Are you in search of a scope to reach targets at 500 to 1000 yards accurately? You have come to the right place. This post shines a light on the best scopes for 500 to 1000 yards that will take your long-range shooting experience to the next level and make those precise shots count.
Hitting targets in this category calls for skill, knowledge, and the right gear. Selecting a suitable scope gives you an edge over the target and makes you the deadliest predator around.
Selecting the right scope is, however easier said than done. There is a litany of models available, and you can’t afford to choose the wrong one as it can impede your success. That’s why we have a collection of the best models that will be pivotal whether you are a hunter, competitive shooter, or simply eager to extend your long-range capabilities. Let’s have a look:
1) Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56mm Riflescope
Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56mm riflescope tops our review of the best scopes for 500 to 1000 yards. The riflescope is designed to be weatherproof and shockproof, which is ideal for use in extreme conditions without wavering.
The outer lenses are treated with Armortek to guard against oil and scratches. The Strike Eagle has a locking mechanism to deter unwanted adjustments and provide easy, fast, and accurate adjustments for windage and elevation.
Another highlight of Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56mm is the throw lever that facilitates easy adjusting of the magnification from 5-25x depending on the shooting arena.
Target acquisition has never been easier. Thanks to the fast-focusing mechanism of the Strike Eagle 5-25x56mm, the reticle is always in sharp focus, increasing the target acquisition speed.
The lens system is fully multicoated to amplify light-gathering power for insanely sharp and bright images. Extra-low dispersion glass boosts resolution and color fidelity for stunning images.
There is an adjustment found on the left side of the turret housing, and is responsible for providing optimal image focus and parallax elimination.
Features
- Nitrogen gas purging and o-ring seals for weatherproofing
- Rugged design for robustness and shockproofing
- A throw lever for instant power adjustments
- 34mm tube diameter
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Proprietary coatings on the lenses
- Protective Armortek lens coating
- 7 inches of eye relief
Pros
- Decent optical clarity
- Fantastic eye relief
- Easy to use
Cons
- Heavy
2) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm riflescope is a robust and reliable riflescope that comes with Leupold’s warranty to cover repairs or replacements. It features advanced sealing methods and internal gases on the inside for waterproof and fogproof integrity.
The VX-5HD combines a High-Definition optical system with the Twilight Max Light Management System to provide superior clarity and low-light performance.
The FireDot illuminated reticle is handy when conditions are not very bright. This implies that darkness will not stop you from continuing your favorite activity.
Another goodie is the motion sensor technology that prolongs battery life by monitoring the reticle and shutting it off when there is no movement.
Leupold VX-5HD is built with the Guard-ion coating which provides a hydrophobic quality to the lens to repel water and dirt.
Also worth noting is that the VX-5HD 3-15x44mm riflescope has the CDS-ZL2 dial that offers two revolutions for windage and elevation adjustment while eliminating any unwanted movement with the push-button ZeroLock system for a solid return to zero.
Features
- 5:1 zoom ratio
- FireDot illuminated reticle
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Guard-ion hydrophobic coating
- ZeroStop system
- 6061-T6 aluminum composition
- 7 to 3.8 inches of eye relief
Pros
- Excellent clarity and resolution
- Audible and tactile clicks
- Easy to use
- Illuminated reticle for use in dim lighting
Cons
- Battery management can be tricky on the field
3) ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 5-20x70mm Smart HD Day/Night Riflescope
Invest in the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 5-20x70mm Smart HD Day/Night and get a new vision for the future.
The riflescope is designed to meet the needs of long-range enthusiasts harboring lengthy battery life, increased eye relief, and phenomenal image quality allowing you to view the entire image free of distortion and with maximum resolution.
The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition features a crystal-clear display that can be manipulated in basic or advanced mode based on your preference. It is made with improved, intuitive menu options and controls that make maneuvering through functions in basic or advanced mode easier.
With dual Wi-Fi streaming, ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 5-20x70mm allows you to record video and stream it to your smartphone simultaneously.
This scope is equipped with an auxiliary battery that also serves as a power supply to recharge the internal Lithium-ion battery. The Proshield fully multicoated optics maximize light transmission making the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition yield super clear and bright images.
