5 Best Leupold Scopes for 1000 Yards

Outdoor Moran is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More

What is the best Leupold scope for 1000 yards? Read on as we comprehensively cover the best 1000 yards Leupold Riflescopes.

Choosing the Best Leupold Scope for 1000 Yards

Versatile Zoom Ratio

When choosing a scope for long-range applications go for rifle scopes with a higher and more versatile zoom ratio. For example, a 5:1 zoom ratio will give you 5 x more magnification at high power than at low power making it a great scope for long range.A 6:1 zoom ratio is also great for long-range applications.

Optical System

Leupold scopes feature 3 optical systems.

The Professional-Grade Optical System in the VX-5HD and VX-6HD is the best and offers low-light performance, unmatched image quality, and amazing glare reduction.

Next is the Elite Optical System in the VX-3HD line which is mostly used by hardcore hunters and finally the Advanced Optical System in the VX-Freedom.

For long-range applications, the Professional Grade Optical system is best recommended.

Custom Dial System

This feature is very important for long-range shooters, it gives you the ability to customize turrets (adjustment dials) to the exact ballistics and environmental conditions eliminating the need for holdovers or calculating ballistics in the field.

ZeroLock System

This feature locks the adjustment dial in place to prevent accidental dial movements.

Side Focus

The side focus feature comes in handy when you need to adjust the scope’s parallax for a much clearer reticle clearer and reduced lens movement when shooting at different distances.

First Focal Plane or Second Focal Plane

SFP or FFP

A First focal plane scope has a reticle that changes its size with a change in magnification. FFP reticles stay accurate through the whole magnification range. This makes them ideal for long-range hunting and shooting.

On the other hand, a second focal plane scope stays the same at every magnification. This means that the sub-tensions are only accurate at one specific magnification, typically the highest magnification. The benefit of using an SFP scope is that the reticle stays clear even at the lowest magnification power.

Weatherproof

The best long-range scopes should be fog proof, waterproof, and shockproof to handle whatever woes your hunting journey might throw at you.

 

Best Leupold Scope for 1000 Yards-Our Top Picks

1) Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope

best Leupold scope for 1000 yards

Pros

  • First Focal Plane
  • ZeroLock system to prevent accidental dials
  • ZeroStop system
  • Side focus for a clearer reticle and stability at different distances.
  • Professional-Grade Optical System for unmatched light transmission
  • Scratch-Resistant optical coating
  • Waterproof and Fogproof
  • 6061-T6 Aluminum construction for strength and durability

Cons

  • No Adjustable Objective
  • No Custom Dial System (CDS)
  • Length:15.7 in
  • Weight: 30 oz
  • Reticle: FFP TMR (Mk)
  • Tube Diameter: 35 mm
  • Eye Relief: 3.6 – 3.8 in
  • Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
  • Exit Pupil: 2.2 mm
  • Field of View, Linear: 4.2 – 20.4 ft at 100 yds

 

 

2) Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44mm Rifle Scope

Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44mm Rifle Scope

Pros

  • 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum construction
  • Powerful 6:1 zoom ratio
  • Guard-Ion rain-shedding coating
  • Proprietary MST (Motion Sensor Technology)
  • One-button brightness control
  • Side focus parallax adjustment
  • Twilight Max Light Management System

Cons

  • No adjustable objective
  • Length:13.5 in
  • Weight: 19 oz
  • Reticle: Illum. TMOA/ FireDot Duplex
  • Tube Diameter: 30 mm
  • Eye Relief: 3.7 – 3.8 in
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Exit Pupil: 2.4 – 14.6 mm
  • Field of View, Linear: 6.4 – 38.3 ft at 100 yds

 

 

3) Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35x56mm Rifle Scope

Leupold Mark 5HD 7-35x56mm Riflescope

Pros

  • HD edge-to-edge lens clarity
  • Recoil resistant
  • Waterproof and fog proof performance
  • Ultra-lightweight construction
  • Twilight Max HD Light Management System

Cons

  • No adjustable objective
  • Length:15.7 in
  • Weight: 30 oz
  • Reticle: TMR (Mk)/TMOA Plus
  • Tube Diameter: 35 mm
  • Eye Relief: 3.6 – 3.8 in
  • Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
  • Exit Pupil: 1.6 mm
  • Field of View, Linear: 14.7 – 3 ft at 100 yds

 

 

4) Leupold VX-6 7-42x56mm Rifle Scope

4) Leupold VX-6 7-42x56mm Rifle Scope

Pros

  • 6061-T6 Aluminum construction
  • Precision at extreme distances
  • Widest field of view
  • Versatile 6:1 zoom ratio
  • Elite Optical System
  • Side focus adjustment
  • Custom Dial System for turret customization
  • ZeroStop system
  • Guard-ion coating

