The Best Scopes Under $1,000

Not everyone has $5k to spend on a new rifle scope. Nowadays, you can get some pretty high-end glass in a scope under $1,000.

Our experts found, researched and reviewed the best scopes for under $1000. Here’s what they found:

ATN X-Sight II 5-20 Smart Riflescope

If you have the funds for it, this rifle scope is not only high powered, but also fully interactive. It comes loaded down with features, and all of the latest electronic gadgets, and looks like something from the future. Wi-Fi streaming, gallery, video recording, smooth zoom and smartphone control, 5-20x magnification, and even a two year warranty.

It switches to a type of night-vision at the touch of a button, contains a built-in range finder, and will provide a shooting solution for you. Once ranged, the reticle automatically adjusts for elevation. No guesswork, no problems. Just put the dot or the crosshair on the target and squeeze the trigger. It also has seven different reticle designs to pick from.

It’s everything you ever dreamed of having in a rifle scope. It’s cool as hell for a scope under $1,000.

Nikon M-308 4-16x42mm Riflescope w/ BDC 800 Reticle

With a reticle tuned for your 308, this riflescope from Nikon is bright, with fully multi-coated optics, though they could have gone a bit larger on the primary optic. The reticule is illuminated, and the quick-focus eyepiece allows fast target acquisition. Magnification ranges from 4-16x, and of course the tube is fogproof, waterproof, and shockproof.

This is a wonderful long range solution for any rifle, but with the lowest magnification it’s incredibly useful at shorter ranges as well. The product is backed by a lifetime warranty, and the stiff Nikon clicks will keep it on target, even if your rifle sits in the closet over a hunting season.

Vortex Optics Diamondback HP 4-16×42 Riflescope

Another 4-16x BDC riflescope, this one from Vortex Optics. The XD lens elements are fully multi-coated, including ArmorTek coatings for scratch resistence, and the tube is purged with argon gas to prevent fogging or liquid invasion. The scope comes with a 4 inch sunshade and protective lens caps.

This is a great scope at any range, near or far, and the 42mm objective is enough to get the job done, but as with the Nikon, it could be bigger.

Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC Riflescope, Black, 3.5-14×50

When you need to adjust for windage and elevation, the spring-loaded instant reset turrets set you right back to zero. The reticle is Nikon’s patented BDC reticle with see-through ballistic circles. The magnification ranges from 3.5-14x, and the wide 50mm objective lens provides plenty of light for a 3.3mm exit pupil, even at the highest magnification.

All of the glass is fully multi-coated for maximum light transmission, making dim sight pictures a thing of the past, even while hunting near dawn or dusk. The reticle is lighted for use after-hours when low light makes it hard to see the crosshairs. This is a solid scope, and way less than 1000 dollars.

Armasight Vampire 3X Night Vision Rifle Scope

Under the solid aluminum skin of this scope is a CORE image tube that rivals Gen 2 night vision devices, and provides decent resolution that’s actually usable. The photocathode sensitivity is upwards of 400 μA/lm, so you can get a very high quality image for the price.

It’s a shame that it isn’t zoomable, but 3x is a good choice for an all-around rifle scope when night vision is a priority. The Armasite vampire is compact, sturdy, lightweight, and comes loaded with multi-coated glass.

The reticle is manually adjustable for a sharp image and precise shot placement. The scope is dust and sand-proof as well. Comes with a 2 year warranty and a low battery indicator.