The 8 Best Rifle Scopes on Sale – 2024

Long distance rifle scopes for less than $1000

Last updated February 20th 2024.

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Winners at a Glance

ImageProductDetailPrice
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm

  • Overall Winner
Best Price
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x50mm

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x50mm

  • A Close Second
Best Price
Primary Arms SLx

Primary Arms SLx

  • Best Short Range Hunter
Best Price
Vortex Razor HD

Vortex Razor HD

  • Best High End Scope
Best Price

Intro

You already know you need the best rifle scope you can afford for your rifle, but this is a big investment that could seriously outlast several firearms. So what are the best rifle scopes for around $1000?

Of course the best rifle scope for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as the type of shooting you’ll be doing, the distance you’ll be shooting at, and light levels.

Versatility is also a big thing. Quirky and weird scopes can be entertaining, but you really do want something you can just slot into place and go to work with minimal fine tuning.

Here are our best long range rifle scopes.

Viper PST Gen II

1. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25

  • Price: $899.99+
  • Magnification: 5-25x
  • Objective Lens Size: 50mm
  • Weight: 31.2oz
  • Length: 16 inch
  • Eye relief: 3.4 inch
  • Max Windage Adjustment: 35 MOA
  • Max Elevation Adjustment: 70 MOA
  • NIght Vision: No
PriceMagnificationFeaturesWeightPrestige
3/54/53/52/53/5

With the Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II you get a high quality glass etched reticle and a scope that works well at a short distance, as well as on the long-range specials.

It’s the Vortex Optics scope’s performance at short distances, just as much as its skills at 1000 meters, that gets it the nod here.

The Vortex Optics lens is beautifully uncluttered and yet you still get the quality glass-etched best rifle scope reticle and First Focal Plane operation. And high magnification.

Laser-etched turrets mean it is easy to adjust the scope on the Vortex Viper PST Gen II without losing sight of your prey and you can even adjust the illumination, choosing between 10 levels of rifle scope illumination, to make sure you’re taking the most comfortable shot possible.

The illumination is worked into the side focus knob, so everything is to hand on the Vortex Viper PST.

The Vortex Optics weighs in at 31.2oz. It’s a 16-inch tube that helps cut down water, fog and basically any other form of ingress that will mess up your scope over time.

It’s a 30mm tube on the Vortex Viper PST Gen II, which seems to the sweet spot for a lot of you when it comes to weight, portability and performance. There is all the elevation and windage adjustment you need.

For big game hunting or precision shooting, the Vortex Viper PST rifle scope just works and there’s a generous field of view of 8.6-41.2 feet at 100 yards.

Yes there are more advanced and better scopes, but not in this Vortex Optics price range. Here, they’re the best scopes on sale and definitely the best hunting glass in this price bracket.

All Vortex scopes get an unconditional lifetime warranty, too, and that is as big a vote of confidence as we can give the construction of the Vortex Viper PST. It’s one of the best scopes in its price range.


Leupold VX-Freedom 5-25x50mm, a great rifle scope for hunting and long distance shooting.

2. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x50mm

  • Price: $349.99
  • Magnification: 3-9
  • Lens Size: 40mm
  • Weight: 14.6oz
  • Length: 16 inch
  • Eye relief: 3.7-4.2 inch
  • Night Vision: No
  • Field of View: 13.6 feet at 100 yards.
PriceMagnificationFeaturesWeightPrestige
4.5/52.5/53/54/54/5

9x magnification at the high-end is more than enough for a starter scope that costs less than $400 and for most of us. And the Leupold VX Freedom It’s one of our best budget scopes for target shooting and hunting.

It’s a Leupold Custom Dial System, which means you are meant to switch out the dials for each caliber and that eliminates the need for holdovers. The elevation adjustment calculations are more or less done for you, but you will need to switch screens if you switch between rifles and calibers.

You can spend more for full illumination. But the entry level model is a solid scope that is more than good enough for the daylight hours when most of us venture outside.

If you’re looking for a basic hunting rifle scope, then this is a pretty good place to start.

