Shooting accurately at 1,000 yards is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences in precision marksmanship. At that extreme range, every detail matters from wind direction and bullet drop to the clarity and precision of your optics. That’s why choosing the best rifle scope for 1,000 yards is essential for shooters who want to consistently hit their target. A high-quality long-range scope doesn’t just magnify your view; it enhances clarity, compensates for distance and environmental factors, and provides the adjustments needed to achieve pinpoint accuracy.
The best rifle scopes for 1,000 yards are designed with features that ensure precision, stability, and durability under varying field conditions. They often include advanced glass coatings for maximum light transmission, first focal plane (FFP) reticles for accurate holdovers, and exposed tactical turrets that make elevation and windage adjustments simple and repeatable. Equally important are features like a wide magnification range—often 5–25x or higher—and precise parallax adjustment, which allow shooters to maintain sharp focus across vast distances.
Whether you’re a competitive long-range shooter, a dedicated hunter, or a tactical marksman, selecting the right scope can make the difference between a near miss and a perfect shot. In this guide, we’ll explore the best rifle scopes for 1,000 yards, helping you find the ideal optic that combines superior performance, reliability, and value for your specific shooting goals.
Why you need a 100 Yard Rifle Scope.
1. Practical zero point.
100 yards is a simple, predictable distance for zeroing many hunting and target loads. Zeroing at 100 yd makes holdovers and basic ballistic corrections easy to calculate and remember.
2. Everyday hunting and plinking.
For most small-game and varmint hunting, plus casual range work, engagements happen well inside 300 yards. A scope optimized for 100 yd gives the right balance of magnification, field of view, and quick target acquisition.
3. Faster target acquisition.
Lower-power scopes (fixed 4x, 1–6x, 1–8x) tuned for short/medium ranges let you pick up targets faster than high-magnification long-range optics. That matters for moving game or quick target transitions.
4. Lighter, simpler, and cheaper.
Scopes built for 100 yd duty are usually smaller and lighter—helpful for backpacking or carrying all day—and are often more budget-friendly than high-end 1000-yard optics.
5. Reduced parallax/clarity demands.
At 100 yd you don’t need huge objective lenses or ultra-fine glass to see hits. A quality mid-range scope will give perfectly acceptable clarity and light transmission for these distances.
5 Best Rifle Scopes for 1000 Yards
1.Vortex Optics Viper HD Second Focal Plane Scopes
The Vortex Optics Viper HD Second Focal Plane Scope represents a perfect balance between performance, precision, and reliability for serious marksmen. Whether you’re dialing in shots at long range, hunting in low light, or competing in precision rifle matches, this scope is designed to give you a tactical advantage.
Built for versatility, it offers a wide 5–25x magnification range, making it suitable for everything from mid-range shooting to 1,000-yard precision. The 30mm main tube ensures maximum internal adjustment and rugged strength, while its lightweight yet durable construction makes it suitable for demanding field conditions.
This model features an illuminated second focal plane (SFP) reticle, providing consistent reticle visibility without distortion across the zoom range—perfect for hunters and tactical shooters who need a bright aiming point in varying light. The fast-focus eyepiece allows quick reticle focusing, and the side parallax knob ensures the image remains razor-sharp at any range. Its intuitive controls make it easy to adapt quickly when seconds matter.
At the heart of its optical system lies Vortex’s premium HD glass, engineered for exceptional clarity, color accuracy, and light transmission. Combined with fully multi-coated lenses, the Viper HD delivers crisp, true-to-life images even in dawn or dusk conditions. The VMR-3 reticle offers fine subtensions for holdovers, windage corrections, and range estimation—giving shooters the confidence to hit distant targets with precision and consistency.
Pros
- Rugged, weatherproof 30mm construction built for long-term durability.
- Exceptional HD glass clarity with superb light transmission.
- Illuminated VMR-3 reticle ideal for precise long-range shots.
- Fast-focus eyepiece and side parallax adjustment for sharp, quick targeting.
- Backed by Vortex’s unlimited lifetime VIP warranty.
Con
- SFP reticle limitation: Subtensions are only accurate at one specific magnification level.
2.Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44mm M5C3 FFP Riflescope
The Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44mm M5C3 FFP Riflescope stands as a premium optic designed for professional marksmen and serious long-range shooters who demand precision and performance under extreme conditions. Combining rugged construction with superior glass quality, this scope offers both tactical functionality and field versatility. Whether you’re engaging distant steel targets or hunting in dim lighting conditions, the Mark 5HD ensures accuracy, clarity, and confidence with every shot.
At its core, this riflescope features Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System, engineered for superior light transmission and color accuracy. This system excels in challenging lighting conditions, such as dawn or dusk, where clarity often determines success. The glass quality minimizes glare and enhances contrast, providing a sharp, vivid sight picture even in the most demanding environments.
