If you are in the market hunting for a long-range tactical sniper scope, you stumbled upon the right place. In today’s post, we will be looking at the best riflescopes for 1000 yards and all the nitty-gritty about long-range shooting.
Every avid shooter knows that there is nothing more satisfying than accurately hitting targets at long distances. While long-range shooting requires a lot of patience and practice, having the right gear also plays a huge role in how successful the whole shooting activity will be.
After 350 yards, it becomes difficult for any shooter even the most experienced ones to maintain accuracy without the help of optical sight. This calls for the need to use a long-range rifle scope.
Essential Features in a Long-Range Scope
Magnification, objective lens and reticle type are the essential features that differentiate long-range scope from other scopes.
Magnification
It should be the primary feature to consider as it determines how long you can accurately take a target at a long range. Moreover, magnification also affects the price of the scope, so you’ll want to make sure that the scope you choose is within your budget.
Long-range scopes often have variable magnification to accommodate both short and long distances. A scope with at least 10x magnification is ideal for long-range shooting.
Objective Lens
How much light goes into the scope is determined by the size of the objective lens. Image brightness and optical clarity are extremely important features in a long-range scope especially when targets become difficult to spot under low light conditions.
Riflescopes with big-sized lenses create brighter images and provide a wide field of view at greater distances. The only downside of large-sized objective lenses is that they make the scope weigh more which directly affects the balance of your rifle.
Reticle Type
Riflescopes with reticles on the first focal plane are best suited for long-range shooting. This is because the size of the crosshair and hold-over marks adjusts on the target with an increase in magnification. This allows you to transition through the magnification range and maintain accuracy without the need to perform any ballistic calculations.
8 Best 1000 Yards Riflescopes
With the market offering a wide range of long-range rifle scopes to choose from, you might find it difficult to choose the best scope especially if you are in the market for the first time. If you are not sure about which scope to go for, this guide should clear all your doubts and enlighten you on the best scope to buy. Let’s take a look.
#1) Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II SFP Riflescopes
Topping our list of the best 1000 yards riflescopes is the Vortex Viper PST Gen II SFP Riflescopes. Built to last for decades, this riflescope is crafted with aircraft-grade aluminum with a hard-anodized black matte finish which camouflages the shooter’s position and enhances durability.
The reticle on this scope is on the second focal plane so it doesn’t change with change in magnification, setting a foundation for long-range accuracy. The versatile 1-6x zoom is ideal for close to long-range shooting.
The reticle is intuitive and easy to use with numerous hold positions for accurate shooting. You can easily switch off positions between each setting using the 10 brightness settings available.
Moreover, these optics features extra-low dispersion glass that provides higher image resolution and vivid color fidelity. The XR fully multi-coated lenses ensure optimum light transmission which delivers bright and clear image views. The excellent light transmission and vivid images solidify these scopes’ position among the best 1000 yards riflescopes.
An Armortek coating protects these lenses from scratches and sheds of fingerprints, oil, and dirt. The scope is also O-ring sealed and argon purged to deliver reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance.
Key Features
- Fully waterproof and fog proof.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Sturdy and durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction.
- Second focal plane reticle.
- Armortek lens coating.
- XR, fully multi-coated lenses.
- Extra-low dispersion glass.
- Laser-etched turrets.
- Adjustable parallax.
- RZR zero stop.
#2) Athlon Optics Talos BTR 4-14×44 FFP Riflescope
Long-range shooting is made easy with the Athlon Optics Talos BTR 4-14×44 FFP Riflescope. Suitable for both tactical and competitive shooting, this scope finds its way among the best riflescopes for 1000 yards as it is easy to use and highly accurate. The FFP reticle is perfect for long-distance shooting as it shrinks or grows along with the target as you zoom in or out.
The glass-etched reticle provides excellent backing support for complex reticle designs while also providing greater durability and better recoil resistance. The fully multi-coated lenses enhance the transmission of light to provide bright and clear image views regardless of the lighting conditions.
Crafted with the highest quality materials, this optic features a heat-treated one-piece tube which provides extra strength compared with multi-piece tubes. On top of that, the one-piece main tube is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed to keep it fully waterproof and fogproof. Weighing just 450 grams, this riflescope is lightweight and easy to move around with.
