Best Rifle Scopes Under 1000$: Your Complete Buying Guide 2023

Within the past decade, the world of modern rifle scopes has experienced a revolutionary transformation, surpassing all expectations regarding functionality and quality. Technological advancements have enabled even budget-priced scopes to outperform high-end scopes from just ten years ago.

Today’s rifle scopes boast exceptional optics, superior base housing materials, and groundbreaking engineering that was unimaginable in the past. This article will delve into the best rifle scopes under 1000$ that cater to specific needs and are renowned for their premium quality and pricing. Whether you’re a professional shooter or an avid hunter seeking a top-notch glass sight, these products are worth considering.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll unveil my top recommendations for rifle scopes that deliver outstanding performance without breaking the bank. Moreover, I’ll assist you in prioritizing essential features to ensure you find the perfect scope that suits your hunting requirements. Rest assured; you don’t need to spend a fortune to acquire a reliable and accurate scope for your rifle.

1. Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24×50 SFP Riflescope

The Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24×50 is a remarkable SFP (Second Focal Plane) riflescope designed for long-range shooting and tactical applications. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of shooting scenarios. With outstanding optics and a precise reticle, the Viper HS-T delivers crisp and clear sight pictures. The SFP reticle allows for accurate holdovers and windage corrections.

The scope features a single-piece tube construction, enhancing its durability and alignment. The fully multi-coated lenses maximize light transmission, ensuring optimal clarity in various lighting conditions. The exposed target-style turrets enable quick and precise adjustments, providing shooters with the confidence to dial in shots effortlessly.

The Viper HS-T has a side focus system, allowing for rapid parallax correction and improved target acquisition. The fast-focus eyepiece enables quick and easy reticle focusing, ensuring shooters can acquire targets swiftly.

Crafted to endure demanding conditions, the Viper HS-T boasts O-ring sealing and nitrogen purging, ensuring waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof performance. With a range of reticle choices, the Viper HS-T caters to diverse preferences. Operating as a second focal plane scope, the reticle retains a consistent size irrespective of magnification, enhancing accuracy for holdovers and ranging.

Key Features

• Magnification: 6-24x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
• Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle
• Turret Style: Exposed target-style
• Eye Relief: 4 inches
• Weight: 22.6 ounces
• Elevation Adjustment: 65 MOA
• Windage Adjustment: 65 MOA

Pros

• Excellent optical clarity
• Illuminated reticle for low-light shooting
• Precision-force spring system for easy adjustments
• Sturdy and durable construction

Cons

• Slightly heavy for some users
• May experience slight parallax issues at higher magnifications

My Feeling After Using the Product

Having used the Vortex Optics Viper HS-T, it exceeded my expectations. The image clarity and resolution are remarkable, and the exposed turrets provide smooth and audible clicks for effortless adjustments. Whether I was engaging targets at long distances or shooting in low-light conditions, this scope delivered exceptional performance without compromise.

2. Vortex Optics Viper HS LR SFP Riflescopes

The Vortex Optics Viper 4-16X50 HS Long Range is a highly versatile scope for extended shooting distances and high-level precision. The scope boasts exceptional optics and a user-friendly reticle, making it a favorite among long-range shooting enthusiasts.

Constructed with a 30mm tube, the Viper 4-16X50 HS features XD lens elements for enhanced resolution and color fidelity. The fully multi-coated lenses offer superior light transmission. With its target-style turrets, the scope allows for quick and precise adjustments, ensuring shooters can quickly correct for windage and elevation.

The side focus system enables rapid parallax adjustment, delivering a clear and focused sight picture at various distances. The fast-focus eyepiece further enhances target acquisition speed and reticle clarity. Built tough to endure demanding conditions, the Viper 4-16X50 HS is O-ring sealed and argon purged, ensuring it remains fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof.

