Hunters whose preference is long-range shooting need very specific and specialized scopes. It is important to purchase a scope that will deliver excellent performance by compensating for the factors that may affect the bullet’s path and the effects of the wind. Another paramount feature is excellent optical quality and magnification power.
There are several factors to consider before choosing the best riflescopes for 1000 yards. With all these factors in mind, we have listed below the top ten recommended scopes for your rifle.
Best Riflescopes for 1000 Yards Review
1) Steiner T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope
The Steiner T5Xi 5-25×56 Riflescope is a long-range scope, ideal for law enforcement and sports. It has an illuminated etched glass that has the Special Competition Reticle (SCR) and Second Rotation Indicator that shows each mil of elevation on the elevation turret.
The illuminated SCR reticle has 7-day and 4-night levels for each lighting condition. The optical systems deliver unmatched light transmission. It also features low-profile and resettable turrets that have zero stop for windage and elevation. After the first rotation of 120 clicks the mil numbers on the scale change automatically, preventing the shooter from getting lost in his dial.
The scope has a throw lever that allows for quick and easy magnification changes. It also has Tenebraex lens covers that protect it from moisture and dust particles. The scope has a lifetime warranty to repair and replace defective products at no charge.
Key features
- It has a special Competition Reticle
- It features a throw lever and Second Rotation Indicator
- It has great optical systems for razor-edge image clarity
- Low-profile never-lost turrets
- Magnification: 5-25x
- Objective lens diameter: 56mm
2) Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Razor HD Gen II 3-18×50 is ideal for tactical operations and precision shooting. It is designed for long-range shooting and has a windage tree in the lower quadrant that allows for quick windage and elevation adjustment.
The scope’s L-TEC Turret System is designed with a locking mechanism that prevents the shooter from making accidental adjustments. It also has a visual rotation indicator that aids the shooter in tracking the revolutions on the turret.
A fast-focus eyepiece gives a sharp focus on the target while the 6x magnification range makes the scope versatile. Its illumination controls and side parallax adjustments have been installed in one knob for a time-saving performance (easy to access). It has anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses. Its APO optical system ensures crisp and quality images even in low-light environments.
Key features
- It features the L-TEC turret system and a fast-focus eyepiece
- Has parallax adjustments and illumination controls in one knob
- It has an APO optical system
- The XR plus anti-reflective coating ensures maximum clarity
- It is O-ringed sealed and argon purged for waterproofing, and fog proofing
- It is shockproof
- Dimensions: 9.1×9.1×9.1 inches
- Weight: 0.38 pounds
- Max magnification: 18x
3) NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm Scope (C434)
The NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm Scope is ideal for game hunting, deployment, or competition. It is recommended for heavy .50 BMG and its accuracy is in long-range shooting (beyond a mile). It has an adaptable slim profile that can be used in several mounting systems. Its resolution at maximum magnification allows a shooter to range to 2000 yards and beyond with accuracy.
The scope has a Titanium Beta Erector Spring that delivers an impressive 3-4x the spring pressure of other scopes.
Key features
- Has night vision scope
- It has a Zero stop elevation feature and superb resolution
- It features Titanium beta erector system
- It offers a broad magnification range
- Generous eye relief
- 100 MOA of elevation travel
- Dimensions: 23.1×5.8×5.2 inches
- Magnification range: 5.5-22x
4) Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Viper HS-T 4-16×44 is ideal for hunting and tactical shooting. Its VMR-1 reticle makes it ideal for the shooter to have an accurate hold even at long ranges. The lenses are fully multi-coated and have extra-low dispersion to regulate light transmission. The XR coating helps in light-gathering while the Armortek coating protects the lenses.
It has exposed target turrets for finger-adjustable clicks and a CRS zero stop to help the shooter return to zero after dialing temporary elevation corrections. Side focus parallax adjustments ensure precise image focus and remove parallax. It also has a fast-focus eyepiece that helps a shooter adjust the reticle to the ye.
