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- Alfred Mendoza
- May 14, 2024
We are all about scoring the best deals right now, especially when it comes to quality scopes. For this review, we focused on the best long-range scopes under 1000 and we recently updated our recommendations. We stand by our top two picks but made some adjustments in the rest of the list to make sure you have the information you need to choose a long range scope that is both affordable and high quality.
- Easy to read dials
- Practical and uncluttered reticle
- Audible click for quick tuning turrets
- Wide field of view
- Rugged construction
- Ten brightness settings
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Armortek coating
- O-ring sealed and argon-purged
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- HD clarity
- Lightweight
- Lifetime guarantee
- Excellent for low-light conditions
- Ergonomic controls
Table of Contents
- 1 Top 10 Long-range Scopes Below $1,000
- 1.1 1. Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
- 1.2 2. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II FFP Riflescope
- 1.3 3. Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10X50mm Riflescope
- 1.4 4. Vortex Optics Viper HS LR First Focal Plane Riflescopes
- 1.5 5. Athlon Optics Midas TAC 6-24x50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes
- 1.6 6. Burris Veracity 5-25x50mm Hunting Rifle Scope
- 1.7 7. Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Riflescope
- 1.8 8. Sightron SIII 8-32X56 Long-range MOA Reticle Side Focus Riflescope
- 1.9 9. Nightforce Optics 4-14x56 SHV Riflescope
- 2 Understanding Long-range Shooting
- 3 Buying Guide
- 4 Fixed vs Variable Scope
- 5 First Focal Plane vs Second Focal Plane for Long-range Shooting
- 6 Why Should I Buy a Long-range Scope?
- 7 FAQs
- 8 And the #1 Long-range Scope Under $1000 is...
Top 10 Long-range Scopes Below $1,000
1. Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Second Focal Plane Riflescopes is one of the top long-range rifle scopes under 1000 that features an advanced optical system highlighted with a 4x zoom range. This scope also features a generous eye relief for a more comfortable and faster target shooting.
The Viper Hunting Shooting Tactical riflescope is constructed on a 30mm machined aircraft-grade aluminum tube. This ultra-strong tube delivers increased elevation and windage travel and optimal adjustment for long-range shooting.
With its hashmark-based VMR-1 MOA reticle, this scope is deemed dual-use for shooting tactical and hunting like the SWFA SS, which has a MIL Quad reticle. It features a second focal plane, with a MAG-View Fiber Optic, Precision-Force Spring System, Precision-Glide Erector System, and a hard-anodized finish for rugged construction.
PROS
- Easy to read dials
- Practical and uncluttered reticle
- Audible click for quick tuning turrets
- Wide field of view
- Rugged construction
CONS
- Magnification adjustment is stiff
2. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II FFP Riflescope
The Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescopes is also one of the top long-range rifle scopes under 1000 that features laser-etched turrets for bullet drop and wind compensation. It also features an adjustable parallax and fast focus eyepiece.
This scope has ten intensity levels with off positions between each setting and an extra-low dispersion glass that increases resolution and color fidelity. This long-range scope has XR fully multi-coated lenses with Armortek coatings that protect the lenses from scratches, oil, and dirt.
PROS
- Ten brightness settings
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Armortek coating
- O-ring sealed and argon-purged
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
CONS
- Mount not included
3. Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10X50mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-3HD riflescope is a top contender because of its great clarity in all types of lighting conditions. It reduces glare in harsher lighting and has great light transmission for low light shooting. Leupold offers a lifetime warranty but you may not need it even with extreme use. It is waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. It can withstand extreme temperatures and elevation changes. Plus the lenses are scratch-resistant.
Its precision 1/4 MOA finger click for windage and elevation adjustments offers absolute repeatability and dependability. We especially like the low-profile dial and ZeroLock feature that locks the dial, preventing accidental changes.