The Viper 4-16X50 HS offers a variety of reticle options to cater to different shooting styles. As a second focal plane scope, the reticle maintains a consistent size regardless of magnification, facilitating holdovers and range estimation.

Key Features

• Magnification: 4-16x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
• XD Lens Elements for sharp images
• EBR-1 MOA Reticle
• Eye Relief: 4 inches
• Weight: 22.7 ounces
• Elevation Adjustment: 75 MOA
• Windage Adjustment: 75 MOA

Pros

• Robust and shockproof construction
• Crisp and clear sight picture
• Long eye relief for comfortable shooting
• Fast focus eyepiece for quick target acquisition

Cons

• Some users may find the reticle design a bit busy
• Limited elevation adjustment range for extreme long-range shooting

My Feeling After Using the Product

The Vortex Optics Viper 4-16X50 HS Long Range is a versatile and reliable companion for long-range shooting. The clear glass and precise adjustments helped me consistently hit targets at extended distances. The reticle design was intuitive and aided in quick holdovers, and the eye relief provided comfortable shooting even with high-recoil rifles.

3. Bushnell Engage 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope

The Bushnell Engage 4-16×44 is a versatile scope designed for hunting and target shooting, offering exceptional performance across various shooting disciplines. The Engage 4-16×44 boasts quality optics and a precise reticle, delivering a clear and sharp sight picture.

Constructed with a durable one-piece tube, the scope features fully multi-coated lenses for optimal light transmission. The exposed target-style turrets allow quick and precise adjustments, enhancing shooting accuracy. With a side focus system, the scope enables effortless parallax correction, ensuring crisp target images. The fast-focus eyepiece ensures quick and easy reticle focusing, which is crucial for rapid target acquisition.

Built to withstand rugged conditions, the Engage 4-16×44 is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, providing reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance. The scope offers various reticle options, and as a second focal plane scope, the reticle remains constant in size, enabling precise holdovers and ranging.

Key Features

• Magnification: 4-16x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 44mm
• EXO Barrier coating for fog and water resistance
• Deploy MOA reticle
• Eye Relief: 3.6 inches
• Weight: 19.6 ounces
• Elevation Adjustment: 50 MOA
• Windage Adjustment: 50 MOA

Pros

• Lightweight and compact design
• Sound light transmission for low-light conditions
• Toolless zero-reset turrets
• Budget-friendly without compromising on quality

Cons

• Limited maximum elevation adjustment
• Eye relief may not be sufficient for heavy recoil rifles

My Feeling After Using the Product

Having spent numerous hunting seasons with the Bushnell Engage 4-16×44, I can attest to its performance and reliability. The Deploy MOA reticle simplified the holdover calculations during hunts, allowing me to take accurate shots at varying distances. The scope’s construction felt solid, and the adjustments were consistent and precise, making it a fantastic choice for hunters and shooting enthusiasts.

4. Sig Sauer Tango4 Rifle Scope

The Sig Sauer TANGO4 6-24×50 is a premium riflescope for precision shooting and long-range engagements. Its impressive magnification range makes it suitable for professional sharpshooters and shooters seeking unparalleled performance.

At the core of the TANGO4 6-24×50 lies a high-quality optical system, delivering superior light transmission and image clarity. The scope features an illuminated MRAD milling reticle, offering quick holdovers and ranging capabilities. The robust 30mm tube construction of the TANGO4 6-24×50 ensures durability and stability during heavy use. The optics are treated with advanced coatings, ensuring excellent light transmission and image fidelity.

Equipped with tactical target-style turrets, the TANGO4 6-24×50 allows for precise and repeatable adjustments for elevation and windage. The turrets provide tactile and audible feedback, facilitating easy adjustments in the field. The side focus system on the TANGO4 6-24×50 enables parallax adjustment, ensuring sharp focus at varying distances. This feature enhances accuracy, particularly during long-range shooting.

