7 Best 1000 Yard Scopes of 2021
Photo: writtenbytylerkee.com
If you are going to shoot from 1,000 yards away, you will need to have a gun with long-range capability, the right shooting skills and of course the best 1,000 yard scope mounted on your rifle.
A 1,000 yard scope offers more powerful magnification, extra range capability, ultra clear optics and some super-precise instruments for windage, elevation and parallax compensation.
When buying these long range scopes you need to make sure that whatever you buy offers value for money and suits your shooting style and needs and also the rifle that you use.
With our review of some top-rated 1,000-yard scopes and buying guide picking one should be easier.
7 Best 1000 Yard Scopes – Review
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1. Vortex Optics VHS-4325 (Best Overall) |
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2. Sightmark SM18008 (Dependable for Day and Night Use) |
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3. Nightforce Optics 4-14x56 SHV (Top Notch Non-illuminated Rifle Scope) |
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4. Mueller MU83244TD (Best for the Money) |
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5. Leupold VX-6 118504 (Top-Tier Scope that Delivers Dead-on Precision) |
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6. Bushnell ET6245FG (Best For 308) |
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7. Millett LRS-1 BK81006 (Indestructible Scope with Large Objective Diameter) |
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PRODUCT |
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1. Vortex Optics VHS-4325 (Best Overall) |
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2. Sightmark SM18008 (Dependable for Day and Night Use) |
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3. Nightforce Optics 4-14x56 SHV (Top Notch Non-illuminated Rifle Scope) |
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4. Mueller MU83244TD (Best for the Money) |
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5. Leupold VX-6 118504 (Top-Tier Scope that Delivers Dead-on Precision) |
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6. Bushnell ET6245FG (Best For 308) |
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7. Millett LRS-1 BK81006 (Indestructible Scope with Large Objective Diameter) |
1. Vortex Optics VHS-4325 – Best Overall
Photo: Vortex
- Magnification: 6-24x
- Objective Diameter: 50 millimeters
- Eye Relief: 4 inches
Vortex's Viper HS-T is a highly versatile scope that will be ideal for both hunting and shooting, and it is also suitable for use on a variety of rifles which makes it our best overall product.
The scope uses some premium fully multicoated lenses that will deliver excellent image resolution and top notch color fidelity. And the lenses are also armotek coated for maximum protection.
Also, the scope uses some exposed target-style turrets to deliver precise and repeatable finger-click adjustments and zero stop for reliable zero return capability.
There is also a handy side focus parallax adjustment for optimal image focusing and parallax removal and a fast focus eyepiece to ensure quick target acquisition. And the scope is also made with a solid one-piece aluminum that is argon purged and O-ring sealed.
At the 24x magnification, the edges of the lenses are somewhat fuzzy, but the sight picture is still clear enough for easy aiming and accurate shooting.
More Detailed : Vortex Optics Viper HS-T Review
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2. Sightmark SM18008 – Dependable Scope for Day and Night Use
Photo: Sightmark
- Magnification: 4.6x
- Objective Diameter: 42 millimeters
- Eye Relief: 2.36 inches
Whether you are shooting during the day or late in the night, you can always depend on the Photon XT to deliver a clear enough sight picture.
With its higher than average image resolution, this scope also ensures that you always get a bright and clear image even when shooting in low light which also makes it one of the best 1,000 yard scopes.
Its illuminated reticle with 6 style options is one of the main things that make it such a dependable scope, and the best thing about it is that it also uses a super long lasting battery.
And with its simple and easy to learn functions, even beginners will have an easy time figuring out the scope and should be able to shoot from 1,000 yards in no time.
Also, this is a more compact and generally lightweight scope that weighs just 8.8 ounces to ensure your rifle maintains its balance.
The 2.36 eye relief you get on this scope is relatively smaller, but you should still be able to shoot safely and comfortably without having to lean in too much.
More Detailed : Sightmark SM18008 Photon XT Review
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3. Nightforce Optics 4-14x56 SHV – Top Notch Non-illuminated Rifle Scope
Photo: Nightforce
- Magnification: 4-14x
- Objective Diameter: 56 millimeters
- Eye Relief: 3.15-3.54 inches
Although many shooters seem to prefer the illuminated reticle scopes, it is still possible to get a reliable non-illuminated model like this one by Nightforce.
This top rated 1,000 yard scope has a wide enough 56 mm scope that will allow more light in for a bright and clear image. If you combine this with the high-quality multicoated lenses, you get a super clear sight picture.
