In the market for a new hunting scope? You may be wondering if you should spend your hard-earned money on a scope that costs less than 1000 dollars. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best scopes available for under 1000 dollars and help you decide if one is right for you. We’ll also provide some tips on choosing the right scope for your needs. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hunter, read on to learn more about affordable hunting scopes!
Best Hunting Scope under 1000
Here, we will cover every minor and significant aspect of the Best Hunting Scope under 1000 including the buyer’s guide, and some common questions related to the buying journey. Let’s begin.
1. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II
The Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II is an excellent scope for those that want to get the best out of their rifle.
The Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II is a solid scope on its own, but there are some excellent accessories you should buy with it as well. The reticle can be too busy, especially on low magnification settings. If you don’t understand how to use this riflescope, you might have trouble seeing your target. However, it becomes an excellent tool once you learn how to use the Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II properly.
The Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II at maximum magnification (10x) is an excellent medium range scope. Also, the complete multi-coated optics with its huge objective lens make this riflescope very bright and clear at high magnification. The Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II is also built extremely well, waterproof, weatherproof, and shockproof.
The Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II have lots of great features like:
1) Ten intensity levels with off positions between each setting on the illuminated reticle 2) Parallax adjustment dials mounted in front of the ocular bell 3) Exposed tactical style turrets for fast and easy adjustments 4) A single piece 30mm aircraft-grade aluminum tube 5) Armortek coating protects the lenses from scratches, oil and dirt 6) O-ring sealed and argon purged for waterproof performance 7) four different reticle patterns 8) Single turn turret design with a tactical style parallax adjustment
The Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II is an excellent all-around riflescope. It is helpful in long-range shooting as well as close to medium-range shooting. The illuminated reticle can be very helpful, especially on early morning or late evening hunting trips when you want to extend your battery life as much as possible without missing out on any opportunities.
Pros
- Nice medium range scope
- Lots of great features
- Very bright and clear at high magnification
- Best for long-range shooting
- The illuminated reticles can be helpful in early morning and evening hunting trips
- Lots of accessories available
- Easy to use
Cons
- Reticle can be a bit too busy for some hunters
- Exposed tactical style turrets can be a bit tough to use
2. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 5-25×56
The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 5-25×56 feature XD Optical System delivers impressive resolution, and edge-to-edge sharpness, and dramatically reduces chromatic aberration. Anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces provide superior light transmission for exceptional clarity and low-light performance. After turret adjustments, the RevStop Zero System offers an easy-to-set, rock-solid return to zero. Tactical locking turrets prevent accidental adjustments and provide fast accurate adjustments. An illuminated reticle eases use in low light and against dark backgrounds. It includes a throwing lever install for quick and easy magnification adjustments. The scopes are nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed for water and fog-proof performance. The one-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum, 34mm tube is shockproof, shrugging off recoil and other impacts.
The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 5-25×56 feature XD Optical System delivers impressive resolution, and edge-to-edge sharpness, and dramatically reduces chromatic aberration. Anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces provide superior light transmission for exceptional clarity and low-light performance. After turret adjustments, the RevStop Zero System offers an easy-to-set, rock-solid return to zero.
Pros
- The Strike Eagle 5-25×56 First Focal Plane (MOA) riflescope provides the features needed to improve your long-distance shooting.
- XD Optical System delivers impressive resolution, and edge-to-edge sharpness, and dramatically reduces chromatic aberration.
- Anti-reflective coatings on air-to-glass surfaces provide superior light transmission for exceptional clarity and low-light performance.
- The RevStop Zero System offers an easy-to-set, rock-solid return to zero after turret adjustments.
- Tactical locking turrets prevent accidental adjustments and provide fast accurate adjustments.
Cons
- The illuminated reticle might be too bright for some people.
- The turret might be too big, in case you’re wearing gloves in the winter.
- The reticle illumination is not battery friendly (uses CR2032).
- There’s no parallax adjustment on this model, but that’s rarely an issue at this price point, maybe only on high-magnification models with ultra-long focal planes – so it depends how far back you plan to shoot or hunt from/to what extent this may matter.
- Not suited for night vision scopes due to lack of IR compensation and dimmer glass lenses than required by the User manual specifications stated on the package box.
3. Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR III
This scope is definitely worth the money. It has a 5x zoom and 120 MOA of elevation, great for long-range shooting. The construction is substantial, and it’s designed, machined, and assembled in Greeley, Colorado. The knurling on the adjustment knobs is very aggressive and provides a sure grip in any weather. The optional race dial was designed for PRS and NRL shooters, and it’s perfect for making custom notes in the field. Overall, I highly recommend this scope!
The Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR III comes with 5x Zoom and Zero Click Stop Adjustment. I have been using it for about one month now, and I am delighted with the high quality. It is remarkable about the Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR III Precision Rifle Scope because it includes 120 MOA of elevation – enough internal elevation to go past one mile with a 6. 5 Creedmoor. That’s not all; if you shoot something like 5700 ft, the elevation goes up to 40 MOA.
More features make this scope virtually unsurpassed in design, technology, accuracy, and innovation. They include the Dragon Scale knurling for easy use even when wearing gloves, a Race Dial system so you can write on your dials, and you can tailor your reticle to your needs, and it has a Zero Click Stop Adjustment so you stay zeroed. The momentum of shooting doesn’t take you off target.
Another feature that I like about the Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR III Precision Rifle Scope is its large diameter elevation knob which makes adjustment very easy even when wearing gloves. It also offers 120 MOA of windage and 40 MOA elevation with zero click-stop settings. You need to turn the knob until its red hash mark matches up to your scope’s ballistic table for any given distance based on the cartridge, weight bullet, velocity, and ballistic coefficient. As soon as you do this, you will see results immediately.
Pros
- This scope is accurate and easy to use.
- It has a large diameter elevation knob, making adjustments very easy.
- The Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR III Precision Rifle Scope includes 120 MOA of elevation – enough internal elevation to go past one mile with a 6. 5 Creedmoor.
- You can write on your Race Dial system so you can tailor your reticle to your needs.
- It has a Zero Click Stop Adjustment, so you stay zeroed in, and the shooting momentum doesn’t take you off target.
- The Dragon Scale knurling provides a sure tactile surface for adjustments in any weather, with gloves.
- It is durable, high quality, and can be used in any weather.
Cons
- Heavy
4. NIGHTFORCE SHV 4-14x50mm
The NIGHTFORCE SHV 4-14x50mm F1 Illuminated MOAR /Mil-R Reticle Black Matte Hunting Scope is a feature-loaded riflescope designed for a broad spectrum of big game applications in the field and on the range. Its 4-14x magnification provides a versatile range that works well from short to long distances. In contrast, its 26 Mil-radian (19 Mil-Radian with .308 Win) elevation adjustment range gives you the ability to precisely dial in your shots at any distance. The 50mm objective offers excellent light transmission at any time of day; all this is packaged into an optic that weighs 30 ounces and has a 1-inch main tube. This SHV also features a ZeroSet feature that eliminates guesswork when returning to zero once a shot has been fired. Nightforce’s unique exposed tactical-style turrets with ZeroLock ring, work in conjunction with the MOAR reticle to give you precise dialing capabilities without having to rely on a mathematical formula or holdover marks.
The Nightforce SHV 4-14x50mm F1 Illuminated MOAR/Mil-R Reticle Black Matte Hunting Scope is feature-packed and designed for versatility. This SHV offers a 4-14x magnification range that works well in close quarters or long-distance shooting situations. The 50mm objective gives you clear images throughout the day and night when hunting. The illuminated reticle allows precision shots when targets are hiding in shadows, while the exposed tactical-style turrets with ZeroLock ring allow for quick adjustments based upon zero capabilities.
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Pros
- The NIGHTFORCE SHV 4-14x50mm F1 Illuminated MOAR /Mil-R Reticle Black Matte Hunting Scope is a feature-loaded riflescope designed for a broad spectrum of big game applications, both in the field and on the range.
- Its 4-14x magnification provides a versatile magnification range that works well from short to long distances. In contrast, its 26 Mil-radian (19 Mil-Radian with .308 Win) elevation adjustment range gives you the ability to precisely dial in your shots at any distance.
- The 50mm objective offers excellent light transmission at any time of day; all this is packaged into an optic that weighs 30 ounces and has a 1-inch main tube.
- The NIGHTFORCE SHV 4-14x50mm F1 Illuminated MOAR /Mil-R Reticle Black Matte Hunting Scope is entirely waterproof and fog proof, making it an excellent choice for any weather conditions.
Cons
- Expensive scope compared to this price range, but it is often worth the extra money considering the quality you receive.
- A little bit too heavy to carry around all day in the field, which can become tiresome
- Not as durable as it may seem, although the optic is functional and well crafted,
5. Vortex Optics Viper HS LR
The Vortex Optics Viper HS LR covers your shooting needs from hunting to range shooting. It’s a little pricier than the other scopes, but it has better features than the price justifies.
Vortex Optics Viper HS LR comes with fully multi-coated lenses allowing you to capture the maximum amount of light in all lighting conditions. The advanced optical system renders an image that is sharp and clear from edge to edge.
The Vortex Optics Viper HS LR is made of rigid material, making it durable for all types of weather conditions. It has quality optics and target turrets with a zero-reset feature.
