When it comes to long-range shooting, choosing the right scope is very important to ensure accuracy and precision, for distances of around 400 yards, the ideal scope should provide clear and sharp images, allow for adjustments to windage and elevation, and offer a magnification level that allows for a clear view of the target.
The best scope for 400 yards will vary depending on personal preferences and shooting requirements, but generally, scopes with a magnification level between 2x and 16x are suitable for this distance. Other features to consider include reticle style, objective lens size, and durability. Whether you’re a competitive shooter or a hunter, choosing the best scope for your needs can make all the difference in achieving your shooting goals.
What is the Best Scope Magnification for 400 Yards?
The best scope magnification for 400 yards will depend on several factors, including the type of shooting you’ll be doing and the size of the target, in general, the best scope magnification for 400 yards is anything between 2x to the highs of 16x. You can go bigger if you want to but not necessary.
The ideal magnification is instrumental when shooting at 400 yards. The way you acquire the target determines whether a shot will be successful when being shot from a distance. Therefore, selecting the appropriate magnification is crucial. The best riflescopes should have a minimum magnification of 4x.
In some scenarios, you might need a higher magnification, particularly if the target is small and the lighting could be better.
Despite its promise of a better visual, going much higher in magnification is never a good idea because it is much simpler to hold steady the crosshairs at a 4x magnification than at a 24x magnification.
Considerations for the Best Scope for 400 Yards
When choosing the best scope for 400 yards, there are several important considerations to keep in mind:
Durability
A riflescope is worth investing in if it will serve you many years. There are several ways to make rifle scopes durable using today’s technology. Instead of employing plain steel, some materials even undergo heat treatments to improve their steel. Some materials are made of strong, long-lasting materials like aircraft-grade aluminum. Choose a scope that has a solid reputation for durability. Also, check the scope’s resistance to shock, water, snow, fog, and other elements as well.
Eye relief
It is vital and utilitarian to have consistent and ample eye relief. Your brow will be shielded from impact and recoil as a result. Eye relief also reduces eye strain, which is especially important after prolonged work in the field. It’s important to choose a scope that provides enough eye relief for your individual needs.
Lens size and coating
To achieve a sharp, clear image of the target, you need a large objective lens and tube to bring in the most light. A clear image enables targets to be set to 400 yards when shooting. Enhancing image clarity also relies heavily on lens coatings. Furthermore, they aid in keeping dirt and water out, keeping the scopes fog-proof.
A larger objective lens can provide better light transmission and improve image quality in low-light conditions. However, a larger lens may also add weight and bulk to your scope, making it more difficult to handle and aim.
Turrets
Different situations call for different settings. Windage and seamless elevation adjustments imply an easy time on the field. Pick a scope with easily adjustable turrets that are marked clearly and finger-adjustable. An excellent scope enables you to make swift and precise adjustments on the fly.
Magnification
A scope should have an adjustable magnification range. You can acquire targets more accurately and shoot at various ranges with the right magnification.
A magnification level between 2x and 16x is best for shooting at 400 yards. A higher magnification level may be necessary for smaller targets or for more precise shots, but a lower magnification level may be more suitable for larger targets or for tracking moving targets.
Best Scopes for 400 Yards
1) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x56mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x56mm is the best Scope for 400 Yards. It features a 56mm objective lens that allows for exceptional light transmission, making it ideal for low-light shooting. The scope also has a 3-15x magnification range, providing a versatile magnification range that perfectly fits the 400 yards range.
The scope is built from aircraft-grade aluminum for life-long performance and to withstand the toughest conditions. It is also waterproof and fog proof for relentless performance. Its rugged construction also makes it shockproof.
It boasts a fast-focus eyepiece that makes it easy to acquire targets quickly and an easy-to-use side-focus parallax adjustment for clear images at long distances.
The scope’s Twilight Max HD Light Management System delivers the brightest image views from dusk to dawn. Effective glare elimination makes this possible. Guard-Ion lens coatings are another feature of the scope that protects the exterior lenses from scuffs, dirt, and moisture.
It is worth noting that the scope incorporates the Custom Dial System, which is handy since it adjusts the elevation dial on your scope to match your load, velocity, and environmental factors, enabling consistently quick and accurate shots.
