Hey there, fellow hunters and long-range enthusiasts! Joel Mccartan here, and boy, do I have a treat for you today. We’re diving deep into the world of affordable long-range rifle scopes, and I’m excited to share my top picks for 2024 that won’t break the bank.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Joel, can I really get a quality long-range scope for under a grand?” Well, let me tell you, the optics market has come a long way in recent years. We’re living in a golden age of affordable, high-quality glass, and I’m here to help you navigate the options.
Before we dive in, let me level with you folks. I’m not some fancy military expert or a bigwig at an optics company. I’m just a regular Joe who’s passionate about hunting and has spent countless hours in the field testing gear. When it comes to long-range scopes, I’ve personally put dozens through their paces in all kinds of conditions. From dawn patrol varmint hunts to long-range target shooting sessions that stretched well into the evening, I’ve seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t.
So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let’s explore the best long-range rifle scopes under $1000 for 2024!
Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 FFP
Kicking off our list is the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 FFP. Now, I’ve been a fan of Vortex for years, and this scope is a prime example of why.
Key Features:
- First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle
- 6-24x magnification range
- 50mm objective lens
- EBR-2C MOA reticle
- 30mm tube
What I Love: The glass clarity on this scope is impressive for the price point. I’ve used it in low-light conditions, and it performs admirably. The FFP reticle is a game-changer for long-range shooting, allowing for accurate holdovers at any magnification.
Real-World Experience: I took this scope out on a prairie dog hunt last summer, and it didn’t disappoint. The wide magnification range allowed me to quickly transition between close shots and longer ranges. At about 400 yards, I was able to clearly see and consistently hit those small targets.
Price: Around $499
Primary Arms SLx 4-14x44mm FFP
Next up is the Primary Arms SLx 4-14x44mm FFP. Primary Arms has been making waves in the optics world, and this scope is a testament to their commitment to quality at an affordable price.
Key Features:
- First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle
- 4-14x magnification range
- 44mm objective lens
- ACSS HUD DMR .308 reticle
- 30mm tube
What Stands Out: The ACSS HUD DMR reticle is a standout feature. It’s incredibly intuitive and provides quick ranging and holdover references. The glass quality is surprisingly good for the price, with minimal chromatic aberration.
Field Notes: I used this scope during a 3-day hunting trip in the Rocky Mountains. The lower end of the magnification range was perfect for quick target acquisition in wooded areas, while the higher magnification allowed me to reach out to distant ridgelines. The durability impressed me too – it handled a accidental drop onto rocky terrain without losing zero.
Price: Around $399
Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen2 6-24×50 FFP
Athlon might not be as well-known as some other brands, but they’re making waves with scopes like the Argos BTR Gen2.
Key Features:
- First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle
- 6-24x magnification range
- 50mm objective lens
- APMR MIL reticle
- 30mm tube
Why It’s Great: The Argos BTR Gen2 offers features typically found on much more expensive scopes. The glass clarity is excellent, and the illuminated reticle is a nice touch for low-light conditions. The zero stop feature is also a welcome addition at this price point.
Personal Experience: I had the chance to use this scope during a PRS-style match last fall. The tracking was spot-on, and I was able to quickly dial for different distances. The reticle was easy to read and use for holdovers. By the end of the day, I was ringing steel at 800 yards with confidence.
Price: Around $449
Bushnell Match Pro 6-24×50
Bushnell has been in the optics game for a long time, and their experience shows in scopes like the Match Pro.
Key Features:
- Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle
- 6-24x magnification range
- 50mm objective lens
- Deploy MIL reticle
- 30mm tube
What I Appreciate: The Bushnell Match Pro offers a lot of bang for your buck. The glass quality is good, and the turrets have a nice, positive click. The side parallax adjustment is smooth and easy to use, which is crucial for long-range shooting.
Hunter’s Perspective: I took this scope out for an early morning prairie dog hunt, and it performed admirably. The glass clarity was excellent, even in the low light of dawn. The Deploy MIL reticle made it easy to compensate for wind and distance, and I was able to consistently hit those small targets out to 300 yards.
Price: Around $499
Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12×40
Leupold is a name synonymous with quality, and the VX-Freedom line brings that quality to a more affordable price point.
Key Features:
- Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle
- 4-12x magnification range
- 40mm objective lens
- Tri-MOA reticle
- 1-inch tube
Why It Stands Out: The VX-Freedom might not have all the bells and whistles of some other scopes on this list, but what it does, it does exceptionally well. The glass clarity is outstanding, and the scope is incredibly lightweight and compact.
