Today you will find the best scopes for 400 yards. Whether you are an ardent hunter or a newcomer in the shooting game, you can never exhaust the benefits a good rifle scope has to offer. Shooting without one will in most cases fail.
The best rifle scopes for 400 yards will have you stay on top of your game with the accuracy and precision they offer. Pairing your rifle with a quality scope will transform it into a potent weapon capable of shredding targets at mid-range and long-range distances.
Investment in a quality scope can see great improvement on your scoreboard more specifically if you are looking to go for a long-range like 400 yards. If this is the case you need to select a rifle scope that is specially built for shooting from that distance.
Even with the best rifle in position, without a good rifle scope, shooting that far out will be a waste of time. First things first, let’s talk about the magnification requirements for 400 yards
What Magnification Do You Need for 400 Yards?
Magnification in rifle scopes has long been the bone of contention for hunters and shooters with some being for extreme magnification and others against the use of such. However, it all trickles down to personal preference and what you find comfortably works for you.
For 400 yards the right magnification is not negotiable. Perfect shots have never been achieved in blurred vision. The recommended magnification level for this range is a minimum of 4x with the maximum hitting over 10x depending on the target position.
Going way up in magnification as much as it promises to give a better visual, is never a good idea because holding crosshairs steady on a 4x magnification is much easier than in 24x magnification. Also cranking up your magnification to the extreme makes target movements exaggerated when you look at them through the scope.
9 Best Scopes for 400 Yards
If you find yourself hard-pressed to decide what to buy our review is here to walk you through the best rifle scopes for 400 yards we came across and what exactly they are all about to help you come to an informed decision. Without much further ado, here is a list of the best rifle scopes for 400 yards.
1) Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR II 8-40x50mm Precision Rifle Scope
This robust and versatile rifle scope is fitted with state-of-the-art optics for use by the long-range shooter in different environments. The lens is made with high-grade glass for good light transmission so your target appears clear. Tactical-appropriate reticles are fitted in to help with quick focusing on the target.
With the 50mm lens size, the field of view is wide and 5x zoom allows you to widen that field. Accuracy is enhanced by the cushy side focus alongside the parallax adjustments designed for 50 yards to infinity. Internal construction is done with precision to prevent destruction by the shock that comes from recoils.
In 400-yard ranges, bullet drop is serious and wind can prove a nightmare but with Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR II 8-40x50mm Precision Rifle Scope, you got this covered with their advanced windage and elevation adjustments. Zero Click Stop adjustment knob allows you to go back to the original point of setting without necessarily having to count clicks.
Features
- Excellent optics for long-range shooting
- Wide field of view with 5x zoom for further increase of FOV
- Comfortable to use side focus and parallax adjustment
- Advanced elevation and windage adjustment
- Shockproof
Specs
- Magnification range: 8-40x
- Objective lens diameter: 50mm
- Parallax setting:50 yards to infinity
- Weight: 30.9 oz
2) Athlon Optics Helos BTR 6-24×56 First Focal Plane Riflescopes
In the first focal plane category, Athlon Optics Helos BTR 6-24×56 First Focal Plane Riflescopes are the best rifle scope to get for 400 yards. Feature-rich yet quite affordable is what makes it a popular brand among users.
For finer details on target, the first focal planes like the one in this scope allow the reticle to reduce or grow as you move about magnification settings. The reticle found in this riflescope is illuminated to support great visuals in low-light environments.
For durability, the reticle is etched in quality glass to give protection against shock from recoil. Advanced fully multicoated lenses are there to provide clear images with reduced light reflection.
For overall long-lasting use, aircraft grade 6061-T6 aluminum has been used in manufacturing this rifle scope so no matter what you subject it to, it will prove indestructible. This Argon purged rifle scope is water and fog-proof.
Features
- First focal plane reticle
- Illuminated reticle for sharp focus even in low light environment
- Etched glass reticle for a shield against recoil shock
- Fully multi-coated anti-reflective lens for light transmission and crisp images
- Constructed with durable aircraft-grade aluminum
- Fog and waterproof
Specs
- Magnification range: 6-24x
- FOV: 12-3ft per 100 yards
- 3” eye relief
- Exit pupil 7-1.7mm
- Objective lens diameter:56mm
- Parallax setting:15 yards to infinity
- Weight: 32.5 oz
- Length: 15.5
3) Steiner Optics GS3 Game Sensing Riflescope
Steiner Optics GS3 Game Sensing Waterproof Hunting Riflescope is suited for anyone looking for generous eye relief and is essential for quick-fire shots at 400 yards.
