Aside from proper skills, shooting at 1000 yards requires the best rifle scope. This article examines the best rifle scopes for shooting at 1000 yards, whether for hunting or as a shooting enthusiast.
The rifle scopes included here have the best qualities to make it simple for a normal shooter to aim and take out a target at that distance.
Here is a summary of the scopes
Best Scope for 1000 Yards-Top Picks
| Product | Image | How To Buy |
| Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56mm |  |
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| Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope |  |
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| Burris Xtreme Tactical 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope |  |
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| NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope |  |
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| Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50mm |  |
The detailed reviews….
1. Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56mm
When it comes to long-range targets, this FFP scope gives the shooter the ultimate precision, ideally at a distance of more than 600 yards. It is able to do this because of its high magnification, and a high-quality, state-of-the-art, fully multicoated lens, which provides the shooter with crisp images.
Aside from being wide at 56mm, the lens has an apochromatic system that uses index-matched lenses to correct the color of the images viewed by the shooter.
Not only that but this scope comes with an option of 5 reticles all of which would perform excellently at 1000 yards. One example of a simplified reticle from the options is the EBR-7C (MOA).
This reticle is designed like crosshairs but with a useful windage tree from the center towards the bottom of the circle. This is used to compensate for windage and elevation, especially when making follow-up shots.
Lastly, the Vortex razor scope has an excellent build quality and is shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof for unrivaled durability. It’s however one of the most unwieldy scopes out there with huge dimensions and weighing a hefty 48.5oz.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
- Magnification: 4.5 – 27 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.07 – 12.4 mm
- Field of View: 25.3 – 4.4 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.7 in
- Weight: 48.5 oz
Pros
- Apochromatic system gives excellent quality images
- Excellent build quality
- Variable magnification with high 27x
- Different reticle options available
- Glass etched reticle retains its precision
- Comes with a Vortex lifetime warranty
2. Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope
Leupold, like Vortex, needs no introduction; these scopes are well-known for their dependability and performance.
The Leupold VX-6HD is a second focal plane that comes with a wide range (3-18x) of magnification, that can take out a medium target as well as a target located at 1000 yards.
This scope has a unique feature in that you can customize your dial to your average shooting conditions and rifle’s ballistics by using Leupold’s renowned custom dial system. Aside from that, you have the option of selecting one of six different reticle designs, which are illuminated.
The lens delivers a crisp high contrasting image thanks to the twilight light management system from Leupold. The system uses special mechanical structures on the lens, in addition to the lens coating to reduce glare and maximize the light transmission through the lens.
This scope allows you to quickly and easily adjust for windage and elevation as well as magnification across the entire 3-18x range. Furthermore, it has generous eye relief and a forgiving eye box, all of which make it comfortable for shooters aiming at long-range targets.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Magnification: 3 – 18 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Field of View: 38 – 7 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.7 – 3.8 in
- Weight: 20.4 oz
Pros
- Customizable reticle with 6 different options
- bright images even under low light
- Comes with a reversible throw lever for quick magnification changes
- The reticles are illuminated
- Fairly lightweight
3. Burris Xtreme Tactical 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope
The Burris Xtreme was specifically designed to be used in tactical operations, and as a result, it adheres to the highest standards. Aside from that, it is reasonably priced, ensuring the shooter great value.
It uses a first focal plane reticle that is available with various options some with illumination, which makes it easy for it to be used under different surrounding conditions.
What’s unique however is how rugged this scope is and how well it has been put together, that it comes with a lifetime warranty from Burris.
Firstly, it uses a solid 1-inch aluminum outer tube that can withstand the most recoil from the highest caliber weapons. The internal assemblies are hand-fitted and precision-gauged to maintain a consistent point of impact throughout the magnification range. In addition, the nitrogen-filled lens prevents internal fogging.
lastly, this scope has one of the longest eye reliefs, and fast and accurate windage and elevation adjustment. The tactical-style turret adjustment knobs also have a zero-click stop that allows you to easily return to the original settings.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Magnification: 5 – 25 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2 – 10 mm
- Field of View: 4.3 – 21 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.5 – 4.25 in
- Weight: 32.1 oz
Pros
- A high 25x magnification
- Different reticle options available
- It has a generous eye relief
- The scope is rugged, waterproof, and fog proof
- Comes with the Burris lifetime warranty
- Has a fully exposed tactical turret that makes adjustments easy
4. NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope
This option is renowned for good performance and great versatility that it can be used in a wide range of applications, like target practice, hunting, and tactical operations.
One of its best features is its ability to deliver crisp images with one of the best color contrasts, especially over long distances. This is thanks to high-quality glass and the wide 56mm objective lens.
It also includes simple adjustments for windage, elevation, and parallax, as well as a fast-focus eyepiece for the diopter. The turret has a quick return to zero feature that reverts back after all the adjustments have been made.
The scope provides the shooter with four different reticles that are optimized for use at both medium and long ranges. The reticles provide exceptional precision over these distances, and the option of illumination ensures that they can be used in a variety of conditions.
Lastly, the scope is tough and will be able to withstand all the harshness of the field as well as any amount of recoil from the most powerful rifles.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
- Magnification: 5 – 20 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.5 – 8.7 mm
- Field of View: 5 – 17.9 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Weight: 30.5
Pros
- Exceptional clarity over 1000 yards
- Simple adjustments for windage and elevation
- Different reticle options available
- Versatile magnification for different distances
- Quick return to zero feature.
5. Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50mm scope
This is what you go for in you need the best affordable scope that you can shoot 1000 yards. The manufacturers call it the long-range wolf in sheep’s clothing. This is because of its ability to give a remarkable performance at half the price of other rifle scopes.
The first thing you notice with this scope is the ability to deliver crisp and sharp images. This is helped by multiple high-quality anti-reflective coatings on the glass and the fairly wide 50mm objective lens.
The Diamondback has a variable 6-24 magnification that, when combined with the high-quality optical system, provides the shooter with one of the best accuracies.
It has six reticle options, all of which are FFP. The reticles include hash marks to accommodate windage and elevation holdover. Not only that, but it is simple to adjust with a fast-focus eyepiece.
Additionally, it features a precision force spring system on the erector tube that makes the various adjustments on the turrets easy and repeatable. This further enhances the accuracy of the shooter over 1000 yards even with changing conditions.
Specifications
- Magnification: 6 – 24 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.08 – 8.33 mm
- Field of View: 5 – 18 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.9 in
- Weight: 24.6 oz
Pros
- Comes at a budget-friendly price
- Delivers a crisp high-quality image
- The glass-etched reticle is durable and precise
- The turret is easy to adjust.
- Covered with the Vortex lifetime warranty.
Best Rifle Scope For 1000 Yards-Buying Guide
Before purchasing your scope, consider the following characteristics to determine if it is the best fit for you.
Magnification
Magnification makes a target appear closer than it is in reality. When aiming at a target located at 1000 yards you need a relatively high magnification. But what is the best magnification for 1000 yards?
It all depends on the shooter’s skill level because a high magnification also results in a smaller field of view and an even bigger miss if you are just slightly off target.
The sweet spot for magnification for 1000-yard targets is anything above 12x; a novice shooter can go as high as 25x, but a more experienced shooter will be fine with 12x to 18x.
Next, choose a scope with variable magnification. This is because a fixed magnification is inconvenient if the target’s condition suddenly changes, or if the sun becomes too hot and radiates on your eyes through the magnification.
Objective lens
The wider the diameter of the objective lens the more light will get in through the lens. This results in an overall brighter image which is a great thing for a shooter aiming at a target that is located at 1000 yards.
It’s easy to view a target located less than 500 yards using an objective lens measuring 40mm, however, this wouldn’t suffice at 1000 yards. This is because, at this range, the target appears small, so you need a bright image to be able to pick the right spot for placing the shot.
A target at this distance usually requires an objective lens diameter of at least 50mm. It is also worth noting that a larger objective lens, makes the scope unwieldy and bulky to carry around.
Focal plane
we have only two types of focal planes; the first focal plane (FFP) and the Second focal plane (SFP). These define the location of the reticle in relation to the magnification plane or erector tube assembly. In an FFP scope, the reticle is located at the front of the assembly, while in the SFP it’s located behind the assembly.
The location of the reticle affects how it reacts to the magnification. On the FFP the size of the reticle changes with magnification while on the SFP the size remains the same.
The FFP, therefore, gives you true measurements at any magnification, but the SFP is accurate only on one level of magnification usually the lowest magnification.
The choice of focal plane depends on individual preference but most shooters prefer the FFP for 1000-yard targets, despite the fact that an FFP scope is typically more expensive.
Reticle
This is part of the scope that the shooter uses to align with the target when aiming. Most shooters care about reticle type because each shooter has a personal preference. Manufacturers, on the other hand, have gone all out to create various types of reticles such as crosshairs, duplex reticles, mil-dot, some with bullet drop compensation (BDC), and illumination.
A crosshair reticle, however, is the most simplified of them all, allowing the shooter to see a target at 1000 yards without obstruction.
Durability
Rifle Scopes are not cheap, and one should choose one that will be able to withstand the elements. A rugged housing, as well as a scope that is waterproof, fogproof, and rated to withstand heavy recoil, are telltale characteristics of a durable scope.
Best Scope for 1000 yards-FAQs
What type of reticle is best for 1000-yard shooting?
When aiming at a long-range target, a detailed reticle with MOA or MIL-dot hash markers for windage and elevation adjustments would be perfect. However, some shooters prefer clean reticles, such as a crosshair or a duplex reticle. Illuminated reticles are also the most visible.
How do I zero my scope for 1000 yards?
Zeroing the scope for 1000 yards is done sequentially, starting with a small distance, such as 50 yards, and progressing to 100 yards, then 200 yards. This data is then used for ballistic calculations for 1000 yards.
What magnification is best for 1000-yard shooting?
Magnification mostly depends on the skills of a shooter a skilled shooter can adjust for accuracy with a lower magnification, and would only use a high magnification to identify the target. Typically however the magnification for a long-range scope shouldn’t be less than 10X
CONCLUSION
This article gives a thorough review of the best rifle scope that can be used for a shoot at 1000 yards. At the end of the reading, a buyer should be able to find the best option using the guide provided or just pick an option from the list. It’s worth noting that each rifle scope comes with its price and the choice one makes will also depend on their budget.
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