Sportsman

The Ultimate Guide to Best Rifle Scopes Under $1000.

Buying a rifle scope can be confusing, but this guide will help you make the right decision. We'll discuss the different types of rifle scopes, the features to look for, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

Before choosing a rifle scope, it is important to consider your needs and budget. It is also important to read reviews and compare different sizes before deciding.

Best Rifle Scopes

Rifle scopes are an essential tool for hunters and target shooters. They help you to see your target clearly and accurately, even at long distances. Many factors exist when choosing a rifle scope, such as magnification, objective lens size, reticle, eye relief, and construction.

This blog post will discuss the best rifle scopes on the market. We will consider all the factors mentioned above and recommend scopes for specific types of shooting, such as hunting, target shooting, and long-range shooting.

What are the different types of rifle scopes?

Fixed-power scopes Image Credit: https://byrna. com Fixed-power scopes have a single magnification setting. These scopes are typically less expensive than variable-power scopes and are a good option for shooters who do not need a lot of magnification.

Variable-power scopes Image Credit: https://byrna. com Variable-power scopes have a range of magnification settings. These scopes are more expensive than fixed-power scopes, but they offer more flexibility for shooters who need to adjust their magnification depending on the shooting conditions.

Some of the most common types of rifle scopes

Hunting scopes Image Credit: https://byrna. com Hunting scopes are designed for hunting game animals. They typically have a magnification range of 3-9x or 4-12x and a large objective lens diameter for good light transmission.

Target shooting scopes Image Credit: https://byrna. com Target shooting scopes are designed for target shooting. These scopes typically have a higher magnification range than hunting ones and may have features such as illuminated reticles, windage, and elevation turrets.

Long-range scopes Image Credit: https://byrna. com Long-range scopes are designed for shooting at long distances. They typically have a magnification range of 10x or higher and a large objective lens diameter for good light transmission.

Tactical scopes Image Credit: https://byrna. com Tactical scopes are designed for law enforcement and military applications. They typically have features such as illuminated reticles and night vision compatibility.

Things to know when choosing a rifle scope

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a rifle scope:

  • Magnification: The magnification of the scope determines how much it zooms in. A higher magnification is better for long-range shooting but also reduces the field of view.
  • Objective lens size: The objective lens size determines how much light the scope can gather. A larger objective lens is better for low-light shooting.
  • Reticle: The reticle is the scope's crosshairs or other aiming marks. Many types of reticles are available, so choosing one you are comfortable with is important.
  • Eye relief: Eye relief means the distance between the eye and the scope's eyepiece. It is important to ensure that the eye relief is long enough to see the entire image comfortably without your eye getting too close to the scope.
  • Construction: The construction of a scope refers to the materials used and the quality of the workmanship. A well-made scope will be durable and will last for many years.
  • Your rifle: The first thing you need to do is consider the type of rifle you have. Different rifles require different scopes. For example, a bolt-action rifle will need a different scope than an AR-15.
  • Your shooting style: How do you like to shoot? Do you prefer to shoot long-range or short-range? Do you need a scope that is good for both?
  • Your budget: Rifle scopes can range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Setting a budget before shopping is important so you spend your money wisely.

What are some of the best-budget rifle scopes in the market?

Here are some rifle scopes under $1000:

Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm Riflescope

Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm Riflescope The Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm Riflescope is a great option for hunters, target shooters, and long-range shooters looking for a high-quality scope at a reasonable price. It is well-made, has a wide magnification range, and provides clear and bright images. It is also waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, making it a good choice for harsh conditions.

Specification:

  • Magnification: 3-15x
  • Objective lens diameter: 44mm
  • Eye relief: 3.5-4.5 inches
  • Field of view: 12.6-3.5 feet at 100 yards
  • Exit pupil: 14.6-2.9mm
  • Length: 12.2 inches
  • Weight: 14.2 ounces
  • Tube diameter: 30mm
  • Reticle: EBR-7C (MOA)
  • Turrets: Exposed, capped
  • Adjustment range: 100 MOA (windage), 75 MOA (elevation)

Pros

  • Image High-quality construction
  • Image Clear and bright images
  • Image Wide magnification range
  • Image First focal plane reticle
  • Image Exposed turrets with positive clicks
  • Image Zero stop feature
  • Image Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
  • Image Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Image It can be a bit heavy for some shooters
  • Image Pricey

Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40 CDS-ZL Wind-Plex MOA

Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40 CDS-ZL Wind-Plex MOA The Leupold VX-3 HD 4.5-14x40 CDS-ZL Wind-Plex MOA is a great option for hunters looking for a high-quality scope with a wide magnification range and excellent optical performance. It is also a good choice for target shooters looking for a scope that can be used in low-light conditions.

