6 Best Long Range Scopes 1000 Yards Plus

Best long-range scopes 1000 yards plus

It’s unusual for one to aim at long-range targets as a beginner. But once your confidence grows you want to try out difficult targets. Let’s say something beyond 1000 yards.

If you are at that point, well, this article is purposefully for you. The best long-range scopes are aimed to make your shots accurate and repeatable. Not just a one-shot thing, which can be attributed to ‘beginners’ luck.

Long-range rifle scopes are appropriately constructed with features that enhance accuracy, which is mostly dependent on good visibility, magnification, reticle types, proper focal plane, and a wide range of accurate turret adjustments.

This article reviews some scopes on the market that genuinely have these characteristics and will give a long-range shooter the best value.

Now let’s get into our comprehensive reviews…

Best Long Range Scopes for 1000 Yards Plus

• NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm Tactical Scope
• Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm
• Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope
• Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope
• LUCID Optics Advantage 6-24x50mm Sniper Scope
• Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope REN62450DG

The detailed reviews….

1. NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56mm Tactical Scope

This is an excellent piece of scope fact that it has been used extensively by the military and law enforcement. The scope embodies durability combined with performance. And it’s one of the most advanced scopes on the market.

The Nightforce NXS gives a very clear image of the target. This is helped by the fact that it has a wide range of 5.5-22x optical magnification. That easily lets you adapt to the distance of your target. It then adds one of the widest objective lens diameters at 52mm.

What’s more, you get a generous eye relief of 4 inches and are able to make numerous adjustments. In view of its 100 MOA elevation travel. You also get an illuminated reticle giving you no chance to err.

Features

• Material: Aircraft Grade Aluminum
• Objective Lens Diameter:56 mm
• Magnification: 5.5 – 22 x
• Tube Diameter: 30 mm
• Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
• ZeroStop version available
• 0.25 MOA Adjustment Click Value       
• 100 MOA adjustments
• Exit Pupil: 2.5 – 10.2 mm
• Parallax: 50 yds to infinity
• Field of View, Linear: 4.7 – 17.5 ft at 100 yds
• Eye Relief:   3.9 in
• Weight: 32 oz

2. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm

If you want a user-friendly scope with tactical accuracy and numerous marksman aids then this one fits the bill. The scope has been designed with tactical-style exposed turrets. To make adjustments easy and fast. You also get a wide 5-25x variable magnification. And a fully coated lens with a wide 50mm diameter. That results in a brighter image for easier identification of distant targets.

Durability has also not been left to chance, and it starts with the lens which has an Armortek coating to prevent scratches oil and dirt. Moreover, the outer casing is constructed using an anodized aluminum that not only makes it steady but also enables it to withstand shock and impacts. Lastly, the scope is completely sealed with O-rings. And it’s able to withstand, fog, moisture dust, and debris.

Features

• Material: Aircraft Grade Aluminum
• Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
• Magnification: 5 – 25 x
• Tube Diameter: 30 mm
• Exit Pupil:    2 – 10 mm
• Eye Relief: 3.4 in
• Fast Focus Eyepiece
• 4.8 – 24.1 ft at 100 yds linear field of view
• Illuminated reticle with 10 levels of adjustment
• Matching (MRAD or MOA) turrets and reticles
• Rapid Zero Return (RZR) feature
• Parallax: 25 yds to infinity
• Focus Range: 25 yds to infinity
• Fully Multi-Coated lens
• Dimensions: 16 x 6 x2.3 in
• Weight: 31.2 oz

3. Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope

If you need a perfect scope for scouring targets in the wilderness, then this one is optimized just for that. It comes with one of the lowest minimum magnifications of 3x. And includes a proprietary light management feature. That helps reveal all the details of your target for that clean shot. The feature also aids the scope to deliver excellent images in all magnification levels.

