Looking for a long-range scope for your precision shooting rifle or hunting? You have come to the right place. Our focus is on the best scopes for 1000 yards providing versatile magnification options, unrivaled durability, precision and unbeatable accuracy.
When hunting or shooting at long ranges, reaching targets as far as 1,000 yards is considered an achievement for many. While it is such a thrill, it is no mean feat. It requires a balance of skills and the right gear. A high-quality and effective rifle scope is paramount to hit targets at 1000 yards.
The best scopes for long-range shooting are designed with superior glass elements for maximum optical clarity. Additionally, they incorporate an array of high-end features and cutting-edge technology to ensure that you engage targets at such a range with confidence.
In a market that is saturated with high-powered scopes suitable for long-range hunting and shooting, selecting a dedicated scope can be a taxing affair you have to filter through so many models.
We did the homework for you and probed the market for functional and top-of-the-line long-range scopes. In our comprehensive guide, we will take you through the best scopes for 1000 yards and help you in making the right purchase.
The scopes highlighted below offer versatile magnification ranges and feature the best glass elements for money. Let’s take a look.
1) Athlon Optics Midas TAC HD 5-25x56mm APLR4 Rifle Scope
Athlon Optics Midas TAC HD 5-25x56mm APLR4 Rifle Scope is a high-powered scope that represents the pinnacle of optical excellence. It is built with highly advanced features which make it one of the best scopes for 1000 yards.
The variable and versatile 5-25x magnification is usable at all levels. It is offered in the first focal plane reticle to offer rapid target engagements in medium to long ranges.
The reticle is etched in glass for permanency and designed to shrink or grow along with the change in magnification.
On any field condition, you can count on this scope to perform. It has an ultra-rugged construction to weather the most unforgiving conditions and environments.
Furthermore, the windage turret is capped to withstand bumps and prevent accidental adjustment.
In addition to the premium quality construction, the scope features advanced fully multi-coated optics which provide bright and crisp clear images even at the highest magnification settings.
The scope also features HD glass to enhance resolution and an XPL lens coating that is scratchproof and hydrophobic.
For optimal performance and outstanding shooting experience when taking down distant targets, the Midas TAC 5-25×56 rifle scope gives you the confidence you need to take the most accurate shots.
Features
- Precision zero-stop system
- Front focal plane reticle
- 5-25x magnification power
- High-precision erector system
- Aircraft-grade aluminum body
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- Capped windage turrets
- HD glad
- 34mm tube diameter
- Advanced fully multi-coated optics
- 110 MOA adjustment range
Pros
- Good eye relief
- Solid and reliable construction
- Crisp turrets
- Broad adjustment range
- Clear, HD glass
Cons
- No lever included
- Heavy
2) Primary Arms GLx Series 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope
The Primary Arms GLx Series 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope is built for performance and value. It brings premium technology and quality construction into a remarkably fair price range.
With the adjustable 4-16x magnification range, this scope will help you hit targets as far as 1,000 yards with ease. It offers a significantly broad field of view for easy scanning and excellent tracking.
The combination of the large view of view, versatile magnification and the Advanced Combined Sighting System (ACSS) reticle makes the scope ideal for a wide range of applications including hunting and tactical shooting. The reticle system is easy to use and aim with even in low light.
In addition to everything else, the Primary Arms GLx Series 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope has a sturdy 30mm tube for durability and rigidity. It is made from 6061-T6 aluminum and weatherproofed to be usable in all environments.
Features
- Matte non-reflective finish
- 4-16x total magnification
- Premium grade glass
- Steel-on-steel precision adjustments
- Elevation rotation indicators
- Rugged 6061-T6 aluminum housing
- Moveable and replaceable magnification ring fin
- First focal plane reticle
- Water, fog and shockproof
- 30mm tube diameter
Pros
- Forgiving eye relief
- Clear glass
- Amazing build quality
- Reticle appearance
- Incredible field of view
Cons
- None
3) Vortex Viper HS 4-16×50 Rifle Scope
When it comes to versatility and performance, it is hard to go wrong with a Vortex optic. This brand has a reputation for making high-quality and reliable optics and the Viper HS 4-16×50 Rifle Scope is not any different.
It is a long-range rifle scope that offers the best value for money. From robust aircraft-grade aluminum housing to weatherproof construction, the scope is durable and usable in all kinds of terrains and weather conditions.
Furthermore, this rifle scope is configured with a high-performance optical system to provide reliable optical performance. The XD lens elements work in tandem with fully multi-coated optics to ramp up light transmission and yield stunning optical clarity.
