Selecting the right long-range rifle scope is a critical decision for any serious shooter or hunter. The perfect scope bridges the gap between your skill and the target, providing the clarity, precision, and reliability needed to make that long shot count. With a budget of under $1000, the market is filled with impressive options that offer features once reserved for premium, high-end models.
This roundup is designed to cut through the noise and present you with the top contenders for 2025. We’ve analyzed key factors like optical clarity, turret performance, reticle design, and overall durability to bring you a list of scopes that deliver exceptional value without breaking the bank, ensuring your next investment is a sound one.
Our Top Picks for Long-Range Scopes Under $1000
- Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14×40 Side Focus CDS-T
- Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24×50 SFP Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 FFP
- Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen2 6-24×50 FFP IR
- Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 FFP – ACSS-HUD-DMR
- Nikon BLACK FX1000 6-24×50 FFP Illuminated
- Sig Sauer Whiskey5 5-25x52mm Rifle Scope
- Bushnell Match Pro ED 5-30×56 FFP Illuminated
Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14×40 Side Focus CDS-T
The Leupold VX-3HD series is renowned for its exceptional light transmission and clarity, and this 4.5-14x40mm model is a prime example. It features the Custom Dial System (CDS-T), which allows you to have a turret custom-made for your specific rifle and load. This system simplifies longer shots by effectively eliminating the need for holdovers or complex ballistic calculations in the field.
With a side focus parallax adjustment and the crisp Fine Duplex reticle, acquiring small targets with precision is straightforward. Built to Leupold’s legendary standards for durability and waterproofing, this scope is a lightweight and reliable partner for the discerning hunter who values shot-making simplicity and optical performance.
Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24×50 SFP Riflescope
Built for the hunter or shooter who needs tactical features without a tactical price, the Vortex Viper HS-T is a formidable optic. It boasts fully multi-coated extra-low dispersion lenses with XR coatings for excellent resolution, color fidelity, and light-gathering capability. The exposed target-style turrets offer precise and repeatable adjustments, which are essential for long-range work.
A key feature is the CRS Zero Stop, which provides a reliable return-to-zero capability after dialing for elevation corrections. The VMR-1 MOA reticle in the second focal plane is clean and perfect for making accurate holds at extended ranges when used at the maximum magnification.
Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 FFP
The Diamondback Tactical brings first focal plane performance to an incredibly accessible price point. With an FFP reticle, the holdover points remain accurate at any magnification level, a significant advantage for competitive shooting or rapid engagements at varying distances. The glass quality punches above its weight class, providing a clear, bright sight picture.
It is equipped with tactical-style turrets that are finger-adjustable with crisp clicks, and the reticle options are designed for precise ranging and holdovers. For shooters looking to get into the FFP game without a major financial commitment, this Vortex model represents outstanding value and capability.
Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen2 6-24×50 FFP IR
Athlon Optics has made a name for itself by packing features into budget-friendly optics, and the Argos BTR Gen2 is a standout example. This first focal plane scope features the APLR MOA illuminated reticle, which is versatile for both hunting and target shooting. The inclusion of an illuminated reticle is a major benefit in low-light conditions.
It offers a generous magnification range and comes with a zero-reset turret system for quick adjustments. The build quality and optical performance of the Gen2 model show clear improvements, making it a strong competitor for shooters who need advanced features without a premium cost.
Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 FFP – ACSS-HUD-DMR
Primary Arms is famous for its innovative reticles, and the SLx scope featuring the ACSS-HUD-DMR is a purpose-built tool for long-range shooting. The first focal plane ACSS reticle integrates ranging, holdovers, and windage leads into a single, easy-to-use system. This eliminates guesswork and speeds up target engagement.
While its magnification range is more conservative, the 4-14x power is highly versatile for many practical shooting scenarios. The scope is built for durability and reliability, offering great clarity and a feature set that is directly informed by the needs of practical shooters.
Nikon BLACK FX1000 6-24×50 FFP Illuminated
The Nikon BLACK FX1000 is a testament to Nikon’s optical expertise, delivering high performance for long-range precision. It features a first focal plane illuminated reticle, ensuring your holdover points are accurate across the entire magnification range, even in challenging light. The glass is exceptionally clear with high-quality coatings for bright, sharp images.
This scope is designed with a robust construction and offers precise, repeatable turret adjustments. Nikon’s reputation for quality optics is fully present in the FX1000, making it a serious option for shooters who prioritize optical excellence and reliable illumination in their long-range setup.
Sig Sauer Whiskey5 5-25x52mm Rifle Scope
Sig Sauer brings its combat-proven optics technology to the hunting and long-range market with the Whiskey5 series. This 5-25x52mm model offers a wide magnification range suitable for everything from medium-range hunting to extreme long-distance target shooting. The larger 52mm objective lens gathers ample light for dawn and dusk conditions.
It features Sig’s HDX optical system for exceptional clarity and resolution, and the turrets are designed for precise, tactile adjustments. Built to withstand heavy recoil and harsh environments, the Whiskey5 is a robust and high-performing scope from a trusted name in firearms and optics.
