Riflescopes are the best friend of a hunter. If you are a long-range hunter, you already know the usefulness of a powerful riflescope. Most modern riflescopes can easily cover over 800 yards. But what about the range junkies? The one that wants the longest range? If you use a sniper rifle, 1000 yards is your playground. But not all scopes are capable of reaching that speed.
Here we have some of the best riflescopes that can shoot over 1000 yards with ease. Without further ado, let’s get started.
What To Look For In A Long-Range Rifle Scope
Most riflescopes are capable of doing long-range shooting. But all of them aren’t compatible with sniper rifles. You should look for a compatible scope that can take the recoil hit from a sniper or similar gun.
You should also look at the lenses of the scope. A bigger objective lens isn’t always a good thing. If the coating on the scope lens isn’t good, then a big objective lens is pretty much wasted on that.
Good lens coating can change the perspective of a scope completely. That’s why look for scopes that have a good amount of coating involved in the lenses.
Durability and warranty should be your next concern. Scopes must be waterproof. Otherwise, you can’t hunt in a snowy place or in a rainy weather. Look for scopes that don’t get foggy from a little rain or cold weather.
Best Rifle Scope For 1000 Yards – Our Top List!
1. Zeiss Victory V8 2.8-20X56mm Rifle Scope
Specifications | Magnification: 2.8 – 20x; Objective Lens: 56 mm; Eye Relief: 3.74 Inches; Exit Pupil: 9.8 – 2.8 mm; Linear FOV @100 yds: 47 – 6 ft; Length: 13.8 Inches; Weight (without inner rail): 29.3 Oz.
I am pretty sure you already have heard of Zeiss by now. They are kind of the holy grail of sniper riflescopes. They are so good and so well-performing. It’s unreal. Zeiss has over 100 years of history behind them. If someone has perfected the art of making riflescopes. Zeiss should be the first one to be addressed.
(+) Build Quality
The shockproof build quality of this scope is tremendous. After all, it’s not cheap. You will spend a good amount of money on this scope. You will get your money’s worth of product that’s for sure. As it’s completely waterproof, you don’t need to worry about water or moisture leaking inside the scope. Even if somehow it fogs (which is quite literally impossible), Zeiss will cover you with a warranty.
(+) Lens Quality
The lenses on this are on a different level. From light transmission to color accuracy, everything about this scope is a solid A+. They are fully multi-coated and the inside is nitrogen-purged to make it fogproof. Water and moisture can’t get inside the scope either.
(+) Magnification
When you compare this to a spotting scope, the magnification might seem small. But with the help of 20x magnification, you can shoot from more than a mile away. It’s enough for any sniper rifle as well. The range is more than enough for over 1200 yards.
(-) Keep That In Mind
It’s not very beginner-friendly. The scope is very expensive; that’s why beginners shouldn’t use this (haha). Making it not viable for the masses.
2. Steiner T5Xi 5-25X56mm Tactical Rifle Scope
Specifications | Magnification: 5 – 25x; Objective Lens: 56 mm; Eye Relief: 3.5 – 4.3 Inches; Exit Pupil: 11.2 – 2.3 mm; Linear FOV @100 yds: 21.5 – 4.3 ft; Tube Diameter: 34 mm; Reticle: SCR – Illuminated.
Steiner Optics is known for its flagship scopes and some of the most expensive riflescopes on the market. You can guess what happens when Steiner decides to make a long-range one. No doubt that the Steiner T5Xi is one of the best rifle scopes for 1000 yard shooting. Let’s find out why is that.
(+) Build Quality
The build quality on T5Xi is insanely good. You expect a scope this expensive to be good. Nothing wrong there. It’s also lightweight and you can mount it on a sniper rifle. Aluminum housing is durable and waterproof. Moistures can’t get inside the scope to fog the prism.
(+) Lens Quality
I really like the lens on this scope. They are fully multi-coated and scratch-resistant. Something we all want in our glasses. The prism is using HD glasses for clear image production as well. Steiner shines in their flagship riflescopes.
(+) Magnification
The maximum magnification of this scope is 25x. 5x higher than the Zeiss Victory V8. Extra magnification will always put you at an edge while hunting. Specially, when you are hunting long-range. It’s also a military tactical riflescope. Everything made by Steiner is certified by the military. It goes under several tests in military prohibition.
(+) Reticle
The SCR-illuminated reticle is available in MIL and MOA. Let Steiner know beforehand which one you want for your scope. The reticle is also in the first focal plane. It makes the scope even better in my opinion. Having the reticle up close while zooming in pretty handy feature to have.
(-) Keep That In Mind
There is no chromatic aberration present in the scope. However, if you look closely at the corner with OCD, you might notice a slight blur beyond 1300 yards or so. Let’s be real, not everyone here will be looking for a flaw that small.
