Field of View 24.1 – 4.8 ft at 100 yards
Pros
Cons
- First Focal Plane Reticle
- Laser etched turrets
- O-ring seal and argon purge
- Short Eye Relief
The Bottom Line
Even with the slightly high price tag, there’s no way you will find a better scope in the market for anything less than double the price. The instant zero stop, turrets, and picture quality make this a must-buy in our book.
You can also check my Vortex Viper PST 6-24×50 review.
My Rating: 5/5
2. Burris 201052 XTR 40mm, 5-25x50mm, Illuminated Matte
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Designed for long-range precision shooting, this scope is perfectly suitable for both tactical and competitive shooting. Blowing away industry standards, this one from Burris is a marksman’s dream with its 25X zoom, huge 58 m objective lens, and wide field of view.
My Feelings after Using the Burris 201052 XTR 40mm, 5-25×50mm, Illuminated Matte
On the first day of testing the scope, I was pleasantly surprised to have razor-sharp focus. The clear glass of the scope shows the full picture and helps target game accurately. I remember using the scope for a challenging dusk-time hog hunt in Texas. With the sun setting, the scope’s illumination proved to be a game-changer, allowing me to keep a clear sight of the hog against the rapidly dimming light. Another feature I was happy to see is the solid clicks on the turrets; many hunters would definitely appreciate it.
Product Highlights
A huge zoom range (5X to 25X) coupled with the huge 58mm objective lens makes this one of the best scopes for 1,000 yards available in the market today.
The FFP reticle is perfect for long-distance shooting. The reticle size is always correct and proportional to the selected power setting. Staying on the topic of the reticle, they offer multiple choices – SCR (Special Competition Reticle) or the Mil-Dot reticle in both MIL and MOA.
It is illuminated, which makes it a big help in the dark. Apart from that, it also has 11 different settings (spanning night vision, low light, and daytime) with battery-saver positions in between.
When it comes to zoom, the highly versatile 5-times zoom system allows for a wider field of view at close quarters and better target acquisition at long ranges. Parallax adjustment is from 50 yards to infinity.
The windage and elevation systems are fast and easy, with 1/4 MOA click value per adjustment. The adjustments are accurate, and they are in sync with adjustments in the reticle. But what really takes the cake is the instant zero-reset click system, which lets you revert quickly back to the original yardage setting without counting clicks.
High-grade multi-coated optical lenses reduce glare, aids visibility, and enhance the brightness and clarity of the image, thereby making your job a lot easier.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
On the downside, the Burris scope is quite heavy compared to other models in my review. If you are used to light equipment, I would recommend you look at other scopes I’ve added to my review.
Apart from that, using the scope at full power will quickly tire your eyes. I’ve mentioned earlier that the scope has solid clicks on the torrents, but those are a bit too stiff.
Key Features
- Zero Click Stop
- Waterproof
- Excellent resolution
- Illuminated reticle
Basic Parameters
Manufacturer Burris Optics Weight 35.2 Ounces Eye Relief 4.2” Magnification 5-25x Field of View 21 – 4.25 ft at 100 yards
Pros
Cons
- Versatile zoom erector system
- Multiple reticle choices
- Instant Zero-Reset
- At full power, your eye might get strained
- Turrets are a little stiff
The Bottom Line
Scoring top marks for versatility with their zoom selector system, this scope forms a very crisp and clear image partly because of its large objective lens and partly because of the multi-coated lens. But the different reticle options really turn it into a different ballgame. Put simply, it’s one of the best 1,000-yard scopes available in the market now.
My Rating: 4.8/5
3. SIII SS 6-24×50 Long Range Riflescope
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It’s hard to claim that the Sightron SIII Scope isn’t long-range given its maximum magnification power of 24x with a 50 mm objective lens. This objective lens size will allow the scope to collect plenty of shooting light and afford you excellent accuracy at long distances.
This comes at a significant cost, however. The scope weighs 2.6 pounds in total, so it is a little heavier than many other scopes on the market. That being said, there’s a lot of extra value in this optic choice, such as eye relief ranging between 3.6 and 3.8 inches; you’ll never have to worry about the scope bucking into your orbital bone if you combine it with a high-recoil rifle.
My Feelings after Using the SIII SS 6-24×50 Long Range Riflescope
When I first switched from Vortex to the SII SS, I immediately noticed how brighter the optics were and the lenses had a finer definition, even at the maximum power. The scope built felt quite durable, and I didn’t experience any malfunctions in bad weather.
Product Highlights
The scope comes with a matte black finish, which prevents the sun’s glare from giving away your position during a hunt. Also included are a set of multi-coated lenses, which provide very bright and clear sight pictures, even in extreme weather conditions (due to the scope’s overall fog proof and weatherproof functionality).
The reticle is set in the first focal plane, naturally, making the SIII a good pick for hunting even at long ranges. It’s also etched directly onto the glass to boost the viewing experience and reduce the likelihood of the reticle ever failing, even when used with a high-caliber or high-recoil firearm.
