Have you ever watched a shooter hit a target way out there, a tiny speck in the distance, and wondered how they did it? Hitting targets at 1000 yards is amazing. It takes a lot of skill, but it also needs the right gear. The most important piece of that gear is your scope.
Choosing a scope for that kind of distance can feel overwhelming. There are so many numbers, features, and brands to look at. You worry about getting a scope that doesn’t hold zero, or one that makes it hard to see your target clearly when it’s so far away. Spending your hard-earned money on the wrong tool is a frustrating feeling.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down what really matters in a 1000-yard scope. You will learn about magnification, reticles, and durability so you can pick a scope that works for you. Get ready to stop guessing and start choosing with confidence.
Top 1000 Yard Scope Recommendations
- Adjustable 6-24x magnification with integrated throw lever for smooth adjustments
- Newly designed first focal plane X-Tree reticle for faster range estimation and holdover correction with 6 levels of illumination. Available in MOA or MIL reticle versions.
- 1/8 MOA/click windage and adjustment knobs with an easy-to-use zero stop mechanism for the elevation turret. Set zero stop at your designated elevation setting and return to zero effortlessly at any time.
- The package also includes: a set of Monstrum Next Level Series high profile 30mm scope rings with an integrated level bubble, a detachable aluminum sunshade for reducing glare, a set of bikini lens covers for protecting your scope lenses when not in use.
- All Monstrum products are backed by a lifetime guarantee
- Superior Multi-Coated lenses for reduction of glare and reflection, while maximizing light transmission for ultimate image brightness and clarity from edge to edge.
- Red, Green and Blue illuminated color Mil-Dot reticle, along with auto off to save battery life.
- QTA (Quick Adjustment) turrets with precise 1/4 MOA click value for wind and elevation adjustment.
- Constructed with single piece of premium Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy with 1 inch tube diameter body.
- Nitrogen filled scope body, completely sealed with o-ring, making scope shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof.
- [Hunting Range Finder with Mode Memory]-This laser hunting rangefinder has 7 functions: ranging mode,all-in-one mode, scanning mode, speed measurement mode, two points height measurement mode, golf distance compensation mode and storage mode. This range finder has memory function which will open the mode you used before shutting down, which is convenient and effective
- [Measure Multiple Targets Continuously]- In continuous scan mode, you can measure multiple targets with one press. Angle, height, horizontal and straight-line distance will be displayed and changed continuously according to different targets. In golf mode, you can lock a target (prey, pin or anything else) easily by scan. Suitable for golfing and hunting in broad area
- [High Accuracy and Clear View]-High accuracy 1000 Yards laser range finder with 6.5X magnification. Multilayer coated glass lens and high end transmissive LCD display enable it a bright clear view. You can see everything clearly even wearing eyeglasses. The range finder has +/- 1 Yard distance ranging accuracy and +/- 1 degree angle accuracy which is accurate enough for golfing shooting or hunting
- [Rechargeable and Portable]- The rangefinder is equipped with rechargeable built-in Li-ion battery, charging is super easy. The product is compact and light weight, the weight is only 4.23 ounces (120g) and size is 3.8*1.4*2.6 inches(96*34*67mm). With rain-proof, it's perfect for carrying while hunting or golfing or measuring outdoor. In the package, it includes a pouch , a lanyard, a lens cleaning cloth, an USB cable and manual
- [What's in the Package]- 1 laser rangefinder, 1 rangefinder case, 1 USB-C charging cable, 1 lens clean cloth, 1 user manual
- 35mm Tube Size. Scope providing crystal clear targeting at 12-60x magnification, with a 60mm objective diameter.
- Side parallax adjustment allows fine tuning focus.
- Reticle illumination in both red and green with multiple brightness intensities. Glass Etched Reticle.
- Capped reset turrets are finger adjustable with 1/8 MOA clicks that can be reset to zero after sighting in.
- Nitrogen purged scope body, completely sealed with o-ring, rendering scope waterproof and fogproof.
- The Venom 3-15x44 gets you into the long-distance game faster with a first focal plane optic packed full of user-friendly features. A 5x mag range and a 34mm, shockproof tube gives ample power and turret travel.