This reliable rugged scope is a favorite among Varmint and big game hunters thanks to its large lens size that gives a wide field of view plus the 5x zoom advantage to widen the FOV.
With a short mounting length, this riflescope is very easy to use and is compatible with many calibers. Color Adjustment Transmission offers contrast optimization for easy identification of the target. The rifle scope also benefits from the PLEX S1 reticle that helps with holdover estimations and cascading dots for wind compensation.
Apart from the optics, this riflescope boasts of nano hydrophobic molecular coating protection that braves the mess by fingerprints alongside dusty, snowy, and rainy environments retaining a clear view at all times.
For moisture-proof performance the scope is nitrogen-filled with O-ring seal protection so in case you drop it in water, it will still work. Finally, what is a product without a warranty? Steiner Optics will repair or replace in case of defects for a lifetime of the scope at no extra charge.
Features
- Wide field of view
- Generous eye relief
- Short mounting length
- Compatible with many types of rifles
- Utilizes Plex S1 reticle for hold overestimation and cascading dots wind compensation
- Nano hydrophobic molecular coating to repel fingerprint marks, dirt, dust, and snow
- Nitrogen filled with O-ring seals to make it waterproof
- Lifetime warranty
4) NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm Scope
The NightForce NXS series is designed to perfection has been the base on which the other NightForce rifle scopes are manufactured. For 400 yards good magnification and sufficient lens size are a must-have.
The 5.5-22x magnification lens is everything you will need for both a short and long-range shot like 400 yards and beyond. 55mm objective lens size gives a comfortable resolution along with a wide field of view in all magnification ranges.
No matter how many times you make adjustments on elevation, the Zero Stop system in the NightForce scope enables going back to your original zero. Analog illumination is incorporated in the scope construction to give an illuminated reticle for quick focus and zero in on the target point.
The NXS scope series has Digillum digital reticle illumination technology a feature that allows you to navigate illumination settings from a choice of color between green or red to choosing intensity from the five intensities available to match the lighting conditions in your environment. Eye relief is at 3.7 inches because scope bites are no funny occurrence.
Features
- Suited for both short- and long-range shooting
- Large objective lens for perfect resolution
- Zero Stop for quick revert to original zero
- Analog illuminated reticle for quick focus in low light
- Great eye relief
Specs
- Magnification range: 5.5-22x
- Second Focal Plane
- Tube diameter: 30mm
- Eye relief 3.7inches
- Internal range adjustment: Elevation100MOA, Windage 60MOA
5) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x56mm Riflescope
It rarely happens that you come across a list of best rifle scopes without seeing the mention of Leupold rifle scopes. They are among the best for good reasons starting with how they have designed the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x56mm Riflescope with motion sensor tech.
Five minutes of inactivity automatically deactivates the reticle to save on battery life and reactivates it upon sensory of any slight movement. The FireDot 4 CDS reticle is illuminated to fit hunting in low-light environments. 3-15x magnification for 400 yards gives you the 5:1 zoom ratio which is more than you will need to get a good shot.
For unnecessary reticle movement, you have the side focus parallax adjustment knob to ensure the reticle stays accurate at any given point. The matte finish is paired up with a guard-ion hydrophobic lens coating for durability so the scope withstands scratching, dirt, dust, and water during the shooting activity. The scope is lightweight too for easy setup and use.
Features
- Illuminated FireDot 4 CDS reticle with motion sensor tech designed to sleep during inactivity and automatically restart upon picking movement in the area of focus
- 5:1 zoom ratio
- Side focus parallax adjustment knob to keep reticle in position
- Beautiful matte finish and guard-ion hydrophobic coating to repel dirt, dust, water, and fingerprint marks
- Lightweight for quick setup and use
Specs
- Magnification range: 3-15x
- Tube diameter: 30mm
- FOV: Low 38.3ft per yard, High 7.7ft per yard
- Weight: 22.3oz
6) Nikon ProStaff 7 3-12X42 BDC Riflescope
The Nikon ProStaff 7 BDC features ballistic circles that eliminate the guesswork out of elevation and bullet drop compensation estimations when shooting at 400 yards. Superior glass quality with high light gathering capability is employed for efficiency in performance at low light times such as dawn and dusk hunts.
A fully multi-coated lens with a 4:1 zoom ratio gives sharp bright images from edge to edge leaving no room for light flares or aberrations. The addition of a quick focus eyepiece will leave you taking shots like a pro. 42mm translates to a comfortable field of view of between 9-36ft per 100 yards.