The fast-focus eyepiece allows shooters to focus quickly on the reticle, enabling rapid target acquisition and effortless reticle adjustment. Constructed with rugged materials, the TANGO4 6-24×50 is built to withstand challenging conditions and is O-ring sealed and argon-purged for fog-proof and waterproof performance.

The TANGO4 6-24×50 has an illuminated MRAD milling reticle, ideal for precise holds and range. With its Second Focal Plane design, the reticle maintains its size relative to the target at any magnification level, ensuring accurate measurements throughout the zoom range.

Key Features

• Magnification: 6-24x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
• Illuminated MRAD milling reticle
• Motion-Activated Illumination (MOTAC)
• Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
• Weight: 33.6 ounces
• Elevation Adjustment: 70 MOA
• Windage Adjustment: 70 MOA

Pros

• High-quality glass for excellent clarity
• LockDown Zero System for repeatable returns to zero
• Dependable and rugged construction
• Intuitive reticle design for ranging and holdovers

Cons

• Slightly on the higher end of the price range
• Some users may prefer a first focal plane reticle

My Feeling After Using the Product

The Sig Sauer TANGO4 6-24×50 is a superb optic for precision shooting and long-range engagements. The illuminated reticle was especially handy during low-light conditions and aided in quickly acquiring targets. The glass clarity was exceptional, and the scope’s overall performance left a lasting impression on me.

5. Leupold VX-3i LRP 4.5-14x50mm Rifle Scope

The Leupold VX-3i LRP is a top-tier offering from Leupold, known for its excellent optics and ruggedness. It is built to withstand the harshest conditions while delivering outstanding optical performance.

The VX-3i LRP features a front focal plane (FFP) reticle, meaning the reticle size adjusts with magnification changes. This allows for precise holdovers and ranges at any magnification level. The Twilight Max, Light Management System enhances light transmission, creating a bright and clear picture of sight during low-light conditions.

Constructed with a 30mm tube, the VX-3i LRP offers exceptional durability and strength. The lenses are fully multi-coated to maximize light transmission and provide high-quality images. The scope is equipped with target-style turrets that offer precise and audible adjustments for elevation and windage. The ZeroLock feature ensures the turrets remain locked at zero, providing confidence in repeatable adjustments.

To eliminate parallax error and achieve sharp focus at different distances, the VX-3i LRP comes with a side focus system. This feature is precious in long-range shooting scenarios where parallax can impact accuracy. The fast-focus eyepiece enables swift and effortless reticle focusing, allowing shooters to acquire targets rapidly. This feature proves beneficial during dynamic shooting situations or when switching targets quickly.

The VX-3i LRP is designed to withstand harsh environments and challenging weather conditions. It is O-ring sealed and filled with argon and krypton gas to ensure fog-proof and waterproof performance. The scope offers a variety of reticle options suitable for different shooting preferences. With its front focal plane reticle, the VX-3i LRP maintains accurate suspensions at all magnification levels, making it an excellent choice for precision shooters.

Key Features

• Magnification: 4.5-14x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
• Twilight Max Light Management System
• Front focal plane (FFP) reticle
• Eye Relief: 3.6 inches
• Weight: 20.3 ounces
• Elevation Adjustment: 70 MOA
• Windage Adjustment: 70 MOA

Pros

• Top-notch light transmission for extended shooting hours
• Versatile and user-friendly design
• Mil-based reticle for precise shots
• Outstanding durability and weather resistance

Cons

• It may be relatively heavier compared to other scopes in this category
• Eye relief may be limited at higher magnifications

My Feeling After Using the Product

The Leupold VX-3i LRP lived up to its reputation as a premium long-range optic. The optical clarity was outstanding, and the FFP reticle allowed me to make quick adjustments without changing magnification levels. The scope’s turret feel was excellent, and it maintained its zero flawlessly throughout various shooting sessions.

