10 Best Rifle Scope under $1,000 of 2020

4.7/5

Whether you are an experienced hunter seeking the most demanding tasks or a beginner shooter who uses his rifle occasionally for the weekend hunting trips, long-range scopes will help you make precise and quick shots from distance. A well-built and durable long range scope on your rifle will certainly make a huge difference in the way you hunt.

The best rifle scopes may get very expensive, but they offer high-quality optics with a powerful magnification in turn. But with so many options available on the market, it can be a difficult task to choose the best rifle scope under 1000. That’s because long range shooting and hunting have been exploding in recent times and to help you make the best selection, we present to you this comprehensive guide that highlights the best scopes under 1000 on the market right now and their features.

Top 10 Best Rifle Scopes Under $1000

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Top 10 Best Rifle Scopes Under 1000

We have composed a list of the top 10 long range rifle scopes under $1000. Read on to find out more below.

Our Rating

Top Rated Best Rifle Scope Under $1000
5/5

This rifle scope has an imposing and solidly-constructed optic and finished in elegant slate grey that is set off by simple gold detailing. This Japan-made scope is based on a single-piece 30 mm alloy tube. The SIII has target turrets with those dials capable of being zeroed with screw-on covers, a quick-focus ocular bell, and side-parallax. It is provided with bikini type see-through lens covering, an Allen key for resetting the turret dials, a 3” sunshade, a protective fabric cover, and a lens cloth.

 

Sightron SIIISS 8-32×56 dimensions are 15.35 inches overall, with 2.28 inches of mounting space ahead of the saddle, and 2.13 inches behind it, 3.6 inches to 4 inches of eye relief, and it weighs 24.7 ounces without the sunshade. 

Features

The Sightron SIIISS 8-32×56 has a one-piece main tube with al- weather construction. The fast-focus eyeball allows for easy and quick adjustments in the field. The precision adjustable turrets can be reset to zero. It has a side focus parallax adjustment that is intended for easy and quick adjustment.

This scope features the ExacTrack windage and elevation adjustment system, which is considered to be the best on the market. The scope also features the Zact-7 Revcoat, a multi-coating system that uses revolutionary technology for lens coating that features fully multi-coated precision ground glass.

The optics are protected against water, snow, rain, or humidity as they are built using a 100 percent sealed system that ensures a lifetime of performance in the extremes of environmental conditions.

Highlights

  • Controls are smooth and restrained, with no unnecessary complications. The design is well-focused towards long-range target shooting and even shooting varmints.
  • Zeroing is easy with the impressive image produced by the scope, which has plenty of contrast and good color saturation.
  • It is a handsome and well-made scope for long-range shooting.

Our Rating

4.7/5

The Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR II, a 4-20×50 mm riflescope, is the ideal tactical tool for almost any type of operation. It uses state-of-the-art technology for tactical operators and competitive shooters. Choosing this scope is an impeccable way of enhancing your accuracy capabilities. 

The lenses of this riflescope optimize target resolution, contrast, and low-light performance. All internal assemblies that were hand-fitted are passed through three times of spring-tensioning for optimum shock proofing. The riflescope is a lot better than its modest price tag. It is protected during its lifetime by the Burris Forever Warranty.

Features

The Burris XTR II riflescope has a 5x zoom system with a tube construction 25% thicker than the original XTR Riflescope. The reticle design is on the front focal plane and all-high magnification, allowing the increase or decrease of the reticle size during the increase or decrease of the magnification. 

The trajectory compensation of the scope is always proportional and correct to the power setting. The reticle design is known as the first focal plane or FFP, with precision adjustment knobs that are matched dimensionally and the Zero Click Stop technology. The lenses optimize target resolution, even under severe recoil, being vibration resistant even on extended vehicular patrol. 

Highlights

  • Five times the zoom system
  • Zero click knob
  • 25% thicker construction

Our Rating

4.5/5

The Konus KONUSPRO-NV 3-8×50 Zoom Night Vision is a highly professional accessory that is a zoom-powered 3-8×50 digital riflescope. This scope is ideal for daytime and nighttime use. It features a laser illuminator for use in total darkness. It has a sturdy metal body that can withstand any type of abuse in the field. This scope works with a rechargeable battery, enabling you to take pictures and videos of what you are observing.