Key features
- The scope features a VMR-1 reticle
- A fully multi-coated lens with XR and Armortek coatings
- It has exposed target turrets and CRS zero stop
- It has a fast-focus eyepiece
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- It is O-sealed and argon-purged
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof performance
- Weight: 1 pound
- Max magnification: 16x
- Objective lens diameter: 30mm
5) Bushnell Tactical 6-24X50 Rifle Scope, Mil-Dot Reticle
The Bushnell Tactical 6-24X50 Rifle Scope is ideal for hunting, recreational use, and the military. the fully multi-coated optics has lenses for clear, bright images and a coating that helps in light transmission. This makes the scope ideal for all lighting situations. The RainGuard HD exterior coating keeps the lens clear and it has a black finish to help it blend in.
The 30mm tube is argon purged to ensure reliability and has a limited lifetime warranty.
Key features
- It has fully multi-coated optics
- RainGuard HD optics and blacked-out cosmetics
- It has a mil-dot aiming reticle
- It features an ultra-wideband coating
- It is argon purged for fog-proof performance
- It has a three-inch sunshade for clear images
- Dimensions: 18x6x64 inches
- Weight: 1.69 pounds
- Magnification range: 6-24x
- Objective lens diameter: 50mm
- Eye relief of 4 inches
6) Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24×50 Rifle Scope
The Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24×50 Rifle Scope has a durable design that can withstand harsh environments. Its ZQAR illuminated reticle has minimum vertical stadia and hash marks downwards from the center. It makes it easy for the shooter to acquire a target faster in mid-range shots but can also be used for long-range shots.
The functional mechanical parts that have analog adjustment deliver excellent performance. Its ballistic turrets efficiently adjust windage and elevation to the shooter’s preference. The scope has a wide reticle adjustment range to improve flexibility while hunting.
Key features
- It has a second focal plane
- Tactical MOA turrets
- Features an illuminated reticle
- Functional mechanical parts
- Large field of view
- 4x zoom ratio
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Dimensions: 16.6×4.7×4.4 inches
7) Mueller Target Rifle Scope, Black, 8-32 x 44mm
The Mueller Target Rifle Scope is a low-cost scope with a micro-fine cross-hair with a target dot and a side parallax adjustment. It has fully exposed target turrets and a fast-focus eyepiece that allow easy adjustments.
The scope features a MilDot reticle that gives an accurate range at a magnification of 10x. It also has a windage and elevation adjustment range of 40 inches at 100 yards.
Key features
- It has a fast-focus eyepiece
- The scope features a mildot reticle
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Fully exposed target turrets
- Magnification range: 8-32x
- Tube size: 30mm
- Eye relief: 4
- Dimension: 16.25x2x2 inches
- Weight: 737.1 grams
- Objective lens diameter: 44mm
8) NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20x56mm Zero set .250 MOA Scope
The NIGHTFORCE SHV is the most powerful in the SVH series and is suitable for both close and long-range shooting. It delivers excellent-quality images, color contrast, and clarity at any magnification range. A shooter can quickly return to the initial zero settings with the ZeroSet technology regardless of the elevation adjustments made.
This scope features center illumination only and a scale below the center of 30MOA. It has a clear field of view, free from any obstructions. It comes in a Fourplex design with heavy lines to help you center your eye quickly to the target. It is also suitable for night vision.
Key features
- It has 80 MOA of elevation adjustment
- Forceplex and MOAR center illumination
- The scope has an analog illumination
- It features a MOAR- 30 MOA reticle
- Side parallax adjustment
- It has the Zero set technology
- It comes with rubber lens covers, a cleaning cloth, and manual
- Magnification range: 5-20x
- Matte black color
9) Burris Fullfield E1 Hunting Rifle Scope
The Burris Fullfield E1 Hunting Rifle Scope is suitable for hunters who want a simple and advanced reticle that is accurate. Its fully multi-coated optical glass delivers quality clear and bright images. The power ring is easy to grip and turn even with gloves on and the eyepiece does not rotate.