Also, the lenses are zero-tolerance which means they will not move in any direction even when the scope is handled roughly.
Because this scope has been machined from solid aircraft grade aluminum alloy, you can be confident that it can withstand regular use and take any abuse that comes its way for many years of service.
Some shooters will find this scope a little heavier than expected, but its 2.75-pound weight is still within the acceptable parameters for mounting on any long range rifle.
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4.
Mueller MU83244TD
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est 1,000-Yard Scope for the Money
Photo: Mueller
- Magnification: 8-32x
- Objective Diameter: 44 millimeters
- Eye Relief: 4 inches
For hunterd and target shooters looking for a more afffordable 1,000-yard scope it is hard to get anything better than the Muller’s 8-32x Target scope. It is not only the cheapest on our list but also one of the most affordable top brand long range scopes in the market.
It is by far the best 1,000 yard scope for the money because it is hard to get anything better without spending several hundreds more of what you pay for it.
But, besides a smaller price tag, it is also a feature-rich scope with micro-fine crosshairs and a fine target dot for easy aiming. Also, the scope has a side focus parallax adjustment to ensure a parallax-free view for long-range shots.
The solid aluminum 30mm main tube is durable and rugged enough for the outdoors, and the fully exposed turrets ensure easy and precise adjustments while the fast focus eyepiece makes it easy to pick out a target.
At the maximum magnification, there seems to be a bit of blurriness especially around the edges, but this is typical of most scopes. Furthermore, the sight picture is still clear enough for accurate shots.
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5. Leupold VX-6 118504 – Top-Tier Scope that Delivers Dead-on Precision
Photo: Leupold
- Magnification: 7-42x
- Objective Diameter: 56 millimeters
- Eye Relief: 3.9-4.2 inches
Leupold’s VX-6 is a top tier scope that has been designed to deliver impressive precision when shooting from long distance and delivers one of the widest field of view when compared to others in its class.
Also, its 7-42x magnification is one of the widest not only on our list but among other similar scopes in the market.
The scope uses a TAC-MOA reticle that includes an open center to make long-range shots easier by allowing shooters and hunters to pick up the target fast. And the quantum optical system also delivers an amazing sight picture.
Blackened lens edges help to improve the image brightness, and this scope also has a generous eye relief and eyebox and highly effective argon and krypton waterproofing.
When compared to other scopes on our 1,000 yard scopes review, this is the priciest model. But, given its dead-on precision, features and overall construction, it is worth everything you pay for it.
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6 . Bushnell ET6245FG – Best 1,000-Yard Scope For 308
Photo: Bushnell
- Magnification: 6-24x
- Objective Diameter: 50 millimeters
- Eye Relief: 4 inches
Everything about the Elite Tactical by Bushnell is amazing, and it is the kind of scope you will want to mount on your 308 or any other good long range rifle.
What makes it one of the best 1,000 yard scopes for 308 rifles is its wide 6-24x magnification which also makes it suitable for both short and long-range shots.
Also, the scope features a solid single piece 30 mm main tube and fully multicoated optics that enhance light transmission, improve brightness and the overall contrast.
With this scope, you also get a side parallax adjustment for improved long-range accuracy, 2-inch sunshade, and RainGuard HD lens coatings to keep moisture out.
Like many other long-range scopes , this one will lose some clarity at the maximum 24x magnification, but the good news is that it will still be very usable.
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7. Millett LRS-1 BK81006 – Indestructible Scope with Large Objective Diameter
Photo: Millett
- Magnification: 6-25x
- Objective Diameter: 56 millimeters
- Eye Relief: 3
Whether you are a hunter or target shooter, the Millet LRS-1 tactical scope is built for you, and it will make shooting from 1,000 yards look super easy.
And with its larger and super strong 35 mm main tube, this scope is also designed for durability, and it is almost indestructible which is just what you need for the unforgiving outdoors.
The scope makes use of a 56 mm objective lens diameter to deliver a wide field of view and ensure brighter images. Combined with the fully multicoated lenses, this larger objective diameter will ensure you get one of the best sight pictures.
The positive 1/4 MOA click adjustment turrets make windage and elevation adjustment easy, and they are also lockable and resettable which is just what you want on the best 1,000 yard scopes for rifles.
This fantastic long range scope also uses a glass-etched mil-dot reticle that is illuminated but still usable without illumination for increased versatility and includes a quick side focus range adjustment.