6. Trijicon Credo HX 2.5-10×56 Rifle Scope

The Trijicon Credo HX 2.5-10×56 is a versatile scope for low-light hunting and close-to-medium-range engagements. It combines excellent light transmission with rugged construction to meet the demands of avid hunters.

The Credo HX 2.5-10×56 features an illuminated Segmented Circle/MOA Crosshair reticle, providing fast target acquisition in low-light conditions. The scope’s broadband anti-reflective coatings ensure edge-to-edge clarity and maximum brightness. Its shockproof design and durable construction make it suitable for use in the field.

Constructed with a durable tube, the Credo HX 2.5-10×56 offers enhanced durability and protection against harsh elements. The lenses are fully multi-coated, guaranteeing optimal light transmission and exceptional image quality. The scope is equipped with easy-to-use turrets that allow precise and audible adjustments for elevation and windage. The tactical design of the turrets ensures quick and reliable adjustments on the fly.

The side focus system on the Credo HX 2.5-10×56 eliminates parallax error and provides precise focus at various distances, enhancing shooting accuracy in diverse hunting situations. The fast-focus eyepiece lets shooters quickly and efficiently focus the reticle, ensuring rapid target acquisition and smooth shooting experiences.

The Trijicon Credo HX 2.5-10×56 is built to withstand harsh field conditions and is shockproof and waterproof, offering consistent performance even in challenging weather.

The illuminated Segmented Circle/MOA Crosshair reticle provides quick target acquisition and versatility for various hunting scenarios. With its second focal plane design, the reticle remains the same size relative to the target at all magnification levels, allowing for rapid target engagement.

Key Features

• Magnification: 2.5-10x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 56mm
• Illuminated Segmented Circle/MOA Crosshair
• Edge-to-edge clarity with broadband anti-reflective coatings
• Eye Relief: 4 inches
• Weight: 25.1 ounces
• Elevation Adjustment: 110 MOA
• Windage Adjustment: 110 MOA

Pros

• Bright and clear sight picture even in low-light conditions
• Intuitive illuminated reticle for quick target acquisition
• Shockproof and rugged construction
• Generous eye relief for comfortable shooting

Cons

• Limited magnification range for extreme long-range shooting
• Slightly bulky compared to other scopes in its class

My Feeling After Using the Product

The Trijicon Credo HX 2.5-10×56 impressed me with its low-light capabilities. The illuminated reticle was clear and sharp, allowing for precise aiming in low-light conditions. The scope’s overall build quality instilled confidence, and its compact design added minimal weight to the rifle, making it an excellent option for hunters seeking an optic optimized for low-light shooting.

7. Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x50mm Riflescope

The Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×50 scope offers versatility across different shooting applications, from hunting to tactical scenarios. Boasting Leupold’s renowned quality, it incorporates the Twilight Max Light Management System for superior light transmission. With its Duplex reticle, sporting a straightforward and intuitive design, it caters to shooters fond of a classic crosshair pattern.

Constructed with a rugged one-inch main tube, the VX-3HD 3.5-10×50 offers exceptional durability and is lightweight for easy handling. The lenses are fully multi-coated to deliver maximum brightness and clarity, ensuring a clear sight picture.

The scope is designed with finger-click adjustments that provide precise and repeatable turret adjustments for elevation and windage. The tactile feel and audible clicks make it easy to adjust on the fly. The side focus system on the VX-3HD 3.5-10×50 eliminates parallax and ensures sharp focus at various distances, enhancing shooting accuracy.

The fast-focus eyepiece allows rapid reticle focusing, enabling quick target acquisition and seamless adjustments. Built to withstand the rigors of the field, the VX-3HD 3.5-10×50 is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. It is nitrogen-filled to prevent internal fogging and maintain reliable performance in adverse weather conditions.

The VX-3HD 3.5-10×50 offers various reticle options to cater to different shooting preferences. With its second focal plane design, the reticle size remains constant throughout the magnification range, ensuring consistent aiming points.