Key Features
- Illuminated reticle.
- Fully waterproof and fogproof.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Versatile 4-14x zoom range.
- A glass-etched reticle offers greater durability.
- First focal plane reticle.
- Fully multi-coated lenses.
- Shockproof and recoil resistance.
- Generous eye relief.
- Sturdy and durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction.
#3) Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR II 8-40x50mm Precision Riflescope
Advance your long-range shooting skills to a whole new level using the Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR II 8-40x50mm Precision Riflescope. Specially designed for serious long-range precision rifle shooters, this scope features an array of high-quality features suitable for long-range shooting.
The high-grade optical glass provides superior edge-to-edge image brightness and clarity while the fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission even under low light conditions.
Since this scope is primarily intended for bench rest and fixed position long-range shooting, it features a precision gauged and hand-fitted internal assembly process that maintains consistent magnification power regardless of shock and vibrations.
The versatile 5x zoom range provides a large field of view while the generous eye relief keeps you safe from heavy recoil rifles. For all-weather reliability, this scope is fully waterproof and fogproof. It also features a triple internal spring-tension system that retains zero through any shock, recoil, and vibrations.
Key Features
- Waterproof and fogproof.
- Versatile 5x zoom power.
- Advanced windage and elation adjustments turrets.
- High-grade optical system.
- Parallax adjustable from 50 yards to infinity.
- Long-range, tactical appropriate reticles.
- Lightweight yet very tough.
- 11 brightness settings.
- Sturdy and durable construction.
- Hi-Lume multi-coating aids in low-light performance.
- 1/8 MOA adjustment.
#4) Steiner T5Xi Tactical Riflescope
Steiner T5Xi Tactical Riflescope is unbeatable when it comes to long-range accuracy. Made to last as long as your rifle, this long-range riflescope delivers unmatched accuracy and precision in any situation hence one of the best riflescopes for 1000 yards.
The one-piece 34mm tube design increases strength and reliability while also providing greater elevation and windage adjustment for long ranges.
For total reliability in all weather conditions, this scope is fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. The versatile 5-25x magnification provides a wide field of view and brings the far-away targets closer.
Furthermore, the tapered all-metal angled magnification ring enables the shooter to access the magnification setting while still at the back of the scope to ensure precision shooting. It also features a broken-cross-style reticle that makes it easier to spot the target regardless of the environment.
Key Features
- Versatile 5-25x magnification.
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
- Illuminated glass etched special competition reticle.
- Superior edge-to-edge image clarity.
- Fully multi-coated optical system.
- Low profile windage and elevation knobs.
- 34mm tube increases strength and reliability.
- Tapered all-metal angled magnification ring.
- Throw lever enables quick and easy magnification changes.
#5) Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical FFP Riflescopes
Vortex Diamondback Tactical FFP Riflescope is the ideal scope for serious long-range shooters looking for a reasonably affordable long-range rifle scope. With an extended magnification of 4-16×44, the scope is perfect for both short- and long-range applications. When shooting 1000 yards out, these riflescopes perform exemplary.
The FFP glass etched reticle keeps sub-tensions accurate throughout the 4x zoom range while the lenses are fully multi-coated to enhance light transmission which results in the production of bright and clear image views.
A fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy focusing of the reticle while the precision glide erector system ensures smooth magnification changes under the harshest conditions.
Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, this rifle scope is extremely sturdy and durable, and has an anodized matte finish which enhances its durability and helps you transition easily to stealth mode.
The scope is O-ring sealed and nitrogen-filled to deliver reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance. Avid hunters and shooters heap praises of these riflescopes. No wonder they rank top among the best riflescopes for 1000 yards.
Key Features
- Lightweight, easy to use, and easy to mount.
- FFP glass etched reticle.
- Exposed tactical turrets.
- Hard-wearing and sturdy construction.
- Fully waterproof and fogproof.
- Side parallax adjustment knob.
- Solid one-piece tube with a hard-anodized finish.
- Fast focus eye eyepiece.
- Fully multi-coated optical system.