For extra value, the Viper HS 4-16×50 Rifle Scope features a long eye relief to put you on targets quickly and a fast focus eyepiece for smooth, accurate reticle focusing. On top of that, it delivers increased windage and elevation for optimal adjustment in all terrains.
Features
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Customizable rotational stop, CRS
- Armortek exterior lens coating
- XD lens elements
- Exposed elevation turrets
- Side parallax focus knob
- 30mm one-piece body tube
- Second focal plane Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Hard coat anodized finish
Pros
- Good low-light performance
- High-quality construction
- Long eye relief
- Great value for the price
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
4) Sightron S-TAC 4-20x50mm Rifle Scope
To make the most out of your long-range hunting and shooting expeditions, switch to Sightron S-TAC 4-20x50mm Rifle Scope. It is one of the best scopes for 1000 yards that fine-tunes precision at a variety of ranges.
The broad 4-20x zoom range is usable at all levels. This is made possible by the massive 50mm aperture that is responsible for collecting as much light as possible in low light.
Furthermore, the scope uses best-in-class optical glass to reduce chromatic aberration and deliver the best-in-class resolution as well as sharpness.
Construction-wise, it is crafted using a single piece of industrial-grade aluminum. The entire tube is fully waterproof and fogproof to use in all environments. Moreover, it is shockproof to withstand high recoil and accidental impact.
The other essential attributes of the Sightron S-TAC 4-20x50mm Rifle Scope include a glass-etched reticle, ExacTrack W&E system and side focus for parallax adjustment.
Features
- Long eye relief
- Great magnification range
- Clear glass
- Sturdy construction
- Reticle illumination
Cons
- Slightly heavy
5) Vortex Razor HD Gen II 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope
Vortex Razor HD Gen II 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope is the sighting tool you require to take your shooting skills to the next big level. It is designed and crafted for precise long-range shots in all environments, even extreme ones.
It is engineered with a broad 3-18x zoom range and a large 50mm objective lens which makes it uniquely capable of providing precise shots at long ranges. This combination plus the superior glass and specialized lens coatings also makes the scope ideal for use in all light settings.
An array of construction features protects the optics from damage and makes the scope usable in any weather condition. The 34mm tube provides sufficient room for adjustments and guarantees superior rigidity and strength. Besides, it is housed with a durable aluminum alloy which is anodized from scratches and rust.
In addition to the robust construction, the scope is filled with inter argon gas and O-ring sealed to be fully fogproof, waterproof and dustproof. A removable 4-inch sunshade is also included to reduce glare when you are shooting in bright sunlight.
Features
- 34mm single-piece main tube
- Waterproof and argon-filled
- 4-inch removable sunshade
- First focal plane reticle
- Exposed tactical turrets
- Fast focus eyepiece
- HD extra-low dispersion glass
- Lockable illumination knob
- Anodized aluminum housing
- 1/4 MOA impact point correction
- XR plus fully multi-coated optics
Pros
- Outstanding durability
- Long eye relief
- Lighted reticle
- Crisp clear glass
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
6) Burris 4-20x50mm Veracity Rifle Scope
Next up, we have the Burris 4-20x50mm Veracity Rifle Scope. This rifle scope is designed with a variable 4-20x magnification power and a multitude of other amazing features to fine-tune your skills at long range.
With the broad zoom range, you get the flexibility to take shots across different distances. Furthermore, the scope is engineered with state-of-the-art optics to ensure accurate target identification no matter the distance.
In this rifle scope, the reticle is put on the front focal plane. It aids in range estimation at any magnification for greater shooting scores. On top of that, the scope has accurate and repeatable 1/4 MOA adjustments and an ergonomic side focus for parallax adjustment.
For all-weather reliability, the Burris 4-20x50mm Veracity Rifle Scope has nitrogen-filled tubes that ensure thermal stability. It is also waterproof, dustproof and shockproof to guarantee unimpeded field use.
Features
- High-grade optical glass
- Double internal spring-tension system
- Zero click stop adjustment knob
- 30mm objective lens
- First focal plane reticle
- Waterproof and nitrogen-filled
- Matte finish
- Side focus for parallax correction
- 4-20x total magnification
- 1/4 MOA adjustments
Pros
- Accommodating eye relief
- Very durable
- Precise adjustments
- Exceptionally clear glass
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
7) EOTech Vudu 3.5-18x50mm Rifle Scope
As one of the best scopes for 1000 yards, the EOTech Vudu 3.5-18x50mm Rifle Scope has a comprehensive set of outstanding features ideal for hunting and shooting. It is easy to make adjustments and reasonably light for easy portability.
The selling point of this scope is the optical system. It features clear XC high-density glass treated with broadband anti-reflective coatings. The coatings ramp up light transmission and deliver bright and clear images.