Given its price tag, the flip-up lens caps seem a bit cheap, but on the positive side, they still work well and can take a beating.
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How to Buy the Best 1,000 Yard Scopes
To make sure that you pick the right 1,000 yard scopes model from the many options, you need to consider the following crucial things.
1. Lens Quality
Because you will be shooting from long distances, you cannot afford to compromise on the lens quality. You need a scope with top notch lenses to ensure that you always get sharp and clear images even at high magnification settings.
Note that you will also have to deal with mirage when shooting from 1,000 yards which can affect the image quality greatly if the scope does not have a good optical system.
Lenses made from top quality glass and are fully multicoated will often be the best as they deliver crisp images. Also, those with blackened edges can be great as they will improve image quality by minimizing light diffusion.
2. Zoom Range
It is obvious that you will need a higher magnification power to shoot from 1,000 yards effectively, and at such distances, a scope with variable power is by far the best.
However, the actual zoom range that you will need depends on what you will be shooting and the conditions you will be using the rifle.
Most marksmen will agree that to shoot from 1,000 yards you will need a scope with at least 18x magnification, and so most will use the 18-25x scopes.
But, something with an even wider range like the 7-42x Leupold VX-6 118504 will be even more preferable.
3. Reticle
The best 1,000 yard scope for shooting targets or hunting is one that comes with a good reticle. And while there are different reticle types that can work for long-range shots, the mil-dot reticle is often the most preferred.
Many long-range shooters prefer mil-dots because they provide evenly spaced hash marks or dots which are highly useful for accurate aiming and measuring distances to the target.
The evenly spaced marks/dots can also be helpful when calculating the windage and target elevation which is vital for effective shooting from long distances.
4. Objective Diameter
With rifle scopes , the amount of light that they can gather determines the brightness and clarity of the sight picture. Besides the quality of the lenses and the coatings used, the other thing that affects light transmission is the objective lens diameter.
Typically, the larger the objective diameter the more the light the scope is able to gather, and so scopes with 50 or 56 mm objective lenses like Nightforce Optics 4-14x56 SHV are often better than the 40 mm ones when it comes to 1,000 yard scope.
But, it is also worth knowing that the larger the objective diameter the larger and heavier the scope will be, and it will also require a higher mounting which can come with different issues.
5. Turrets
Turrets are a must have for a 1,000 yard scopes as they will make adjustment easier and more precise for effective windage and elevation compensation for more accurate shooting.
The right turrets for your scope will depend on the reticle that you are using. For example, if the scope has a mil-dot reticle, the turrets should also be in mils, and if it is an MOA reticle, the turrets should be in MOA.
Also, make sure that the turrets are well-built from a durable material, low profile and with other features such as zero lockable and zero resettable.
6. Price
When shopping for 1,000 yard scopes, you should be ready to spend more as they do not come cheap. While for regular scopes anything above $1,000 is considered high end, for 1,000 yard scopes those that sell for between $500 and $1,000 are budget models.
But with all that said, a regular shooter looking for a good scope for 1,000 yard shooting should be ready to spend at least $750 to get something with good enough features and performance capability.
That said, there are still some highly affordable models like the Mueller MU83244TD that will retail for a few hundred bucks and are hence a perfect choice for budget shoppers.
Conclusion
Your search for that perfect long range scope should not be a complicated one as our comprehensive 1,000-yard scopes review are an excellent starting point.
You can be confident that there is at least one scope that will work for you whether you are a professional or beginner shooter. And if you are looking for a more budget-friendly model the inexpensive Mueller MU83244TD is perfect.
But, the more versatile Vortex Optics VHS-4325 with its fully multicoated lenses and quick target acquisition is our best overall.
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7 Best 1000 Yard Scopes – Review
- 1. Vortex Optics VHS-4325 – Best Overall
- 2. Sightmark SM18008 – Dependable Scope for Day and Night Use
- 3. Nightforce Optics 4-14x56 SHV – Top Notch Non-illuminated Rifle Scope
- 4. Mueller MU83244TD – Best 1,000-Yard Scope for the Money
- 5. Leupold VX-6 118504 – Top-Tier Scope that Delivers Dead-on Precision
- 6. Bushnell ET6245FG – Best 1,000-Yard Scope For 308
- 7. Millett LRS-1 BK81006 – Indestructible Scope with Large Objective Diameter
- How to Buy the Best 1,000 Yard Scopes
- Conclusion