- Precision erector glide system ensures smooth magnification changes.
#6) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Side Focus Riflescope
Taking pride in functionality and reliability, Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm offers relentless performance and an incredibly large field of view which allows any shooter to easily transition to long-range targets with the best optical performance. The exceptional performance makes the scope stand out among other best riflescopes for 1000 yards.
Built to last for decades, this riflescope is extremely durable and lightweight at the same time. This makes it the ideal riflescope for hunters in need of a high-performing long-range rifle scope. Its outstanding light transmission delivers remarkable color consistency, brightness, and resolution even during low light conditions.
Additionally, the illuminated reticle is ideal for low light conditions while the Twilight Max HD Light Management System delivers outstanding image quality in the harshest lighting conditions.
The side focus parallax adjustment knob eliminates parallax, making the reticle clear at all times. For all-weather reliability, this riflescope is fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof as well.
Key Features
- Illuminated reticle.
- Versatile 5:1 zoom ratio.
- Fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
- Side focus parallax adjustment knob.
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System.
- Superior low-light performance.
- Lightweight yet durable construction.
- Generous eye relief.
- Guard ion lens coating sheds water, dirt, and oil.
- Free CDS-ZeroLock2 elevation dial.
- HD optical system delivers extreme edge-to-edge image clarity.
#7) Nikon BLACK X1000 6-24x50mm Riflescope
Nikon BLACK X1000 6-24x50mm is another high-quality riflescope that ranks highly among the best riflescopes for 1000 yards. The scope ensures accurate shooting at all ranges, both short and long-range.
Equipped with an array of high-quality features, this scope is ideal for long-range hunting and tactical applications. It features a 30mm main tube crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum to ensure maximum strength and durability.
For worry-free all-weather reliability, the scope is fully waterproof and fogproof as well. Its lenses are fully multi-coated to maximize light transmission and deliver image views full of clarity and color contrast.
The SFP glass etched reticle keeps the sub-tensions accurate throughout the 4x zoom range while the side focus parallax adjustment turret-mounted knob allows parallax elimination without having to change the shooting positions.
The scope also features a fast-focus eyepiece for quick reticle focusing and a built-in sunshade that eliminates broad daylight glare. Except crisp images when you aim with this scope.
Key Features
- Shockproof and recoil resistant.
- Built-in sunshade eliminates daylight glare.
- Exposed windage and elevation turrets.
- Fully waterproof and fogproof.
- Quick focus eyepiece.
- Fully multi-coated lenses.
- Versatile 4x zoom range.
- 10 brightness intensities.
- SFP glass etched reticle.
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction.
- Long and consistent eye relief.
- Lightweight and easy to use.
#8) Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescopes
Lastly on this list of best riflescopes for 1000 yards is the Vortex Crossfire II riflescopes. Although the other best riflescopes for 1000 yards are pricey, the Vortex Crossfire II scopes are available at a budget-friendly price.
These scopes are proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good long-range rifle scope. Suitable for a wide range of long-range shooting applications, Crossfire II riflescopes are easy to use and ideal for all shooters, beginners, and professionals alike.
This scope is designed to collect optimum light thanks to the large objective lens while the fully multicoated lenses enhance light transmission to deliver bright and clear target views even under low light conditions.
A customized dead-hold BDC reticle with a dot design eliminates all guesswork on windage and holdover corrections making the scope suitable for shooting at varying distances where estimating holdover might be of concern.
The SFP reticle doesn’t change its size as the magnification changes while the generous and consistent eye relief keeps your eyes safe from heavy recoil rifles and also provides the shooter with a comfortable view of the targets.
Built to last for decades, the scope is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum which is extremely durable and lightweight at the same time. For all-weather reliability, the scope is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed to deliver reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance.
Key Features
- Great performance and reliability.
- Fast focus eyepiece.
- Resettable MOA turrets.
- Anti-reflective and multi-coated lens.
- Completely waterproof, fogproof and shockproof.
- Durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction.
- Generous eye relief.
- Ultra-forgiving eye box.
- Lightweight design enhances pack-ability and portability.
- Superior edge-to-edge clarity.
- Relatively affordable.