PROS
- HD clarity
- Lightweight
- Lifetime guarantee
- Excellent for low-light conditions
- Ergonomic controls
CONS
- No parallax adjustment
4. Vortex Optics Viper HS LR First Focal Plane Riflescopes
For those looking for a compact scope, this 29.6oz 6-24x50mm aircraft-grade aluminum 308 rifle scope is worth a try. The advanced fully multi-coated lenses ensure that you’ll receive optimum brightness and vivid color even in dark environments.
Additionally, the illuminated reticle of this riflescope features 11 brightness settings for greater visibility. Unlike most models in the list, Argos BTR also uses argon purging, thus offering scope durability and higher recoil shock resistance.
PROS
- Extra-Low Dispersion (XD)
- Rugged construction, Argon gas, and O ring seals
- Customizable Rotational Stop (CRS)
- Precision-Glide Erector System
- Free CDS (Custom Dial System)
CONS
- Heavy
5. Athlon Optics Midas TAC 6-24x50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes
Athlon Optics Midas TAC 6-24×50 FFP Riflescopes features a 0.1 Mil Click Value, a 25 MIL Total Elevation Adjustment, and a 10-Yard to Infinity Parallax Adjustment. This scope is set at an FFP reticle that stays valid at all power settings. It also has an HD glass with advanced fully multi-coated optics for better light transmission, brighter and sharper image.
This 6-24×50 rifle scope has a Precision Zero Stop System that allows you to lock zero position and dial back with a quick and precise stop right at the zero marks. Furthermore, it features an APRS2 FFP MIL reticle designed for precision rifle series competition that quickly determines distance, holdover positions, and windage corrections.
PROS
- Has low price range for a full-featured FFP Mil
- Simple and effective zeroing stop
- Lightweight
- Full ten mil/turn knobs
- Good adjustment range
CONS
- No extra features like scope caps, sunshade, or bra
- Manual is not beginner-friendly
6. Burris Veracity 5-25x50mm Hunting Rifle Scope
The Burris Veracity 5-25x50mm Hunting Rifle Scope comes with a MAD turret design that allows exposed operation or capped turrets. It also has a 5x zoom ratio that offers quick magnification switches and a better field of view for a high-variable power scope.
This long-range scope, also one of the top long-range rifle scopes under 1000, features a side focus, parallax adjustment with a single piece 30 mm tube with a black finish impervious to water, fog, and shock. Lastly, it comes with a hi-lume multi-coated glass and a large 50 mm objective lens that produce bright and clear images.
PROS
- Burris Forever Warranty
- Rugged Design Withstands Abuse and Harsh Conditions
- Long-range and Offers First Focal Plane
- MAD Style Tactical Reticle and Crisp Turrets
- Clear Glass and Good Eye Relief
CONS
- Reticle is Non-Illuminated
- Low Adjustment Range for Turrets
7. Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Rifle scope, one of the best long-range rifle scopes, comes with a duplex reticle and matte finish.
Like the Leupold VX-3HD, it is also 100% waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. It also features a pop-up re-zero finger click windage and elevation adjustments for maximum adjustment range, precision, and instant re-zeroing.
With its Twilight Max HD Light Management System, shooters can add up to 30 minutes of shooting light, which is also best in class glare reduction, and edge to edge HD lens clarity. It also has a Guard-Ion Hydrophobic Lens Coating that is scratch resistant and sheds water, dirt, and fingerprints.
PROS
- Lightweight, rugged construction
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- Guard-Ion Hydrophobic Lens Coating
- Duplex reticle and matte finish
- Pop-up re-zero finger click
CONS
- Lengthy
- Expensive Price range
8. Sightron SIII 8-32X56 Long-range MOA Reticle Side Focus Riflescope
The Sightron SIII 8-32X56 Long-range MOA Reticle Side Focus Mil-Dot Rifle scope, one of the best rifle scopes, features a 30 mm tube made from high-quality aircraft aluminum and a Mil-Dot reticle, unlike the SWFA SS, which has a MIL Quad reticle. This Mil-Dot rifle scope has a European style fast focus eyeball.
This Mil-Dot scope also features ExacTrack windage and elevation adjustment system and ZACT-7 seven layer multi-coating with precision ground glass. Moreover, this Mil-Dot rifle scope is also waterproof and nitrogen-filled, providing a lifetime of internal fog protection for inclement weather.