Features
- Aluminum-made exterior
- A magnification that goes as low as 5x and as high as 20x
- 30mm tube diameter
- Matte finish
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- The display can be used in basic and advanced mode
- A battery life of more than 18 hours
- Enhanced HD night vision mode
- One Shot Zero makes sighting in a breeze
Pros
- Comfortable eye relief
- Easy to use
- Clear and crisp image
Cons
- The manual doesn’t match the unit
4) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Riflescope
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm riflescope boasts a glass-etched, illuminated reticle found on the first focal plane. The illumination has ten distinct settings for sunny days or close to nighttime.
As far as construction is concerned, Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm is manufactured from aircraft-grade aluminum and topped by a hard anodized finish. The 30mm single-piece tube is sealed with o-rings and purged with argon gas to keep all elements from penetrating.
A side knob on the optic’s left side adjusts parallax from 25 yards to infinity. The XD glass is fully multi-coated with XR coatings to deliver maximumly bright images with top-notch resolution and color fidelity.
Armortek covers the outer lenses to keep off scratches, debris, oil, and water for top performance in all conditions.
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm riflescope incorporates a Precision glide erector system that makes the 5-25x zoom easy to use and adjust without producing a bunch of needless movements of the rifle when you are trying to dial it in to exact shot placement.
Another facet of the Vortex Viper Gen II 5-25x50mm is the exposed, tactical-style turrets that ensure fast, accurate, and easy-to-read windage and elevation adjustments.
Features
- Fast focus eyepiece for quick focusing of the reticle
- The housing is engineered from aircraft-grade aluminum
- RZR Zero Stop
- Multiproof for weather-tight performance and shockproofing
- Armortek-treated lenses
- XR fully multicoated lenses
- Glass-etched reticle with illumination
- Precision force spring system
- Precision glide erector system
Pros
- Flawless glass quality
- Top-notch durability
- Easy to zero
- The knobs are effortless to turn
Cons
- Slightly heavy
- Caps are not included
5) Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Riflescope
Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm riflescope is a hardened warrior of a scope that makes one of the best scopes for 500 to 1000 yards. Mounting this riflescope will awaken a beast that will make your long-range engagements a breeze.
Like it is in Leupold scopes, the Mark HD 5-25x56mm boasts the Twilight Max HD Light Management System to add extra minutes of shooting light while minimizing glare for incredible performance in various lighting conditions.
Thanks to the waterproof and fogproof features, Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm performs faultlessly even in foul weather conditions. It is punisher tested, so you can trust that it is designed to last and withstand heavy recoil.
The fast focus eyepiece makes target acquisition easy as it keeps the reticle focused while the side adjustment system helps in easy focusing of parallax.
Also included in the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm design is the high-speed power selector with an integrated throw lever to facilitate seamless magnification adjustments on the fly.
The scratch-resistant lenses are also a top feature to ensure the quality of the glass remains pristine for many years to come.
Features
- Versatile 5-25x magnification
- 56mm objective lens
- 6 to 3.8 inches of eye relief
- Includes lens shade and cover
- Precision side focus
- 35mm main tube
- Weather-tight performance
- Built from aircraft-grade aluminum
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
Pros
- Well-built
- Good ergonomics
- Superb image clarity
- Incredibly easy to operate
Cons
- High price
6) Burris Xtreme Tactical 5-25x50mm Riflescope
Burris Xtreme Tactical 5-25x50mm riflescope is designed with high-quality glass that comprises an index-matched Hi-Lume multicoating that increases light collection and reduces glare for maximum image brightness and clarity.
The first focal plane reticle is illuminated with eleven intensity settings to suit your ambient lighting environment.
Burris Xtreme Tactical 5-25x50mm riflescope boasts tactical-appropriate reticle adjustment knobs that make it easier to identify targets and make changes for windage and elevation. The knobs have a zero-click stop feature that allows an easy return to original yardage setting without counting clicks.
Burris Xtreme Tactical 5-25x50mm is nitrogen-filled and sealed on the inside for fogproofing and waterproofing. The scope will do the job even in extreme climatic conditions.
The triple internal spring-tension system enables the scope to hold zero through vibrations, shock, and recoil.