3. Nightforce 5.5-22X56mm NXS Riflescope
Specifications | Magnification: 5.5 – 22x; Objective Lens: 56 mm; Eye Relief: 3.9 Inches; Exit Pupil: 10.2 – 2.5 mm; Linear FOV @100 yds: 17.5 – 4.7 ft; Length: 15.2 Inches; Weight: 32 Oz.
Despite having a night in the name NXS is not a night-vision riflescope. It can perform fairly well in low-light condition, but it’s not a night-vision riflescope. but it’s the best scope for 1000 yards!
(+) Build Quality
When we are talking about premium products, the build quality suddenly becomes good automatically. Companies have more freedom to work freely on their products and improve them significantly. Made from aluminum, the chassis is both water and shockproof. You can use the scope under rain and cold weather as well. There is no way of moisture leaking inside the scope’s body. Making the scope fogproof as well.
(+) Lens Quality
With a massive 50mm objective lens, Nightforce had to put serious work into making this scope outstanding. Making a bigger objective lens is easy, but making that bigger objective lens perform well is quite hard. Thankfully, Nightforce managed to do just that. Fully multi-coated lenses are some of the best ones you will ever use. They are scratch-resistant, vibrant, bright, and well-rounded.
(+) Reticle
There are 3 reticle options to choose from. All of them are also in the first focal plane. The first focal plane helps a lot in long-range shooting. You will feel at home while using the NXS.
(-) Keep That In Mind
Out of the box the configuration of this scope is quite subpar. You will need to fine-tune the scope to pull out the best performance. I know that’s what you are supposed to do. But I also know a lot of you won’t do that and just plug and play. They will have a bit of an issue, that’s it.
4. Nikon Black FX1000 6-24X50mm Rifle Scope
Specifications | Magnification: 6 – 24x; Objective Lens: 50 mm; Eye Relief: Unknown; Tube Diameter: 30 mm; Matte: Finish; Length: 15.2 Inches; Weight: 24.5 Oz.
Nikon Black FX1000 is a massive long-range riflescope. Somehow, by looking at this, you can feel the scope is a long-range one. The name also gives that way.
(+) Build Quality
It’s Nikon we are talking about. If anyone can do justice to a body with glass involved, it’s gotta be Nikon. Like all the other scopes on the list, it is also made from aircraft-grade machined aluminum. The finish on this scope is crisp and clean. You won’t find any anodization issues whatsoever.
(+) Lens Quality
Nikon has more experience in lens-making than most other manufacturers out there. Fully multi-coated lens for the best experience out of the box. You don’t need to worry about scratches or the lens not gathering enough light or anything like that. The huge objective lens will gather plenty of light for the prism to work with. It’s not a night vision scope, but you can easily use this during dusk.
(+) Reticle
It’s a good thing Nikon didn’t forget this crucial step. A long-range scope needs to have the first focal plane reticle. It helps with the accuracy a lot.
- 30 mm main body tube
(-) Keep That In Mind
Included reticle is quite good but not everyone’s cup of tea. But if you get used to it! then it won’t be a problem, alright?
5. Vortex Viper HS-T 6-24X50mm Rifle Scope
Specifications | Magnification: 6 – 24x; Objective Lens: 50 mm; Eye Relief: 4 Inches; Tube Diameter: 30 mm; Linear FOV @100 yds: 17.8 – 5.1 ft; Length: 15.5 Inches; Weight: 22.6 Oz.
Vortex Viper is also a well-known lineup from Vortex. Under this banner, Vortex released a lot of budget and mid-range stuff. Today we have a riflescope under this banner.
(+) Build Quality
There is no doubt that this scope is made by Vortex. Their signature anodization finish, lightweight, aircraft grade aluminum, shockproof body. Everything is good on this scope. There aren’t any visible flaws available in this scope.
(+) Lens Quality
The lenses are fully multi-coated with different sorts of coatings. The inside of the scope is argon purged for fogproofing. Argon surprisingly works better than nitrogen to some degree. Both of them serve the same purpose but Argon isn’t that often used for scope purging. Guess, Vortex has to stay unique somehow.
(-! no, it’s +) Keep That In Mind
I loved everything about this scope. From insane price to performance value to a good overall riflescope. It can easily shoot over 1000 or more yards. Maybe, just maybe, I have a bit of gripe with the side knobs. But it’s so minor it can be easily ignored.
6. Burris Veracity 5-25X50mm Hunting Rifle Scope
Specifications | Magnification: 5 – 25x; Objective Lens: 50 mm; Eye Relief: 3.5 – 4.25 Inches; Exit Pupil: 10 – 2 mm; Linear FOV @100 yds: 21 – 4.3 ft; Length: 16.6 Inches; Weight: 28.2 Oz.
