So far on ScopeExperts, we have covered a lot of scopes with a range of a few hundred yards, but what if you wanted to aim as far as 1000 yards?
Yes, the range of some scopes can go up to 1000 yards, but which are these scopes and how much should you spend on them?
Also, what are the features that matter the most in these scopes? If those are questions you’ve been wondering, you are in the right place.
We took into account budget, performance in different lighting and weather conditions, durability, etc, and compiled a list of the 5 best 1000 yard scopes for 2022 so you get the best bang for your buck.
In case you do not wish to read through all the details and want to make a quick-fire purchase, here’s a low down of the top picks.
- Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24×50 – Our Top Pick
- Vortex Viper PST II 5-25×50
- Leupold VX3i LRP 8.5-25×50
- Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56
- Burris XTR II 5-25×50
And below is a brief comparison of these 1000 yard scopes.
Table of Contents
Best 1000 Yard Scopes for 2022
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Vortex Strike Eagle | • Illuminated reticle for precise aim in low light • SFP reticle is ideal for precise long-range shooting • You get a lifetime warranty | View Price |
 | Vortex Viper PST | • Nitrogen purging and o-rings keep out fog and moisture build-up • Knobs are smooth and have numbered markings for precision • Illuminated reticle for low light | View Price |
 | Leupold VX3i | • Smooth and conveniently placed knobs • Parallax knob as white dot markings for easy adjustment • Nitrogen purging for use in any weather condition | View Price |
 | Leupold Mark | • Provides the best clarity at full magnification • CCH reticle provides holdover details • All knobs have numbered markings for quick and easy adjustment | View Price |
 | Burris XTR | • 3 triangle keep attention in the center for better aiming • All knobs have numbers for precise adjustments • SCR Mil reticle gives better windage and elevation details | View Price |
But you prefer to read the details to understand the scope and its functionalities better, let’s jump into it.
#1: Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24×50 (Best 1000 yard Scope on a Budget)
If you are just starting and do not want to go big on a 1000 yard scope just yet, the Vortex Strike Eagle is just what you are looking for, and here’s why.
Vortex is one of the most trusted brands in the industry, plus, all of the scopes are backed by their amazing lifetime warranty which is also transferable which means almost zero overhead expenses.
But what about the scope itself?
Considering its low price, I was quite impressed with the glass quality. Yes, you can’t use the entire 24x magnification as the image starts to blur but outperforms most others by a fair margin, especially at lower magnifications.
Plus, the magnifier knob is smooth and conveniently located for easy and quick adjustment.
I also like the SFP (Second Focal Plane) reticle, which means it doesn’t zoom in and out as you magnify, in turn, giving you a perfectly thick reticle for precise long-distance aiming whether at 4x zoom or 24x zoom.
Though keep in mind that the hash marks are off by 4 MOA from the center, which means making adjustments takes some getting used to.
Talking about adjustments, elevation and windage knobs are a tad smaller than I like, and turning them takes a little effort at first.
The parallax knob isn’t that bad but could have been even smoother if it hadn’t been placed right next to the illumination knob. Plus, the hash marks rather than any number or white marks were a bit of a letdown for me.
The 3.5mm eye-relief and the eye window work fine in most cases unless you plan to shoot a lot of magnum rounds or are using full magnification.
Mounting the detaching scope is a breeze even if you have never used scopes before (even your grandma could do it). Plus it maintains zero well. Similarly, the tracking is pretty good too for a budget 1000 yard scope.
I also like its illuminated reticle and makes it easy to aim in low light conditions (dusk or dawn, it gives you the best possible chance of hitting the bulls’ eye).
Pros
- Ideal scope for budget buyers and starters
- Easy to mount and detach
- Hold zero well even with movement
- SFP reticle ensures a thick, large reticle irrespective of the magnification
- Good durability for the price
- Comes with 24x magnification
- Illuminated reticle for precise aiming in low light
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Few adjustment knobs are tight
- Images get blurry at full magnification
- Eye relief isn’t ideal for magnum rounds
- Hash marks are off by 4 MOA
All in all, the Vortex Strike Eagle is a great starting point even with its drawbacks as it outperforms most others in terms of clarity and durability.
#2: Vortex Viper PST II 5-25×50
If you need something with better clarity than the Vortex Strike Eagle, the Viper PST II is where your search ends.