- XD Optical System delivers impressive resolution, edge-to-edge sharpness and greatly reduces chromatic aberration. Fully multi-coated lenses provide superior light transmission for exceptional clarity and low-light performance.
- EBR-7C reticle ensures subtensions are accurate throughout the mag range making it easy to measure and range targets. Capped windage and exposed elevation turrets strike a perfect balance between quick adjustments and precise dialing control.
- Our exclusive RevStop Zero System makes for a fast, easy, rock-solid return to zero. The fast focus eyepiece allows for easy reticle focusing while the included throw lever allows for fast transitions between magnifications.
- Nitrogen purged the Venom provides waterproof and fogproof performance. Armortek coating protects the lenses from scratches and oil.
- Magnification: 6-24x
- Objective Diameter: 50mm
- Field Of View: 28 ft @ 100 yards
- Click Value: 1/8 inch @ 100 yards
- Illuminated Type of the rifle scope: Red and Green
- BUCKMASTERS 3-9X50MM RIFLE SCOPE - The SIG SAUER Buckmasters 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope is a dependable & versatile optic choice for hunters looking to enhance their accuracy and effectiveness in the field; Featuring the high-performance 3x optical system with low-dispersion glass, this shooting scope delivers sharp & clear images across all magnification levels
- BUCKMASTERS BDC RETICLE - This rifle scope comes equipped with a unique Buckmasters Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) reticle, complete with holdover dots that extend up to a distance of 500 yards; Avid hunters know the upgraded game hunting comes with upgraded equipment
- GREAT CONSTRUCTION -The Buckmasters hunting rifle scope has extra durable construction with a single-piece, 1-inch main tube; For those who appreciate the convenience, it also features an integrated thread in the throw lever which allows for quick magnification changes
- WEATHER RESISTANT - Dependable waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof performance and high-performance optical system with low dispersion glass of the Buckmasters scope makes your hunting season non-stop whatever weather is on the way; See the target with a reliable magnification of 3-9X50mm
- SIG SAUER - In our world-class facilities, we build the toughest, most precise rifles, pistols, optics, suppressors, ammunition, airguns, holsters, and various accessories, while offering the finest guns training - all as a fully integrated system
- Precision long range optic with adjustable 6-24x magnfication
- Multicoated lenses featuring Extra low Dispersion (ED) glass - reducing chromatic aberration and producing our sharpest image quality ever
- Newly designed first focal plane Christmas Tree reticle providing both fast target acquisition at closer ranges and detailed ranging information at longer ranges with 6 levels of illumination all the way up to a true daylight bright reticle.. Available in MOA or MIL reticle versions.
- Improved windage and elevation turrets with precision clicks (1/4 MOA or 0.1 MIL per click) and a configurable zero stop for elevation.
- All Monstrum products are backed by a lifetime guarantee
Choosing Your 1000-Yard Scope: A Buyer’s Guide
Reaching targets at 1000 yards demands a serious optic. A good scope makes the difference between a clean hit and a frustrating miss. This guide helps you pick the right tool for long-range shooting.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy a scope for extreme distances, certain features matter most. These elements ensure clarity, precision, and durability.
Magnification and Objective Lens
- Magnification Range: For 1000 yards, you need high power. Look for scopes offering at least 20x magnification, with many long-range models going up to 30x or even 35x. Higher magnification lets you see the target clearly at that distance.
- Objective Lens Diameter: This is the big lens at the front. A larger diameter (like 50mm or 56mm) gathers more light. More light means a brighter picture, especially important when using high magnification in lower light conditions (dawn or dusk).
Turrets and Adjustments
Turrets are the knobs you turn to adjust for wind and distance. They must be precise.
- Turret Tracking: This is critical. When you dial in a specific number of clicks for elevation or windage, the reticle must move exactly that amount. Poor tracking ruins long-range accuracy.
- Turret Type: Look for “exposed” or “tactical” turrets. These let you quickly dial adjustments without removing caps. Many good scopes feature “zero stop” mechanisms, which let you return the elevation turret exactly back to your original zero point easily.
Reticle Choice
The reticle is the aiming pattern inside the scope. For 1000 yards, you need more than just crosshairs.