That’s not all, the scope is designed to cater to left-handed shooters. With an ambidextrous reversible throw lever. In fact, it’s just one of the few that does that. The other useful features that aid the marksman are; auto-activating illumination, side focus parallax adjustment, zero lock windage adjustment, and easy-to-use elevation adjustment dials.

Features

• Material: Aluminum
• Magnification: 3 – 18 x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
• Tube Diameter: 30 mm
• Second Focal Plane (SFP)
• Field of View, Linear: 38 – 7 ft at 100 yds
• Eye Relief:   3.7 – 3.8 in
• Length: 13.5 in
• 1/4 MOA adjustments
• Lens Material: Glass
• Guard-Ion Rain Shedding optical coating
• Waterproof Shockproof and fog proof
• Zero Lock Windage Adjustment
• Reversible throw lever clamps
• 8 levels of reticle illumination
• Weight: 20.4 oz

4. Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope

The vortex viper HST excels in making prolonged holds for long-range targets. The scope is also renowned to deliver images of excellent quality thanks to an XD-coated lens and a wide 50mm objective lens. Moreover, it has one of the longest eye reliefs at 4 inches. And this makes it a perfect choice for rifles with a heavy recoil capable of hitting long-range targets.

This scope is greatly adapted for the marksman with features like; fast focus, exposed tactical-style turrets, and a hashmark-based reticle for more precision. These aids work great to help you accurately identify your target and hold your position for a perfect shot. What’s more, the eyepiece embodies durability because it’s constructed using a solid piece of anodized aluminum. It’s waterproof fog proof and will withstand a reasonable amount of shock.

Features

• Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
• Magnification: 6 – 24 x
• Tube Diameter: 30 mm
• Second Focal Plane (SFP)
• Exit Pupil: 2.08 – 8.3 mm
• Parallax: 50 yds to infinity
• XR Fully Multi-Coated lens
• Fast Focus Eyepiece
• hashmark-based reticle
• Field of View, Linear: 5.1 – 17.8 ft at 100 yds
• Eye Relief:   4 in
• Aircraft Grade Aluminum material
• Dimensions: 15.5 x 2.26 in (L x H)
• Weight: 22.6 oz

5. LUCID Optics Advantage 6-24x50mm Sniper Scope

The Lucid scope isn’t as popular as the vortex or Leopold scopes but it’s probably the most durable alternative on any lineup. This is helped by the fact that it has a submersible waterproof rating, is fog proof, and will withstand a remarkable amount of impact and shock.

The scope doesn’t only excel in durability, it’s no slouch in hitting long-range targets. This is helped by a broad 6-24x magnification and a 50mm wide multi-coated lens. That gives you excellent images, even for long-range targets. Moreover, the scope has one of the longest eye reliefs of 4.25”. And an easy-to-use turret system with a side parallax adjustment.

Features

• Material: Aluminum
• Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
• Magnification: 6 – 24 x
• Tube Diameter:      30 mm
• Second Focal Plane (SFP)
• Exit Pupil:    2 – 8.3 mm
• Nitrogen purged to resist fog
• Submersible
• Field of View, Linear:       4.3 – 16.5 ft at 100 yds
• Eye Relief:   4.25 – 3.25 in
• Diopter Adjustment Range: -2 – 1.5 dpt
• MOA adjustment
• Multi-Coated lens
• IPX-7 water resistance
• Length: 15.25 x 3 in (L x W)
• Weight: 24.5 oz

6. Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope REN62450DG

Bushnell has built a good reputation when it comes to delivering good-quality optics, and this one is no different.  The Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm contests the competition by having numerous features albeit at a fair price. Resulting in a substantial value to the user. Some of the features are; a fast-focus eyepiece, side parallax adjustment, toolless locking turrets, an integrated throw lever, flip-open eyepiece covers, and a lifetime warranty.

The scope gives you clear images because the lens is fully coated. And uses a proprietary Exo barrier technology to repel oils, dust debris, and scratches. You also get a wide objective lens measuring 50mm. Moreover, a wide 6-24x magnification range, for adapting to the distance of your target.