This is a 14.6” scope, there is no illumination and it comes with a side focus. It’s a MOA Reticle scope with good rifle scope levels and the Twilight Max Light Management System and Diamondcoat 2 lens technology.

That provides a crisp, clear image and a fast focusing eyepiece and arguably the best LPVO for this money.  The crystal clear glass is top quality, but it is limited by design for the price range for this rifle scope.

You do get a lifetime warranty with the Leupold VX Freedom, though, which includes the toughened, coated glass that is scratch resistant. And Leupold customer service is famous.


Primary Arms SLx ACSS Nova on sale now. Get the

3. Primary Arms SLx ACSS Nova

  • Price: $339.99
  • Magnification: 1-6
  • Lens Size: 28mm
  • Weight: 19.1oz
  • Length: 10.4 inch
  • Eye relief: 4.0 inch
PriceMagnificationFeaturesWeightPrestige
3.5/52/52.5/53/52/5

The Primary Arms SLx ACSS Nova is one of the best budget rifle scope options that keeps things simple. A 1-6 magnification can be all you need, especially on the likes of an AR-15.

Now this is the Gen IV Low Powered Variable Optic LVPO. Key features include an upgraded optical system, an integrated dovetail throw lever and new ACSS reticles.

Of course this is a good long range scope in the conventional sense. And the Primary Arms SLx ACSS Nova will extract a lot more range from your AR-15.

So in a non conventional sense, the Primary Arms SLx is one of the best long range scope options. You do get 50m bullet drop compensation gradients up to 800m, which is about as far as you can go even with the best custom AR-15 rifles.

For the seriously ambitious among you then you can get moving target leads up to 40mph, too, which makes this an intriguing hunting rifle scope at least.

It’s a Second Focal Plane SFP rifle scope with the Advanced Combined Fighting System Aurora Reticle that contains all the clever built in stuff, adjustments of elevation and windage, and an illuminated reticle.


Vortex Razor HD 4.5-27

4. Vortex Razor HD

  • Price: $2,499.99
  • Magnification Range: 4.5-27
  • Objective lens size: 56mm
  • Weight: 48.5oz
  • Length: 14.4 inch
  • Eye relief: 3.7 inch
PriceMagnificationFeaturesWeightPrestige
1/54.5/54/51/54.5/5

This Vortex Razor Gen II is another major leap forward, with a price tag to match.

This is for a 308 rifle, 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition, whatever you like really. I mean you can use it on the best AR-15, too, but there are more compact scopes without a 56mm objective lens for that.

This HD Razor Gen II is heavier and biger, although you can get a smaller Low Powered Variable Optic with 1-6 magnification.

Now the HD Razor Gen II is rolling out now, but that means you can find great deals on the HD Razor Gen II long range scopes. Relatively speaking…

For big game hunting with 308 rifles or precision shooting, the HD Razor is a great rifle scope that doesn’t cost the Earth for this level of performance. It’s a first focal plane scope, too, and that is important.

A Good Long Term Rifle Scope

If you’re newer to shooting, then this is a futureproof long distance rifle scope that will switch between rifles and calibers with ease

One best long range scope, and short range, to rule them all? Maybe…

Features include good quality locking turrets, L-Tec zero stop functionality. XR Plus lens coatings and optically indexed apochromatic lenses for accurate colors and sharp images.

An illuminated reticle should help you in low light and elevation & windage are inevitably fully adjustable.

That lifetime warranty is called the VIP warranty, for Very Important Promise. It’s an unlimited, unconditional guarantee, which is kind of wild for a piece of equipment that can take a lot of abuse in the field.


 

Leupold optic, a bargain long distance scope

5. Leupold VX Freedom

  • Price: $399.99
  • Magnification Range: 4.5-27
  • Lens size: 56mm
  • Weight: 48.5oz
  • Length: 14.4 inch
  • Eye relief: 3.7 inch
  • Night vision: No

The Leupold VX Freedom is a quality budget scope for hunting, shooting, and other outdoor activities.

The VX Freedom scopes are designed to provide clear, bright, and accurate images of the target, thanks to their advanced optical system and proprietary technologies. These include the Twilight Light Management System and the FireDot reticle that are built for a hunting scope.