Features

This very professional unit has 1/10 mil adjustments. Its base is suits the Weaver/Picatinny Rail. It has a 30/30 digital reticle.

Highlights

  • It is a 3-8x50 digital scope with zoom power.
  • It is ideal for daytime and nighttime use.
  • It is powered by a rechargeable battery.
  • It is capable of taking still pictures and videos.

Our Rating

4.1/5

NightForce riflescopes are never cheap, but NightForce SHV 4-14×56 was built to be more affordable. This riflescope is for hunters and shooters who are not looking for the overbuilt features of the other NightForce series designed to withstand actual combat conditions. This NightForce SHV was built using the same high-quality parts, but an easier method of manufacturing that cut costs, but not corners, was discovered. This NightForce scope has a second focal plane, an illuminated MOAR reticle, and .25 MOA turret click value.

The NightForce SHV 4-14×56 Rifle Scope can be expected to deliver on quality even under some of the most unforgiving and harshest conditions because it was designed for ultimate precision. 

Features

This riflescope has an objective lens that can determine resolution, exit pupil size, and light transmission. It is machined from solid bar aircraft-grade aluminum alloy.

The NightForce scope combines optics that have extraordinary precision and construction that can withstand repeated recoil from the largest calibers, severe temperature changes, and extreme shock. 

This NightForce scope features zero-tolerance lens securing methods to prevent any movement of the optical elements in any direction and under any circumstances. Because of all these features, the Nightforce SHV 4-14×56 can give you a lifetime of uncompromising performance and reliability that you can count on all the time.

Highlights

  • This NightForce scope has a second plane.
  • It has an objective diameter of 56 mm
  • It has a 4-14x magnification
  • It has an exit pupil diameter of 4x 12.0mm14x:3.6mm
  • Field of view: 4x:24.9’ 14x: 7.3’ at 100 yards/100 meters

Our Rating

4/5

The NightForce SHV 3-10x42mm riflescope is a valuable scope that comes in a small package. It is the perfect rifle scope for target shooters, big game and varmint hunters. The scope’s 3-10x magnification and its 42mm objective provide a practical solution to many shooting applications such as target shooting, big game hunting, and varminting.

This scope has a standard 30mm body tube, a parallax adjustment on the side, capped .25 MOA adjustments, a fast-focus eyepiece that provides an incredible shooting experience. Choose the NightForce SHV 3-10x42mm Riflescope for an outstanding way of having a versatile, compact, and precise scope that will suit all your shooting needs.

Features

The NightForce SHV 3-10X42 riflescope is the lightest and most compact model in the SHV lineup, which is touted to deliver NightForce quality in a very economical package. It is a compact scope – 11 ¾ long 22.7 ounces in weight. The scope’s size, weight, and range of magnification make it an ideal general-purpose hunting rifle.

This scope has the MOAR or IHR reticle with no illuminated reticle option. The MOAR reticle is based on minute-of-angle measurements and set in the second focal plane. It has a fast-focus eyepiece with no lock. The end of the eyepiece spins independently to focus the reticle on your vision. The SHV’s magnification power ring can be turned separately from the eyepiece.

The SHV’s 30mm tube is rated for 90 MOA of total elevation travel and 80 MOA of windage adjustment. 

Highlights

  • This scope has a wide range of applications.
  • It uses a 30 mm body tube.
  • The .25 MOA adjustments are capped.
  • The side parallax can be adjusted 25 yards to infinity.
  • It has a fast-focus eyepiece.

Our Rating

4/5

The D-EVO Tactical Riflescope from Leupold is a superb product. This is a smart optic that is designed to be combined with Leupold LCO or similar reflex sight. Using this combo simultaneously will allow you to see the magnified image as well as the red dot. 

The clarity of the image is very crisp. There is no illumination for the current model, but it may come possible in future models. This Leupold Tactical solution is superior to any scope in the market from EOTech or Trijicon. 

Having D-EVO on your rifle, when paired with Leupold LCO, will allow you to handle situations that you could not handle previously without resetting. 