One of the defining features of the Mark 5HD is its M5C3 Turret System. These low-profile, 1/10 Mil per click turrets deliver precise and repeatable adjustments with a total of 30 Mils of elevation in three revolutions. Visual and tactile revolution indicators ensure you always know your adjustment level, preventing confusion during high-stress shooting scenarios. The turrets’ responsiveness and reliability make fine-tuning effortless, even while wearing gloves.
Built to Leupold’s renowned durability standards, the Mark 5HD is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof, ensuring consistent performance in all environments. The First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle design allows accurate holdovers at any magnification, while its lightweight 44mm objective lens balances portability with optimal brightness.
Key Specifications
- Magnification: 3.6–18x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 44mm
- Adjustment Type: M5C3 (1/10 Mil per click)
- Total Elevation Adjustment: 30 Mils (3 revolutions)
- Reticle Type: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Optical System: Professional-Grade Light Transmission
- Weight: Lightweight and compact for its class
Pros
- Exceptional light transmission and image clarity
- Highly precise, tactile M5C3 turret adjustments
- Durable, weather-resistant construction
- FFP reticle ensures consistent accuracy at all magnifications
- Compact and well-balanced design for long-range precision
Cons
- Premium pricing may limit accessibility to casual shooters
3.Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Side Focus Riflescope
The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Side Focus Riflescope is a true blend of precision engineering and field-ready durability, crafted for hunters and long-range shooters who demand flawless performance in every shot. Model #171715 comes equipped with a Wind-Plex reticle, CDS-ZL2 elevation system, and a matte finish, offering both tactical functionality and sleek aesthetics. Designed, machined, and assembled in the USA, this scope reflects Leupold’s uncompromising standards of quality and reliability.
At the heart of the VX-5HD lies Leupold’s CDS-ZL2 (Custom Dial System – ZeroLock 2), an innovative elevation system that offers two full revolutions of adjustment with a push-button ZeroLock to prevent accidental movement. This feature ensures you never lose your zero in the field, even in rough handling situations. The CDS system also allows you to order a custom laser-marked bullet-drop dial, calibrated precisely for your rifle’s ballistics and environmental conditions — a remarkable advantage for shooters who value precision under varying scenarios.
The optical performance of the VX-5HD is equally impressive. Its high-definition lenses deliver crystal-clear visuals and edge-to-edge sharpness across all magnification levels, while the Guard-ion hydrophobic lens coating repels water, dirt, and fingerprints. This ensures a clear and maintenance-free image, even in wet or dusty environments. Whether you’re glassing at dawn or dialing in at long range, the VX-5HD maintains superior clarity and contrast.
Another key highlight is the Side Focus Parallax Adjustment, which enables fast and precise focusing from any shooting position. This feature minimizes parallax error and enhances target acquisition speed critical for both tactical shooters and hunters in dynamic conditions. As expected from Leupold, this riflescope is 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, built to perform reliably in any weather or terrain.
Key Specifications
- Model: #171715 VX-5HD 3-15x44mm
- Reticle: Wind-Plex
- Elevation System: CDS-ZL2 (ZeroLock 2)
- Lens Coating: Guard-ion Hydrophobic Coating
- Focus Type: Side Focus Parallax Adjustment
- Optical System: High-Definition (HD) Lenses
- Construction: Waterproof, Fogproof, Shockproof
- Origin: Designed, Machined, and Assembled in the USA
Pros
- Superior optical clarity and light transmission
- ZeroLock 2 system prevents accidental dial movement
- Custom Dial System enables precision ballistic matching
- Guard-ion coating ensures clear, low-maintenance lenses
- Rugged, American-made build for lifetime reliability
Cons
- Slightly higher price point compared to standard hunting scopes
4.Burris Signature HD Hunting Scope with Premium Multi-Coated Glass
The Burris Signature HD 5-25×50 Hunting Scope represents a new level of performance for serious hunters and precision shooters who demand uncompromising accuracy and optical clarity. Engineered for long-range shooting, this scope combines rugged reliability with advanced features typically found in high-end tactical optics. The 5-25x magnification range provides exceptional versatility, allowing users to zoom in on distant targets while maintaining a wide field of view for situational awareness. Whether you’re hunting in open country, engaging steel at 1,000 yards, or dialing in precision shots at the range, the Signature HD ensures consistent results shot after shot.
Built on a 30mm nitrogen-filled tube, this riflescope is crafted to withstand harsh environments while maintaining absolute optical integrity. It’s available with three distinct reticle options, including the Fine Plex reticle, offering shooters the flexibility to choose the best sight picture for their specific application. The push/pull locking turrets and zero stop feature simplify long-range adjustments, ensuring accurate elevation returns and protecting against accidental dial movements a crucial benefit for hunters operating in rugged terrain.
Its premium multi-coated glass and 5x zoom system deliver bright, crisp, and high-contrast images in all lighting conditions, from first light to dusk. With waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof construction, the scope is ready for any adventure. And like all Burris optics, it’s backed by the Burris Forever Warranty, ensuring lifetime support and reliability for every user.