Now the entry level model doesn’t have all the features, but the Leupold VX Freedom has evolved into a model line and you can spend more on the best hunting scope on offer.

Key features on this rifle scope include a durable and lightweight construction made of aircraft-grade aluminum and scratch-resistant lenses.

This affordable scope also comes with a variety of reticle options, including Duplex, Tri-MOA, and Ballistic FireDot, to suit different shooting styles and preferences.

Overall, the Leupold VX Freedom is one of the best rifle scope options that can enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of any hunting or shooting setup.

It is our best budget scope, that punches well above its weight.


Vortex Strike Eagle.

6. Vortex Strike Eagle

  • Price: $799.99
  • Magnification Range: 5-25
  • Size: 56mm
  • Weight: 30.4oz
  • Length: 14.6 inch
  • Eye relief: 3.7 inch
  • Night Vision: No

The Vortex Strike Eagle is a mid-range scope with a lot of premium features, including night vision.

The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle is a First Focal Plane Scope with an illuminated reticle for fast reads. Add in a RevStop system, a throw lever for rapid magnification changes and you’ve got one of the best long range shooting scopes at this price point.

With a 34mm tube, the Strike Eagle accommodates massive amounts of elevation/windage travel.

The Strike Eagle series features a range of magnification options, from 1-6x to 5-25x, allowing shooters to choose the best scope for their specific needs. These scopes also feature a variety of reticle options, including the popular EBR-4 reticle, which provides precise aiming points for long-range shots.

The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle scopes are constructed with a rugged, aircraft-grade aluminum housing that is both shockproof and waterproof. They are also filled with argon gas to prevent fogging and maintain clarity in all weather conditions.

Other features of the Strike Eagle series include fully multi-coated lenses for maximum light transmission, a fast-focus eyepiece for quick and easy target acquisition, and exposed turrets for easy adjustments on the fly.

Overall, the Vortex Strike Eagle rifle scopes are a reliable and versatile option for shooters looking for optics that can handle a variety of shooting applications.

Vortex Optics also makes some of the best long range scopes at this price point and beyond and we really like the Vortex Strike Eagle.


Sig Sauer Sierra3

7. Sig Sauer Sierra3BDX

  • Price: $649.99
  • Magnification Range: 4.5-15
  • lens Size: 56mm
  • Weight: 30.4oz
  • Length: 14.6 inch
  • Eye relief: 3.7 inch

The automatic smart scopes, as they have been dubbed, are available in different magnifications and lens sizes, ranging from 1.5-4×20 to 4-12×40.

With this long range scope, it connects to your rangefinder and smartphone. You enter the wind information and it does the math and moves the reticle for elevation and windage.

The Sig Sauer Sierra rifle scope is designed for precision shooting at long ranges. It features a 30mm main tube with a matte black finish, and is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum.

It is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed to ensure reliable performance for your long range scope in a variety of weather conditions.

The Sierra scope is available in several different magnification ranges, including 3-12x, 4-16x, and 5-20x. It also features a variety of reticle options, including the Sig Sauer HellFire illuminated reticle, which provides fast and accurate target acquisition in low light conditions.

Other features of the Sierra scope include low-profile turrets with crisp and audible adjustments, a side parallax adjustment for enhanced image clarity, and fully multi-coated lenses for maximum light transmission and clarity.

Overall, the Sig Sauer Sierra rifle scope is an excellent choice for hunters, target shooters, and long-range enthusiasts who demand the highest level of performance and accuracy from their equipment.

These are good long range scopes.


Primary Arms PLx series rifle scopes.

8. Primary Arms PLx

  • Price: $649.99
  • Magnification Range: 4.5-15
  • Lens: 56mm
  • Weight: 30.4oz
  • Length: 14.6 inch
  • Eye relief: 3.7 inch

The Primary Arms PLx series offers a range of scopes designed for hunting, tactical, and target shooting.

The Primary Arms PLx series features a variety of magnification options. You can opt for 1-6x to a 5-30x long range scope, depending on the model. The scopes are constructed with the likes of aircraft-grade aluminum.

