Looking for the best scope for 1000 yards? Read on as we comprehensively cover the Best Scopes for 1000 yards.
Extreme long-range shooting requires a powerful rifle, precision grade ammo, and a high-performance long-range scope. There is no way that you can consistently hit targets at 1000 yards by simply point shooting.
Depending on the shooting activity that you are engaged in, a high-quality scope is a must-have for precise distance shooting.
Since long-range scopes are expensive, you’ll be making a long-term investment when you decide to buy one. However, with the market offering many long-range scopes to choose from, finding the right scope for distance shooting becomes a little overwhelming.
This guide will help you find a high-quality scope for all your long-range shooting needs. Let’s take a look.
Best Scope for 1000 Yards-Our Top Picks
1) Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24×50 SFP Riflescope
For all your extreme long-range shooting needs, the Viper HS-T-6-24×50 SFP Riflescope got you covered. Crafted from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope is extremely sturdy and rigid. The adjustable 6-24x zoom provides magnification versatility for short and long-range shooting. Featuring extra-low dispersion lenses that deliver excellent fidelity and color resolution, the scope also features XR lens coatings for enhanced light transmission. A fast-focus eyepiece allows quick and simple reticle focusing for quick target acquisition. For all-weather reliability, the scope is fully waterproof and fog proof as well. This versatile yet simple scope is one of the best scopes for 1000 yards hunting, tactical application, and target shooting. Key Features
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2) Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27×56 FFP Riflescope
The Razor HD Gen II scope is one of the best scopes for 1000 yards. It’s a premium quality optic whose reliable performance makes it ideal for both hunters and competitive shooters. The construction of this scope is also as strong and solid as any premium long-range scope. Crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope is not only durable but lightweight as well. The high-quality glass provides superior image brightness and clarity even when shooting in low light conditions. The hard anodized black finish camouflages the shooter’s position while generous eye relief provides a snug view of your target. For all-weather reliability, the scope is fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. This scope will give you unparalleled durability and reliable performance at all shooting ranges. Key Features
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3) Mueller Optics 8-32x44mm Side Focus Target Dot Riflescope
If you are on a tight budget and you are looking for an affordable long-range scope, Mueller 8-32x44mm Target Riflescope is a great option for you. This scope features a generous eye relief that keeps your eyes safe from heavy recoil rifles while still providing you with a good view of your target. The magnification range of this scope is versatile enough for different applications and it also holds zero quite well. A fast-focus eyepiece allows quick and simple reticle focusing while the fully coated optical system delivers bright and clear target views. The mil-dot reticle improves your shooting accuracy and the fully exposed target turrets enable easy windage and elevation adjustment. With this scope, you get a high-performance optic at a relatively cheaper price. Key Features
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4) Nightforce 5.5-22×56 NXS Riflescope
When it comes to extreme long-range shooting, the optical clarity and quality of the Nightforce NXS are one of a kind. For long-range shooting, this scope comes with 100 MOA measurements that make fine-tuning your shots a lot easier while also guaranteeing greater accuracy. Additionally, the zero stop turrets and adjustment knobs make it easier to secure an accurate shot. With an adjustable magnification power, this scope is versatile enough for both short and long-range applications. With fully multi-coated lenses, light transmission is enhanced which results in the production of bright and clear target views. Crafted from high-grade materials, this scope is durable yet lightweight. It’s also fully waterproof and fog proof to ensure all-weather reliability. Key Features
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5) Nikon Black FX1000
Built to deliver accurate long-range shots, Nikon Black FX1000 is all you need for your long-range shooting needs. Featuring a shockproof construction, the scope shrugs off hard recoil and rugged use. It’s O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to deliver waterproof and fog-proof performance. A quick focus eyepiece allows for easy reticle focusing while the side focus parallax knob allows easy parallax adjustment without changing your shooting position. Also included in this scope is a constant, generous eye relief that keeps you safe from heavy recoil rifles while also providing a good sight picture for various shooting positions. The glass-etched FFP reticle paired with high-speed turrets allows fast, repeatable distance corrections to enhance accuracy. Key Features
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6) Athlon Optics Ares BTR 4.5-27×50 FFP Riflescope