Perhaps most importantly of all, Sightron’s scope comes with specially patented windage and elevation adjustment turrets. These provide tactile and audible feedback and are zero resettable. Also nice is the erector tube, which ensures smooth and consistent changes for both these values and for your magnification powers.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
The SII SS scope has the same disadvantage as the Burris 201052 XTR. They are both heavier than usual and may be an inconvenience for some hunters who prefer to keep their equipment light.
Key Features
- MOA-2 reticle type
- Zact-7 Revcoat multicoating
- First Focal Plane
- Waterproof and fogproof
Basic Parameters
Manufacturer SIGHTRON Weight 2.6 Pounds Eye Relief 3.8” Magnification 6-24x Field of View 16.1 – 3.9 ft at 100 yards
Pros
Cons
- Has excellent lenses and light transmission
- Made with a glass etched reticle
- Designed with durable aircraft-grade aluminum
- Made with excellent and tactile windage and elevation turrets
- Has specialized erector tube to keep adjustments consistent
- A little heavier than normal
The Bottom Line
In the end, the Sightron SIII Scope is a fantastic long-range piece of equipment that’s well worth its asking price and higher than average weight.
One of the best scopes for long-range shooting.
My Rating: 4.8/5
4. Nightforce Optics 5.5-22×56 NXS Riflescope
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This scope from Nightforce is an absolute beast. This is Nightforce’s flagship product, and it really sets the standard for long-range rifles. Widely popular and immensely successful among civilians and law enforcement alike, you’d be hard-pressed to find a single person with a negative review of this scope.
My Feelings after Using the Nightforce Optics 5.5-22×56 NXS Riflescope
This scope turned out to be ideal for small game hunting, like squirrels. The lens was so clear that it was effortless to track fast, small animals around. I am also a big fan of zero-stop and the illuminated reticle.
After multiple tests, the Nightforce Optics scope could be one of the most competitive scopes on the market at the moment.
Product Highlights
Many consider this scope to be the ultimate long-distance rifle scope with its 5.5X to 22X magnification range and 56mm objective lens. Even though this list is for 1,000-yard scopes, this scope can regularly let you reach distances up to 2000 yards as well.
First up, this advanced field tactical scope has a very wide magnification factor that allows precision accuracy at the most extended ranges yet is highly effective for shots at close ranges.
A huge maximum internal adjustment of 100 MOA with an adjustment of 0.25 MOA ensures that no target is too far. A zero-stop reset functionality ensures you will face no problems whatsoever when accounting for bullet drop corrections. Parallax adjustment stretches from 50 yards to infinity.
The field of view is vast, from a massive 17.5 feet at 5.5X to a very accommodating 4.7 feet at maximum zoom (22X). This field of view ensures no prey ever escapes your crosshairs.
Quick and fast, this scope focuses with unprecedented ease and maintains HD-level quality of the picture through the entire zoom range. The contrast ensures you always find your target no matter how small and how well hidden it is.
Composed out of T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope is built like a beast as well. The design itself exudes ruggedness, and you just know by the look and feel of it, it will hold up to any amount of battering you throw at it.remember one particular instance during a stormy hunt when the scope took a fair hit against a tree branch; it remained entirely unscathed and functioning perfectly.
There are several reticle options available – MilDot, MilR, MOAR, and MOAR-T, each with its own set of hash marks. The MOAR reticle marks a significant advancement in reticle design for long-range shooting.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
The only reason the scope is in the fourth position isn’t that it is flawed but because it is quite pricey. I have absolutely no complaints about the scope, but I understand that some avid hunters might not be willing to break the bank to get the Nightforce Optics.
Key Features
- ZeroStop setting
- Analog illumination
- Excellent resolution
- Titanium beta erector spring
Basic Parameters
Manufacturer NightForce Weight 1 Pound Eye Relief 3.7” Magnification 5-22x Field of View 17.5 – 4.7 ft at 100 yards
Pros
Cons
- 100 MOA internal adjustment
- Wide Magnification Factor
- Huge Field Of View
- Immensely durable
- 4-inch eye relief
- Expensive
The Bottom Line
This riflescope developed for the military is quite simply, one of the most advanced sniper scopes ever made. Whether you are a sport hunter, competitive shooter, or you just want the best of the best, this scope has got your back.
My Rating: 4.5/5
5. Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Side Focus Riflescope
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Since Leupold makes some of the best rifle scopes on the market, it’s perhaps no surprise that this model has shown up on the list of the best 1,000-yard optics. Let’s break down everything there is to know about the VX-5HD.
My Feelings after Using the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44mm Side Focus Riflescope
Hunting with the Leupold VX-5HD was a pure pleasure. Its illuminated fire dot was of great help to target game and kept my eye from sliding to the side of a crosshair. The lens was clear and provided a crisp resolution at all times, even in bad lighting.
Product Highlights
As a more modern and updated version of the VX riflescope line, this model includes the proprietary Twilight Max Light Management System that so many people know and enjoy from other Leupold scopes. This essentially allows the scope to collect a few extra minutes of shooting light at the beginning and end of the day – it adds up to about 30 minutes in total and can help you hunt animals that are most active during these time frames.