Bushnell Match Pro ED 5-30×56 FFP Illuminated
The Bushnell Match Pro ED is a purpose-built scope for the precision rifle competitor or serious long-range enthusiast. It features Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass, which significantly reduces chromatic aberration and provides a stunningly clear, color-accurate image even at high magnification. The large 56mm objective lens maximizes light transmission for superior performance in low light.
As a first focal plane illuminated scope, it offers a versatile reticle that is effective at any magnification and in any lighting condition. With its locking turrets and robust construction, the Match Pro ED delivers features and performance typically found in scopes costing much more.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Long-Range Scope Under $1000
When I’m looking for the best long-range rifle scopes under $1000 budget, I know I’m in a sweet spot. This price range gets you out of the beginner tier and into optics with serious performance, but without the wallet-crushing cost of professional-grade gear. The key is knowing which features give you the most bang for your buck. Here’s what I always prioritize.
First, magnification is a big one, but it’s not everything. For true long-range work, I want a scope that starts low enough for quick target acquisition, maybe 4x or 5x on the bottom end, and goes up to at least 18x or 20x on the top. This versatility lets me handle different scenarios without feeling limited. Just remember, more magnification isn’t always better; glass clarity is far more important than a huge, blurry zoom range.
Speaking of clarity, the quality of the glass is my number one priority. I look for fully multi-coated lenses. This means every air-to-glass surface has multiple anti-reflective coatings, which dramatically increases light transmission. A brighter, clearer image makes a world of difference in low-light conditions and helps me see mirage and bullet trace more easily. The lens diameter, or objective bell size, also plays a role here. A 44mm or 50mm objective is a good standard for gathering plenty of light.
Next up is the turret system. For long-range shooting, I need turrets that are precise, repeatable, and tactile. I prefer a MIL-based reticle and turret system for its mathematical simplicity, but MOA is perfectly capable if that’s what you’re used to. The turrets should have a crisp, audible click and a zero-stop feature is almost mandatory. A zero-stop allows me to quickly return to my zero setting after dialing for long-distance shots, which is a huge time-saver and prevents errors.
Finally, I consider the reticle and the build. A first or second focal plane reticle is a personal choice. First Focal Plane (FFP) reticles are my go-to because the reticle size changes with magnification, so the holdover marks are accurate at any power. Second Focal Plane (SFP) is fine, but you have to remember that the subtensions are only correct at one specific magnification, usually the highest. As for build, the scope must be rugged, fog-proof, and waterproof. I check that it’s purged with argon or nitrogen and has a robust, one-piece tube construction, typically 30mm or 34mm, for greater windage and elevation adjustment range and better durability.
FAQ
Is a First Focal Plane or Second Focal Plane scope better for long-range shooting?
For dedicated long-range shooting, I strongly prefer a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope. The reason is simple: the hash marks on the reticle for calculating holdover remain accurate at every magnification level. If I’m zoomed in at 20x or out at 8x, my hold for 2 MILs of wind is always 2 MILs. With a Second Focal Plane (SFP) scope, those marks are only correct at one magnification setting, usually the highest. This adds a step of mental math that I’d rather avoid when trying to make a precise shot. Many of the best long-range rifle scopes under $1000 budget now come in FFP, making it an accessible feature.
How much magnification do I really need for shooting at 1000 yards?
This is a common question, and the answer might be less than you think. While you can use very high magnification, it often amplifies mirage and heat haze, making the target appear shimmery and unclear. I’ve found that a top-end magnification between 18x and 25x is more than sufficient for consistently engaging targets at 1000 yards. The clarity of the glass is far more critical than the maximum power. A sharp 18x scope is much better than a fuzzy 25x one.
What does “zero-stop” mean and why is it important?
A zero-stop is a feature on the elevation turret that lets me mechanically “stop” the turret at my zero setting. After I’ve sighted in my rifle at 100 yards, I set the zero-stop. Now, if I dial up 20 MILs for a long shot, I can simply spin the turret back down until it stops, and I’m perfectly back at my 100-yard zero. Without it, I have to carefully count the clicks down, which is slow and prone to error, especially under pressure. It’s a feature I consider essential on any scope meant for dialing elevation.
Can a scope under $1000 truly be reliable for long-range precision?
Absolutely. The sub-$1000 market is incredibly competitive and has seen massive improvements in recent years. While a $3000+ scope might have marginal gains in optical perfection and bomb-proof construction, the scopes in this guide are built to be highly reliable. They feature robust aluminum housings, reliable sealing for waterproof and fog-proof performance, and track with excellent consistency. For the vast majority of shooters, a well-chosen scope in this price range will be a trustworthy tool that doesn’t hold them back.
What is the difference between MIL and MOA, and which should I choose?
MIL (Milliradian) and MOA (Minute of Angle) are just two different angular measurements used for adjusting turrets and using reticles for holdovers. MIL is based on the metric system (1 MIL ≈ 10 cm at 100 meters), while MOA is based on imperial (1 MOA ≈ 1.047 inches at 100 yards). The most important rule is to match your turrets to your reticle—use MIL/MIL or MOA/MOA. I personally use MILs because the math is base-10, which I find simpler for range estimation and holdovers. However, MOA is perfectly capable, and the best system is the one you understand and can use consistently.