Cons

  • Not illuminated
  • Length:15.5 in
  • Weight: 26.3 oz
  • Reticle: TMOA Plus
  • Tube Diameter: 34 mm
  • Eye Relief: 3.9 – 4.2 in
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Field of View, Linear: 2.7 – 16.3 ft at 100 yds

 

5) Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope

Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope

Pros

  • Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
  • Lightweight
  • Twilight Max HD Light Management system
  • In-scope electronic level for easy mounting and enhanced long-range accuracy
  • Illuminated Reticle for low light conditions
  • Professional-grade HD optical performance
  • Rugged performance
  • Versatile 6:1 zoom ratio
  • Side focus adjustment
  • Custom Dial System

Cons

  • No adjustable objective
  • Length:13.5 in
  • Weight:20.4 oz
  • Reticle: FireDot Duplex Illum./TMOA Illum
  • Tube Diameter: 30 mm
  • Eye Relief: 3.7 – 3.8 in
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Field of View, Linear: 38 – 7 ft at 100 yds

 

 

 

Read Also: 3 Best Vortex Scopes for 1000 Yards

 

Choosing the Best Leupold Reticle

Leupold offers a wide selection of reticles to meet the various needs of hunters and shooters out there.

Whether you are buying your first Leupold scope or looking to upgrade your old model, here is how you can know which reticle will work for you.

The Low-Light Hunter

If you prefer to chase your game early in the morning or late in the evening, it is vital that you choose a scope that will be easy to use in such settings. To optimize your shooting light, look for a model that has one of these reticles; Duplex, FireDot or Hunt-Plex. They provide a clear aiming point, even in low-light settings.

The Long-Range Hunter

For the long-range hunting enthusiast, the scope you use can either make or break your hunting. Here, you are going to be taking long shots where the bullet drops significantly.

This calls for a reticle that helps you account for the bullet drop. The best reticles for long-range hunting are BDC, Wind-Plex, and TMOA. With or without illumination, they provide great accuracy when hunting in different environments.

The Tactical or PRS Shooter

Today, long-range precision shooting is growing rapidly and Leupold offers just the right reticles to help improve your scoreboard. Here, you will need a scope with either MIL or MOA reticles. The FFP PR2-MIL and PR2-MOA reticles are specially designed for long-range speed and precision. With any of the reticles, you will be able to accurately estimate the range and holdovers on any magnification range.

When it comes to tactical shooting, Leupold offers the AR-Ballistic reticle. It is specialized for tactical applications and it provides wind drift holds at 300, 400, and 500 yards.

Choosing Scope Mounts

A mounting system is a vital link between a firearm and an optic. Leupold offers a wide selection of rings and bases which are essential to helping you get and stay on target. Let’s take an in-depth look at the scope mount series that Leupold has to offer.

Standard (STD)

Standard (STD) mounts

These are the most common scope mounts out there. They are traditional hunting-style mounts that come in steel 1-piece and 2-piece bases. Standard mounts come with both windage and elevation features. STD bases and rings are ideal for use with standard calibers not more than .300 Win Mag.

Dual Dovetail (DD)

Dual Dovetail (DD) mounts

Here is another traditional hunting-style mount. Leupold DD mounts come in 1-piece and 2-piece bases, with the addition of Dovetail features both at the front and back of the mount.

The rings are available in various heights to help you get the scope low to the receiver so it appears more like an open sight. Dual Dovetail mounts are ideal for use with standard to magnum calibers.

Quick Release (QR)

Quick Release (QR) mounts

Leupold Quick Release 1-piece and 2-piece bases are designed to accept QR rings. A QR mount makes it easy for you to remove a scope from the firearm and replace it while still maintaining zero. This scope mount is your ideal option if you have a dangerous game rifle or muzzleloader.

Cross Slot

Cross-Slot mounts

Cross-Slot mounts are weaver-style rings that work with Weaver and Picatinny rails. They are available in PRW2, QRW2, LWR and Open-Range series with 1-piece and 2-piece bases, and all are ideal for use with standard to magnum calibers.

Understanding Magnification and Zoom Range

Leupold scopes with a wider zoom range are the best in terms of versatility. If you are looking to do more with just one scope, look for a model that boasts a wide zoom ratio. A model with a 6:1 zoom ratio gives you more flexibility compared with a 3:1 counterpart.

Leupold Optical Systems

A good scope is one that provides clear views in all conditions. Leupold offers three optical systems; professional grade optical system, elite optical system, and advanced optical system.

The high-end scopes have a professional-grade optical system that provides unmatched image quality even in the most challenging conditions. Both the elite optical system and advanced optical system offer great optical clarity from dawn to dusk, but models with the advanced optical system tend to be cost-effective.

Conclusion

We hope that our best Leupold scope for 1000 yards recommendations will meet your long-range hunting and shooting needs. You can trust the Leupold brand for the best long-range performance.

Related