Features

The Leupold D-EVO or Dual Enhanced View Optic tactical scope has a tube for offset magnification that lets shooters mount the riflescope on a tactical weapon together with a reflex sight. A rifle mounted with D-EVO 6x, and a 1x reflex sight provides shooters the ability to instantly transition from focusing on long-range targets to short-range targets without having to move one’s cheek weld or handhold on the stock.

This scope’s illuminated reticle allows shooters to estimate range and engage targets with extraordinary flexibility. Tick marks on the vertical stadia are meant to compensate for the bullet drop while hash marks on the horizontal stadia are for windage or leading moving targets. Elevation and windage adjust at 1/10th MIL click, allowing a user to sight-in precisely out to 600 yards and beyond. A machined aluminum body ensures durability for many years of hard use. The D-EVO is both waterproof and fogproof. It is submersible up the depth of 66 feet.

Highlights

  • This scope can be mounted in conjunction with a reflex sight.
  • It has 6x power magnification.
  • It eliminates the need to adjust cheek weld.
  • It has CMR-W DEVO illuminated reticle.
  • It has tic marks for holdover.
  • It has hash marks for windage.
  • It is waterproof and fog proof.
  • It is submersible up to 66 feet.
  • It adjusts at 1/10th MIL clicks.

Our Rating

4/5

The VX-3i LRP 8.5-25×50 gives shooters the correct magnification, better optical performance, and long-range tools needed to take shooting to the higher level. This Long Range Precision is purposely built with watch-grade accuracy and repeatability. It comes equipped with Leupold’s Twilight Max Light Management System, and an integrated quick-turn throw lever. This scope will help you push to your limits. 

You will see bright, vivid, and clear target image in a wide variety of low and bright lighting conditions. The combination edge-to-edge lens clarity, full visible-spectrum lens coating, and glare management provide an extra 20 minutes of shooting light.

The VX-3i LRP side focus T-MOA scope can help make long shots simpler. This scope is backed by Leupold’s full lifetime warranty.

Features

The scope is designed to survive 5,000 impacts on Leupold’s recoil simulation machine – the Punisher. The force of each impact is 3x the recoil of a .308 rifle. If the scope fails to perform in any way during the tests, adjustments are made to the design before testing again. 

The scope is crafted using aircraft quality aluminum. The edges of the lenses are blackened to reduce light diffusion, allowing more usable light to reach the shooter’s eye. This results in a brighter image with increased contrast.

The exterior lens surfaces of the scope are treated with DiamondCoat2, a coating with ion-assist, for better light transmission and the greatest level of abrasion assistance. DiamondCoat 2 also assists in light transmission for greater brightness, contrast, and clarity.

The Twilight Max Light Management System provides usable light to your eye while forming a high contrasting and crisp image. Lens coating maximizes light transmission in blue and red and balances colors to develop the highest possible contrast. Special mechanical structures control the glare.

Highlights

  • The scope has an ultra-lightweight design.
  • It is both waterproof and fog proof.
  • It has a twilight max light management system.
  • Rear focal plane.
  • The main tube is 30mm.

Our Rating

4/5

Generally regarded as the head of the class, Meopta MeoStar R1 riflescopes are constructed using advanced technological processes that provide the most exacting optical instrument in its class. It combines a high- grade 30mm internal optics assembly that has a reticle that is a glass-etched glass reticle with a durable aircraft-grade aluminum-alloy body to offer the ultimate balance between mechanical durability and optical excellence. MeoBrite 5501 ion-assisted lens coatings are applied to all air-to-glass optical surfaces that result in light transmission that rival the best in the industry. This scope got everything the big-name scopes have but for half the price. 

Features

This scope has a reticle that features an illuminated dot that may be turned on or off between each level of the seven settings for brightness. The third turret located where a side focus would be controls this feature. The illuminated feature was designed for use for daytime and nighttime. The dot, illuminated or not, can be kept on the image or turned off to disappear entirely.

There are two illuminated reticles for the MeoPro 3-12×56, the 4C, and the 4K. The 4C has the red dot at the center while the 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, and 9 o’clock crosshairs are heavy and taper towards the center. The 12 o’clock crosshair is very fine.