Burris Veracity is a long-range hunting riflescope. Most of the scope on the list so far can do hunting as well as tactical shooting. But Burris is mainly targeting hunters. Of course, you can use this for tactical shooting as well.
(+) Build Quality
Burris isn’t a new brand in the industry. They have proven before that they are good at making scopes and they will keep making them. Burris Veracity is constructed from high-grade machined aluminum. You can try bending the scope. But don’t come to us running when you end up with a broken finger or two.
(+) Lens Quality
It wouldn’t be on the list if the lenses of this scope weren’t good enough. Like all the other scopes in the list, it also comes with fully multi-coated lenses. Both eyepiece and objective lens. Speaking of the eyepiece, the eye relief on this scope is quite generous. Good for people with glasses.
(+) Magnification
To accompany the massive 50mm objective lens, Burris paired it with a 25x magnification eyepiece. The focus on the eyepiece is excellent. There is no chromatic aberration or distortion present in the scope. Distortion can ruin long-range experience. Good thing you don’t need to care about them.
(-) Keep That In Mind
It’s a bit heavy. Not too much. But as a scope alone without mounts, it’s a bit heavy. If heavier isn’t a problem for you! then welcome.
7. Vortex Diamondback 6-24X50mm Tactical Scope
Specifications | Magnification: 6 – 24x; Objective Lens: 50 mm; Eye Relief: 3.9 Inches; Tube Diameter: 30 mm; Linear FOV @100 yds: 18.0 – 4.5; Length: 14.5 Inches; Weight: 24.6 Oz.
Vortex Diamondback is one of the most well-known lineups of several outdoor sports activities-related objects. Under this banner, you will find more than just riflescopes. But let’s just talk about riflescopes for today.
(+) Build Quality
Vortex scopes always had an excellent finish. From top to toe, the scope shines of class. It’s made from aircraft-grade aluminum crafted by fine machinery and engineers in Vortex. The glossy black anodization of this scope is something else as well. It looks vivid and good at the same time. There are O-rings sealing preventing water and moisture from going inside the scope. Vortex uses this regularly to make their scopes and optics fog and waterproof.
(+) Lens Quality
You have to be super good at your job to be hired by other companies at the same time. While this quote isn’t quite right nor does it make that much sense. Vortex makes lenses for several other manufacturers. They have to do something right for that to happen, right?
They do. The lenses on this scope are fully multi-coated with Vortex’s chemical formula which they would like to keep secret. It’s also coated with anti-scratch coatings. You can keep this with your door keys (why would you though?).
(+) Reticle
You can choose from two available reticles. EBR-2C (MOA) or EBR-2C (MRAD). The reticles are the same with different adjustments. Make sure to grab the adjustment that you prefer.
(-) Keep That In Mind
There is a different variant of this scope with 16x magnification. That one is not suitable for 1000 yards shooting. But, this is one of the best riflescopes for 1000 yards or more shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can A Scope See Up To 1000 Yards?
We wouldn’t be having this conversation if they couldn’t. You are underestimating scopes if you think they are not capable of seeing beyond 1000 yards or so.
How Much Should You Spend On A Riflescope?
The answer varies from person to person. Let me ask you a different question. How much are you willing to spend behind a riflescope?
That’s it. Find out the limit of your budget and go from there. Don’t go overboard on your first riflescope. Even if you are taking a riflescope for long-range shooting for the first time, you don’t need to spend over $2000 on a scope. We also included scopes that are cheaper than $1000 in the list. They will do the job more than fine.
Can I Use Riflescope On My Sniper Rifle?
If the build quality of the scope is good enough to withstand the recoil of sniper rifles, I don’t see why not. In theory, you should be able to use any riflescope with a sniper rifle. As long as the mounting system matches that is. But it’s not recommended to go with a cheaper scope on a sniper rifle. Most of the time, they are not capable of handling a big gun.
Conclusion
All riflescopes can’t fire up to 1000 yards. That’s why you asked the question, right? I hope this answer was sufficient. There are scopes available in every budget range that can easily go over 800 yards. But all of them aren’t capable of reaching the prestigious 1000-yard club.
Even if you do, you need to make sure the bullet drop is accurate and you are hitting your targets. Those are something not every scope is capable of doing. That’s why, I tried to find the best riflescopes available for you that can fire up to 1000 yards or more. Hopefully, you found this helpful. Till next time.
Hi, I’m Brent Hansford. A writer turned hunter & now sharing my love for the sport through writing. As I practically breathe weapons, I firmly believe I’m capable of providing you with new knowledge about firearms and hunting. My mission is to help more people get better at hunting & master the weapons. Let me help with unleashing the beast within you!
Sounds good to me. I use NightForce and I agree with your conclusions,
Glad to know that, mate.