Key Specifications
- Magnification Range: 5x to 25x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
- Main Tube Diameter: 30mm nitrogen-filled
- Turret System: Push/pull locking turrets with zero stop
- Optical System: Premium multi-coated glass
Pros
- Crystal-clear optics with superior light transmission
- Rugged 30mm nitrogen-filled tube construction
- Zero stop for precise elevation control
- Fine Plex reticle ideal for accurate long-range targeting
- Covered by Burris’ lifetime Forever Warranty
Cons
- Slightly heavier than some comparable hunting scopes
5.Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24X50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes with Sunshade Included
The Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope is engineered for shooters who demand tactical precision and optical clarity in a rugged, affordable package. Designed for both long-range target shooting and hunting, this scope brings together professional-grade features like a first focal plane reticle, illuminated glass-etched design, and fully multicoated optics, making it one of the most versatile and value-packed optics in its class.
At the heart of the Argos BTR GEN2 is its first focal plane (FFP) reticle, which scales in size as you adjust magnification. This ensures your holdover, windage, and ranging marks remain consistent across the entire zoom range—crucial for accurate long-range engagements. Whether you’re shooting at 100 yards or pushing past 1,000, the reticle’s proportional scaling allows precise corrections without second-guessing your hold points.
For low-light shooting, the illuminated reticle provides outstanding visibility during early morning and late evening sessions, ensuring targets remain easy to acquire in dim environments. The reticle is etched directly onto the glass, enhancing durability and maintaining precise alignment even under heavy recoil or extreme weather conditions.
The fully multicoated optics further elevate performance by reducing glare and maximizing light transmission. This results in a bright, high-contrast image with superior edge-to-edge clarity—an essential advantage for spotting targets at long distances. The scope also includes a sunshade, reducing glare and improving image definition in bright conditions.
Key Specifications:
- Magnification Range: 6x – 24x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
- Reticle Type: First Focal Plane (FFP), glass-etched, illuminated
- Optical Coating: Fully multicoated lenses
- Accessories: Sunshade included
Pros
- FFP reticle maintains accurate hold values at any magnification
- Illuminated reticle ideal for low-light environments
- Glass-etched design ensures long-lasting durability
- Fully multicoated lenses deliver bright, clear images
- Excellent value for a tactical-grade long-range optic
Cons
- Slightly heavier than mid-range hunting scopes
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Factors to consider when choosing the Best Rifle Scopes for 1000 Yards
1. Magnification and Optical Clarity
At 1,000 yards, you need a scope that provides both high magnification and crystal-clear optics. Look for variable power ranges such as 5–25x, 6–24x, or higher. However, magnification alone isn’t enough—optical clarity and glass quality matter even more. Premium lenses with multi-coated glass enhance light transmission, reduce glare, and ensure a sharp image, allowing you to clearly see targets and mirage effects at extreme distances.
2. Turret Precision and Adjustment Range
Long-range accuracy relies on precise elevation and windage adjustments. Choose a scope with exposed tactical turrets that track accurately and return to zero consistently. A generous elevation adjustment range (at least 60 MOA or 18 MRAD) is crucial for compensating bullet drop at 1,000 yards. Zero-stop functionality also helps you quickly reset after making large adjustments.
3. Reticle Type and Placement
A First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle is ideal for 1,000-yard shooting since it scales with magnification, maintaining accurate holdovers at any zoom level. Choose a reticle with hash marks or a grid design (like Mil-Dot or MOA-based) for easy wind and elevation corrections.
4. Durability and Tracking Reliability
Long-range scopes must withstand recoil, temperature changes, and rugged field conditions. Look for shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof construction, along with repeatable turret tracking. A durable scope built from aircraft-grade aluminum ensures longevity and dependable performance even in tough environments.
Conclusion
Mastering precision shooting at long distances requires more than just skill—it demands the right equipment. When shooting at extreme ranges, clarity, consistency, and accuracy are non-negotiable. That’s where the Best Rifle Scopes for 1000 Yards come in. These optics are built to deliver unmatched precision by combining advanced glass quality, precise tracking, and rugged construction to ensure every shot counts. Whether you’re a competitive marksman, tactical shooter, or serious hunter, investing in a premium long-range scope is the key to unlocking your rifle’s full potential.
The Best Rifle Scopes for 1000 Yards provide superior magnification, enhanced light transmission, and dependable adjustment systems that make hitting distant targets more achievable. Features like first focal plane reticles, zero-stop turrets, and wide elevation ranges empower shooters to compensate for wind, bullet drop, and environmental shifts with confidence. These scopes aren’t just tools—they’re precision instruments designed to perform under pressure.
When selecting from the Best Rifle Scopes for 1000 Yards, focus on optics that balance power, clarity, and durability to match your shooting style and terrain. A dependable scope transforms long-range shooting from guesswork into science, allowing you to spot, adjust, and strike with precision. Ultimately, the Best Rifle Scopes for 1000 Yards give you the confidence and accuracy needed to turn every distant target into a successful shot, no matter the challenge.