8 Best Scopes for 500 to 1000 Yards

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Looking for the best scope for 500 to 1000 yards? Read on to discover the best on the market.

Long-range tactical shooting/hunting requires these three things; quality rifle, match ammo, and a decent scope. If your goal is to accurately hit targets above 500 yards, you will need a high-performance optic to make your shooting experience a success.

If you are always looking forward to owning a long-range rifle scope, then it’s worth searching into what the best options in the market are.

With different riflescopes being advertised as long-range riflescopes, determining the scope that will be suitable for your needs might not always be a walk in the park.

 

Best Scope for 500 to 1000 Yards-Our Top Picks

1) Vortex Optics Viper HS LR Second Focal Plane Riflescopes

Vortex Optics Viper HS LR Second Focal Plane Riflescopes

 

 

 

Viper HS LR means Hunting and Shooting Long Range. This line is available in different sizes(//6-24×50).

With XD glass you get sharp and edge-to-edge clear images. Lenses are XR multi-coated for light accumulation from dawn to dusk.
The HS LR features exposed target-style elevation turrets which come in handy for dialing elevation at extended ranges.

The scopes are fog proof and waterproof .

Features

  • Great for hunting or shooting at varying ranges
  • Advanced optical system
  • Dead-Hold BDC reticle
  • XR multi-coated lenses
  • Target-style elevation turrets
  • Fogproof and waterproof performance
  • Hard-anodized matte black finish
  • Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
  • 4x zoom

Pros

  • Fogproof and waterproof performance
  • Big eye relief up to 4 inches
  • Durable Aircraft Grade Aluminum construction
  • dialing elevation at extended ranges made easy by the exposed target-style elevation turrets

Cons

  • Non-illuminated

 

 

2) Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR II 8-40x50mm Rifle Scope

Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR II 8-40x50mm Rifle Scope

 

 

 

As one of the best scopes for 500-1000 Yards, this Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR II is one easy scope to use and it is highly recommended to many people for everyday use at 500 yards and more.

This scope has been made to provide the extreme precision required when hunting at varying ranges. It is an incredibly convenient scope to use and one of the budget-friendly scopes you can buy for 500 yards and more.

The scope features 8-40x magnification, which is one of the largest magnifications in the whole Burris lineup. The versatile magnification setting enables you to shoot extremely long-range targets as well as mid to close-range targets.

With a 50mm objective lens, the scope collects adequate light needed to produce bright target views. The high-grade optical glass provides excellent light transmission which results in the production of bright and clear target images, especially under low light conditions.

Furthermore, the scope has 11 brightness settings and with a convenient battery saver, you get to use the scope in different environments regardless of the lighting conditions.

A triple internal spring-tension system allows the scope to hold zero through shock, recoil, and vibrations. For all-weather reliability, the scope is nitrogen filled which makes it fully waterproof and fog proof.

Features

  • Perfect scope for everyday use.
  • Scratch-proof and durable optical glass.
  • Advanced windage and elevation adjustment.
  • Fully waterproof and fog proof.
  • Versatile 8-50x magnification power.
  • Ergonomic side focus.
  • Parallax adjustment from 50 yards to infinity
  • Red Illumination
  • Riflescope with 11 brightness settings.
  • High-grade optical glass provides bright and clear target views.

Specifications

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
  • Magnification: 8 – 40 x
  • Reticle: F Class MOA
  • Tube Diameter: 34 mm
  • Exit Pupil: 1.25 – 6.25 mm
  • Field of View, Linear: 2.8 – 13.2 ft at 100 yds
  • Eye Relief: 3.5 – 4.25 in
  • Adjustment Type: MOA,Click Value: 0.125 MOA,Range: 70 MOA
  • Optical Coating: Hi-Lume Multi-Coated
  • Magnification Type: Variable
  • W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 70 MOA

Pros

  • Wide field of view at close ranges and incredible target acquisition at long ranges
  • Better accuracy at long distances
  • Adjustable parallax
  • Waterproof and fog-proof performance

Cons

  • None

 

3) Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescopes

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescope

 

 

 

Available in different sizes

  • 4-12×50
  • 6-18×44
  • 3-9×50
  • 2-7×32

 

Vortex Optics Crossfire II offers great features at a relatively affordable price. The scope is good for hunting a number of varying ranges and it feels very easy to use as well.