- Mil-Dot or MOA: These markings help you estimate range and hold over (aim slightly high) for wind drift. Mil-based systems (like MRAD) are often preferred by serious long-range shooters because they match well with modern rangefinders and scopes.
- Illumination: A reticle that lights up helps you see the aiming point against dark targets or in low light.
Important Materials and Construction
A scope built for 1000 yards endures heavy use and powerful recoil. Quality materials prevent failure.
Housing and Lenses
- Tube Material: Most quality scopes use aircraft-grade aluminum. This material provides strength without adding too much weight. The tube diameter is often 30mm, which allows for more internal adjustment range than the older 1-inch tubes.
- Glass Quality: High-quality glass is non-negotiable. Look for terms like “ED glass” (Extra-low Dispersion) or superior lens coatings. These coatings reduce glare and increase light transmission, giving you a sharper, clearer image.
Durability and Sealing
The scope must handle the elements.
- Waterproofing and Fogproofing: The scope body must be sealed (usually with O-rings) to keep water out. Fogproofing is achieved by purging the internal air and replacing it with dry nitrogen or argon gas. This prevents internal fogging when temperatures change quickly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What separates a budget scope from a professional tool?
- Image Clarity (Improvement): Excellent glass quality and anti-reflective coatings improve clarity, especially around the edges of your view (edge-to-edge clarity).
- Tracking Precision (Improvement): Precise internal mechanisms ensure that every click moves the point of impact exactly where you intend.
- Parallax Adjustment (Improvement): Parallax adjustment corrects for the apparent shift of the reticle when you move your eye slightly off-center. This adjustment is vital for precision past 300 yards and must be included on a 1000-yard scope.
- Weight and Size (Reduction): Very large, heavy scopes can be hard to carry all day. While features are important, excessive bulk can reduce usability.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the scope dictates your final choice.
- Competition Shooting: Shooters in formal competitions need the highest tracking precision and the clearest glass available. They often choose scopes with massive adjustment ranges and illuminated tactical reticles.
- Hunting Extreme Distances: If you hunt mountain goats or other game requiring very long shots, durability and low-light performance become just as important as tracking precision. You might sacrifice some extreme tactical features for better ruggedness.
- Ease of Use: Can you comfortably reach the turrets while maintaining a good shooting position? Does the eye relief (the distance between your eye and the eyepiece) allow you to see the full field of view without biting your eyebrow during recoil?
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the minimum objective lens size I need for 1000 yards?
A: While you can technically use smaller lenses, a 50mm objective lens is strongly recommended. It gathers enough light for a bright picture at high magnification.
Q: Should I choose MOA or MRAD turrets?
A: Most modern long-range shooters prefer MRAD (Mil Rad) because the math for windage and elevation adjustments lines up simply. However, if your rifle scope and rangefinder use MOA, stick with MOA.
Q: What does “First Focal Plane” (FFP) mean?
A: FFP means the reticle size changes as you change the magnification. The holdover marks remain accurate at any magnification setting. This is usually preferred for 1000-yard shooting.
Q: What is “eye relief,” and why does it matter?
A: Eye relief is the safe distance your eye should be from the scope’s eyepiece. On high-recoil rifles, short eye relief can cause the scope to hit your face (scope bite).
Q: Do I really need a zero stop feature?
A: It is very helpful. A zero stop lets you quickly return your elevation turret to your known ‘zero’ distance without looking through the scope.
Q: How much magnification is too much?
A: While 35x is great for seeing the target at 1000 yards, very high magnification can make the field of view too narrow and cause the image to shake more easily due to minor breath movements.
Q: Are scopes with side focus parallax adjustments better than those with objective focus?
A: Yes. Side focus parallax adjustment is easier to reach and adjust while shooting than the objective (front bell) focus.
Q: What quality of glass is needed for clear viewing at 1000 yards?
A: You need fully multi-coated lenses. Look for scopes advertising ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass for the best clarity and color transmission.
Q: How important is the scope being nitrogen purged?
A: It is very important. Nitrogen purging prevents the internal lenses from fogging up when you move from a warm car to cold outdoor air.
Q: Can I use a scope designed for hunting at 1000 yards?
A: Sometimes. Hunting scopes often prioritize compact size and low light performance over having robust, exposed tactical turrets needed for frequent long-range dialing.