Nikon ProStaff 7 3-12X42 BDC Riflescope has 120MOA maximum internal adjustment delivered by spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets. Reticle adjustment graduation is at ¼ inch click-stop to prevent veering off target during repeated recoils. The 30mm riflescope is nitrogen-filled and with O-ring sealing for fog, and waterproof performance.
Features
- Spot on ballistic match technology to eliminate guesswork on elevation and BDC estimates
- Spring-loaded instant zero-rest turrets that are easy to reach and use
- Quality glass with superior light-gathering ability for sharp images
- Large lens with 4-time zoom magnification
- Matte finish for durability and nitrogen filling alongside O-ring seals for water and fog-proof performance
Specs
- Magnification range: 3-12x
- Tube diameter: 30mm
- Objective diameter:42mm
- Field of view: 9-36ft per 100 yards
- Weight: 19.4oz
- 6-4 inches eye relief
7) Ade Advanced Optics 6-25×56 35mm Long Range Rifle Scope
Ade Advanced Optics 6-25×56 35mm Long Range Rifle Scope features a glass-etched illuminated Mil-Dot bar reticle on a 35mm diameter tube. The objective lens is fully multicoated for maximum light transmission and the tube is overall given a matte finish for durability.
It also has a minimum magnification of 6x and the max standing at 25x meaning you can take down targets within 100 to 400 yards comfortably. Swift moving knobs are present for elevation and windage adjustments.
Mounting rings are part of the package to help with setting up on rifle and sunshade is cared for by the provision of cloth flip-up covers. Water-resistant sealants, synthetic grease, and O-ring seals keep the scope from destruction when subjected to moist conditions. When operating on a tight budget, this is the best rifle scope you can get for 400-yard shots.
Features
- Glass-etched illuminated Mil-Dot reticle
- Fully multi-coated objective lens
- Easy to adjust knobs for windage and elevation adjustment
- Comes with mounting rings and cloth flip-up covers for sunshade
- Water-resistant
- Budget-friendly
Specs
- Magnification: 6-25x
- Objective lens:56mm
- Tube diameter:35mm
- ¼ MOA adjustment
8) FSI Sniper 6-24x50mm Scope W Front AO Adjustment
This scope fits the definition of compact, reliable, and resilient. Users of .223 AR caliber rifles comfortably use this scope without the worry of it disintegrating with some .50BMG vouching for its ability to handle the recoil.
FSI Sniper 6-24x50mm Scope W Front AO Adjustment is strongly built with T6 aircraft-grade aluminum and bears in it a Mil-dot reticle illuminated in green, red or blue.
Eye relief is at a satisfying 3.3 inches and so is the field of view as seen through the 50mm lens. A parallax adjustment appointed with a 15 to infinity setting to lock the reticle in place is provided.
Front AO is also a form of parallax adjustment that allows a parallax-free view when the scope is focused on given distances. Ball and bearing windage-elevation zero-reset turrets promise not to budge even when used in tough terrain.
The construction of this 26-inch long scope is completed with the addition of flip-up lens covers. FSI Sniper 6-24x50mm Scope W Front AO Adjustment is where the money’s at and a must-have rifle scope for 400-yard shooting.
Features
- Shockproof performance
- Illuminated Mil-dot reticle
- Satisfying eye relief
- 15 to infinity parallax setting
- Ball and bearing windage and elevation adjustment
- Enhanced with front Adjustable Objective for precision
Specs
- Magnification range: 6-24x
- FOV: 15ft per 100 yards
- 3” eye relief
- Parallax setting:15 yards to infinity
- Weight: 26.2 oz
- Length: 26
9) Sniper ZT5-27×50 FFP Scope
The last bullet in our best rifle scopes for 400 yards chamber is the ZT5-27×50 FFP Scope from the Sniper brand. Rugged in appearance and is as efficient as they come with fog, water, and shockproof performance.
As suggested in the name, it employs its reticle in the first focal plane that zooms in or out in relation to the zoom settings. The glass-etched reticle is illuminated in red or green color and you have the choice to select from several light intensities based on your lighting condition.
Finger adjustable capped turrets with ¼ MOA easily go back to the original zero settings after sighting in. for windage and elevation you get a 30MOA turrets with easy lift, adjust and press down lock design.
Features
- Fog, water, and shockproof performance
- The reticle is on the first focal plane
- Illuminated glass-etched reticle
- Multiple light intensities to choose from
- Finger adjustable capped turrets
Specs
- Magnification range: 5-27x
- Weight: 26.5oz
- Length: 14.2
- Tube Diameter: 30mm
- Eye relief:3.6-3.7
- Parallax setting 10yards to infinity
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Best Rifle Scopes for 400 Yards Buying Guide & FAQs
Factors to Consider when Choosing a 400 Yards Scope
Clarity
How is the image you see when you look through the scope? A good rifle scope should give crisp bright images of your target. The quality lens is the key ingredient in enabling you to achieve this.