PROS
- Matte finish
- ExacTrack windage and elevation adjustment system
- Comes with lens cover
- ZACT-7 seven layer multi-coating
- 56mm object diameter and Mil-Dot reticle
CONS
- May not fit standard AR builds
9. Nightforce Optics 4-14x56 SHV Riflescope
Nightforce Optics 4-14×56 SHV Rifle scope is the first SHV scope model of the Nightforce introduced in January of 2014. The SHV stands for “Shooter Hunter Varminter.”
Like the SWFA SS, which has a MIL Quad reticle, this rifle scope is built on a 30 mm tube and capped turrets. This scope under 1000 also includes a side parallax adjustment that goes down to 25 yards. However, this rifle scope does not have the ZeroSet functionality, unlike some SHV Nightforce Line Series models.
PROS
- 56mm objective lens
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Side parallax adjustment
- 2nd focal plane
- Capped turrets
CONS
- Heavy and large
- Do not have the ZeroSet functionality
Understanding Long-range Shooting
Long-range precision shooting usually requires 300 up to 1200 yards shooting range. Shooting long-range doesn’t only require powerful rifles and cartridges.
You need to have the proper tools, specific skills, and adequate training for the best shooting experience.
Aside from getting the right firearm, gun gears like riflescopes are also imperative as it helps in faster target acquisition and more precise shooting.
Buying Guide
Budget
It’s a no-brainer that the best long-range scope is more expensive than a normal scope because it requires higher quality glass and better materials. Long-distance shooting often requires powerful rifles to reach a specific range. Hence, the best scope needs to be rugged to be able to withstand harsh recoils and abrasions.
Material
Of course, nobody wants to burn money by purchasing expensive scopes that last for only a few years, or worse, months. Therefore, you need to be careful about buying the best long-range scope for your riflescopes under 1000. For a sturdier and more durable scope, you would want to look for the best scope machined from high-grade aircraft aluminum, preferably sealed.
Magnification
The magnification power of 1x indicates a 100 percent or doubling of the object’s perceived size through the lens compared to the same object viewed with the naked eye. [1]
One of the worst myths that most shooters think is that the more powerful the magnification, the better the scope. While this is true in some cases, it’s not always right. Do not settle for scopes with high magnification thinking that it’s best for long-distance shooting.
Lens coating
The best long-range rifle scope under 1000 should be durable, as it takes the most impact when used during a long-distance shooting. However, the best rifle scope lenses must be durable, too. Since lenses are very sensitive, you need to be extra careful in choosing the best coating for the best long-range scopes.
Everybody wants lenses with crystal clear sight picture, both at low and high magnifications. It is best to find the best rifle scope with fully multi-coated lenses because it can endure abrasions made by wind indicators like flags and trees blowing.
Turrets
It would help if you also considered your scope’s turret adjustments, as these should match your scope’s reticles. Turrets are, by far, the most important controls of a scope. They allow shooters to zero, the process of adjusting your scope’s reticle until it aligns with where your rounds hit the target, their rifle scopes.
Further Reading:
Eye Relief
Scopes without sufficient eye relief may give shooters the “scope bite.” After a few tries, our team observed that about three to four inches of eye relief are sufficient for the standard riflescope. Four inches is quite enough for the best long-range scope under 1000, as it offers sufficient room for the gun to recoil without it hitting your face.
Parallax
It is also best to find a long range scope with adjustable parallax, or preferably a parallax-free scope.
It is important to note that parallax keeps your target engaged no matter from which angle you look through the optic.
Even the slightest movement that a shooter may make might lose its target. But with a parallax-free scope, this wouldn’t even be a problem.
Windage & Elevation
If you aim to take a long-distance shot, the shooter will need to adjust the elevation adjustment range. For longer distance shooting, it is best to consider having an adjustment range of at least 60 MOA. Additionally, scopes with a larger main tube allow for a more extensive range of elevation adjustment, so that these scopes may be a better choice.
