Long-range scopes require precision glass and high levels of engineering, which is why they attract a higher price tag. However, it is possible to find affordable long-range scopes, but often the performance is less than desirable.
Most would just bite the bullet and fork out a large sum of money to gain that extra distance through their scope. However, I decided to take an in-depth look for the best long-range scope under $1000 so that you can save some cash without sacrificing on performance.
And I think you’ll be as surprised as I was when you discover what’s available in this price range. So, let’s get started with the…
Top 7 Best Long Range Scopes Under $1000 in 2023 Reviews
1 Vortex Diamondback – Best Tactical Long-Range Scope Under $1000
Vortex is well known for providing a large range of optics that are affordable yet still offer solid performance and reliability. With a reputation like that, it’s little wonder that you’ll see their products in this category.
One of the Vortex’s scopes that boasts long-range capabilities without breaking the bank is the Diamondback series. In particular, the 6-24x50mm model is in the upper range of magnification and has a list of other useful features that you wouldn’t expect to see at this price.
Front focal plane…
A handy feature for long-range targeting is having a reticle fixed to the first focal plane of the scope. Vortex gives owners a choice of either an MOA or M-Rad reticle, which adjusts throughout the entire zoom range.
The biggest advantage of FFP (First Focal Plane) is that the EBR-2C ballistics reticle maintains its measurements without the need for complicated charts. Therefore, you can make confident shots quickly and effectively using the Vortex Diamondback.
Exposed turrets…
The Diamondback’s turrets for windage and elevation adjustments are exposed. The markings are bright and visible, making it easy to make confident, precise, and accurate adjustments while in the field.
Being removable also means that it’s possible to set your own zero. Once you have the scope zeroed in, simply return the caps and screw them back into place using a coin or screwdriver. Your carefully adjusted turret position then becomes the new zero position.
(4.8 / 5)Pros
- Highly affordable long-range scope without sacrificing on quality.
- First focal plane reticle automatically adjusts throughout the zoom range.
- Removable turret caps for setting your own zero.
Cons
- Not great in low light with no reticle illumination.
- Image deteriorates slightly further into the zoom range.
2 Vortex Viper PST – Best Affordable Long-Range Scope Under $1000
With PST for Precision Shooting Tactical, the Vortex Viper is a highly affordable and capable scope. Designed as a versatile long-range scope for tactical shooters and hunters with a tight budget.
Not only do shooters have a budget-friendly option in the Vortex Viper, but it is also backed by the company’s rock-solid warranty. If any Vortex product becomes damaged or defective, under the VIP warranty, it will be repaired or replaced at no cost to you.
Great zoom range…
Mid to long-range targeting is possible using the Vortex Viper with its great zoom range. Magnification power ranges from 6x to 24x through the large and clear 50-millimeter objective lens allow for versatile shooting applications.
There are also four reticles to choose from, including two MOA and two Mil-Rad versions. Choices are either an EBR-1 or EBR-2C, with both providing a bullet drop compensator and ballistics markings for fast and accurate shots.
Clear XD glass…
Vortex has used XD (Extra-Low Dispersion) glass in the Viper to increase resolution and color fidelity. This results in highly detailed, crisp, and sharp images at high contrast and well beyond what would normally be expected at this price point.
In addition, there is a multi-coating on the lenses to further enhance the already impressive light transmission capabilities. This also reduces the amount of glare or reflections encountered when using the scope in bright conditions.
(4.8 / 5)Pros
- Large zoom range and large 50-mm objective lens.
- Choice of reticle options, including MOA and Mil-Rad.
- XD glass provides impressive clarity, detail, and contrast.
Cons
- Etched reticle can be damaged under heavy recoil.
- Does not have an illuminated option.
3 NightForce SHV – Best Precision Long-Range Scope Under $1000
Next in my Best Long-Range Scope Under $1000 review, many shooters will be aware of the legendary NightForce Optics and probably never considered there would be an affordable option. However, that’s where the SHV (Shooter Hunter Varminter) comes in.
Created as a lower-cost affordable alternative to the battle-proven NXS line, the SHV brings the legendary quality into the hands of more shooters. NightForce have reduced the options but have retained the same level of quality and reliability.
