If your hunts regularly put you in open country—whether it’s mule deer on the plains, pronghorn on the prairie, or elk in the mountains—a 400-yard shot is often the mark of an experienced, confident hunter. But that distance puts extra demands on your optics. You need a scope that offers a clear, bright image, precise aiming, and repeatable adjustment—without being bulky or overly complicated. This guide covers the best scopes for 400-yard hunting, what features matter, and how to pick an optic you’ll trust when it’s time for a longer shot.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL2 — Premium clarity, CDS custom dial, light enough for mountain hunts.
- Best Value: Vortex Viper HS-T 4-16×44 — Reliable tracking, sharp glass, perfect for open country at a fair price.
- Best for Low Light: Burris Signature HD 3-15×44 — Excellent for early/late shots, versatile zoom for woods and fields.
- Best for Long-Range Enthusiasts: Athlon Helos BTR Gen2 4-20×50 — FFP reticle, zero stop, great for dialing or learning precision shooting.
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in a 400-Yard Hunting Scope
- Magnification: 12x to 16x is ideal. You want enough zoom for fine aiming at 400 yards, but not so much that you lose field of view or brightness.
- Optical Clarity: High-grade glass, strong coatings, and a bright image are non-negotiable for identifying game and placing precise shots.
- Reticle Type: BDC, simple hashmarks, or clean FFP reticles let you hold over or dial accurately. Avoid overly cluttered “tactical” grids unless you truly need them.
- Turret Tracking & Zero Stop: Good turrets track true and return to zero every time. A zero stop is a huge plus for hunting—so you don’t get “lost” after dialing.
- Weight & Size: Lighter is better for mountain or walk-in hunts. Big 50mm objectives add light but also weight and mounting height.
- Weatherproofing & Durability: Waterproof, fogproof, and built to take a beating—critical for mountain or backcountry trips.
- Warranty: Leupold, Vortex, Burris, and Athlon offer lifetime, no-fault coverage. This is real peace of mind for any serious hunter.
Detailed Product Reviews
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL2
Who It’s For: The all-around serious hunter who wants the best glass, quick dialing, and a light but strong package for 400+ yard shots anywhere in North America.
- Key Benefits:
- High-definition, ultra-bright glass and Twilight Max Light Management
- CDS-ZL2 ZeroLock custom dial system—easy, repeatable elevation adjustments
- Side focus and covered windage turret (keeps things simple and sleek)
- Waterproof, fogproof, and very lightweight (19 oz)
- Pros:
- Superb in legal hunting light (dawn/dusk clarity is world-class)
- Custom turret dials to your ammo and trajectory
- Legendary Leupold Gold Ring warranty and support
- Cons:
- Pricier than entry-level models (but worth it for the features)
- Not a true “tactical” reticle—more traditional
Final Verdict: If you want the best for 400-yard hunting, this is a proven performer for any hunt in North America. See latest price
Vortex Viper HS-T 4-16×44
Who It’s For: Open country, Western, or long-range hunters who want real tracking, crisp glass, and a reticle that’s easy to use at 400+ yards.
- Key Benefits:
- VMR-1 (MOA or MRAD) reticle—easy holds for elevation/wind
- Exposed tactical turrets, repeatable zero, and side focus
- Fully multi-coated lenses for a bright, clear image
- Rugged, waterproof, and shockproof
- Pros:
- Perfect zoom for 100 to 500 yards
- Durable and field-proven, great value for the price
- Vortex VIP lifetime warranty
- Cons:
- Heavier than some hunting scopes (20.8 oz)
- Turrets are exposed, so you must pay attention in brush or when packing
Final Verdict: If you want long-range accuracy, reliable dials, and value, this scope is tough to beat. See latest price
Burris Signature HD 3-15×44
Who It’s For: Dawn and dusk hunters, open fields, or anyone needing a bright scope for variable distances (100 to 500 yards).