Mounting Options & Adjustability
The best long-range rifle scopes’ objective lenses must stay as close as possible to the barrel to reduce its hold over / hold under different ranges. It is best to consider scopes that can be mounted to standard mounting rails like the Picatinny or Weaver rails. A good mount will reduce recoil and help you maintain stability as you track a moving target even while taking several shots.
Customer Feedback
Based on extensive research, most shooters are happy to have found these best rifle scopes under 1000 because they are affordable and advantageous at the same time.
Most buyers also liked how these scopes feature rugged and durable construction, giving them confidence in using these scopes in any given situation and circumstances. The glasses also feature high-quality images topped with lens coatings that made them durable.
Fixed vs Variable Scope
Fixed power scopes have no adjustment in the amount of magnification they offer. It is also lighter, less complex, more compact, and cheaper. While variable power scopes offer the most significant benefit of tailoring the amount of magnification you view through your scope.
For beginners, we suggest having the fixed scope as it gives a more forgiving experience. Adjusting the scope every time shooters pick it up may also be a hassle. However, for seasoned shooters, having the variable scope could be a better choice as it gives you the liberty of adjusting the magnification range of your rifles.
First Focal Plane vs Second Focal Plane for Long-range Shooting
In most cases, shooters still find the argument in choosing between the First Focal Plane vs the Second Focal Plane for long-distance shooting a heated argument. Which among the two is better? If we were to answer, we would say, “neither.”
First Focal Plane reticles change their sizes depending on your scope’s magnification level, while Second focal plane reticles don’t change size even as you switch between magnification levels. Some claim that FFP can be particularly advantageous when used with scopes that frequently swap between high or low magnification settings.
However, the Second Focal Plane SFP can still help if you don’t switch too often between magnification levels. Your range is relatively limited, making its reticle always consistent and, therefore, easier to get used to.
Why Should I Buy a Long-range Scope?
Promotes Accuracy
You don’t need to be a genius to know that accuracy and precision are crucial for long-distance shootings. Hitting a target that is a few yards away from you may be difficult without using a scope.
However, with a scope that offers clear sight pictures, your rifle’s accuracy would be improved while having a minimal target locking attempt. In using a scope, your hunting experience will result in more successful shots, less time wasted, and fewer bullets being used with a scope.
Longer Range
One of the benefits of using the best long-range rifle scope is its capability to extend your rifle range. Through a scope, you’ll see objects clearer as it may project as if it’s nearer to you, giving you space and comfort to shoot as you like. Furthermore, a scope improves accuracy because they make target locking easier and faster
Better Scores & Shots
More accuracy and more range equal better scores and shots. As your targets project nearer, the probability of hitting your target becomes higher, too.
Your scoreboard will result in higher scores as your shots become more precise. A rifle scope is beneficial not only for competitive shooters during long-range tactical shooting but also for those who enjoy hunting.
FAQs
The difference between MIL and MOA for long-range scopes is their size. While both are angular measurements, “MIL” stands for milliradians while MOA stands for “minute of angle.” MIL is larger than the MOA. Furthermore, MOA is easier to understand than MIL.
MOA is equal to 1.047 inches at 100 yards, while MIL is equal to 3.6 inches at 100 yards. To convert these angular measurements, you need to convert MOA to MIL by dividing it by 3.43 and MIL to MOA by multiplying by 3.43.
And the #1 Long-range Scope Under $1000 is...
Based on our tests, the best long-range rifle scope under 1000 is the Vortex Optics Viper HS-T SFP Rifle Scope because it has a rugged and sturdy construction ideal for long-distance shooting. Our team particularly likes the fully multi-coated lens and anti-reflective properties of this scope that we can use in different light conditions without glare and offer improved visibility.
It has an XD for a crisper and clearer sight picture. It also has a side focus adjustment with parallax removal when shooting. It features both MOA and MRAD subtended reticles with the diopter-style crosshair focus ring.
Our #1 Recommendation
Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
- MOA and MRAD subtended reticles
- Rugged construction
- Fully multi-coated lens and anti-reflective properties
- XD feature