A fast-focus eyepiece allows quick reticle focusing for rapid target acquisition.
Features
- 30mm main tube
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- Guard-Ion lens coating enhances protection
- Custom dial system
- A fast-focus eyepiece
- FireDot reticle illumination
Pros
- Decent eye relief
- Superior glass quality
- Impeccable low-light performance
- Performs well in all weather conditions
Cons
- No adjustable objective
2) Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24mm Riflescope
This scope has a tried-and-tested 4x zoom mechanism with a true 1x, making it ideal for close encounters and accurate 400-yard shooting at its highest magnification.
Thanks to the lens on this scope, you have more control over each shot you fire. Each lens has multiple coatings to provide contrast support while ensuring optimum light absorption for glare-free images.
The chances of fog or water entering the scope are kept minimal as the scope is sealed. It is also shockproof for impact and recoil resistance.
Also featured on the scope is a small zoom lever that helps you easily go from 1x to 4x. This enhances your ability to locate targets from a distance. The scope’s throw lever function is a nice finishing touch. You can quickly switch between different zoom settings with the lever.
A CR2032 battery powers the unit. The reticle has eleven brightness settings, two compatible with night vision.
Features
- Multi-coated optics
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
- It runs on a CR2032 battery
- 24mm objective lens
- 30mm tube
- Throw lever for more convenience
- 5 day/4 low Light/2 NV brightness levels
Pros
- Lightweight
- Remarkable optics
- Ergonomically designed
- Aircraft Grade Aluminum construction
- Night vision compatible
Cons
- Battery life could be better
3) Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-18x44mm Riflescope
If you are budget conscious and looking for a high-performing scope, Vortex Crossfire II 6-18x44mm is what you need. The scope is intuitively built to optimize alignments for enhanced accuracy and visual performance.
Regarding performance, the scope is ruggedly built of aircraft-grade aluminum for optimal durability. It is also waterproof and fog proof for reliable performance in all weather conditions.
The scope is designed with fully multi-coated optics making it a top performer in dismal lighting conditions. A fast-focus eyepiece helps in quick reticle focus for rapid target acquisition.
Another major feature of this scope is the capped windage and elevation turrets that eliminate unwanted adjustments and resist impact. The adjustable parallax helps in parallax elimination and image focusing.
Features
- Capped windage and elevation turrets
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Made of high-quality aluminum
- Adjustable objective
- Hard anodized finish
- 150 hours of battery life
- 10 yds to infinity focus range
Pros
- Fast Focus Eyepiece
- Exceptionally clear optics
- Capped Reset Turrets
- Durable housing and construction
Cons
- None
4) Primary Arms PLx 6-30x56mm Riflescope
Primary Arms PLx 6-30x56mm is a 400-yard scope designed with world-class glass clarity and advanced features. Its 6-30x magnification makes it a perfect choice for 400 yards.
The scope is engineered with a 34mm tube that is made of A-grade materials for unmatched durability. It suffices in all weather conditions owing to waterproof, fog-resistant, and shock-resistant capabilities. A hard coat anodized black finish reinforces the durability.
The Japanese glass used in the scope is of premium grade and boosts clarity for flawless target images.
The ACSS Athena BPR MIL Reticle offers accurate range estimation and a wide but unobtrusive holdover field for extremely long-range shooting.
The 0.1 MIL click adjustments on the PLx are precise, repeatable, tactile, and audible. The finger-adjustable turrets can be quickly reset to zero after zero has been achieved, making it easy to trace future adjustments.
Features
- Zero-resettable turrets
- First focal plane reticle
- Hard anodized finish
- Japanese glass improves clarity
- Durable 34mm tube
- Tactile and audible adjustments
- Water/fog proof and shock resistant
Pros
- Night vision compatible
- Easy-to-use reticle
- Lifetime warranty
- Robust craftsmanship
- Impeccable glass clarity
- High-strength and heavy-duty construction
Cons
- Heavy
5) Burris Xtreme Tactical 8-40x50mm FFP Riflescope
Burris Xtreme Tactical 8-40x50mm should be the go-to optic if you want to advance your medium to long-range shooting. The scope boasts a 34mm tube that is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum that endures anything thrown at it. It is filled with dry nitrogen gas to prevent internal fogging and moisture from damaging the internal components.