This simple hunting scope is equipped with advanced reticles, including the patented ACSS reticle, which provides accurate range and holdover estimation for precise shots. The reticles are illuminated and can be adjusted for brightness.

In addition, the Primary Arms PLx series features a variety of other advanced features, such as a zero stop elevation turret, side parallax adjustment, and clear glass quality for superior image clarity and resolution.

Overall, the Primary Arms PLx series is a line of long distance rifle scopes designed for shooters who demand precision and reliability in their optics.


Vortex Crossfire, an affordable scope for hunting and recreational shooting

9. Vortex Crossfire

  • Price: $149.99
  • Magnification Range: 3-9
  • Lens: 40mm
  • Weight: 15oz
  • Length: 12 inch
  • Eye relief: 3.8 inch

The Vortex Crossfire is an affordable scope with a decent level of adjustment, crystal clear glass and medium range.

Now the Vortex Crossfire is a cheap option for a rifle scope. But that said, it’s light, strong and the Vortex Crossfire high quality scopes should serve you well.

The lightweight construction and mid-range magnification make this an ideal tactical rifle scope and it’s a long eye relief scope as well. Which matters for plenty of us!

Honorable Mentions

We could easily have a Bushnell Elite, Athlon Optics and more for your long range targets and any number of high end scopes on your hunting rifle.

First Focal Plane vs Second Focal Plane SFP

First Focal Plane and Second Focal Plane SFP are terms that describe the location of the reticle in relation to the magnifying lenses of a riflescope.

In a First Focal Plane rifle scope, the reticle is located in front of the magnification lens. With this system, the reticle size changes when you adjust the magnification and the reticle subtensions for distance and holdover remain accurate through the range of magnification.

The reticle is located behind the magnification lens in a Second Focal Plane SFP rifle scope, so the reticle size remains the same at all magnifications. So the subtensions are only accurate at one specific magnification. Normally that is the highest power.

In practical terms, First Focal Plane FFP scopes are better for precision work, long-range shooting and tactical applications.

Second Focal Plane SFP scopes are more popular for hunting because the reticle size remains the same. So it is easier to acquire and track targets quickly at low magnification settings.

What is a Long Eye Relief Rifle Scope?

Any scope with eye relief starting at 6 inches is considered a long eye relief scope. Extended eye relief means you can use more powerful calibers without worrying about losing an eye. So long eye relief can be a good thing.


What are the Best Night Vision Scopes?

There are many great night vision rifle scopes available on the market, but the best scopes for you will depend on your specific hunting rifle, needs and budget. Here are some highly recommended options for thermal scopes:

  1. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope: These higher end scopes offer ultra HD 4K resolution and night vision capabilities. It also features a smart rangefinder, ballistic calculator, and video recording capabilities. Inevitably its a sweet scope for long range targets and gets a fast focus eyepiece.
  2. Pulsar Trail XP50 Thermal Riflescope: These high-end thermal scopes offers a detection range of up to 2,000 yards and has advanced heat detection technology. It also features a high-resolution display, 8 color palettes, and video recording capabilities.

What About a Red dot Sight?

The best red dots for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. Here are some highly recommended options:

  1. Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic): This offers a durable and reliable design, with a 2 MOA dot reticle and a long battery life of up to 30,000 hours. It also features a rugged construction and easy-to-use controls.
  2. Trijicon MRO (Miniature Rifle Optic): This red dot sight features a large lens for a wide sight picture and is designed for rapid target acquisition. You also get a durable design and a long battery life of up to 5 years on these red dots.
  3. Holosun HS510C: This offers a large window for a bigger sight picture and features a solar panel and battery combo for extended battery life. It also features a 2 MOA dot reticle and easy-to-use controls.
  4. Vortex Venom: This sight features a compact design and a 3 MOA dot reticle. It also features a durable construction and easy-to-use controls.
  5. EOTech EXPS2: This red dot sight features a holographic reticle for fast and accurate target acquisition. It also features a durable design and a long battery life of up to 600 hours.

Again, it’s important to do your research on red dots, you might want. Determine which features are most important to you before making a purchase online.

