One of the most thrilling and addictive challenges is shooting long-range, if your goal is to hit the 1000-yard mark, a rifle scope for shooting 1000 yards is an indispensable item to have.
At these extreme long ranges, it will be difficult to see the target in the range with your naked eyes. This is where a scope comes in handy. It will magnify the target and help you make precision shots.
If you are having a difficult time finding the best 1000 yards scope, keep reading. We have compiled a list of good long-range scopes that are ideal for shooting targets at extreme ranges.
With all that in mind, let’s get started.
Best Scope for Shooting 1000 Yards-Our Top Picks
1) Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Viper HS-T is the perfect scope for shooting targets that are as far as 1000 yards.
It features a wide 4x to 24x magnification suitable for shooting at varying ranges and a VMR-1 MOA reticle which is perfect for accurate holds at long ranges.
This rifle scope features premium extra-low dispersion glass that provides excellent resolution and color contrast, and fully multi-coated optics that enhance light transmission for bright and clear image views.
It also has a side focus parallax adjustment which provides optimal image focus and easy parallax removal.
Furthermore, the scope is made with high-quality material which guarantees many years of use.
It is O-ring sealed and argon purged to deliver fog-proof and waterproof performance for all-weather reliability.
The Viper HS-T also brings to the table an Armortek coating that shields the external lens from scratches, a fast-focus eyepiece for easy reticle adjustment, and a CRS Zero Stop which allows for a simple return to zero after dialing temporary elevation corrections.
Pros
- Hunting, tactical, and target shooting applications
- Waterproof and fog-proof performance
- Fully multi-coated lenses for amazing resolution and color fidelity
- Fast focus eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing
- Premium extra-low dispersion glass
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction for strength and rigidity
- Exposed target-style turrets for fast and accurate elevation and windage adjustments
- Side focus for optimal image focus and parallax removal
- Shockproof and rugged construction for recoil and impact resistance
- ArmorTek to protect the scope from scratches, oil, and dirt
Specifications
Viper HS-T 4-16x44mm
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Viper HST 6-24x50mm
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Cons
- Non-Illuminated
2) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope is 100% waterproof and fog proof for all-weather reliability and punisher tested to stand the harshest impact and accidental fall.
This riflescope is built with hunters in mind. It has a FireDot illuminated reticle which provides easy aiming points in low light settings.
It also boasts a High-Definition Optical system that provides high-quality sight pictures and a Twilight Max Light Management System which gives hunters a distinct advantage when hunting at dawn or dusk.
Furthermore, the scope has a variable 3-15x magnification ideal for shooting at varying ranges.
You can use the 3x for short-range shooting then ramp to 15x to shoot long-range targets.
It also features a fast-focus eyepiece for simple reticle focusing and a generous eye box that aids in quick target acquisition.
Other notable features found in the scope include a CDS custom dial system, scratch-resistant lenses, and motion sensor technology.
Pros
- Lightweight and rugged
- 100% waterproof and fog proof
- 5:1 zoom ratio
- Unmatched light transmission
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Guard-ion rain shedding coating
- CDS custom dial system to match specific ballistics information
- Motion Sensor Technology for extended battery life
- Twilight Max Light Management System for better imaging even in low light conditions
- FireDot illuminated reticle
- Side focus for easy parallax adjustment
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
- Exit Pupil: 2.9 mm
- Magnification: 3 – 15 x
- Field of View, Linear: 38.2 – 7.9 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.7 – 3.82 in
- Mount Type: Ring
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
Cons
- No Adjustable Objective
Not Illuminated
3) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope
Shooting targets at 1000 yards requires a good quality scope like the Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope.
It has virtually everything that you need to shoot targets at extreme and long distances.
First, it has a wide 5x to 25x magnification ideal for shooting at both medium and long ranges. At every magnification setting, the scope provides clear image views thanks to the large 50mm objective lens.