But bolstering this design is an illuminated reticle that can help you pick out your target and remain accurate even in the lowest conditions possible. Even better, this rifle scope shows its modernity with motion sensor technology that will automatically deactivate the illuminated reticle after five minutes without motion. This can conserve the reticle’s battery over time and save you money in the long run.
But that’s not all. It also comes with a “ZeroLock CDS” or custom dial system. This basically means you can calibrate the scope to your rifle and ballistic type, helping the windage and elevation adjustment turrets to be even more accurate for your unique rifle and build. I remember when I was preparing for a hunt in the hilly terrains of Colorado, I utilized this feature to calibrate the scope to my .300 Winchester Magnum. This significantly improved my shot placement even against the gusty winds.
The rest of the scope is high-quality but standard to the rest of the industry. The optic comes waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, enabling you to use it with high-powered rifles like the types you’d use to make 1,000-yard shots in the first place. The windage and elevation adjustment turrets are well-marked and easy to switch with your fingers, especially since they provide audible and tactile feedback with each click.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
As with most scopes in my review, they are all on the pricier side, and the Leupold VX-5HD isn’t an exclusion. This is because they are all built with smart features and maximum power to help you target game faster and more accurately.
With this in mind, the Leupold scope also costs more than a regular scope for medium-range hunting. However, it doesn’t make the riflescope any worse than its competitors.
Key Features
- Illuminated FireDot Duplex
- Twilight Max HD light management system
- Waterproof and fogproof
Basic Parameters
Manufacturer Leupold Weight 1 Pound Eye Relief 3.8” Magnification 3-15x Field of View 38.3 – 7.7 ft at 100 yards
Pros
Cons
- Has an illuminated reticle
- Reticle will automatically shut off after five minutes of inactivity
- Very durable overall and works in inclement weather
- Good windage and elevation turrets
- Scope can be calibrated for certain rifles are ammunition
- Can provide extra shooting light due to exceptional lens design
- A little pricey
The Bottom Line
All in all, this is a pricey but very worthwhile rifle scope that offers some of the best of the best on the market. Shooters who really don’t mind spending extra for more value will love what the VX-5HD brings to the table.
My Rating: 4.8/5
Frequently Asked Questions
How much scope magnification is needed for 1,000 yards?
You’re probably going after big game or skeet shooting if you’re hunting at 1,000 yards. You’ll need a different scope than you would for varmint hunting in either case.
When you’re aiming at a target that far away, you need to be sure your scope doesn’t tunnel when you use greater magnifications.
What’s the minimum mag I need?
A fixed 10x scope will suffice if you want to save money and don’t plan on shooting at 1,000 yards very often. That should work well for target shooting, especially if the target is pretty large. At 10x mag, I was able to consistently strike a 10″ steel plate at that distance.
If you want to hunt moving targets like animals hiding in the brush, you’ll need something a little more versatile and powerful.
In general, for big game, 1x per 100 yards is recommended as a bare minimum. For lengthy photos, I prefer a 4-16x because of the added detail it provides.
The objective lens is something else to consider. At this range, you’ll need at least 50mm.
What MOA should a good 1,000–yard scope have?
With a 100-yard zero, a good 1,000-yard long-range scope should have at least 40 MOA of adjustment. This is crucial. If you can’t attain a 100-yard zero, shooting will be difficult in many situations.
What magnification should a 1,000–yard scope have?
For 1,000 yards, you should have a magnification of 18x to 25x — to some part, this is a matter of personal preference. Because higher magnifications can make problems like mirages more visible, some people prefer to go lower than 18x – even as low as 10x. Some folks prefer closer to a 25x magnification. Budget and field of view are sometimes mutually exclusive.
Why is durability so important with a 1,000–yard scope?
After a few shots, cheap scopes will surely fail – believe me, I’ve tested them. You’ll need one constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy or a similarly robust material with anodized exteriors. These scopes can withstand a lot of abuse and still function well.
Lenses that have been purged with nitrogen or argon can withstand a wide range of environmental conditions and are waterproof, fogproof, dustproof, and shockproof to a significant extent.
How powerful is a 1,000–yard scope?
Shooting for long distances up to a thousand yards is difficult since it takes both skill and, of course, the best 1,000-yard scope. A 1,000-yard range will appear closer if you shoot and aim with the best scope.
Should you consider environmental protection?
You definitely should consider how well your scope is shielded from the environment in which it will be used. This is especially true when it comes to water resistance because internal condensation caused by water seeping into your scope might impair your ability to see at a distance.
If you plan to operate in a wet location (such as in the rain or near a swamp), seek a waterproof and fogproof scope to maintain your scope’s internal integrity.
Final Words
When it comes to long-range scopes, there are a few essential features you need to keep an eye out for. Read my guide at the beginning of this article to know more about them.
The five scopes I’ve reviewed here are miles ahead of the rest of the competition and are absolute bestsellers. Choose any one of them, and I guarantee it’s going to be a worthy investment.