Vortex Optics Viper HS LR features an exposed elevation turret that you can dial at extended ranges. It also has an adjustable parallax setting that eliminates background mistakes at any range.
Vortex Optics Viper HS LR has a non-reflective matte black finish for excellent camouflage. It is water and fog-proof, giving you the best performance in outside activities.
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Vortex Optics Viper HS LR is an excellent scope for your airgun, rifle, or any firearm that gives you accuracy and precision when shooting.
Pros
- The scope is highly durable and can withstand any weather condition.
- The optics are clear and provide a sharp image from edge to edge.
- The turrets are precise and allow you to quickly zero in on your target.
- The parallax adjustment eliminates background mistakes at any range.
- The scope has a non-reflective matte black finish that is excellent for camouflage.
Cons
- The scope is a bit pricier than other models on the market.
- The exposed target-style elevation turret can get bumped and moved if not handled with care.
Buyer Guide
When looking for a good hunting scope, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. The first thing is price. You don’t want to break the bank, but you also don’t want to buy a scope that will disappoint you. The second thing is quality. You want a scope that will perform well and last for years. The third thing is size. It would help if you found a scope that will fit your rifle and your needs.
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After considering all of these factors, we have come up with a list of the best hunting scopes under 1000 dollars. These scopes are all high quality, and they will perform well in any situation. So, whether you’re looking for your first scope or just looking to add another one to your collection, you can’t go wrong with any of these choices.
What To Look For In A Hunting Scope:
Scope Rings: When purchasing scope rings for your weapon, many things need to be considered. The first thing is whether or not the ring will fit your scope. Every scope has a unique size and size requirement, so it’s essential to find rings that fit your specific weapon.
Scope Mounts: Scope mounts come in different heights. The height of the mount is essentially how far away from the rifle you want the scope to be. When deciding on this factor, you need to consider what distance you will be shooting.
Scope Levels: It is essential to know that your rifle is ideally level before shooting for the most accurate shots. That’s why we highly recommend buying scope levels to use alongside your scope rings. It allows you to ensure that your weapon and its sights are perfectly leveled and secure before you begin shooting.
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FAQs:
What is the best hunting scope under $1000?
Considering your budget, I would have to recommend the NIGHTFORCE SHV 4-14x50mm. This scope is made for superior shots with a distinctive, military-style design and powerful features. It’s waterproof and fog proof, so it’ll work even in extreme weather conditions. Plus, it has a clear reticle with red or green illumination that circulates the edge for perfect visibility during low light hours. And, of course, it also comes with a fully coated glass lens to make all your shots count while you’re hunting down your prey! All this while still staying under $1K? You cannot go wrong with this scope!
What are the pros and cons of a variable scope?
Variable scopes are versatile. They can use for both short-distance and long-distance shooting. There is no need to purchase two different scopes thanks to changing the magnification level on the variable scope.
The downside is they are often more expensive than fixed scopes, which only have one magnification level available. You may also find that you cannot see as far with a variable scope, depending on what it is set at, compared to a fixed scope set for maximum magnification (X10).
How much magnification do I need for hunting?
The rule of thumb is to use the lowest magnification possible to get a wider field of view that will include all your surroundings. If you don’t want anything to sneak up on you (such as animals), then I would recommend using x4 magnification or less.
What are some common problems with hunting scopes?
There are a few, namely, that they can become “set” or fixed in a particular position and not adjust the focus. There may also be a problem with light leakage, which will cause a hotspot of light around the target image when aiming at dimly lit targets. Realtree recently teamed up with Leupold for an anti-leak masking tape explicitly designed to seal your scope from leaks caused by condensation. They also offer customizable products made from neoprene and Camo Gear’s original Camouflage material.
Can I use a rifle scope for archery?
It can depend on the scope, but generally speaking, you’re better off looking for a different type of scope. Some rifle scopes are designed to have high magnification that gets hundreds or even thousands inside an archery range. If that’s what you’re after, then go ahead and use your rifle scope, but if not, I recommend using a hunting lens which will be more adjusted to shooting at ranges closer than 100 yards.
Conclusion:
When it comes to finding the best hunting scope under 1000 dollars, there are a few things you need to take into account. The most important factor is what type of shooting you will be doing with your rifle. For example, if you plan to use your rifle for long-distance shots, you will need a scope with a higher magnification power. Additionally, make sure to consider the size and weight of the scope before making your purchase. A heavier scope can be cumbersome to carry around in the field, while a smaller scope may not offer enough magnification for certain shots. With so many different scopes available on the market today, it can be challenging to determine which one is right for you. By considering the factors mentioned above, finding the best hunting scope under 1000 will be a lot less complicated.