Best Rifle Scope Under $1000 In 2020: Our Top Long Range & High Powered Hunting Scopes Reviewed
Last Updated: October 24, 2020
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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.
QUICK ANSWER: 5 Best Long Range Rifle Scopes Under $1000 In 2020
- Vortex Optics Viper PST GEN II 5-25X50 FFP EBR-2C MOA - Best Long Range
- Meopta MeoPro 4.5-14X44 HTR - Best Under $800
- Vortex Optics Viper 4-16X50 HS Long Range - Best Under $600
- Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16X44
- ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20X
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 5.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Vortex Optics Viper PST GEN II 5-25X50 |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Meopta MeoPro 4.5-14X44 HTR |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Vortex Optics Viper 4-16X50 HS Long Range |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16X44 |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | ATN X-Sight 4K Pro |
| CHECK PRICE |
Top 5 Best Rifle Scopes Under $1000
1. Vortex Optics Viper PST GEN II 5-25X50 FFP EBR-2C MOA - Best Long Range
- The Viper PST Gen II takes incredible performance and rock solid tactical features to new heights. The 5-25x50 first focal plane riflescope is incredibly versatile and...
There's a saying everybody has heard that often applies to the optics industry, "Buy once, cry once." The Viper PST Gen 2 rifle scope may very well bust that saying into oblivion. Yes, spending a grand is going to hurt a little bit initially, but you might find it's the best grand you've ever spent.
- Price
- 30 mm tube body
- Illuminated reticle
- Glass etched reticle
- Long-range
- Weight
The PST Gen II line got some upgrades, and with it the 5-25X50 with the MOA reticle is better than ever. It has premium features that you should always expect in this price range starting with quality glass. XD (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements provide HD quality and reduce CA (chromatic aberration) and XR Fully Multi-Coated coatings adorn air-to-glass surfaces for better light transmission and anti-glare benefits.
Glass-etched reticles are a classic tactical feature, and not only is the EBR-2C MOA reticle illuminated, it's also in the first focal plane (FFP) so you can use it at anytime regardless of magnification. When you have a long-ranging, high-power scope, you can bet you'll want to take advantage of the entire 5-25x range even if you have a pet magnification you typically use.
A single-piece, 30 mm tube body allows for tons of elevation adjustment travel - 70 MOA. A feature you don't see with a scope half this price is a Zero Stop, but of course, the PST scope isn't 500 bucks is it. It has Vortex's RZR Zero Stop feature which is a very convenient and effective feature to have.
The only downside is this thing weighs 2 pounds. It's a heifer. But, how else can you justify having every bell and whistle there is to have? Get over it, buck up, and get a quality bipod for your next shoot.
2. Meopta MeoPro 4.5-14X44 HTR - Best Under $800
- Magnification 4.5 - 14 x
- Objective lens diameter 50 mm
- Field of view (fob) range 5.7 - 25.5 M at 100 M
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.
3. Vortex Optics Viper 4-16X50 HS Long Range - Best Under $600
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.
4. Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16X44
If you've been a Zeiss fan for a long time but you've never been able to afford them, you'll be happy to know the Conquest V4 4-16x44 scope is under 1000 buckaroos. It's not an inexpensive scope by any means, but it's certainly sporting a more realistic price tag than many of their $2000+ scopes. Part of the slash in cost is the fact the Conquest V4 is made in Japan versus Germany. Japan - great glass. To be real, you don't care where it's made as long as it's a Zeiss.
- Price
- SFP reticle
- MOA reticle
- 30 mm tube
- Ballistic Stop
- No illuminated or FFP reticle option
The V4 rifle scope is suited for a variety of shooting applications. Take your pick: predator, big game, varmint, safari, and small game hunting. Target shooting, long-range hunting, and long-range shooting are well within your capabilities with the Zeiss rifle scope.
Whatever your choice of sport is, you'll have crystal-clear Zeiss image quality. This scope isn't without Zeiss' T* six-layer lens coating tech. The external lens has the long-renowned LotuTec coatings to keep sight picture and glass integrity intact.
This model has the ZBR-2 #92 reticle. It's not illuminated, but it's in the second focal plane (SFP) that many hunters prefer. You can only use it at max magnification at 16x, but it's easy to see in 2 MOA increments with 20 MOA left and right on the windage crosshair.
With a 30 mm tube, you have a robust and durable body with 80 MOA of elevation travel and 60 MOA in windage travel. The elevation turret is exposed and the windage turret is capped. The elevation turret also has a Ballistic Stop so you can positively return to your zero in a jiffy, in the dark, and even blind folded.
At some point, Zeiss might introduce an illuminated, FFP reticle or even a mil-based one in the future. We'll just sit tight and see. In the meantime, we want to play with the V4!
5. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20X
How does any traditional rifle scope stand up next to a digital scope from ATN? Apples and oranges. The smart thing to do is not to throw them in the same basket and compare them side to side. The X-Sight is a day/night digital rifle scope that's famously known in the night vision world. Thinking about coming over to the dark side of hunting? Looking to use it during daylight hours too? Here's what you need to know.
- Price
- Smart technology
- Digital features
- High magnification
- Day/night scope
- Firmware issues
The price is competitive for a night vision digital rifle scope, but it's certainly in the upper class price range for traditional scopes. The X-Sight is capable of so much because of it's digital features. It has multiple built-in modes that includes a Ballistic calculator, Smart Range Finder, and E-barometer. It's also Bluetooth and WiFi capable. It records, streams, and plays video recordings that you can take while at the bench or out in the field.
A One Shot Zero feature allows you get on target with the second bullet. Is it magic? No, it digitally corrects your point of aim without having to dial for it. Multiple reticles and color options are available. Night vision mode allows you to see in the dark and an IR illuminator is included.
30 mm standard rings are also included in the buy and a ring with a Picatinny rail is thrown in. A micro SD card can save all your recordings and data and is included in the purchase. ATN practically gives you everything you could possibly need to get shooting the instant you get your scope.
However, with tons of digital features and electrical battery usage to rely on, there's bound to be failure at some point. It seems firmware/software issues are common. With a 2-year warranty, you'll want to hold onto your proof of purchase and any documents needed to take advantage of repairs or replacements.
If you're willing to see how digital technology can change your game, the X-Sight is one of the latest offerings to date.
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 money 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!