Additionally, it has an illuminated reticle for easy aiming in poor light settings and XR fully multi-coated lenses which provide bright and crisp images even in low light settings.
Another great feature about the scope is that it is built to offer unmatched durability. It is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum for ultimate durability and it is waterproof and fog-proof to handle harsh weather conditions.
It also has an Armortek coating which protects the lenses from scratches, dirt, and oil, and a hard-anodized finish that prevents corrosion that causes rust.
Furthermore, the scope has a fast-focus eyepiece for simple reticle focusing, a Rapid Zero Return system that prevents your turret from dialing below sight while in the range, and a precision-glide erector system for accurate tracking and repeatability.
All these features are packed in a small scope that is lightweight and portable.
Pros
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Precision-glide erector system
- Built-in accuracy features for accurate shooting at extended ranges
- Illuminated first focal plane reticle
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- RZR zero stop to prevent the turrets from dialing below the sight-in range
- Hard anodized finish
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing for strength and rigidity
- XR fully multi-coated lenses
- Illuminated reticle for precise aiming in low-light conditions
- 30mm single-piece for enhanced internal adjustment and strength
Specifications
- First Focal Plane Reticle
- Eye Relief: 3.4 in
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Magnification: 5 – 25 x
- Field of View, Linear: 4.8 – 24.1 ft at 100 yds
- Focus Range: 25 yds to infinity
- Exit Pupil: 2 – 10 mm
- Red LED illumination
- 10 intensity levels
Cons
- None
4) Burris Xtreme Tactical 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope
To shoot a target that is 1000 yards away, you need a quality scope such as the Burris Xtreme Tactical 5-25x50m Rifle Scope.
This long-range scope is designed to help you ramp up your accuracy when taking long-range shots. It is very simple to use and compatible with a wide array of rifles.
Made with premium optical glass that has an index-matched Hi-Lume multi-coating, the scope maximizes light transmission and reduces glare to produce crisp and tack-sharp sight pictures.
It also has an FFP reticle, an ergonomic side focus, and an easy-to-reach parallax adjustment from 50 yards to infinity for greater accuracy at long ranges.
Moreover, the scope has a versatile 5x zoom which provides a large field of view at close ranges and greater detail for better target acquisition at long ranges.
To top it all, this tactical scope is waterproof for all-weather use and has a 34mm body tube which offers more room for reticle movement as well as windage and elevation adjustment.
Pros
- Made for long-range tactical and competitive shooters
- Excellent resolution optics
- Front focal plane reticle where the reticle increases/ decreases as the magnification increases or decreases
- Ergonomic side focus
- Parallax adjustment from 50 yds. to infinity, enhancing accuracy at long distances
- 5x zoom for a larger field of view at close ranges and amazing target acquisition at long ranges
- Excellent resolution optics
- Hi-Lume multi-coated optics for low-light performance and glare elimination
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Illuminated reticle
- Night vision, day, and low light application with the 11 brightness settings
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Exit Pupil: 2 – 10 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Focus Range: 50 yds to infinity
- Eye Relief: 3.5 – 4.25 in
- Magnification: 5 – 25 x
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 4.3 – 21 ft at 100 yds
- Diopter Adjustment Range: -2 – 2 DPT
Cons
- Only available in FFP
5) Trijicon AccuPower RS-30 4.5-30x56mm Rifle Scope
Trijicon AccuPower RS-30 4.5-30x56mm Rifle Scope features a powerful variable zoom which gives precision shooters and long-range tactical shooters all they need to identify, engage and acquire targets at long ranges.
This rifle scope offers superior optical performance. It boasts Extra-low dispersion glass which delivers exceptional resolution and more natural images for exceptional target identification.
It also has a large 56mm objective lens that offers outstanding light collection even in dismal environments and anti-reflective, fully multi-coated optics that reduce light loss through reflection and eliminate glare for a bright and clear field of view.