Solid construction…
The same solid materials are used to construct the NightForce SHV, such as 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy. Turrets also retain the same high level of quality with easily identifiable markings on the windage, elevation, and parallax knobs.
An easy to read font is used on the zoom ring, which offers a range of 4x to 14x magnification. Equipped with some light knurling along with a throw lever, making adjustments is quick and simple.
From dusk till dawn…
Shooters can take advantage of the quality lenses all the way between dusk and dawn. Not only is the glass crystal clear with impressive levels of clarity and detail, but the reticle also features analog illumination.
The small center crosshair of the MOAR reticle can be illuminated using LED technology. A simple dial switches the illumination on or off, and the brightness can be controlled using a small screwdriver.
(4.9 / 5)Pros
- Incredible durability, accuracy, and reliability.
- Same premium materials are used in construction as the higher-end scopes.
- Illuminated MOAR reticle for dusk till dawn performance.
Cons
- At the top end of the budget.
- Magnification power is not as high as other products.
4 Burris Veracity – Most Accurate Long-Range Scope Under $1000
The Burris Veracity will give hunters the upper hand by providing a rugged and accurate scope at an affordable price. With a great blend of both speed and accuracy when it comes to target requisition, the Veracity has a lot to offer.
No matter if you’re after long range precision target shooting or looking to hunt prairie dogs, coyotes, deer, or elk, this scope is up to the task. With an intuitive reticle design shooter’s accuracy will surely be improved.
Dynamic reticle…
Burris has included a dynamic ballistics reticle on the Veracity that blends both speed and accuracy. Increasing magnification on the scope will also increase the size of the reticle, thanks to it being etched on the front focal plane.
A choice of either a Ballistics Plex E1 or Ballistics Plex E1 Varmint is on offer and provides just the right amount of detail. Both bullet drop and wind calibration markings can easily be identified and utilized for absolute precision.
Hi-Lume multi-coating…
Optical engineers have created an optimal coating for each specific lens referred to as Hi-Lume multi-coating. Light transmission is optimized in low light conditions while glare and reflections are reduced in extreme brightness.
High-quality glass and precision grinding have been used in the Burris Veracity rifle scope, the same as in its premium range. The brightness and clarity viewed will impress even the fussiest of hunters or target shooters.
(4.2 / 5)Pros
- Great for both hunting and target shooting.
- Dynamic FFP Ballistics Plex reticle.
- Hi-Lume multi-coated precision ground lenses.
Cons
- Adjustments will be needed for heavier grain ammunition.
- MOA adjustment is limited compared with other similar products.
5 Zeiss Conquest V4 – Best Fixed Parallax Long-Range Scope Under $1000
What you may not know is that Zeiss is the optics company that made the first variable-power rifle scope in 1907. In that time, the Zeiss brand has rightly earned the reputation of having premium glass.
The Conquest V4 is a German-designed, German-engineered scope that is made in Japan. A perfect list of ingredients to produce a precision high-quality rifle scope with long-range variable power capabilities.
Get the most from your shots…
Elevation adjustment has a maximum range of 80 MOA with windage offering 60 MOA at 0.25 MOA per click. That is more than enough to get almost any rifle cartridge out well past 1,000-yards (914-meters).
Zeiss also includes a ballistics stop, often referred to as a zero stop, in the Conquest V4. Once zero has been set, the ballistics stop is also set, then when the shooter wishes to return to zero, simply turn the knob until it doesn’t turn anymore.
Within range…
A zoom range of between 3x and 12x magnification power can be utilized through the huge 56-millimeter objective lens. While this range isn’t as large as some of the other scopes in this same class, the clarity of the glass makes up for it.
Images are amazingly vivid and bright, showing an incredible amount of detail even at great distances with full magnification power. A simple Z-Plex reticle is etched to the SFP (Second Focal Plane) and remains static throughout the zoom range.
(4.9 / 5)Pros
- German-designed and engineered, and made in Japan.
- Premium quality glass used for the optics.
- Elevation and windage MOA range will send most cartridges over 1,000-yards.
Cons
- Higher-end of the budget for premium glass.
- Quality glass adds additional weight.