This makes it suitable even for shooting/hunting beginners. This scope has been designed to attain maximum light transmission thanks to the large objective lens and the fully multicoated optics which produce bright and clear target views regardless of the lighting conditions.

A customized dead hold BDC reticle with a dot design eliminates all guesswork on windage and holdover corrections. This makes it suitable for varying distances shooting where estimating holdover might be of concern.

The scope also comes with an SFP reticle that maintains its size even at varying magnification ranges and with generous and consistent eye relief, your eyes will be safe from heavy recoil rifles.

This scope is made from aircraft-grade aluminum which ensures great performance and durability. On matters of all-weather reliability, the scope is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed to make it fully waterproof and fog proof.

Features

  • Great performance and reliability.
  • Fast focus eyepiece that is easy to use.
  • Resettable MOA turrets.
  • An anti-reflective and multi-coated lens provides bright and clear views.
  • Completely waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.
  • Durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction.
  • Generous eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box.
  • Superior edge to edge clarity

Pros

  • Incredible performance even in extra-low light conditions
  • Long eye relief
  • Quick and easy reticle focusing thanks to the fast focus Eyepiece
  • Bright and clear views thanks to the fully multi-coated lenses
  • Lightweight construction which enhances pack-ability and portability

Cons

  • Some are Illuminated while others are not

 

4) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x56mm Riflescope

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x56mm Riflescope

 

 

 

If you are looking for a scope that will help you hunt even under low light conditions, then the Leupold VX-5HD is your ideal scope. With an adjustable magnification, you get to adjust to 3x when you need to engage targets at a closer distance and change to 15x when you want to shoot targets above 500 yards.

An illuminated reticle makes this scope suitable for lowlight shooting conditions while a motion sensor technology deactivates the scope automatically after every 5 minutes of inactivity. A guard ion hydrophobic lens coating makes the lens extremely durable, scratch and dirt-proof. The optics are coated to enhance light transmission which results in the production of bright and crisp clear target views under any lighting condition.

The scope as one of the Best Riflescopes for 500-1000 Yards is also fully waterproof and fog proof with a Twilight Max Light Management system that adds up to at least 30 minutes of shooting light and offers the best glare reduction even under broad daylight. Keep this scope in mind if you want a scope that gives you more time with shooting light

Features

  • 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof.
  • High definition lenses for superior edge-to-edge clarity.
  • FireDot Duplex CDS reticle.
  • Coated optics enhance light transmission under low light conditions.
  • Twilight Max HD Light Management system.
  • Guard ion lens coatings that shed off water, dust, dirt, and fingerprints.
  • Versatile 3-15x magnification.

Specifications

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
  • Magnification: 3 – 15 x
  • Tube Diameter: 30 mm
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Exit Pupil: 3.7 mm
  • Illumination Type: LED, Red
  • Brightness Settings: 7
  • Adjustment Type: MOA, Click Value: 1/4 MOA, Range: 7.5 MOA
  • Optical Coating: Guard-Ion Rain Shedding
  • Magnification Type: Variable

 

 

5) Athlon Optics Helos BTR 8-34×56 Riflescope

Athlon Optics Helos BTR 8-34x56 First Focal Plane Riflescope

 

 

 

Athlon Optics Helos BTR is one of the Best Riflescopes for 500-1000 Yards. This scope is preferred by most shooters because of its ability to provide high-definition visuals even at distances above 500 yards. The image clarity and quality of this scope are rather impressive compared with other scopes within the same price range.

The scope manages to simplify field adjustments while providing you with snug eye relief, great zoom control, and a clear target picture. The lens on this scope is fully multi-coated for effective light transmission needed to produce bright and clear target views even under low lighting conditions. The scope also features an illuminated reticle that provides greater visibility when hunting at dusk or dawn.

With this scope, there is no need to stop or pause when the rain starts to pour. The scope is argon purged which makes it fully waterproof and fog proof as well.