Key Features

• Magnification: 3.5-10x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
• Twilight Light Management System
• Duplex reticle
• Eye Relief: 3.6 inches
• Weight: 14.6 ounces
• Elevation Adjustment: 56 MOA
• Windage Adjustment: 56 MOA

Pros

• Excellent light transmission for enhanced visibility
• Easy-to-use and precise adjustments
• Compact and lightweight design
• Leupold’s legendary ruggedness and reliability

Cons

• Some users may prefer a more complex reticle design
• Limited maximum magnification for long-distance shooting

My Feeling After Using the Product

The Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×50 was a dependable and versatile scope for various shooting situations. The optical clarity and the Twilight Light Management System enhanced low-light visibility. The scope’s straightforward design made it easy to use, and the turrets provided audible and tactile clicks, simplifying adjustments in the field.

8. Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16×44 Rifle Scope

The Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16X44 stands as a top-tier riflescope celebrated for its outstanding optical prowess and durable build. Equipped with Zeiss T* coatings, it excels in light transmission and reduces image aberrations. Enhanced for precision across distances, the ZMOA-1 reticle is a standout feature. Complemented by an external elevation turret for swift adjustments, the scope’s rugged construction guarantees resilience even in challenging conditions.

Built with a one-inch main tube, the Conquest V4 4-16X44 offers durability and reliability. The lenses are fully multi-coated to deliver outstanding light transmission, guaranteeing excellent clarity and brightness. The scope has target-style turrets for elevation and windage, offering precise and repeatable adjustments. The turrets are tactile and audible, making it easy to dial in shots accurately.

The side focus system on the Conquest V4 4-16X44 enables parallax adjustment, ensuring sharp focus and precise aiming at various distances. The fast-focus eyepiece lets shooters focus quickly on the reticle, ensuring rapid target acquisition and precise shot placement.

The Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16X44 is constructed with rugged materials to withstand harsh conditions. It is nitrogen-filled to be fog-proof and offers reliable performance even in challenging weather. The Conquest V4 4-16X44 is available with the ZMOA-1 reticle, designed for precise holdovers and ranging. With its second focal plane design, the reticle maintains its size relative to the target at any magnification level, providing accurate measurements and aiming points.

Key Features

• Magnification: 4-16x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 44mm
• ZMOA-1 reticle
• Zeiss T* coating for bright and high-contrast images
• Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
• Weight: 17.1 ounces
• Elevation Adjustment: 100 MOA
• Windage Adjustment: 100 MOA

Pros

• Superb image clarity and color rendition
• Robust and durable construction
• External elevation turret for quick adjustments
• Precise and repeatable tracking

Cons

• Slightly higher price compared to other options
• Eye relief may be insufficient for heavy-recoiling rifles

My Feeling After Using the Product

The Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16X44 exceeded my expectations with its optical performance and reliable construction. The glass clarity was exceptional, and the ZMOA-1 reticle allowed quick holds and adjustments. The scope’s overall design and ergonomics made it a pleasure to use during various shooting activities.

9. Athlon Optics Ares ETR 3-18×50 FFP Rifle Scopes

The Athlon Ares 3-18×50 stands as a high-performance riflescope renowned for its remarkable accuracy and adaptability across diverse shooting scenarios. Sporting premium HD glass, it guarantees sharp, clear, and high-contrast visuals. Notably, the first focal plane APRS3 MIL reticle offers precise ranging, windage, and holdover adjustments at all magnification levels.

Built with a durable 30mm main tube, the Ares 3-18×50 is constructed to withstand rugged use. The lenses are fully multi-coated with XPL coating for enhanced light transmission and protection against scratches, oil, and dirt.

The scope boasts exposed tactical-style turrets with audible and tactile clicks, enabling precise and repeatable adjustments. The Ares 3-18×50 features a zero-stop mechanism, allowing shooters to return to their zero settings quickly.