The lenses are fully multi-coated. Combine this with top-notch optical glass, and you get the clearest and brightest target views.
The versatile 5x zoom range offers a wide field of view, and the generous eye relief protects you from the recoil of powerful guns.
Windage and elevation adjustments are a breeze and ensure accuracy and repeatability. With its 11 brightness levels, the illuminated reticle substantially improves accuracy when the target is dark and decreases the time it takes to get on it in any lighting condition. Each setting has a handy battery-saving position in between.
Features
- Versatile 5x zoom system
- Ergonomic side focus
- Zero stop feature
- Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses
- Illuminated reticle with eleven settings
- MOA adjustment
- Parallax adjustment from 50 yards to infinity
Pros
- Lightweight yet sturdy
- Seamless adjustments
- Top-quality optical system
- Weatherproof
- Aircraft Grade Aluminum construction
- Improved accuracy at long distances
Cons
- Quite heavy at 31.4 oz
6) Sightron SIII SS 10-50x60mm Riflescope
The highest-quality optics made by Sightron are found in the SIII line of scopes. The SS 10-50x60mm is one scope that epitomizes this. One thing that makes the scope outdo competitors is the build quality.
A single piece of aircraft aluminum that has been hard anodized is used to construct the 30mm tube. It is filled with dry nitrogen gas for waterproof and fog proof performance. It is also completely shockproof.
Sightron’s exclusive Exactrack windage and elevation adjustment mechanism is used here. This technology provides superior accuracy and precision.
Pin-point zeroing is simple, thanks to the 0.125 MOA adjustment per click. The resettable, tactical turrets have been expertly machined.
Regarding light transmission, the lenses are multi-coated. Couple this with the massive 60mm size of the lens and you get unmatched clarity, resolution, and sharpness.
Features
- 10-50x magnification
- ExacTrack W&E System
- Gigantic 60mm objective lens
- It runs on a CR2032 battery
- 8 to 4.5 inches of eye relief
- Second focal plane reticle
- Multi-coated optics
- Hard anodized finish
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
Pros
- All-weather design
- Best-in-class resolution and sharpness
- Ideal for beginners and professionals as well
- Fast focus eyeball
- Side focus
- IPX7 waterproof and fog proof
Cons
- None
Related
- 5 Best Vortex Scopes for 500 Yards
- 6 Best Scopes for 600-800 Yards
- 6 Best Scopes for 600 Yards
- 7 Best Scopes for 1000 Yards
- 7 Best Scopes for 100-500 Yards
- 8 Best Scopes for 500 to 1000 Yards
Best Scope for 400 Yards FAQs
What reticle should I use for shooting at 400 yards?
The reticle you choose will depend on your personal preferences and shooting style. Some popular options include Mil-dot, BDC, and MOA reticles. Choose a reticle that you are comfortable with and that helps you quickly and accurately target your shots.
What size scope is best for 400 yards?
400- and even 500-yard shots may be feasible if you have good aim. In that case, you’ll want at least 12x or 15x to meet the 100-foot rule.
Are larger objective lenses always better?
Yes, especially if you are shooting at long ranges like 400 yards when the magnification will be higher and a larger objective lens will be necessary.
The objective lens’s light-letting capacity increases with its size. A larger objective lens is therefore favored to capture as much light as possible, even in low-light settings. However, the weight of the lens increases proportionately with its size. A large lens size will also not function well in a scope with a low magnification.
How much should I expect to spend on a scope for 400 yards shooting?
The cost of a riflescope for 400 yards shooting can vary greatly depending on the brand, model, and features. Entry-level scopes can be found for around $200, while high-end options can cost upwards of $2000. Plan to spend at least $500 for a good quality scope with the necessary features for shooting at 400 yards.
Conclusion
After considering various factors such as magnification, objective lens size, reticle type, and durability, this detailed best scope for 400 yards review features the best products on the market. These rifle scopes offer a wide magnification range, a large objective lens size, and first or second-focal plane reticles for accurate holdovers at any magnification.