It also has a shockproof mechanism system which gives your crucial recoil resistance. With its 8-34x magnification, it will be very easy for you to traverse a dense forest or a wide-open space and easily take down the target.

Features

  • Illuminated reticle.
  • Generous eye relief.
  • Versatile 8-34x magnification.

Specifications

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
  • Magnification: 8 – 34 x
  • Tube Diameter: 30 mm
  • Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
  • Exit Pupil: 7 – 1.7 mm
  • Field of View, Linear: 12.5 – 3 ft at 100 yds
  • Eye Relief: 3.3 in
  • Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
  • Parallax: 15 yds to infinity
  • Focus Range: 15 yds to infinity
  • Lens Material: Glass
  • Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
  • Magnification Type: Variable
  • Eyepiece Lens Diameter: 45.72 mm

Pros

  • Large field of view
  • Durable construction
  • Crisp locking turrets.
  • Completely waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
  • The first focal plane reticle stays valid during all magnification power settings
  • Fully multicoated lenses provide bright and clear target views

Cons

  • None

 

 

6) Steiner Optics GS3 Game Sensing Waterproof Hunting Riflescope

Steiner GS3 2-10x 42mm Riflescope

 

 

 

If you want to take accurate long-distance shots, this is the ideal scope for you. The zoom range is great and it provides you with the sharpest resolution even at longer distances. With multiple layers of anti-reflective lens coatings, maximum light transmission takes place resulting in the production of bright and clear target views even under low light conditions.

The scope has been made of high-quality materials which make it perform well under different terrains. The durability of the Steiner Optics GS3 riflescope is one you can trust for heavy-duty performance on the field. One unique feature about the scope is the color adjustment transmission which amplifies contrast in the peak human vision sensitivity range, enabling the hunter to spot his target in any environment. The scope is O-ring sealed and nitrogen filled ensuring all-weather reliability. The hydrophobic lens coating sheds off any dirt, water, dust, or fingerprints for easy cleaning and clear views. You can trust this scope to provide you with the best long-distance shooting experience ever.

Features

  • Color-adjusted lens coating helps spot games in any environment.
  • Generous and consistent eye relief.
  • Fully waterproof and fog proof.
  • Versatile 2-10x magnification.
  • Lightweight and portable.
  • Hydrophobic lens coating sheds off all dirt for clear target views.
  • Plex S1 reticle determines holdover distance.
  • Cascading dots/lines compensate for wind.

Specifications

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
  • Magnification: 2 – 10 x
  • Reticle: Plex S1
  • Tube Diameter: 30 mm
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Exit Pupil: 4.2 – 16.8 mm
  • Field of View, Linear: 10.5 – 52 ft at 100 yds
  • Eye Relief: 3.5 – 4.25 in
  • Diopter Adjustment Range: -3 – 2 dpt
  • Illumination Type: LED
  • Adjustment Type: MOA
  • Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
  • Parallax: Fixed
  • Focus Range: 328 ft
  • Fit: Universal
  • Magnification Type: Variable

 

7) Nikon Black FX1000

Nikon Black FX1000

 

 

Nikon continues to be one of the most reputable companies when it comes to optical devices and we love that the brand extended its excellent optics in Nikon Black FX1000. With this scope, you will be able to easily determine your target size, elevation holdover and wind drift, and whatever magnification you have designed. This riflescope has a glass-etched reticle located on the first focal plane and it can be easily used to estimate range.

Designed for comfort, the scope features a side parallax knob that allows adjustment without change of shooting positions. Moreover, a constant and generous eye relief keeps you safe from heavy recoil rifles while still providing you with a good sight picture from various shooting positions.

For all-weather reliability, the scope is O-ring sealed to lock out any moisture and nitrogen purged for total reliability against thermal shock.

The shockproof construction shrugs off heavy recoil and rugged use.

The scope also features a quick focus eyepiece for quick target acquisition. With extremely durable construction, you are able to use this scope in multiple situations including long-range target shooting.

Features

  • Glass etched ranging reticle.
  • High-speed turrets.
  • Side focus parallax adjustment.
  • Extremely durable, fine, and easy to use.
  • Generous and consistent eye relief.
  • Fully waterproof and shockproof.
  • 30mm main body tube.
  • Quick focus eyepiece.