Signification:

  • Magnification: 4.5-14x
  • Objective lens diameter: 40mm
  • Eye relief: 3.6-4.4 inches
  • Field of view: 19.9-7.4 feet at 100 yards
  • Exit pupil: 8.9-2.8mm
  • Length: 12.69 inches
  • Weight: 16 ounces
  • Tube diameter: 30mm
  • Reticle: Wind-Plex MOA
  • Turrets: Exposed, capped
  • Adjustment range: 75 MOA (windage), 75 MOA (elevation)

Pros

  • Image Excellent optical clarity and brightness
  • Image Lightweight and compact design
  • Image Durable construction
  • Image Wide magnification range
  • Image Adjustable objective focus
  • Image Wind-Plex reticle for easy windage compensation
  • Image Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
  • Image Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Image It can be a bit pricey
  • Image Turrets can be difficult to turn

Nightforce SHV 3-10x42mm .250 MOA Illuminated MOAR Riflescope C610

Nightforce SHV 3-10x42mm .250 MOA Illuminated MOAR Riflescope C610 The Nightforce SHV 3-10x42mm .250 MOA Illuminated MOAR Riflescope C610 is a great option for hunters and target shooters looking for a high-quality scope with a wide magnification range and excellent optical performance. It is also a good choice for long-range shooting.

Specifications

  • Magnification range: 3-10x
  • Objective lens diameter: 42mm
  • Eye relief: 3.3-4.0 inches
  • Field of view: 28.8-5.9 feet at 100 yards
  • Exit pupil: 13.8-4.2mm
  • Length: 12.2 inches
  • Weight: 14.4 ounces
  • Tube diameter: 30mm
  • Reticle: MOAR (MOA)
  • Turrets: Exposed, capped
  • Adjustment range: 100 MOA (windage), 100 MOA (elevation)

Pros

  • Image Excellent optical clarity and brightness
  • Image Lightweight and compact design
  • Image Durable construction
  • Image Wide magnification range
  • Image Adjustable objective focus
  • Image Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
  • Image Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Image Expensive
  • Image Less eye relief

Athlon Ares BTR 2.5-15x50mm Riflescope

Athlon Ares BTR 2.5-15x50mm Riflescope The Athlon Ares BTR 2.5-15x50mm Riflescope is a great option for hunters and target shooters looking for a high-quality scope with a wide magnification range and excellent optical performance. It is also a good choice for long-range shooting.

Specifications

  • Magnification: 2.5-15x
  • Objective lens diameter: 50mm
  • Eye relief: 3.5-4.5 inches
  • Field of view: 12.6-3.5 feet at 100 yards
  • Exit pupil: 14.6-2.9mm
  • Length: 12.2 inches
  • Weight: 14.2 ounces
  • Tube diameter: 30mm
  • Reticle: BTR-2 MOA

Pros

  • Image Bright and clear images
  • Image Excellent optical performance
  • Image Durable construction
  • Image Wide magnification range
  • Image Exposed turrets for easy adjustments
  • Image Zero stop for quick and easy return to zero
  • Image Affordable
  • Image Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
  • Image Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Image It can be a bit heavy
  • Image Turrets can be difficult to turn

Burris XTR II 5-25x50 Illuminated SCR Riflescope

Burris XTR II 5-25x50 Illuminated SCR Riflescope The Burris XTR II 5-25x50 Illuminated SCR Riflescope is well-suited for long-range shooting. It has a wide magnification range, a bright and clear image, and a precise reticle. The illuminated reticle is also helpful in low-light conditions.

Specifications

  • Magnification: 5-25x
  • Objective lens diameter: 50mm
  • Eye relief: 3.7-4.4 inches
  • Field of view: 13.8-3.7 feet at 100 yards
  • Exit pupil: 10-2.0mm
  • Length: 14 inches
  • Weight: 24 ounces
  • Tube diameter: 30mm
  • Reticle: SCR Mil

Pros

  • Image High-quality construction
  • Image Excellent optical performance
  • Image Wide magnification range
  • Image First focal plane (FFP) reticle
  • Image Illuminated reticle
  • Image Exposed turrets with precise clicks
  • Image Zero stop feature
  • Image Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
  • Image Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Image It can be a bit pricey

Conclusion

Top rifle scopes under $1000. The scopes we discussed above are all high-quality and offer excellent performance. However, your best scope will depend on your specific needs and budget.

If you are a beginner, consider a less expensive scope with a lower magnification range. As you gain experience, you can upgrade to a more expensive scope with a higher magnification range and more features.

No matter your needs, there is a rifle scope out there that is perfect for you. Do your research and choose a scope to help you reach your shooting goals.

Here are some additional tips for choosing a rifle scope:

  • Consider your budget
  • Think about your needs
  • Read reviews