It has finger-adjustable low-profile turrets and turret indications that reflect a change in the impact point for accuracy. It also features a double internal spring-tension system that helps the scope hold zero through shock, vibrations, and recoil. The scope’s tube is durable and is also recoil and shock-resistant. The tubes are nitrogen-filled and have the Burris Forever Warranty.
Key features
- It is made with a high-grade optical glass
- It has finger-adjustable low-profile turrets
- I features a double internal spring-tension system
- 100% waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof performance
- Trajectory-compensating technology and cascading dots to compensate for wind drift
- Dimensions: 14.9x3x3 inches
- Weight: 1.7 pounds
- Max magnification: 14x
- Objective lens diameter: 42mm
10) Steiner T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope
The Steiner T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope is a close compact scope for hunting. With its big 34mm tube that is reliable, the scope provides precision and excellent performance. The Special Competition Reticle (SCR) has a larger illumination field, holdover lines, and windage while the 1/10 mil ranging allows for a precise range.
The scope’s lenses are protected from abrasives and dust by the Tenebraex lens covers. A throw lever allows for magnification to be changed faster and with ease. After the first 120 clicks, the mil numbers on the scale change and prevent the shooter from getting lost on the dial.
Key features
- It features a Special Competition Reticle (SCR)
- It has a throw lever and a second rotation indicator
- Tenebraex lens covers
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof performance
- Has a heritage warranty
- Magnification range: 5-25x
- Objective lens diameter: 50mm
- Dimensions: 9.5x4x7.25 inches
- Weight: 33 oz.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Riflescopes for 1000 Yards
Magnification
The choice of magnification is also dependent, in part, on your eyesight. To take an accurate shot, some shooters may need 10x power while others may need 20x power for a perfect shot. For long-range shooting only, it is paramount to choose a scope with a minimum magnification of 16x. a 3-25x power is okay for an all-around shooter.
Lens quality
A crystal-clear view is a necessity when taking long-range shots. The image should stay clear at all magnification ranges as it helps a shooter understand how windage may affect the shot. One way to evaluate a good lens quality is by looking at its light transmission. Choose a scope from a manufacturer with a high reputation for designing and making high-quality lenses.
Fixed vs. variable scopes for 1000 yards
The fixed scopes are recommended for their consistency, and reliability, and are easy to use. The main setback is that it can only be used in situations where the magnification only allows it. The variable scopes on the other side are flexible. They can be used in short to long-range shooting. Unless you are exclusively shooting long-range, the variable scope is the most suitable.
Adjustments
Bullet drop increases with distance. The adjustment needed for elevation increases the further the target is. The same happens with wind deflection. With this in mind, long-range scopes should have enough elevation and windage adjustments to take the shot. Parallax also increases with distance. Choose a scope whose parallax adjustment is on the side knob for easier adjustment.
Frequently asked questions
- Why do you need scopes for 1000 yards?
They allow a shooter to make precise shots. The scopes provide a clear view of the target and have wind strength indicators for accurate estimation of windage. They also help in avoiding the loss of momentum of the bullet and gravity.
- What magnification do you need?
The purpose of the scope determines the magnification range. Average shooters can do well with 16-25x power. Expert sharpshooters can take the same shot at a magnification range of 10x. hunters require a scope with a wide range of magnification power of 3-25x as the targets are in different ranges and locations. Keep your sight also into consideration as it determines the accuracy of the shot.
Final Thoughts
The perfect scope for 1000 yards must have a durable construction. The magnification range should also be variable and most importantly have excellent optical clarity. With all the features and factors explained, choose a scope that satisfies and reflects your style of shooting.
See also: 10 Best Riflescopes for 300-Win Mag. Best scope for high recoil rifle