Features
- 5x zoom system
- Hi-Lume multicoated lenses
- Top-quality glass for superb clarity and longevity
- Ergonomic side focus
- Illuminated reticle with eleven brightness settings
- Fast and easy windage and elevation adjustments
- Robust one-piece outer tube
- Aircraft-grade aluminum constitution
- Sealed and nitrogen purged for reliability in adverse weather
Pros
- Highly durable
- Long-range precision
- Excellent turret tracking
Cons
- High price
7) EOTech Vudu 5-25x50mm Riflescope
EOTech Vudu 5-25x50mm riflescope features a single-piece tube crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum with a hard anodized finish for hyper durability. The rugged structure inhibits damage from recoil and rough treatment.
Nitrogen purging is another inclusion that delivers fog-free performance across varying temperatures. In addition, O-ring seals are present to inhibit penetration of moisture and dust even in foul weather.
EOTech Vudu 5-25x50mm also harbors XC high-density, low-dispersion glass that contains anti-reflective properties to optimize light transmission and deliver unsurpassed clarity.
Features
- The body is built from quality aluminum
- Advanced methods ensure waterproofing and fog proofing
- The lens has anti-reflective properties
- The illumination has a push-button control
- 34mm tube diameter
- Hard anodized finish
- Throw lever for instant power adjustments
Pros
- Top-notch optical clarity
- The elevation and windage adjustments have a precise feel
- Smooth adjustments
Criteria for Selecting the Best Scopes for 500 to 1000 Yards
Looking for the best scopes for 500 to 1000 yards is not easy. We have shortlisted some factors that will go a long way in helping you make a wise buying decision. They include:
Durability
The first element to look at is durability. The best scopes for 500 to 1000 yards should be crafted from robust materials to allow you to use the scope without any issues. Most scopes are made from aircraft-grade aluminum that is rigid and long-lasting.
They also include other inclusions to boost durability, such as being waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. These features enable the scope to survive harsh conditions without compromising performance.
Lens Quality
This is the next essential factor that affects magnification and magnification levels. The wrong lens type can lead to severe eye strain, which is hazardous. Look for fully multicoated lenses that maximize performance regardless of the condition. They should also be antireflective and scratch-resistant for optimal durability and performance.
Windage and Elevation Adjustments.
Pay attention to the adjustments for windage and elevation, as larger ranges for windage and elevation are needed to get an accurate shot. Windage and elevation turrets are pertinent as they help you remain on the go no matter the situation you are in. Grab a scope that provides quick and accurate adjustments.
Eye Relief
The last thing you want is a black eye while shooting, so ensure that your scope has adequate eye relief. Eye relief offers your eye and brow protection from the gun’s recoil and impact.
Reticle
The best scopes for 500 to 1000 yards should have a reticle that is easy to understand. It should also support easy adjustments. Bear in mind that reticles often take time to discern, so put in the time to allow yourself to get accustomed to it.
Light Transmission
Ensure you pick a scope with a feature that promotes decent light transmission or a wide objective lens. The scope should support optimal light gathering to help focus clearly on the target regardless of the lighting situation.
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Best Scopes for 500 to 1000 Yards FAQs
Q: What Magnification Is Needed For 500 Yards?
The best magnification when shooting at 500 yards should be about 10-12x. You won’t need that much magnification when shooting less than this mark. In such a case, a scope with 3-9x will suffice.
Q: How Far Can A 25x Scope Shoot?
A 25x magnification is adequate for hitting targets beyond 1000 yards. The bigger the zoom range, the more light penetration the scope allows, thus enabling the shooter to aim well.
Q: Can A High-Power Scope Compensate for The Shooter’s Lack of Skill?
No. A high-power scope doesn’t compensate for the lack of skill of a shooter. It improves the shooter’s ability to see and aim at long-range targets but doesn’t replace fundamental shooting skills like breath control, stance, and trigger control. You need to develop good marksmanship skills such as understanding ballistics, consistent technique, and practicing correct aiming for success when shooting at long ranges.
Conclusion
Finding the best scopes for 500 to 1000 yards is a paramount decision for marksmen and long-range enthusiasts. Although individual needs, preferences, and shooting conditions determine the ultimate decision, the scopes illustrated here have proven themselves in this challenging pursuit. The right scope impacts how you hit targets at extended ranges, so choose wisely.