When your hunt demands long-range precision—whether it’s pronghorn on the prairie, elk in the open West, or steel at the far end of the range—only the best glass and turrets will do. Hitting targets at 1,000 yards means clear glass, honest tracking, solid zero stop, and a reticle you can trust at distance. Here are the best hunting scopes for 1,000 yards in 2025, with honest reviews, a buyer’s guide, and a handy comparison table.
Quick Picks: Best Long-Range Hunting Scopes for 1,000 Yards
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Best Overall:
Leupold VX-6HD 4-24×52 CDS-TZL3
– Elite glass, flawless tracking, and built for any hunt. -
Best Value:
Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×50 FFP
– Advanced reticle, zero stop, and edge-to-edge clarity. -
Best European Glass:
Meopta Optika6 5-30×56 FFP
– Massive zoom, first focal plane, and premium light transmission. -
Best for Harsh Conditions:
Nightforce ATACR 5-25×56 F1
– Bombproof, trusted by pros and hunters worldwide. -
Best Lightweight Option:
Burris Veracity PH 4-20×50 FFP
– Lighter than most, but still tracks perfectly at distance.
Buyer’s Guide: What Makes a 1,000-Yard Hunting Scope?
For 1,000-yard shots, you need more than just high magnification. Here’s what actually matters:
- Magnification: 20x or more makes it easier to spot targets, but great glass and field of view matter more than “max power.” All picks below are 20x–30x at top end, but stay sharp across the zoom range.
- Glass & Light Transmission: HD/ED glass and top-tier coatings help you spot game and bullet impacts at distance, even at dawn or dusk.
- Turrets & Zero Stop: True 1,000-yard scopes must have reliable, repeatable elevation turrets with a rock-solid zero stop—dial out and back all day, and always return to zero.
- First Focal Plane (FFP) Reticle: FFP means holdover marks are always correct, no matter your zoom. All top long-range scopes now offer this—SFP is fine for classic hunting, but not ideal at 1,000 yards.
- Tracking & Durability: Every scope here tracks perfectly, holds zero, and is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof—ready for big magnums and mountain hunts.
- Weight: 23–39 oz is typical for this class. Consider rifle balance and pack weight for your style of hunt.
Full Reviews: Best 1,000-Yard Scopes for Hunting
Leupold VX-6HD 4-24×52 CDS-TZL3
Who it’s for: The hunter who wants one optic to do it all—mountain elk, beanfield deer, and steel at 1,000+ yards.
- Key Benefits:
- 4-24x zoom—versatile from close cover to way out yonder
- Elite HD glass with Twilight Max Light Management for dusk and dawn
- CDS-TZL3 turret: custom dial matched to your rifle’s ballistics
- Zero lock and return-to-zero, foolproof in the field
- Illuminated FireDot reticle for tough backgrounds
- Pros:
- Lightweight for its size (23.7 oz)
- American-made and backed by Leupold’s top warranty
- Bombproof—handles recoil and rough hunts
- Cons:
- Premium price, but truly “buy once, hunt forever”
- Max zoom may be overkill for some, but clarity is excellent throughout
Final Verdict: The one scope to rule them all for the 1,000-yard hunter. Check today’s price
Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×50 FFP
Who it’s for: The hunter who wants true long-range dialing and great glass without carrying a brick up the mountain.
- Key Benefits:
- 4.5-22x zoom with first focal plane reticle
- Zero stop elevation turret—dial out and back to zero every time
- HD glass and advanced coatings for edge-to-edge clarity
- Side parallax adjustment for sharp images at any range
- Lifetime VIP warranty
- Pros:
- Tracks perfectly for 1,000-yard shots
- Excellent eye relief and forgiving eye box
- Light enough for all-day carry (21.7 oz)
- Cons:
- Illumination is daylight bright, but not as strong as Leupold’s FireDot
- No turret covers—practice dialing to avoid accidental bumps
Final Verdict: The “sweet spot” for mountain and open country hunters who demand long-range results. See today’s deal
Meopta Optika6 5-30×56 FFP
Who it’s for: The shooter who wants elite European glass, huge zoom, and proven first focal plane dialing.