Furthermore, the scope has a lightweight design for ease of portability and a 34mm tube which provides more room for windage and elevation adjustment.
In terms of construction, it has a rugged aircraft-quality aluminum body that is hard anodized for added protection and weather-resistant for all-weather protection.
The scope has a repositionable magnification lever that accommodates various platforms and different firing positions.
Pros
- First focal plane reticle
- Lightweight design
- Parallax adjustment from 20 yards to infinity
- Rugged aircraft-quality aluminum body
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Hard anodized finish
- Antireflective, fully multi-coated optics
- Repositionable magnification lever
- User-selectable brightness settings
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
- Exit Pupil: 0.07 – 0.35 in
- Magnification: 4.5 – 30 x
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Parallax: 20 yds to infinity
- Field of View, Linear: 3.7 – 24.7 ft at 100 ft, Angle: 4.72 – 0.71 degrees
- Eye Relief: 3.2 – 3.8 in
- Red/Green LED illumination
- Brightness Settings: 11
Cons
- Expensive
6) Vortex Venom 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope
If you are on the hunt for the best rifle scope for shooting 1000 yards for the money, this is it.
The Venom 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope brings to the table a wide range of high-quality features suitable for shooting at long ranges at a remarkably low cost.
The scope has a 34mm tube which provides more room for turret travel and a versatile 5-25x magnification range ideal for both medium and long-range shooting.
With the 5x magnification, this optic provides a large viewing angle for simple target scanning and better target acquisition at the high 25x magnification.
The scope boasts a first focal plane EBR-7C reticle for accurate holdovers at every magnification and a throw lever that allows for lightning-fast magnification adjustments.
Furthermore, the scope has exposed tactical turrets that are easily accessible without changing your shooting position and a RevStop Zero System for a fast and reliable return to zero despite the number of adjustments you have made.
This rifle scope is also shockproof to withstand rough outdoor handling and fully waterproof and fog proof for use even in wet conditions.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- First focal plane reticle
- Throw lever for easy magnification adjustment
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Built for long-range and competition
- RevStop Zero System
- Multicoated lenses for superior light transmission
- Rugged, shockproof construction to withstand recoil and impacts
- Exceptional clarity and low-light performance
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- Tall, exposed tactical turrets
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
- Exit Pupil: 2.24 – 11.2 mm
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Parallax: 15 yds to infinity
- Magnification: 5 – 25 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Field of View, Linear: 4.71 – 21.21 ft at 100 yds, Angle: 0.9 – 4.05 degrees
- Eye Relief: 3.6 in
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
7) Steiner T5Xi 5-25×56 mm Rifle Scope
If you are on the hunt for a scope that offers the best long-range precision, ruggedness, and versatility, look no further than the Steiner T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope.
It boasts a variable 5x to 25x magnification and a large 56mm objective lens which brings unmatched clarity at every magnification setting.
The scope features a long-range Special Competition Reticle (SCR) which is specially designed for competition use.
The reticle is housed on the first focal plane and it is illuminated for precise shooting in any lighting condition. Furthermore, the scope boasts superior optical systems which maximize light transmission to provide razor-edge image clarity from dusk to dawn.
When it comes to construction, the scope has a 34mm 1-piece tube which provides more room for windage and elevation adjustment while increasing strength and reliability.
It also comes with a throw lever that allows for fast and simple magnification changes and lens covers that protect the lenses from dust, moisture, and any other debris.
Pros
- Precise distance ranging reticle
- Large and easy-grip knobs
- 1-piece 34mm tube for strength, reliability, and enhanced elevation and windage adjustments
- Low-profile resettable turrets
- Razor-edge image clarity
- First focal plane reticle
- Locking Diopter to prevent accidental rotation
- Waterproof/Fogproof/Shockproof
- Consistent Eye Relief throughout the magnification range
- Throw Lever for quick and easy magnification changes
- Lens Covers to protect the lenses from dust and moisture
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.5 – 4.3 in
- Magnification: 5 – 25 x
- Operating Temperature: -13 – 145 Fahrenheit
- Exit Pupil: 2.3 – 11.2 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 21.5 – 4.3 ft at 100 yds
- Diopter Adjustment Range: -3 – 2 DPT
- Red LED illumination
Cons
- None
8) Sightron SIII 6-24x50mm Long Range Rifle Scope
Sightron SIII 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope is specially designed for long-range shooting.
