Taking ethical shots at 1,000 yards is no small feat. Whether you’re targeting elk across a canyon, antelope on wide-open plains, or pushing your hunting rifle’s limits at the range, the right scope can make or break your success. Precision glass, reliable tracking, and advanced reticles are no longer reserved for competition shooters—today’s best 1000 yard hunting scopes put extreme-range accuracy in reach for real-world hunters. Here’s your guide to the top long-range hunting scopes in 2025, with advice tailored for shooters who want to reach the distance and still hunt with confidence.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Nightforce ATACR 5-25×56 F1
- Best Value: Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP
- Best Lightweight: Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56
Buyer’s Guide: What Matters in a 1000 Yard Hunting Scope?
Long-range hunting is a different game. Not every “sniper” scope works for real hunting conditions. Here’s what matters most when you’re stretching the distance to 1,000 yards:
- Magnification: 5-25x is the modern standard for long-range. This gives you enough zoom for precision aiming, with a wide field at lower powers for close encounters.
- Objective Size: 50mm–56mm objectives pull in more light and help with mirage, which is critical for clear aiming at distance.
- First Focal Plane (FFP): FFP reticles keep your holdovers and ranging accurate at every zoom level—crucial when hunting at unknown distances.
- Turret Tracking: Exposed, zero-stop turrets that track precisely and return to zero, every time. Reliable, repeatable adjustments are vital for dialing out to 1,000 yards and back.
- Reticle Type: Mil-dot or MOA hash reticles are best. Christmas tree-style reticles allow quick wind and elevation holds for hunting in real-world wind.
- Parallax Adjustment: Side parallax lets you fine-tune your focus and eliminate error at extreme range.
- Glass Quality: HD, ED, or top-tier European glass is mandatory. At 1,000 yards, you need every advantage in clarity and brightness.
- Weight: Bench or tactical scopes can be heavy, but for mountain hunts, consider models under 30 oz. Lighter is better if you’ll carry all day.
- Durability: Shockproof, fogproof, waterproof—all non-negotiable. Only trust brands proven in the field.
- Warranty: Lifetime, no-hassle support is a must when investing in serious glass.
Top Scopes for 1000 Yard Hunting
Nightforce ATACR 5-25×56 F1
Why it’s best overall: The Nightforce ATACR is legendary in both competition and extreme-range hunting circles. Its massive 5-25x zoom, 56mm ED glass, and superb field of view set the standard for long-range optics. The first focal plane MOAR or MIL-XT reticle is precise at all ranges, while the bombproof build and flawless turret tracking mean your scope will never let you down, even in the harshest terrain. With ZeroStop turrets, side parallax, and best-in-class low-light performance, this scope is trusted by guides, hunters, and snipers worldwide.
- 5-25x magnification, 56mm ED objective
- FFP MOAR or MIL-XT illuminated reticle
- ZeroStop exposed turrets, precise tracking
- Side parallax adjustment
- 34mm tube for maximum adjustment range
- Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof
- Lifetime warranty
Pros:
- Best-in-class glass and extreme-range clarity
- Legendary reliability and repeatability
- Perfect for .300 PRC, .28 Nosler, or .338 Lapua hunting rigs
Cons:
- Heavy (39 oz)—best for prone or supported shooting
- Premium price—an investment for lifetime use
Final Verdict: The ATACR 5-25×56 is the king of long-range hunting scopes—if you want the best, this is it.
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP
Why it’s best value: The Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 delivers top-tier features at a price many serious hunters can reach. First focal plane EBR-2C reticle, zero-stop tactical turrets, and crisp HD glass make this a fantastic crossover scope for both hunting and competition. Side parallax and illuminated reticle add real-world usability at dawn, dusk, and in tough wind. Rugged, reliable, and built for magnum recoil—without the $3,000+ price tag.
- 5-25x magnification, 50mm HD objective
- FFP EBR-2C illuminated reticle
- Zero-stop, exposed turrets
- Side parallax adjustment
- Lifetime VIP warranty
Pros:
- True long-range capability for hunting and steel
- Excellent glass and reticle for the money
- Reliable in harsh weather and hard use
Cons:
- Heavier (31 oz) than traditional hunting scopes
- Reticle may be busy for some hunters
Final Verdict: For hunters who want elite long-range features and proven reliability without breaking the bank, the Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 is hard to beat.
Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56
Why it’s best lightweight: The Mark 5HD 5-25×56 brings Leupold’s legendary clarity and durability into the long-range world—at just 30 oz, it’s significantly lighter than most extreme-range scopes. The FFP PR2-MIL or TMR reticle gives you precise holds for wind and elevation, and the M5C3 ZeroLock turrets deliver fast, accurate adjustments. This scope is ideal for hunters who demand high-end performance but also care about every ounce in the mountains or on long stalks.
- 5-25x magnification, 56mm HD objective
- FFP PR2-MIL or TMR reticle (illuminated)
- M5C3 ZeroLock turrets, 35mm tube
- Advanced lens coatings for low light
- Shockproof, fogproof, waterproof
- Lifetime guarantee
Pros:
- Lightest premium long-range scope in its class
- Ultra-clear glass and perfect tracking
- Trusted by military and pro hunters alike
Cons:
- Premium price (but lighter than all rivals)
- Turret clicks may feel “soft” to some shooters
Final Verdict: The Mark 5HD is the best option for mountain hunters and shooters who want long-range capability in a packable, field-ready optic.
Other Notable 1000 Yard Hunting Scopes
- Zeiss LRP S5 5-25×56: German glass, advanced reticles, and supreme tracking—premium price, but among the very best for clarity and dusk/dawn use.
- Athlon Ares ETR 4.5-30×56: Huge zoom, FFP APRS5 reticle, and surprising value for shooters who want max reach.
- Burris XTR III 5.5-30×56: Rugged, clear, and feature-rich for both hunting and long-range steel.
- Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27×56: Ultra-premium, tactical-grade, and field-proven—used by competition champions and Western hunters alike.
- Trijicon Tenmile 4.5-30×56: Bombproof build, illuminated reticles, and crisp glass for extreme-range big game.
Comparison Table
| Scope | Magnification | Objective | FFP Reticle | Weight | Turrets | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nightforce ATACR | 5-25x | 56mm | Yes | 39 oz | ZeroStop, exposed | $3,200-$3,800 |
| Vortex Viper PST Gen II | 5-25x | 50mm | Yes | 31 oz | Zero-stop, exposed | $900-$1,200 |
| Leupold Mark 5HD | 5-25x | 56mm | Yes | 30 oz | ZeroLock, exposed | $2,000-$2,400 |
| Zeiss LRP S5 | 5-25x | 56mm | Yes | 33.5 oz | Exposed, tactile | $3,300-$3,800 |
| Athlon Ares ETR | 4.5-30x | 56mm | Yes | 36 oz | Zero stop, exposed | $1,200-$1,400 |
| Burris XTR III | 5.5-30x | 56mm | Yes | 36 oz | Zero Click Stop | $1,700-$2,100 |
| Vortex Razor HD Gen II | 4.5-27x | 56mm | Yes | 48.5 oz | Zero stop, exposed | $2,300-$2,800 |
| Trijicon Tenmile | 4.5-30x | 56mm | Yes | 38 oz | Exposed | $2,100-$2,500 |
FAQ: 1000 Yard Hunting Scopes
Do I really need a 25x scope for 1,000 yards?
Not always. 15x or 18x is enough for large targets, but 25x+ makes spotting, aiming, and wind calls much easier—especially for tiny vital zones or varmints at distance.
Is FFP (First Focal Plane) better for long-range hunting?
Yes. FFP reticles keep your holds and ranging accurate at any zoom level—vital when you’re dialing and holding for distance and wind on real hunts.
What’s more important: turrets or reticle?
You need both. Reliable, repeatable turrets are crucial for dialing, but a “Christmas tree” reticle makes fast wind calls and holdovers much easier at distance.
Can I use these scopes for hunting in rough weather?
Absolutely. Every scope here is waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, and built for magnum recoil—ready for mountains, rain, or snow.
Are these scopes too heavy for mountain hunting?
Some (like the ATACR or Razor Gen II) are best for prone or supported shooting. For true mountain hunts, look at lighter options like the Mark 5HD or Zeiss LRP S5.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The best 1,000 yard hunting scope gives you the confidence to make the shot—no matter how far, how windy, or how unpredictable the conditions. The Nightforce ATACR is the industry standard for serious distance work. The Vortex Viper PST Gen II packs flagship features into a value package, while the Leupold Mark 5HD delivers top-end performance at mountain-ready weight. Set up your rifle, learn your dope, and take your hunting further than ever this season!