- Key Benefits:
- Large objective and high-transmission glass for low-light hunting
- Ballistic E3 reticle for easy holdover at any range
- Side parallax adjustment and easy windage/elevation dials
- Forever warranty (lifetime, no questions asked)
- Pros:
- Flexible zoom—woods or open fields
- Great for legal light, sharp at all powers
- Cons:
- Heavier (17 oz) than simple 3-9x scopes
- No illumination option
Final Verdict: The smart pick for budget-minded hunters who won’t sacrifice low-light performance or reliability. See latest price
Athlon Helos BTR Gen2 4-20×50
Who It’s For: Advanced hunters and shooters who want FFP reticle, zero stop, and tactical dialing for mountain, plains, or long-range precision.
- Key Benefits:
- First focal plane reticle for consistent holds at all powers
- Zero stop, locking turrets, illuminated reticle
- Big 50mm objective for maximum brightness
- Strong warranty and rugged construction
- Pros:
- Perfect for learning or using advanced dialing
- Bright, clear glass even at high magnification
- Cons:
- Heavier and larger than most classic hunting scopes
- More features than most hunters need for 400 yards
Final Verdict: The top feature-rich option for hunters who want to dial, stretch their range, and never outgrow their optic. See latest price
Comparison Table
| Scope | Magnification | Weight | Reticle | Best For | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL2 | 3-15x | 19 oz | Duplex/BDC | All-around, mountain, dialing | Leupold Gold Ring |
| Vortex Viper HS-T 4-16×44 | 4-16x | 20.8 oz | VMR-1 MOA/MRAD | Open country, dialing | Vortex VIP |
| Burris Signature HD 3-15×44 | 3-15x | 17 oz | Ballistic E3 | Low light, fields/woods | Burris Forever |
| Athlon Helos BTR Gen2 4-20×50 | 4-20x | 27 oz | FFP, illuminated | Long-range, tactical dialing | Athlon Lifetime |
How to Choose the Right 400-Yard Scope
- Pick the right zoom range: 12x to 16x is ideal for 400-yard shots. Don’t chase max power at the expense of glass quality.
- Choose a practical reticle: BDC or hashmark reticles are easiest for holdover; FFP is useful for dialing at any zoom.
- Prioritize glass over gimmicks: Brightness, contrast, and clarity are key—especially at first and last light.
- Test side focus/parallax adjustment: This is critical for sharp, parallax-free aiming at 400 yards.
- Balance weight with features: Heavier scopes add stability, but lighter is better for walk-in or mountain hunts.
- Buy from trusted brands: Leupold, Vortex, Burris, and Athlon all offer proven field reliability and great warranties.
FAQ
Do I need 20x or more magnification for 400 yards?
No. 12x to 16x is plenty for deer, elk, or antelope at 400 yards. Glass quality is far more important than maximum zoom.
Is an illuminated reticle a must?
Not for most legal hunting light, but it can help in thick brush, dusk, or on dark targets. All listed scopes are bright enough for 99% of hunting.
Will these scopes handle heavy-recoil calibers?
Yes, all are built for magnums and rough field use. Just use good mounts and check zero after transport or drops.
How important is parallax adjustment at 400 yards?
Very. Side focus or parallax knobs keep your aim sharp and eliminate error at longer distances—don’t skip this feature.
Can I use these for target shooting?
Absolutely! All these scopes work beautifully on steel, paper, or competition targets at 100–500 yards and beyond.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The best scope for 400-yard hunting is a blend of bright glass, reliable dials, and the right reticle for ethical shots. The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 is the gold standard for serious hunters. The Vortex Viper HS-T and Athlon Helos BTR add long-range features for less. For dawn and dusk edge, the Burris Signature HD is a clear winner. Mount your choice well, learn your holds, and enjoy confidence at any distance.
If you want a custom shortlist with live links, only local dealers, or product images, just ask and I’ll tailor your guide for your exact needs!