- Easy to use and mount.
- Second focal plane reticle.
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Best Riflescopes for 1000 Yards Buying Guide
Considerations When Buying The Best Riflescopes for 1000 Yards
Durability
Investing in a high-quality riflescope for 1000 yards isn’t cheap. As a result, you need to make sure that the scope you choose to buy is something you will continue using for many years to come.
Check on the material used in making that scope as well as the quality of every tube and make. It should also be able to withstand all weather elements without compromising on its performance. Ensure that the scope is fully waterproof, fogproof and shockproof.
Reticle
With different riflescopes having different types of reticles, the type you opt to go with narrows down to personal preference. Just 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. You can also opt for an illuminated reticle if you intend to mainly use the scope under low light conditions.
Lens Coating
You’ll need to get optimum light transmitted into the scope to have bright and clear target views. Having a scope with anti-reflective, multi-coated lenses ensures that you get excellent light transmission which results in the production of bright and clear image views full of color contrast.
Superior Optical System
Shooting at 1000 yards isn’t an easy thing to do. It requires a scope with superior optics that will let clear target views at such a long distance. The quality of the glass used plays an important role because it gives you peace of mind as you can see the target even in low-light conditions.
Moreover, scopes with a high-quality optical system enable you to have clear target views even when the magnification settings are at the highest. Scopes from reputable brands are known to have high-quality optical glass.
Scope Protection
Lastly, the performance of any long-range riflescope depends on the proper functioning of the optics as well its internal components. Weather and environmental elements such as dust, dirt, heat, fog, vibration, and moisture can have a negative effect on the functioning of the scope if they get inside.
Make sure that the scope you choose to buy has a coating that sheds off dirt, oil, dust and fingerprints. Such a scope provides clear image views all the time. The scope should also be 100% waterproof and fogproof to prevent it from getting damaged by water when you are caught up by the rains while still on the field.
Read: Best Vortex Long-Range Riflescopes
Reasons for Buying a Riflescope for 1000 Yards
The best riflescopes for 1000 yards have multi-purpose applications. They have adjustable zoom power suitable for both short- and long-range shooting. They also allow you to make accurate long-range shots that could be difficult to take with naked eyes or with ordinary scopes.
Moreover, the scope’s large objective lenses allow optimal light into the scopes which results in the production of bright and clear image views regardless of the lighting conditions. The scopes are also made of high-quality materials to ensure many years of reliable performance.
Read: Best Leupold AR-15 Scopes
Basic Scope Terms
Eye Relief– Eye relief refers to the distance between your eye and the ocular lens of the scope. It’s the maximum distance that your eye must be from the objective lens and still get a full field of view. Eye relief distance differs from one scope to the other.
Field of View-This is the distance seen through the scope from right to left. An increase in magnification decreases the field of view and vice versa.
Adjustable Objective– An adjustable objective in any scope refers to a dial around the objective end of the scope or a knob on the left side that enables you to adjust the scope’s parallax. Setting a scope’s objective lens correctly prevents any movement between the reticle and the target whenever the shooter moves his eye slightly off the rifle scopes center.
Coatings–Microscopic coatings on the lens surface minimize light loss and glare due to reflection while also enhancing light transmission, especially under low light conditions. Multiple lens coatings allow better transmission, but the quality of the coating also matters. Scopes are either single-coated, fully-coated, multi-coated, or fully multi-coated.
Magnification–Usually denoted by the symbol X, magnification refers to how large the target in view can be brought closer to the shooter. A scope with 10x magnification makes the object seem 10 times closer than with the naked eye.
Parallax–This is the apparent position of the reticle on the image target at different distances. Parallax is most visible when the eye is moved outside the scope center when viewing a target at a certain distance other than the standard distance that the scope has been preset to be parallax-free.
Reticle–Reticles in any scope refer to the lines, dots, or crosshairs that appear superimposed on your target.
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Conclusion
A great long-range riflescope must have a high-quality optical system, versatile long-range magnification, and a large objective lens. All of the riflescopes listed above are superior accessories known to deliver outstanding long-range performance. Select any one of them and rest assured that your long-range shooting will never be the same again.