This riflescope is designed for use in mid-range to long-range hunting, but the reticle will perform very well in close range and low light conditions. The 4K reticle features a small “t” or a cross in the center instead of the dot.

Highlights

  • It is fully multi-coated for better light transmission.
  • It comes with a lifetime warranty.
  • It has a glass-etched and illuminated reticle.
  • This scope is made in the USA.

Our Rating

4/5

The Sidewinder ED 10-5-x60 TMX is a result of years of expertise and development from the professionals at Hawke Sport Optics. This is a high magnification scope that is perfect for your shooting needs. Regardless of where and how you want to shoot accurately, this Sidewinder ED TMX will get every type of job done.

This scope is intended for long-range shooting and has exceptional clarity with its 18-layer, fully multi-coated glass. The 30mm scope offers high-resolution viewing and a sharp and bright picture in different lighting conditions. The lens configurations have been selected carefully to provide the optimum performance while offering exceptional range finding properties.

Mounting this scope on your rifle will give you sharp, clear, and crisp images when you look through it. Hawke is famous for producing superior scopes, and the Sidewinder ED model will give one of the most amazing pictures anyone can see through an optical device. This makes you distinguish even the smallest details when you home in your scope on the target. After using this scope, you may no longer be interested in using other scopes.

The scope’s Extra-low Dispersion glass reduces the chromatic aberration you normally experience with many scopes. It also provides you with the clearest and sharpest image Hawke has offered, and you will be on target right away because of the etched glass TMX illuminated reticle.

This scope is equipped with a large 4-inch side wheel to improve your range finding, a metal flip-up lens cover that protects the outer lenses, and a sunshade to protect your scope from bright conditions

Features

Hawke has patented interchangeable turrets that allow for changing between ½ MOA to 1/8 MOA or 1/10 MRAD based on your shooting preferences. By unscrewing o the locking collar, the turret will be lifted off and removed from the scope. The indexed teeth of the turret ensure that the alignment and location are kept during installation. When you push down the turret and screw back down the locking collar, the scope is all set to be used. 

Sidewinder ED interchangeable turrets are patented by the company. It uses a high magnification precision optical system. 

ED lenses are the most effective way of improving image quality and stop color fringing. ED glass allows for better concentration and direction of light wavelengths, which gives a significantly sharper image and improved contrast of colors and light. ED glass is incorporated into the objective element assembly, produces clear and crisp images with reduced chromatic aberration. It is crucial when using high power zoom.

Highlights

  • It uses Extra-low dispersion glass for optimum clarity.
  • The resettable turrets are interchangeable and locking.
  • Side focus control for parallax can be adjusted to infinity.
  • The stepless IR rheostat provides control of the total brightness.
  • It is equipped with high torque and locking ocular zoom ring.
  • The scope comes with screw-in flip-up metal lens covers.

Our Rating

4/5

The Sightron Scope SIII, SS 45×45 Competition riflescope, is a gold standard in the optics game, offering exceptional views when paired with features that will have you using it out in the backcountry. It is a fixed power riflescope that was developed by Sightron and built with Extra-Low Dispersion glass, which prevents chromatic aberration. It provides vivid and realistic views down its tube. This scope contains a Zact-7 Revcoat multi-coating to maximize the transmission of light for premium low light performance. It has waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof capabilities as it also provides crisp images in any climate conditions while easily handling the rough recoil of the rifle. This scope allows you to take down targets with amplified accuracy.

Features

This Sightron scope has turrets that are precision adjusted that are offered in 1/10 MOA adjustments; Turrets can be reset to zero and have rugged cups protection against windage and elevation.

The side focus parallax adjustment is aimed for easy and quick adjustment and will easily focus from 10 yards focus distance to infinity.

The 30mm body tubes provide increased durability. The ExacTract elevation and windage adjustment system apply a proper alignment between the erector tube and the adjustments.

This scope uses ED Glass to the optical system to prevent chromatic aberration. It also uses Zact-7 Revcoat revolutionary lens coating technology that features multi-coated precision ground glass.

This scope is filled with nitrogen to provide a lifetime of use without internal water buildup and fogging.