Holographic sights are also an option if fat target acquisition downrange is a big deal. Some like holographic sights.

What hunting rifles do you need?

If you’re just talking straightforward hunting, you need two rifles in your cupboard:

That is it. You don’t need to think about the 308 or the 338 anymore. You just don’t need the hassle. Use the Creedmoor, find the right ammunition and you could literally run a two-rifle set-up from rats right through to Elk.

So, ideally, you need a scope that can handle the 1400-yard skillset of a good Creedmoor. Get that and you can pop rabbits and varmints right at the limits of the rifle’s range.


What is the Best Rifle?

This is a tricky question that we have answered in a multitude of different ways over the years. Our sniper rifle piece is one of the most popular we’ve done. We have other pieces on the 6.5 Creedmoor and 308 rifles.

But you’re looking for the best…

Some names keep cropping up in almost every caliber and here are our basic suggestions.

Tikka T3x TAC-A1 - Arguably the finest pure sniper rifle and target shooter here

1. Tikka T3x TAC A1

  • Price Point: $2,200
  • Caliber: 308 Win/6.5 Creedmoor

The TAC A1 is a tactical rifle that is designed for precision shooting at long ranges. It features a modular chassis system, adjustable stock, and a free-floating barrel for maximum accuracy.

It is a legend in long range shooting circles and one of the best rifles in the world.


Christensen Arms MPR 338 Lapua, the best rifle in 2022

2. Christensen Arms MPR

  • Price: $1,899.99
  • Caliber: 308 Win Mag/6.5 Creedmoor/338 Lapua Mag/6.5 PRC/300 PRC/5.56 NATO

This lightweight precision rifle is designed for long-range hunting and shooting. It features a carbon-fiber barrel and a titanium receiver, which help reduce weight without sacrificing accuracy or durability.

It’s a great choice for a long range rifle. With crystal clear hunting scopes up top, this is an absolute weapon.


Benefits of a 30mm Tube

A 30mm tube on the best rifle scope offers several benefits over a smaller diameter tube:

  1. Increased Light Transmission: A larger tube allows more light to enter the scope, resulting in brighter and clearer images, particularly in low light conditions. So the 30mm tube s the perfect compromise.
  2. Larger Objective Lens: With a larger tube, the lens can also be larger with a 30mm tube, which again improves light transmission and provides a wider field of view with high quality glass.
  3. Increased Durability: A larger tube provides a stronger platform for the scope, which can increase its durability and withstand more recoil. A 30mm tube is exceptionally strong.
  4. More Adjustment Range: A 30mm tube can accommodate more internal adjustment range, allowing you to fine-tune your shot more precisely. Elevation/Windage and parallax adjustment in particular.
  5. Greater Flexibility: A 30mm tube also allows for more flexibility in mounting options, as it can fit on a wider range of rifles.

Overall, a good quality 30mm tube can improve the performance and versatility of the best rifle scope, making it an attractive option for serious shooters and hunters that like a lot of light and elevation/windage adjustment in the best long range scopes.


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Author

  • Nick Hall

    Nick is a lifelong gun enthusiast who has a simple mission. He wants to find the best deals for guns online and help you make the best choices with weapons your life may depend on one day.Nick won a minor league shooting competition at the age of 11 and it all went from there. Now he runs one of the biggest firearms websites on the net and his work has featured in Playboy US, Tatler Asia, Forbes and a whole host of national magazines and websites.

15 thoughts on “The 8 Best Rifle Scopes on Sale – 2024”

  1. Pingback: The Best Creedmoor Hunting Rifles For Sale – 2018 | USA Gun Shop

    1. As always, it depends on you! Where you’re hunting, what range you typically hunt at etc. With Creedmoor, you can hunt at outrageous distances and it’s more of a sniper fire experience. So you want the best scope you can afford for that. I’d recommend you spend more on the scope and less on the rifle, so the Vortex Gen II mounted on a Ruger Enhanced Precision could be a ideal starter point. The Ruger is modular, so you can switch out for parts that suit you better out in the field. You know it yourself, get a good scope and it will outlast several good rifles.

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