6 Burris Eliminator 3 – Best Long-Range Hunting Scope Under $1000
Next u, in my review of the Best Long-Range Scope Under $1000, I have one of the most advanced tactical and hunting scopes available on the market. The Burris Eliminator 3 features an integrated laser rangefinder to remove the guesswork needed to know your target’s distance.
Combining quality optics with technological advancement, the Eliminator 3 has received praise from all areas of the shooting community. Burris hasn’t compromised in any area of this incredible and value-packed rifle scope.
Laser rangefinder…
By pressing the On/Range button located toward the front of the scope near the objective bell, the laser rangefinder is activated. The reticle will illuminate along with the distance and windage offset being displayed.
This completely removes any guesswork required for bullet drop compensation. The result is one of the fastest and most accurate aiming devices currently available. But don’t worry, the Eliminator 3 isn’t only a one-trick pony.
Ready for anything…
Quad sealed gas rings have been used in the construction of the Eliminator 3, meaning the scope is waterproof. Plus, the internal tube has also been filled with nitrogen for fog-proof operation during cold and humid conditions.
Additionally, a double spring-tension assembly has been used to make the scope recoil-proof. This means you can maintain your zero even under heavy recoil and shock for precision and accuracy every time a shot is taken.
(5 / 5)Pros
- Simple to use integrated laser rangefinder.
- Illuminated reticle with distance and wind display.
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and recoil-proof construction.
- Targets will no longer stand a chance with your improved accuracy.
- Ammunition company’s share prices will be reduced due to less demand.
Cons
- None.
7 Leupold VX-3i – Best Accurate Long-Range Scope Under $1000
LRP is short for Long-Range Precision, and that’s exactly what we’re after on this occasion. If there is any scope brand up to the challenge, then it’s Leupold. However, you may not have realized that it’s possible to purchase an awesome Leupold scope for under $1000.
Targeted towards competition and long-range marksmen, the VX-3i is a replacement for the basic Mark 4 scopes. The latest from Leupold continues with high quality, fantastic knobs, and tons of elevation adjustment at an affordable price.
Choice of reticles…
There are four reticle options available for the VX-3i, with them all being located on the front focal plane. Choices include Impact 60 MOA, TMR, Impact 29 MOA, and T-MOA, with each magnifying along with the image, making range estimation simple.
Indication markers on the elevation, windage, and focus knobs are clear and easily identifiable. The elevation knob is the largest and immediately gains the most attention, although all clicks are firm with good feedback and a slightly muted sound.
Latest in optical enhancements…
Leupold has added the latest in optical enhancements to its VX-3i rifle scope’s already high-quality glass. This includes the Twilight Max Light Management System, which delivers sharper images in low light conditions.
To keep the spectacular lens quality at its best, Leupold has used Diamond coat 2 for added protection. This involves ion bombardment, which bonds to the lens surfaces to provide scratch resistance well beyond industry standards.
(4.8 / 5)Pros
- Perfect choice for competition and long-range marksmen.
- Twilight Max Light Management System.
- Diamondcoat 2 for protecting those incredible lenses.
Cons
- No reticle illumination option available.
- More precise click sizes would be a great addition.
Looking for More high-quality Rifle Scope Options?
Then check out my reviews of Best Air Rifle Scopes, the Best Rimfire Scopes, the Best AR15 Carry Handle Scopes, the Best Mini 14 Ranch Rifle Scopes, the Best Deer Hunting Scopes, as well as the Best 308 Rifles Scopes on the market in 2023.
Or, how about our in-depth reviews of the Best Scout Scopes, the Best Scopes for M&P 15-22, the Best Scopes for AR15 under 100 Dollars, the Best Low Light Rifle Scope, the Best 300 Win Mag Scopes, or the Best Mil Dot Scopes you can buy.
So, What is The Best Long-Range Scope Under $1000?
All of these scopes have plenty to offer, considering they’re under the $1000 price point. However, there can only be one labeled as the best of the best, and this decision was tough. But, in the end, I decided to go with the…
I love taking advantage of new technology, and Burris has combined it with their already reliable and accurate optics to create a masterpiece. When compared to other scopes in this price range, shooters are given an almost unfair advantage.
With features such as the laser rangefinder integrated perfectly with the reticle illumination and display, you’re not going to get a better long-range scope for the money.
Happy and safe shooting.