- Key Benefits:
- 5-30x zoom for spotting, ranging, and dialing to 1,000 yards+
- 56mm objective—max brightness at high power
- MeoBright and MeoShield coatings for ultra-sharp images
- Zero stop turrets, illuminated FFP reticle, and lifetime warranty
- Pros:
- Outstanding in low light and open country
- Euro quality at a “mid-premium” price
- Rugged enough for any game, any season
- Cons:
- Heavier (34 oz) and larger than others on this list
- Needs tall rings on some rifles due to big objective
Final Verdict: The best European glass for the money at 1,000 yards. See price
Nightforce ATACR 5-25×56 F1
Who it’s for: The hardcore long-range hunter or guide who wants absolute bombproof reliability and pro-grade turrets.
- Key Benefits:
- 5-25x first focal plane zoom—sharp at every magnification
- ZeroStop turrets, side parallax, and massive elevation range
- Unmatched tracking and return-to-zero—used by pros and the military
- Rugged to the extreme—survives anything you’ll throw at it
- Pros:
- Elite performance and build quality
- Great low-light glass for dawn/dusk shooting
- Lifetime warranty and top resale value
- Cons:
- Very expensive, but a true “lifetime” investment
- Heavier at 39 oz—best for bipod or pack-supported shots
Final Verdict: The ultimate 1,000-yard scope—trusted from Africa to Alaska. View price
Burris Veracity PH 4-20×50 FFP
Who it’s for: Hunters and shooters who want long-range confidence in a lighter, field-friendly package.
- Key Benefits:
- 4-20x zoom and first focal plane reticle
- Programmable elevation turret for fast, precise dialing
- Excellent HD glass for the money
- Weatherproof, fogproof, and proven Burris Forever Warranty
- Pros:
- Easy to carry—just 27 oz
- Simple, clean reticle for fast shooting
- Affordable for true long-range use
- Cons:
- Not as much elevation range as Nightforce or Meopta
- Programming turret takes some setup, but worth it for serious shooters
Final Verdict: Best balance of weight, features, and value for most long-range hunters. Check price
Comparison Table: Top 1,000-Yard Hunting Scopes
| Name | Magnification | Objective | Reticle | Turrets | Weight | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leupold VX-6HD 4-24×52 | 4-24x | 52mm | FFP Illum. | CDS-TZL3, Zero Lock | 23.7 oz | View |
| Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×50 | 4.5-22x | 50mm | FFP Illuminated | Zero Stop | 21.7 oz | View |
| Meopta Optika6 5-30×56 | 5-30x | 56mm | FFP Illuminated | Zero Stop | 34 oz | View |
| Nightforce ATACR 5-25×56 | 5-25x | 56mm | FFP Illuminated | ZeroStop, Pro Turrets | 39 oz | View |
| Burris Veracity PH 4-20×50 | 4-20x | 50mm | FFP Illuminated | Ballistic, Zero Stop | 27 oz | View |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What magnification do I need for 1,000-yard hunting?
18x is the practical minimum; 20x–30x makes spotting and shot placement easier. But don’t pick max power over good glass—clarity trumps pure zoom.
Do I need a first focal plane (FFP) reticle?
For dialing or holding over at 1,000 yards, FFP is best—your reticle subtensions always stay true as you zoom.
Are these scopes good for magnum calibers?
Absolutely. Every model here is rated for big magnums—6.5 PRC, 300 Win Mag, 7mm PRC, .338 Lapua, and more.
Can I use these scopes for hunting as well as target shooting?
Yes! All these picks balance hunting features (weight, low-light glass) with real dialing and tracking for steel or big game.
What’s the best “value” pick for most hunters?
The Vortex Razor HD LHT is hard to beat for features, warranty, and price. Meopta is the best for Euro glass on a budget.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Every one of these scopes delivers real 1,000-yard performance—clarity, tracking, and durability you can count on, shot after shot, season after season. Step up your game, dial for distance, and hunt with total confidence this year.
Ready for a new long-range hunting adventure? Check today’s deals, pick your scope, and hit that 1,000-yard mark!