Even at 25x, the image quality is way better compared to the Vortex Strike so you can view your target at a great distance.
I also like the large reticle at this magnification, but since it is an FFP reticle that zooms in and out with the magnification, it means you get a very small/thin reticle at 5x or lesser zoom (you might even lose it in the background).
Now, the reticle might seem complicated with all the numbers and marking, but if you are a serious hunter, you know how important holdovers, ranging, and windage corrections are for precise aiming, so complaints there.
The use of better quality glass doesn’t just improve image quality but also makes the 3.4-inch eye relief feel bigger while the eye box is definitely bigger.
Another major difference between the Vortex Strike and Sniper is the knobs. Whether you want to adjust the magnification, windage, elevation, or parallax, the smooth, crisp knobs with number markings mean you can do it within seconds with great precision.
And those numbers are there for the parallax as well (because out in the wild, you shouldn’t leave things to guesswork). It also performs just as well in the rain or during fog thanks to the sealed o-rings and nitrogen purging.
It remains just as easy to mount or detach as the Strike, and you can easily turn the illumination on the reticle on or off depending on the lighting conditions outside.
Lastly, the single tube aircraft-grade aluminum build means this bad boy is rock-solid and absorbs shocks better and thus, will easily last you for years.
I don’t have much to complain about the Vortex Sniper. Yes, the price tag is a tad higher but it’s premium features designed to make aiming at distances of 1000 to 1300 yards a breeze ensure it is worth every penny
Pros
- Nitrogen purge prevents fog build-up
- Reticle illumination can be turned on/off depending on the lighting
- Gives great clarity even at 25x magnification
- Excellent durability, it will last for many years
- Lifetime warranty
- Smooth and crip adjustment knobs
- All knobs have numbered markings for precision
- The reticle provides holdovers, ranging, and windage details
Cons
- On the expensive side
- FFP reticle is too thin at low magnification
#3. Leupold VX3i LRP 8.5-25×50
Just like Vortex, Leupold is another well-known brand for scopes and the Leupold VX3i LRP shows just why.
While the clarity of the Leupold VX3i is better than the Vortex Strike it falls behind the Vortex Viper. This is also said to have a 25x magnification but getting a bright, sharp image at that magnification is hard.
The reticle is an SFP reticle and thus remains big and bright whether you are at 5x zoom for 25x zoom (just what you need when aiming 1000 yards away).
The eye box and viewing window are where the Leupold lacks. In fact, I preferred the Strike in this department. The reason being, the Leupold’s eye box isn’t as forgiving so getting a bright image at higher magnification. Your eyes are likely to be tired quickly when tracking and zeroing
While the relief a pretty good at 5.3 at low magnification, at the highest, it is just 3.7
I like the knobs. The travel is a bit higher, so they aren’t as quick as the above-mentioned scope but way smoother than the ones on Vortex Strike.
The windage knob that’s on the right is capped. I love the fact that it protects the dial and even helps maintain zero better. But if you want to make adjustments on the go, that’s going to be difficult.
As for the parallax, it doesn’t have numbers but the white dots are the next best thing compared to the confusing hash marks on the Strike as it gives better visual affirmation.
Build quality is at par with the Vortex Viper and yet manages to remain ultralight at 2lbs making it easy to carry around.
It also has nitrogen purging that prevents fog from hindering your view. Plus, mounting and detaching the scope is hassle-free and takes less than 5-minutes.
Pros
- SFP reticle is ideal for long-distance aiming
- Image clarity is better than the Vortex Strike
- Smooth and ergonomically placed knobs
- Capping on the windage dial ensures it holds zero better
- Nitrogen purging for clear view during fog
- Solid build yet lightweight
- Parallax setting has white dots
Cons
- Tracking is average
- Tires the eye at higher magnification
- Image quality suffers at full magnification
The Leupold VX3i LRP sure does have its flaws and considering the similar price point, I wouldn’t choose it over the Vortex Viper but does outdo the Vortex Strike in most departments.
#4: Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56
There is one Leupold that hardly disappoints, and if you have a big budget for a 1000-yard scope, you’d be crazy not to consider this baby even though priced around $2000, and here’s why.
You want absolute clarity in any weather or light, and the Mark 5HD delivers just that outdoes pretty much everyone on the list at full magnification i.e. 25x.
