When you’re aiming for precision at 1000 yards, choosing the right scope can make all the difference. Among the top contenders are scopes like the Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen I and the NIGHTFORCE ATACR, each offering unique features from high magnification to advanced light management systems.
But how do you decide which scope suits your needs?Whether it’s for hunting or precision shooting, each of these nine scopes provides a blend of reliability, clarity, and performance. Let’s break down what sets them apart and how they can elevate your long-range shooting experience.
Top 9 Best Scopes for 1000 Yards on the Market 2024
Note: The following advice comes from my personal perspective. What works for me might not work for you, but hopefully it sparks some ideas!
1. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen I First Focal Plane Riflescopes
If you’re looking for a reliable scope for long-range shooting, the Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen I with its shockproof 30mm tube and EBR-1 reticle is a top contender. This riflescope features CRS, XD glass, and a fiber optic turret rotation indicator, ensuring precision and durability.
Customers praise its clear optics, sturdy build, and easy adjustments, though some note the small exit pupil at maximum magnification and the reticle’s size at 2.5x. The Viper PST Gen I’s competitive pricing and all-encompassing warranty make it a value-for-money investment.
Users have reported consistent adjustments and crisp turret clicks, although maintaining a consistent check weld at extreme magnifications can be challenging. Overall, this scope garners positive feedback for its clarity and build quality.
Best For: Long-range shooting enthusiasts seeking a reliable, durable, and precise riflescope with clear optics and easy adjustments.
Pros:
Clear optics and sturdy build Easy adjustments with crisp turret clicks Competitive pricing with an all-encompassing warranty Cons:
Small exit pupil at maximum magnification Reticle size is small at 2.5x magnification Maintaining consistent check weld at extreme magnifications can be challenging 2. Bushnell Match Pro ED 5-30x56 Riflescope
The Bushnell Match Pro ED 5-30x56 Riflescope is designed for precision shooters looking for consistent performance in different lighting conditions. It features a robust 34mm maintube and an illuminated Deploy MIL 2 reticle with 11 brightness settings, ensuring adaptability to any environment.
The scope boasts bold turrets that provide accurate tracking and an easy-set elevation zero stop with a rev-indicator. Its durability is enhanced by being IPX7 waterproof and fogproof, incorporating Bushnell’s exclusive EXO Barrier for added protection.
While some users have mentioned challenges with the battery door and turret adjustments, the scope’s clear glass and effective magnification have garnered positive feedback. Weighing only 2 pounds and constructed from aluminum and glass, this scope is a reliable option for long-range shooting.
Best For: Precision shooters and competitive marksmen who need a reliable, high-performance riflescope for various lighting conditions.
Pros:
11 brightness settings for versatile illumination. Accurate tracking with bold turrets and easy-set elevation zero stop. IPX7 waterproof and fogproof with exclusive EXO Barrier for durability. Cons:
Difficulty opening the battery door. Issues with turret adjustment and plastic tool durability. Image degradation at higher magnifications. 3. NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20x56mm Zeroset .250 MOA Scope
For those seeking unparalleled precision in long-range shooting, the NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20x56mm Zeroset .250 MOA Scope with MOAR/Forceplex Reticle offers exceptional clarity and accuracy. This scope stands out with its 80 MOA elevation adjustment and side parallax adjustment, ensuring precise shot placement at extended distances.
The ZeroSet technology allows you to quickly return to zero, enhancing overall efficiency during your shooting sessions.
Choose between the MOAR reticle, featuring 1 MOA elevation and windage markings, or the Forceplex reticle, designed for hunters with a clean field of view. Both reticles come with center illumination options for enhanced visibility.
Weighing 1.91 pounds, this scope is compatible with rifles and includes night vision capability, making it a versatile choice for various shooting conditions.
Best For: Long-range shooters and hunters looking for high precision and clarity in various shooting conditions.
Pros:
Exceptional glass quality and tracking accuracy. 80 MOA elevation adjustment with ZeroSet technology for quick return to zero. Versatile reticle options with center illumination for enhanced visibility. Cons:
Heavier weight at 1.91 pounds may not be ideal for all users. Higher price point compared to other scopes in the market. Limited to Picatinny Mount compatibility. 4. Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescopes
Long-range shooting enthusiasts will appreciate the Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II’s precision-engineered L-TEC Turret System, which guarantees accurate adjustments and prevents accidental changes. This system includes a locking mechanism and a visual rotation indicator, ensuring your settings remain intact during rigorous use.
The scope’s EBR-7C reticle provides reliable wind and elevation corrections, which is essential for hitting targets at extreme distances.
Constructed with a durable, waterproof, and fogproof single-piece aluminum body, the Razor HD Gen II is built to withstand harsh conditions. Its APO optical system and fully multi-coated lenses offer exceptional image quality by maximizing light transmission.
At 4.5-27x56 magnification and 3.7 inches of eye relief, this scope delivers the clarity and precision necessary for serious long-range shooting.
Best For: Long-range shooting enthusiasts who require precise adjustments, exceptional image quality, and durability in harsh conditions.