Equipped with a side focus parallax adjustment, the Ares 3-18×50 eliminates parallax error, ensuring the reticle remains on target at varying distances. The fast-focus eyepiece enables rapid reticle focusing, ensuring shooters can quickly acquire targets and adjust without delay.

The Athlon Ares 3-18×50 is built to withstand harsh conditions with a robust, shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof design. The argon-purged tube prevents internal fogging, ensuring consistent performance in all weather conditions.

The first focal plane APRS3 MIL reticle offers precise holdover and ranging capabilities, making it an ideal choice for long-range shooting and precision applications. With its first focal plane design, the reticle size changes proportionally to the magnification, providing accurate measurements and aiming points.

Key Features

• Magnification: 3-18x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
• APLR3 first focal plane MIL reticle
• Advanced Fully Multi-Coated lenses
• Eye Relief: 3.7 inches
• Weight: 32.4 ounces
• Elevation Adjustment: 25 MIL
• Windage Adjustment: 25 MIL

Pros

• Versatile magnification range for various shooting scenarios
• High-quality optics for sharp and vivid images
• Argon purged for enhanced thermal stability
• Good turret feel with audible and tactile clicks

Cons

• May experience minor chromatic aberration at extreme magnifications
• Some users may prefer a different reticle design

My Feeling After Using the Product

The Athlon Ares 3-18×50 impressed me with its versatility and optical performance. The scope’s wide magnification range made it suitable for various shooting scenarios, and the fully multi-coated lenses provided excellent light transmission. The MIL reticle allowed for precise adjustments, and the scope’s overall build quality instilled confidence in its durability.

Buying Guide – Best Rifle Scopes under $1000

Before making your final decision, consider the following factors:

• Magnification & Objective Lens: Determine the magnification range and objective lens size that suits your shooting needs.
• Parallax Correction: Look for scopes with parallax adjustment to ensure a clear and crisp reticle image.
• Ballistic Turrets: Tactical or exposed turrets allow for precise adjustments in the field.
• Illumination: An illuminated reticle can be beneficial for low-light shooting conditions.
• Size, Weight, and Use: Consider the weight and size of the scope, especially if you’ll be carrying it over long distances.
• Durability: Opt for scopes with shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof features for rugged use.
• Eye Relief & Eye Box: Sufficient eye relief is essential, especially for high-recoil rifles.
• Glass Quality and Reticle: High-quality glass ensures a clear sight picture, and the reticle should match your shooting preferences.
• Elevation & Windage Knobs: Easy-to-use and precise adjustment knobs are crucial for accurate shooting.
• Weather Proofness: Ensure the scope can withstand different weather conditions.
• Budget, Price, and Warranty: Compare the features and price to get the best value for your money, and check for a reliable warranty.

FAQs-Best Rifle Scopes under 1000

What is a good scope magnification for 1000 yards?

A good scope magnification for 1000 yards would be around 16x to 24x. This range provides the necessary clarity and zoom level for precise shots at long distances.

What is a good cheap long-range rifle scope?

The Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24×50 SFP Riflescope and the Vortex Optics Viper 4-16X50 HS Long Range are excellent options for budget-friendly long-range rifle scopes without compromising quality.

What rifle scope do Navy Seals use?

The Navy Seals use a variety of rifle scopes from reputable brands like Trijicon, Nightforce, and Leupold, chosen based on mission requirements and individual preferences.

What is the easiest rifle scope to use?

Scopes with simple and intuitive reticle designs, like the Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×50 with its Duplex reticle, are often considered the easiest to use, especially for beginners.

Conclusion

Investing in a high-quality rifle scope under $1000 can significantly improve your shooting experience. Each scopes mentioned above offers unique features and benefits, catering to different shooting styles and preferences. Remember to assess your needs, shooting scenarios, and budget before deciding.

Related Guides:

• Best Rifle Scopes Under $300
• Best Rifle Scopes Under $100