Go for poor quality lens and everything else goes to hell because for 400 yards you should not have a scope with a lens that means business when it comes to focusing and magnification.
Preferences in lens size and magnification vary with some going for up to 50mm for a wider field of view and extra light transmission during early morning or late evening hunts. Others like their lens size at 32mm for a narrower field of view.
Versatility
The construction of the scopes covered in this article showed versatility in construction and performance.
They can be used for target shooting, hunting, and even in law enforcement activities. Others we found were a good fit for different types of rifles.
Consistency
Best rifle scopes are seen to retain the same level of performance in different conditions. The scope should give awesome images when subjected to the low light setting as it would in daylight.
In varying weather conditions, the level of performance should not degrade. For 400 yards you want a rifle scope that can focus, aim and shoot at any given time whether it be windy, bright, dark, or foggy.
Usability
We also checked on the ease of mounting the scope on firearms. The best riflescopes for 400 yards should allow quick mounting and come down easy when you are done shooting.
Some brands pack them with mount rings for your convenience but in other cases, you may need to purchase your scope mounts because scopes do not always have a universal fit to the mounting system found in different rifles. Good eye relief is another thing to look out for when deciding on usability.
Efficiency
Shooting at a target 400 yards out is no mean feat and you will need only the best rifle scope you can come across. One that will not get in your way because of its weight, stiff knobs, and unreliable zero-reset because once your target fails to drop, recovering them at that distance with unreliable adjustments is difficult.
Despite weight varying from one lens size to another, adjustment options should always facilitate fast zeroing in and shooting off target. The best riflescopes for 400 yards should allow you to switch between settings quickly so you do not miss out on a good shot.
Read: Best Riflescopes for Hunting
What Makes a Great 400 Yards Scope?
To answer this question, we chose to gush over the Nikon ProStaff 7 3-12X42 BDC Riflescope features which we found to make up what could be considered a great scope for 400 yards. A good scope should rid you of guesswork when it comes to estimations on elevation and bullet drop compensation.
Superior quality glass because a long-range distance like that of 400 yards will require a clear view on target if you are to achieve a perfect shot. The scope should also work in all light settings whether dull, dark, or bright.
A wide magnification range will do you good when focusing on long ranges. Enhanced focus instruments like the side focus eyepiece and parallax settings are a great addition in any scope. A good rifle scope should show the ability to withstand recoil and lock out moisture.
Who Needs a Rifle Scope for 400 Yards?
Well, these scopes are for those looking for the best rifle scopes with good accuracy for 400 yards. However, they come in handy for:
- Longer-range shooters who want consistency in performance despite weather conditions
- Shooters looking for a challenge as they advance from low-distance ranges
What is Parallax and How Do You Account for It?
Parallax describes the optical illusion observed when sighting through a riflescope. The problem is most common when using higher magnifications. When shooting targets 400 yards out, you require a powerful riflescope and therefore parallax is inevitable.
Parallax adjustment is therefore paramount in long-range shooting. Parallax correction helps improve your aim and consequently the shooting accuracy. The best scopes for 400 yards should have a parallax correction system.
Modern riflescopes have an adjustment knob on the side of the tube which can be dialed to adjust the image of the target backward or forward to ensure it’s in line with the focal plane reticle.
Best Rifle Scopes for 400 Yards FAQs
Q: Which is Better 30mm or 1-inch Scope?
The simple answer to this question is neither of the two. Only personal preferences may differ. Some people are comfortable handling a 30mm inch tube others find the 1-inch a perfect fit. The only thing to keep in mind is that interchanging the two is a recipe for a bad shooting experience if the combination works at all.
Q: Is a Bigger Objective Lens Better?
Yes, if you are doing long distances the likes of 400 yards mostly because shooting at these distances will be at a higher magnification which requires relatively a bigger objective lens.
The bigger the objective lens the more light it lets in. meaning therefore that even at low light conditions a bigger objective lens is preferable to get as much light as you can. However, the bigger the lens the bulkier it becomes in terms of weight. A big lens size will also not work well in a low magnification scope.
Conclusion
The farther the target the more the need for a quality rifle scope. No matter your prowess in shooting, a rifle scope will usually make the shooting experience a better one.
To save you the time you could have spent researching on the best scope for 400 yards, we scanned the market thoroughly and settled on these nine. All are designed to satisfy your needs whether you are in it for fun or training for professional purposes or both.