Pros:
High image quality with APO optical system and fully multi-coated lenses. Durable, waterproof, and fogproof aluminum construction. Lifetime, unconditional warranty offering peace of mind. Cons:
Heavier weight may not be suitable for all applications. Some users may find it bulky for field use. Higher price point compared to some competing brands. 5. NIGHTFORCE ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 Illuminated Hunting Scope
Precision shooters will appreciate the NIGHTFORCE ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 Illuminated Hunting Scope for its unparalleled accuracy and advanced features like the ZeroStop and Digillum reticle illumination. This scope offers an impressive magnification range of 7-35x, ensuring clarity from short to extreme long ranges.
With parallax adjustment down to 10 meters and 100 MOA of elevation travel, you’ll find zeroing in on your target more essential than ever. The Horus H59 Illuminated Reticle enhances wind holdover, important for accuracy in varying conditions.
Additionally, the standard Power Throw Lever simplifies magnification adjustments. Despite minor concerns about the small exit pupil at maximum magnification, the scope’s overall performance and features, such as night vision capability, have earned it a 4.5-star rating from satisfied users.
Best For: Precision shooters and hunters seeking unparalleled accuracy and advanced features for both short and long-range engagements.
Pros:
Exceptional magnification range of 7-35x for versatile shooting distances. Advanced features like ZeroStop and Digillum reticle illumination. Horus H59 Illuminated Reticle for enhanced wind holdover. Cons:
Small exit pupil at maximum magnification (35x). Some concerns about packaging and product condition. Relatively heavy at 39.3 ounces. 6. Sightron 25139 SIII LR Series 10-50x60mm Riflescope
The Sightron 25139 SIII LR Series Riflescope, with its impressive 10-50X magnification and 60mm objective diameter, is an excellent choice for shooters seeking high clarity at extreme distances.
Crafted from high-quality aircraft aluminum, the 30mm one-piece main tube guarantees maximum rigidity. This scope is fogproof, shockproof, and waterproof, featuring a side parallax focus for enhanced accuracy.
The large, oversized target knobs offer 1/8 inch adjustments and are re-settable to zero, providing precise control. Additionally, the European-style fast focus eyeball and ExacTrack windage and elevation adjustment system enhance usability.
With an eye relief of 3.8-4.5 inches and fully multi-coated lenses with Zact-7 TM 7-Layer coating, this riflescope promises a lifetime of internal fog protection and superior optical performance.
Best For: Shooters who require high clarity and precision at extreme distances, particularly for benchrest and F-class shooting.
Pros:
High magnification range (10-50X) with a large 60mm objective diameter for excellent clarity. Durable construction with a 30mm one-piece main tube made from high-quality aircraft aluminum. Fully multi-coated lenses with Zact-7 TM 7-Layer coating for superior optical performance and fog protection. Cons:
Some users reported issues with holding zero. Negative feedback on customer service experience. Higher price point compared to other scopes, with some users seeking price matching. 7. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm M1C3 FFP Riflescope
For avid hunters seeking unparalleled accuracy, the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm M1C3 FFP Riflescope offers exceptional image quality and robust durability. This riflescope, model #176449, is designed with a Front Focal Plane (FFP) that allows for precise range estimation, important for long-range shooting.
Its M1C3 turrets feature a Zero Lock system, ensuring your settings remain consistent even in rugged conditions. Additionally, the Twilight Max HD Light Management system enhances visibility in low-light environments, making it easier to spot your target.
Constructed from durable aluminum, this scope is waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof, ensuring longevity. With a magnification range of 5-25x and a 50mm objective lens diameter, you’ll experience clear, detailed views at extended distances, making it an ideal choice for serious hunters.
Best For: Avid hunters and long-range shooters seeking exceptional image quality, robust durability, and precise range estimation.
Pros:
Exceptional image quality and clear glass Durable construction: waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof Twilight Max HD Light Management system for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions Cons:
Does not include night vision capabilities Relatively high price point compared to other scopes Larger objective lens diameter may require specialized mounts 8. Burris XTR Pro 5.5-30x56mm Riflescope
If you’re a competitive shooter looking for a riflescope that frequently offers best-in-class optical clarity, the Burris XTR Pro 5.5-30x56mm is an excellent choice.
Designed and manufactured in Greeley, Colorado, this riflescope is tailored for PRS and NRL style competitions. It features a Quick Detach Race Dial for the elevation turret, a tool-less Zero Click Stop elevation knob, and advanced windage and elevation adjustments.
The throw lever allows seamless magnification changes, while the illumination settings offer 11 brightness levels in both red and green. Weighing 3.9 pounds and mounting via Picatinny, it’s a robust option with three reticle choices.
Customer reviews rate it highly at 5.0 stars, reinforcing its status as a top-tier choice for long-range shooting.
Best For: Competitive shooters who prioritize optical clarity and advanced features for PRS and NRL style competitions.
Pros:
Quick Detach Race Dial for easy elevation adjustments Tool-less Zero Click Stop elevation knob for convenience Eleven brightness levels for red and green illumination settings Cons:
Heavier weight at 3.9 pounds may not be ideal for all users No night vision capability Higher price point compared to other riflescopes in its category 9. Leica PRS 5-30x56i Scope
Hunters and precision shooters will appreciate the Leica PRS 5-30x56i’s first focal plane reticles and zero-stop function for unparalleled accuracy over long distances.
This scope offers a magnification range from 5x to 30x and features a 56mm objective lens diameter, ensuring excellent light transmission and clarity.