If your goal is to consistently hit the long-range target at 1000 yards, you are going to need a quality riflescope such as the Athlon Ares BTR. Light transmission in this scope is enhanced by the fully coated optical system to deliver bright and clear images in all shooting conditions. While this scope is stylish, its turrets sick out from their node, allowing easy elevation and windage adjustment. The smooth transition when zooming in and out makes this scope ideal for both short and long-range targets. The long eye relief keeps you safe from heavy recoil rifles while also providing a good sight picture for various shooting positions. The robust aircraft-grade aluminum construction and good build quality make the scope shockproof and recoil-proof. Key Features
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7) Leupold VX-6 7-42x56mm Riflescope
Like many Leupold scopes, this Leupold VX-6 is built on a true strength platform to deliver many years of reliable performance. This scope offers a wide magnification range suitable for both short and long-range shooting. The versatile 6:1 zoom ratio delivers superior edge-to-edge image clarity throughout the whole magnification range. Its large objective lens gathers the optimal light needed to produce bright and clear target views. The lenses are fully multi-coated to enhance light transmission and deliver bright target views even in low light conditions. Crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope is durable and lightweight as well. A fast-focus eyepiece ensures quick and easy reticle focusing while the extended Twilight Lens System provides more hours of shooting light. For all-weather reliability, the scope is absolutely waterproof and fog proof. It also comes with a lifetime warranty. Key Features
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Criteria for Choosing the Best Scope for 1000 Yards
- Magnification
The most significant and important aspect of any rifle scope is its magnification. How much magnification of a scope you require is more of a personal preference and the shooting activity you are engaged in. For target shooting, where you want to touch those 1000 yards targets, you’ll need a scope with a larger magnification. 10x or more is a good magnification to start.
- Lens Quality
A long-range scope is only as good as the lenses used to make it. Lens quality has a direct impact on the clarity of the scope and how well you’ll see through it especially when shooting/hunting under low light conditions.
High-quality lenses enhance your accuracy and improve eye relief. The bigger the objective lens diameter, the more light goes through and the clearer the images become. However, the downside of a larger diameter means a heavier scope. The added weight can throw off the balance of your rifle. It can make it feel heavy and uncomfortable.
- Weatherproofing and durable construction
Ensure that you get yourself a scope that can deal with almost all sorts of weather conditions. This means more versatility for you. If you plan on taking the scope with you to hunt in the backcountry, make sure that it’s rugged and sturdy enough to ensure harsh handling. Get one that is also waterproof as well as fog proof.
This way, you are sure that it can keep up with any weather conditions and still maintain a clear picture. In addition, look for a durable scope that will last long. As you compare your choices, select one that is made of heavy-duty materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum.
- Ease of use
The other thing to look into when buying a long-range scope is the ease of adjustments. No one wants a scope that gives them a hard time adjusting before they get started. Look for a scope whose windage and elevation adjustment knobs are easy to adjust and easy to use as well. A scope with simple adjustment knobs is also ideal for beginners.
- Illumination
Look for a scope that will make your shooting experience easier even in low light conditions. If you will be shooting at dust or dawn, when the natural light intensity is quite low, you should go for a scope that can offer illumination. Some scopes offer different brightness settings while others offer automatic adjustments allowing you to concentrate on your target.
Which Important Features Should I Consider If I Want a Stable Scope?
In Riflescopes, stability comes with weight, so a slightly heavier scope will do. Additionally, the scope needs to be shockproof and shouldn’t shift during recoils. A scope that’s capable of maintaining a target despite the force of recoil will is the best.
What Magnification Will I Need?
This will depend on the shooting activity you’ll be engaged in. average shooters will do well with a 16x-25x magnification while professional shooters can hit the same target using a 10x powered scope.
What Makes a Great 1000 Yards Scope?
Durable construction and high-quality lenses. You’ll need a scope with high-quality lenses so you can have clear target views even at the highest magnification. Shooting at 1000 yards also requires the scope to be durable, shockproof, and recoil-proof.
Final Thoughts
Scopes for 1000 yards allow for better target views at any given target. Extreme long-range scopes must have exceptional optical clarity and powerful zoom power.
With multiple scopes available in the market, look for a scope that will meet your shooting needs as well as reflect on your personal shooting style. All the scopes listed above are quality and great for shooting at 1000 yards and above.
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