And that isn’t just because of the premium quality glass but also its special CCH reticle. What I love most about this reticle are the three triangles (one on the top and one on each side) that point your eyes to the center for an undisturbed, precise aim.
I am not always a fan of FFP reticles, but in this case, it works perfectly well as even at the lowest magnification, the reticle is clear and easy to use and doesn’t become a big blob at full magnification.
Furthermore, if you are going to hunt at night using night vision or use thermals, you will be glad to know that this reticle perfectly combines with them at 12-16x magnification giving you an unmatched display under any situation (hands down the most advanced of them all).
Also adding to the clarity factor is the Twilight Max HD Light Management System that manages incoming light giving you sharp, bright images at dusk, dawn, or cloudy weather.
Eye relief is pretty standard at 3.8 inches, but I am glad it has a forgiving eye box, and if you are using a 56mm objective lens and premium glass trust me, you are in for a treat. The reason being, it gives much better light dispersion.
The windage and elevation dials have numbers, so you won’t have any trouble adjusting them precisely. Plus, they are pretty smooth, have the perfect amount of clickety-clack without being too loud.
It also has a very effective locking button that ensures the zero is immovable without your wish. Plus, it protrudes out and thus is designed for quick adjustment in low light.
The windage is capped, not a big fan of that but the CCH reticle makes up for it by giving you details about holdover. Another thing I don’t like about the windage knob is that it is on top, unlike other scopes where it is in the center, so that might take some getting used to.
The parallax has just the right amount of travel and yes, thank god, there are numbers. Plus, it is equipped with a built-in throw lever so transitioning the zoom spectrum completely is a breeze.
Even with all those features, it still weighs just 0.625 and yes, its durability is unquestionable (it is the friend that will last you through thick and thin).
Lastly, its tracking was the best for me and at that price, it better be.
Pros
- Unmatched image clarity at 25x magnification
- CCH reticle tailor-made for magnification with night vision and thermals
- FFP reticle is perfectly thick at all magnification levels
- 3 triangle on the reticle focus your eyes on the exact center for precision
- Excellent light management system for clarity in any condition
- Locking button for maintaining zero
- CCH reticle gives holdover details
- Weighs just 0.625 lbs
- Forgiving eye box improves clarity
- Knobs have numbers and are smooth
- Excellent durability and weatherproof
Cons
- Costs around $2000
- Windage is capped and positioned differently
- Average eye-relief
#5. Burris XTR II 5-25×50
For a scope around $1000, the Burris XTR II is worth the consideration, and here’s why.
While its glass is only decent, I love its SCR Mil reticle which is a tad above the standard reticles as it has thick and bright graduations that tell you about the windage and elevation.
It also features the 3 triangles so your entire focus remains in the center the whole time.
I was also pleasantly surprised with its 4.25” eye relief though a slightly more forgiving eye box would have been the cream on the cake.
The knobs were on the tighter side but provide great tactility. Now, I can live with the font (which could have been better), but the one thing I don’t like here is the +10 numbers on elevation placed above the standard white numbers since it makes it look very cumbersome.
Thankfully, the Parallax has no such issue. That knob is the perfect amount of tight with numbers.
Plus, you can even adjust the illumination of the reticle based on the lighting or turn it off if not needed to save battery.
Tracking was average, plus, it is heavier than others on the list, so carrying it or constantly removing and mounting it becomes hard.
Pros
- 3 triangles on the reticle for better focus
- The parallax knob is smooth and properly numbered
- Decent eye relief on low magnification
- SCR Mil reticle gives windage and elevation graduates
- Good durability, feel solid
- Knobs are marked with numbers
- Comes with a 25x magnification with decent clarity
Cons
- Knobs could have been smoother and less cluttered
- Tracking is average
- Weighs more than others
- Unforgiving eye box
Yes, the Burris has its set of flaws, but if you want something less than $1000 but better than Vortex Strike, this could be the one for you.
Conclusion
Yes, with a scope you can hit targets that are 1000 yards away, and with this guide, we are sure you should have no trouble getting one that matches your budget and needs.
All our picks have been curated based on features that matter, such as image clarity, reticle performance, tracking, eye relief, etc. to ensure you have the best hunting experience.
In case you have questions about these 1000 yard scopes or any other scope you have in mind, hit me up in the comments section below.
Feel free to share your experience with a 1000 yard scope as well to help readers make better buying decisions.
Read more: 5 Best Holographic Sight for the Money