 

8) Nikon ProStaff 7 3-12×42 BDC Riflescope

Nikon ProStaff 7 3-12x42 BDC Riflescope

 

 

Whether the situation calls for a long-range shot or a close-range shot, Prostaff 7 got you covered. Built with 30mm main body tubes, this scope provides a wider internal adjustment range which is useful for dialing in the elevations and windage adjustments required in long-range shooting.

The scope features multiple layers of anti-reflective coatings on the lens to produce bright and clear sight pictures regardless of the lighting conditions. The quick focus eyepiece ensures quick and easy target acquisition while the positive click reticle adjustments help you zero in fast and maintain your setting even with repeated recoil or under rugged conditions.

The scope is nitrogen sealed and O-ring sealed for complete waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof performance. The scope has also been designed to provide you with generous and consistent eye relief to keep you safe from heavy recoil rifles as well as provide you with a comfortable shooting view.

Features

  • Generous eye relief.
  • Fully waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.
  • Spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets.
  • Quick focus eyepiece.
  • 4-time zoom range.
  • Multi-coated lenses provide bright and vivid sight pictures.
  • Durable and rugged construction.

 

Related

 

Criteria for Choosing the Best Scope for 500 to 1000 Yards

  1. Windage and elevation.

Shooting further means that you need a scope with high-quality optics that provide you with bright and vivid target pictures. Pay attention to the windage and elevation adjustments of the scope because larger ranges for windage and elevation are required in order to get an accurate shot. Never overlook how important this aspect is especially if you are not used to shooting above 500 yards.

  1. Scope protection.

The performance of any scope depends on the proper functioning of the optics as well as other internal components. Elements such as dust and dirt particles, heat, vibration, and moisture can have a negative effect on the optimum function of these parts. It is therefore important to look for a scope with a coating that sheds off such elements. The scope should also be waterproof and fog proof to ensure all-weather reliability.

  1. Durability

Investing in a high-quality long range riflescope isn’t cheap. This means that you have to make sure that the scope you choose is something you will enjoy using for many years to come. Check at the material used in making that scope as well as the quality of every tube and make. Make sure that the scope is fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. It should also be able to withstand all weather elements without compromising on its performance.

  1. Reticles

There are different reticle styles useful when it comes to long-range shooting. Whichever reticle type works best for you is largely a matter of personal preference. Whatever type of reticle you decide to choose, make sure that it has MIL or MOA marks of some sort. These marks will highly help you when it comes to effective compensation of windage and range.

  1. Superior optics.

Shooting above 500 yards requires a scope with superior optics that let you see the target clearly at such a long distance. The quality of the lens is of great importance because it gives you peace of mind once you are able to see the target clearly even in the dark. Furthermore, you will be able to have a clear view of the target even when you set the magnification settings higher. To ensure that you get quality optics, it is recommended that you go for the brands with a reputation of delivering superior riflescopes optics.

Best Scope for 500 to 1000 Yards FAQs

  • What makes the best scope for 500-1000 yards?

Any good scope must have good quality optics. With high-quality optics, you get bright and clear target views. The scope should also have the ideal magnification depending on the target that you are shooting. Furthermore, weatherproofing is also important to ensure all-weather reliability.

  • What magnification do I need for 500-1000 yards?

For you to make accurate shots above 500 yards, you will need to have a scope with the right magnification. The bare minimum level of magnification needed for 500 yards shots is 5x. When it comes to shooting above 500 yards, a scope with 10x magnification would be best.

  • Which one is better, fixed or variable zoom scope

Your ideal zoom scope greatly depends on a personal shooting preference. If the shooting activity you intend to engage in involves shooting at a constant distance all the time, a fixed zoom scope will be ideal. On the other hand, if you are going to be shooting at different distances, a variable zoom scope will be better.

Conclusion

Long-range shooting is all fun only when you have the right scope with you. The market offers multiple scopes for us to choose from and the good thing is that all these scopes are appealing in their own unique ways.

Take time and go through the different scopes on our best scope for 500 to 1000 yards review then choose the scope that works best for your needs.

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