If you’re not ready to mortgage your house for a second time or trade-in your favorite child to land the most prestigious rifle scope in the world, then settle in this price range.
You will never go wrong or be unhappy with a scope you’ve thoroughly researched when you’re spending up to 1000 bucks.
Here’s what high-end looks like in the $500-$1000 price range.
Best Hunting Rifle Scopes Less Than $1000
To cheap folks like me this price range may seem a little high to consider but in all reality, this is the price bracket for throwing in a few bells and whistles that will really get you excited.
And, perhaps surprising news to you, a lot of other hunters happily spend in this kind of money to get a quality, high-functioning, and good-lookin’ scope.
Arguably, this is the price range where excellent scopes are born and you probably won’t need to spend more than this, ever. If you’re looking for specific features that can really up your hunting game and improve your marksmanship skills, then there’s definitely a scope in this price category that can do it for you.
For long range hunters, faithful BDC users, and shooters looking for precise accuracy, this is the price range you want to budget for to get the best scopes.
We took into account quality glass, the availability of different types of reticles, and all the extra trappings – from parallax adjustments, reset zero features, to turret usability to get the top 3.
| Product | Magnification/ Objective Lens | Reticle | Eye Relief/ Exit Pupil | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Vortex Optics Viper PST 6-24X50 FFP | 6-24X 50mm | EBR-1 MOA | 4 inches/ 2.08–8.33mm | View on Amazon |
 | Meopta MeoPro 4.5-14X44 HTR | 4.5-14X 44mm | BDC, ZPlex, German #4, McWhorter HV | 3.54 inches/ 9.7–3.14mm | View on Amazon |
 | Vortex Optics Viper 4-16X50 HS Long Range | 4-16X 50mm | Dead-Hold BDC | 4 inches/ 3.12–12.5mm | View on Amazon |
Top 3 Best Rifle Scopes Under $1000
Vortex Optics Viper PST 6-24X50 FFP
This Vortex Viper PST has everything going for it. There’s no denying that you’re getting unbelievable value for this rifle scope. If you don’t believe us, just check it out, we’ve got a lot more to say on it in the full review.
But, to throw you a bone, the Viper PST literally has it all. We’re talking about taking illuminated reticles to a whole new level with ten settings, the reticle is glass-etched, and it’s in the first focal plane too! Beyond the ballistic reticle, you have an incredible long ranging distance, excellent low light capabilities, and full weatherproof-ability.
Vortex is yet to fail us dutiful and fanatic hunters, and if the day comes when they do, their VIP warranty is worth more than gold! Well, not really, but you get the picture.
Meopta MeoPro 4.5-14X44 HTR
The Meopta MeoPro 4.5-14X44 HTR is a star in its own right. This specific model took second place and booted out all other candidates with its versatile use in the Hunt, a Tactical scenario, and at the Range (HTR).
It also has the intuitive MeoTrak TRZ Target turrets that has everything you want in a set of easy-to-use dials. And, reticle options… there’s four to choose from in the series.
This scope may be in the $500-$1000 category because it fit the price range at roughly $850, otherwise its features, glass, and build are best suited for the high-end section.
For a scope brand that’s on par with world-class manufacturers, this MeoPro is an absolute steal.
Vortex Optics Viper 4-16X50 HS Long Range
The Vortex Optics Viper 4-16X50 HS Long Range will get you out to longer ranges later in the day. If you’re looking to practice your long-range hunting skills, then this is the rifle scope for you.
For around $600, you’re getting Vortex’s XD lens quality and XR fully multi-coated coatings. This model keeps the SFP reticle which comes in handy for making those long-distance shots when you need to see everything on your target.
Vortex is an exceptional brand and is synonymous with quality for a more affordable price. To find out what features you’re getting away with by paying less than you should, our complete review has all the answers you’re looking for.
What to Look for in a Rifle Scope in this Price Range
Spending triple zero digit sums on a rifle scope demands the very best in quality. What you can expect here is very close to what you can expect out of a $2000 rifle scope, and we’re definitely not kidding. Spending more than a grand often means there’s just one feature that sets it apart from a $1000 scope. But, the high quality, fundamental features that justifies such a high price tag should be identical whether you’re spending one or two thousand bucks. Here’s what you demand when you’ve got a grand to drop on a very sweet optic.
- Quality glass: Includes premium glass elements Ex. ED, HD, etc.
- Quality glass coatings: Includes layered coatings, mirror and phase-correction coatings, and weather, scratch, and debris repellent coatings.
- Ballistic reticles: Premium usually means long range, and long range tends to include all those necessities like holdovers, wind compensation, and the like. Shop for the most practical and accurate reticles you can find.
- Eye relief 3″+: Without decent eye relief, your rifle scope is going to let you know what a real black eye is.
- Ballistic turrets: You never go without ballistic turrets if you’re shooting out to extremely long distances.
- Parallax correction: Premium scopes can mean long range, and long range means you’re going to need a parallax correction turret or objective. Don’t skimp or you’ll miss the bull’s-eye.
- Quality warranties: Have the assurance that your premium rifle scope is fully covered for any unforeseen damage.
This is Where Excellent Scopes Are Born!
As we’ve mentioned previously, this is the budget range where excellent scopes are born. You’re getting the very best pick of the litter if you have the luxury of spending this much moolah on one.
Very rarely do you need to spend more, so why should you? Get your ducks in a row and pop ’em off one at a time when you land a mouth-drooling, high quality rifle scope for less than 1000 bucks!