It has an exclusive optical design that provides greater color accuracy and best-in-class resolution as well as a Zact-7 Revcoat lens coating which offers excellent light transmission for bright and crisp image production.
With the variable 6-24x magnification, you will be able to use the scope to shoot targets at both intermediate and long ranges.
Furthermore, it has a lightweight design for easy portability and a parallax adjustment from 40 yards to infinity for greater long-range accuracy.
In terms of construction, the scope has a single-piece tube crafted from industrial-grade aluminum.
It is also shockproof to stand accidental impact and high-caliber recoil, and IPX7 is waterproof and fog proof so you can use it even in harsh weather conditions.
Pros
- IPX7 waterproof and fog-resistant
- Lightweight industrial grade aluminum single tube
- Durable and shockproof aluminum construction
- Variable magnification
- Zact-7 Revcoat multi-layer lens coating
- High-quality optical glass
- Lightweight design
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Exit Pupil: 2.08 mm
- Magnification: 6 – 24 x
- Eye Relief: 3.6 – 3.8 in
- Focus Range: 40 yds to infinity
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Red LED illumination
- Field of View, Linear: 3.9 – 16.1 ft at 100 yds
- Diopter Adjustment Range: -2 – 1 DPT
Cons
- None
Criteria for Choosing the Best Scope for Shooting 1000 Yards
Magnification
Magnification is the controlling element in any rifle scope. It determines how far you will be able to shoot.
To shoot targets that are 1000 yards away, a scope with more magnification is a must. It will magnify the small targets and bring them closer for more accurate shot placement. A tip is to get a variable power scope with more than 10x maximum magnification.
Parallax Adjustment
Parallax happens when the target and the reticle are not focused on the same distance in the rifle scope.
In most cases, if a scope doesn’t have a parallax adjustment it has its parallax set somewhere between 50 and 175 yards. This will work for most short and mid-range adjustments but not long-range.
For 1000 yards shooting, a scope with parallax adjustment is a must. Some models have a parallax adjustment knob usually mounted on the side, while other scopes have an adjustable objective lens. The parallax adjustment that you get will largely depend on your preference.
Reticle
Long-range rifle scopes have different reticle styles. While some scopes only have graduations vertically and horizontally, some models have more complex reticle shapes that have additional aiming points to the left, right, and under the center aiming point.
Generally, the more aiming points the reticle has, the more complex it will be used. Make sure that you choose a reticle pattern that corresponds to your hunting or shooting experience so you will have an easy time using it.
Image Quality
The scope you get for shooting targets that are as far as 1000 yards away must provide clear image views even at the highest magnification. With such a scope, you will be able to locate your target with ease and place your shot accurately.
For the best results, it is best that you get a scope that is made with ED glass, HD glass, or better.
Such scopes offer high resolution and exceptional color fidelity even in dismal environments. Make sure that you also get a scope that has fully multi-coated/fully-coated lenses for the best optical clarity.
Durability
Go for a scope that is built with premium-grade materials so you will get many years from it.
A scope that is well-built will also be reliable and it will give you the best performance in the field. A tip is to get a model that is built with aluminum alloy or air-craft-grade aluminum material. Also, ensure that you get a scope that is both fully waterproof and fog-resistant.
Conclusion
We hope that you have found the information in our Best Scope for Shooting 1000 Yards review helpful.
If you want to take your long-range shooting skills a notch higher, invest in any scope listed above. They all feature stunning build quality, high accuracy, and high functionality.
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