Complementing the optical clarity is an MD2-MOA reticle put on the first focal plane. It stays true throughout the 3.5-18x zoom range and offers bright red illumination with several adjustable brightness intensities.
The construction quality of this scope is also phenomenal. It is housed in a durable 30mm main tube made from aluminum. The tube is rigid enough to take in any abuse and weatherproofed for all-weather use. Other than that, the scope has finger-operated graduated turrets that are capped to ensure optimal protection from abuse.
Features
- First focal plane reticle
- 15 yards to infinity parallax correction
- Aluminum alloy housing
- 34mm one-piece main tube
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Capped finger-operated turrets
- 25MOA impact point correction
- 5-18x magnification range
- Low profile zoom lever
- Water, fog and shock resistant
Pros
- Lighted reticle
- Clear optics
- Quality construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Short eye relief
8) Hawke Sport Optics Frontier 30 4-24x50mm SF Rifle Scope
Last but not least, we recommend Hawke Sport Optics Frontier 30 4-24x50mm SF Rifle Scope for long-range shooting out to 1,000 yards. It excels in low light performance and guarantees precision aiming at medium to long ranges.
The scope boasts a large 50mm objective lens and 21-layer fully multi-coated optics. Even in dismal environments, it provides bright and clear images for precision aiming.
Besides, there are 6 brightness levels to tailor the reticle depending on the lighting conditions you will be shooting in.
For added convenience, this rifle scope features a locking fast focus collar that aids in smooth reticle focusing. On top of that, it has a knurled rheostat control to ensure rapid magnification adjustment.
What’s more, the Frontier 30 4-24x50mm SF Rifle Scope has lightweight and durable aluminum housing that comprises a 30mm single-piece main tube.
The large tube design offers ample elevation adjustment while enhancing rigidity. Besides, it is filled with nitrogen and sealed to be fully fogproof, moisture-proof and dustproof.
Features
- Locking fast-focus collar
- Adjustable parallax
- Exposed, locking zero-stop turrets
- 4-24x zoom range
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 30mm single-piece main tube
- Anodized aluminum alloy housing
- 1/10 MRAD impact point correction
- Second focal plane reticle
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Illuminated reticle
- Durable
- Accurate
Cons
- High cost
Further Reading
- Best Scopes for 6.5 Creedmoor
- Best 500 Yards Scopes
- Best Vortex Long-Range Scopes
- Best Long-Range Spotting Scopes
How to Choose the Best Scopes for 1000 Yards
If you are looking for a scope to enhance your precision when shooting at long-range distances, here are the key considerations to keep in mind when comparing different options in the market.
Purpose
The first thing to do is to define the purpose of the scope. It is for long-range hunting, tactical shooting, or sports shooting? Each scenario requires different requirements and being activity-specific makes it easy to find the scope with the best features.
Read: Best Scopes for Long-Range Deer Hunting
Glass Quality
For long-range shooting and hunting up to 1,000 yards, you need a scope that employs the best quality glass. Such a range requires clear detail of the target for precision aiming. The best scopes for 1000 yards also feature premium anti-reflective lens coatings to enhance image brightness and clarity.
Reticle
The next thing to consider is the reticle. Decide between a front focal plane and a second focal plane reticle based on your preference and needs. Other than that, go for a reticle that is easy to use and designed for long-range applications.
Read: Best 6.5 PRC Scopes
Durability
Don’t forget to look at the durability of the scope. The best scopes for 1000 yards are made with premium-grade materials to weather high levels of impact and abrasions.
Such materials include aircraft-grade aluminum and magnesium alloy. Construction features such as waterproofing and fogproofing are also important to consider.
Eye Relief
For long-range shooting out to 1,000 yards, you are more likely going to use high-recoiling rounds. Keep that in mind and get a scope with a long eye relief of at least 3.5 inches. The more accommodating the eye relief is, the more comfortable the whole shooting experience will be.
Read: Best Spotting Scopes for 1000 Yards
What Magnification Do You Need?
To shoot accurately at 1000 yards, a scope with appropriate magnification power is crucial. While the exact zoom power varies between individuals depending on preference, going with the 3x rule at every 100 yards, you need to consider a high-powered scope with at least 20x magnification.
The scope should also have a large objective lens of at least 44mm objective to complement the high magnification and ensure that it is usable at the highest levels.
Final Words
With the wide assortment of scopes available on the market, the best scope for 1000 yards ultimately relies on your preference, needs and the kind of shooting you anticipate using it for. Take your time to compare the different options available and settle for the model that best aligns with your needs.