Features

• Magnification 6-24x
• Objective lens diameter: 50mm
• Eye Relief: 3.6 in
• Second Focal Plane
• Side Parallax Adjustment
• Min Parallax Distance: 10 yds
• Field of View (ft @ 100 yds): 28ft @ 4X to 7ft @ 16X
• Fully Multi-Coated lens
• 30 mm Tube Diameter    
• 50 MOA elevation Adjustment   
• MOA-Based, Tool-Less Locking Turret
• 50 MOA Windage Adjustment
• Windage Turret      MOA-Based, Tool-Less Locking Turret
• IPX7 Waterproofing
• Weights 23.7 oz

Buying Long Range Scopes for 1000 Yards Plus

To aim at a long-range target of 1000 yards plus, you must consider several factors on the scopes you will use.

Magnification

Magnification denotes the number of times the image viewed through the scope has been enlarged. Magnification on a scope is represented by ‘X’, a bigger x meaning more magnification. A scope inscribed 2-9x means that the minimum magnification you can use is 2x while the maximum is 9x. Now, this is a scope with variable magnification.

It is effective to hit long range targets, at 1000 yards plus with a magnification greater than 18x. it’s also good to note that a higher magnification also results to a bigger miss for a small deviation from the target.

Aiming at long range targets is also dependent on the shooter’s skills, and some experienced shooters can do so with even a slightly lower magnification.

Eye relief

Sounds like medical jargon but in gun terms, it means the distance from the end of the scope to the tip of your eye. Where you are able to see the full image of the target object through the scope.

Eye relief helps to avoid the scope from hitting your eyes. When you are not using a gun like the Creedmoor 6.5 with less recoil. The longer the relief the better because most long-range rifles have heavy recoil.

MOA vs Mil

These are units of measurement just like Inches and feet. Everyone has their own preference on what they will use on their rifle. But always make sure you stick to the measurement you plan to start with. To avoid any confusion that comes with conversions.

Image Quality

Good quality glass is a must-have for a long-range scope. A good quality glass is what gives you the best image quality. Good quality glass is determined by the type of coatings.

Glass is coated to reduce reflective loss and allow more transmission of light from the target. The image quality also depends on the diameter of the objective lens. The objective lens for a long-range scope should at least be 40mm. To allow in more light for a brighter image of the distant target.

Durability

Long-range scopes aren’t cheap, and the last thing you want is for them to get damaged when you are out on the field. Well, this might not be entirely your fault because the manufacturer should include some protective mechanisms. To make the scope durable.

Examples of safeguards include protection against, fog, water, dust, and snow. The scope should also be made of a strong material like aluminum, and able to withstand a reasonable amount of impact.

Best Long-Range Scopes-FAQs

What focal plane is best for long-range targets?

First, let’s understand what is is a focal plane. A First focal plane (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP) scope is determined by the location of the reticle. The FFP has the reticle located in front of the erector knobs and it’s the contrary with SFP.

The size of the reticle also changes with the magnification on the FFP but remains the same size on the SFP. Although, no focal plane is better than the other. A number of marksmen prefer the FFP over the SFP. For hitting long-range targets

What reticle is best for long-range shooting?

Well, the choice of reticle relies on the shooter’s expertise, but the optimum reticle to employ is one that provides helpful information to the shooter for predicting drop and windage adjustment, as well as estimating range. Some pros, however, prefer the simplest reticles, such as a duplex or a crosshair, because they do not obscure any area of the target.

CONCLUSION

If you are a seasoned shooter and want to hit a target at 1000 yards plus, you can never go wrong with any of the long-range scopes that we have reviewed in this article. All you need to know is how much you are willing to spend because the different scopes come at different prices. Another thing you must remember is to work on your skills. You can have the best long-range scopes and still miss all your targets.