Highlights

  • It has precision adjustable turrets with 1/10 MOA adjustments.
  • It comes with ExacTrack elevation and windage adjustment systems.
  • There is side focus parallax adjustment.
  • It is built with ED Glass.
  • The scope is waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof.

What is a good scope for hunting?

When hunters talk about a good scope, they are always referring to exposed turrets, thick tubes, FFP reticles, and long-ranging systems that they may never need in their hunt. When looking for a good hunting scope, do not think of multiple zeros, long-range specialty features, or parallax correction. Good hunting rifle scopes under 1000 are something right up your alley and one that you can afford.

A lot of deer have been taken down using mediocre rifle scopes in the same way that plenty more got away because you did not spend enough to buy a good scope.

The thing that every hunter should remember is to buy a rifle to suit your scope. Spend as much money you can afford on a rifle, but make sure to spend a little more on the scope.

To get a good scope for hunting, look for the following features:

  • Find a quality glass - It will cost you money to get the best, but if you have a restricted budget, you can be brand-specific.
  • Magnification - Clarity and sharpness should be better at lower power. Stay under 10x when shopping for cheaper scopes. For scopes under 1000 dollars, a 6x magnification would be enough.
  • Quality coatings - The higher quality the coatings will be, the higher quality is the glass. And more expensive too. The best long-range scopes depend on quality glass.
  • Turret/reticle accuracy - Pay special attention to clicking quality, accuracy, and reticle movement when you sight-in.
  • Eye relief - There should be adequate eye relief for the shooter to be comfortable and confident of the shot.
  • Repeatability - Regardless of the price of the scope, it should hold zero even after a long time.
  • Low light quality - You will need a scope with high-quality glass, large aperture, and coatings.
  • Cost - You will have to invest more on your rifle scope, depending on the quality and features.
  • Warranty - Try looking for a scope with a lifetime warranty. Although this is mostly offered by high-end scopes, there are still some scopes under 1000 dollars that lifetime warranties.

What are the best long-range rifle scopes?

You need to commit a 4-figure amount to buy a riflescope with premium quality that makes your hunting or shooting practice a worthwhile experience. The following are the significant considerations in buying the best long-range scope:

  • Lenses - The glass is probably the most important feature in the rifle optic. Look for lenses that will offer you an amazingly clear image at both high and low magnification.
  • Body of the scope - The body of the scope must be built using durable and long-lasting materials. Aircraft-level aluminum is the best material for the scope.
  • The reticle of the scope - Look for a good reticle that features hash marks vertically and horizontally, with measurements either in MOA or MIL.
  • Magnification power - Magnification power is dependent on your position and the shooting target.
  • Focal Plane - The focal plane is important in the accuracy of the target. There are two categories of the focal plane scope, the second focal plane, and the first focal plane.
  • Adjustment range - A good long-range scope will let you adjust the turrets on the fly.

Best long-range scope under 1000

Finding the best rifle scope under 1000 dollars is tough unless you know what you are looking for. The Sightron Scope SIII SS 45×45 Competition, at around $900, is the best long-range scope under 1000 dollars you can buy.

Best hunting scope under 1000

Leupold D-EVO 6x20mm Tactical Riflescope at $999 is the best hunting scope you can buy at under 1000 dollars. 

What rifle scope magnification do I need?

Generally, the least magnification that will give you the clearest image of your target is the best magnification. Using a 4x magnification for most big-game hunting is quite adequate at 300 yards. A 6x works very well at 400 yards.

Is Sightron a good scope?

Sightron is a very popular scope in the community of target shooters. The company produces solid and no-frills scopes at price points that are lower than the price of the competitors. Sightron has good quality, price, and customer service, although it appears to be low on advertising expenditures.

Top Rated Riflescope under $1000

5/5

Conclusion

Riflescopes are available at various levels of the budget today. For scopes under 1000 dollars, you will still get incredibly high-quality optics. For serious hunters, a high-powered, long-range scope is a type of investment that they will never regret in their life.

If you need the best rifle scope under 1000 dollars, there are still many ideal scopes. These scopes are waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof. They are easy to use and are fitted with exceptional features that make target acquisition easy. They will serve you well for many years to come.