Field Test: I mounted this scope on a lightweight .308 for a spot-and-stalk mule deer hunt in some hilly terrain. The VX-Freedom’s light weight was immediately noticeable, making the rifle a joy to carry all day. When I finally got a shot opportunity at a buck about 250 yards out, the clear glass and simple reticle made for a quick, clean ethical kill.
Price: Around $299
SWFA SS 10×42 Tactical
Now, here’s a bit of a wildcard. The SWFA SS 10×42 Tactical is a fixed power scope, which might seem odd in a list of long-range optics. But hear me out on this one.
Key Features:
- Fixed 10x magnification
- 42mm objective lens
- Mil-Quad reticle
- 30mm tube
What Makes It Special: The SWFA SS series is known for its incredible durability and reliability. The fixed power design means fewer moving parts to potentially fail. The glass clarity is excellent, and the turrets are some of the best I’ve used in this price range.
Personal Experience: I was skeptical about using a fixed power scope for long-range shooting, but this scope changed my mind. I used it during a precision rifle course, and it performed flawlessly. The simplicity allowed me to focus on fundamentals, and I was consistently hitting targets out to 800 yards. It’s not for everyone, but if you want a bombproof scope that will always work, this is it.
Price: Around $299
Meopta Optika6 3-18×50 RD
Meopta might not be a household name in the US, but they’ve been producing high-quality optics in the Czech Republic for decades.
Key Features:
- Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle
- 3-18x magnification range
- 50mm objective lens
- Z-Plus RD illuminated reticle
- 30mm tube
What I Love: The glass quality on this scope is outstanding. It’s easily on par with scopes costing twice as much. The illuminated reticle is crisp and clear, and the overall build quality is excellent.
Real-World Use: I had the chance to use this scope during a week-long hunting trip in the Rockies. The wide magnification range was perfect for both dense timber and open meadows. The low-light performance was particularly impressive – I was able to take a nice bull elk in the last minutes of legal shooting light thanks to the bright, clear image.
Price: Around $799
Tract TORIC 4-20×50 MRAD
Tract is a direct-to-consumer brand that’s been making waves in the optics world with their quality-to-price ratio.
Key Features:
- First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle
- 4-20x magnification range
- 50mm objective lens
- MRAD reticle
- 30mm tube
Why It’s Great: The Tract TORIC offers features typically found on much more expensive scopes. The glass clarity is excellent, and the turrets have a positive, tactile click. The zero stop feature is also a welcome addition at this price point.
Field Notes: I mounted this scope on my 6.5 Creedmoor for a long-range shooting course. The tracking was spot-on, and I was able to quickly dial for different distances. The reticle was easy to read and use for holdovers. By the end of the weekend, I was consistently ringing steel at 1000 yards.
Price: Around $974
Riton X7 Conquer 5-25×50
Riton is a newer player in the optics game, but they’re making a name for themselves with quality scopes at competitive prices.
Key Features:
- Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle
- 5-25x magnification range
- 50mm objective lens
- Illuminated reticle
- 34mm tube
What Stands Out: The Riton X7 Conquer offers a lot of features for the price. The glass clarity is good, and the illuminated reticle is a nice touch for low-light conditions. The 34mm tube allows for a wide range of elevation adjustment.
Personal Experience: I used this scope during a long-range shooting competition last summer. The wide magnification range was useful for engaging targets from 200 to 1000 yards. The turrets tracked well, and the zero stop made it easy to return to my 100-yard zero between stages.
Price: Around $949
Hawke Frontier 30 SF 5-30×56
Last but certainly not least, we have the Hawke Frontier 30 SF. Hawke might not be as well-known in the US, but they’ve been producing quality optics in the UK for years.
Key Features:
- Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle
- 5-30x magnification range
- 56mm objective lens
- FFP Marksman reticle
- 30mm tube
Why I Like It: The Hawke Frontier offers a lot of magnification for the money. The glass quality is good, and the side focus parallax adjustment is smooth and easy to use. The large 56mm objective lens gathers a lot of light, making this a good choice for low-light conditions.
Field Test: I mounted this scope on my .300 Win Mag for a long-range target shooting session. The high magnification range allowed me to clearly see bullet holes in paper targets at 300 yards, which was incredibly helpful for fine-tuning my handloads. The turrets tracked well, and I was able to consistently hit steel targets out to 1200 yards.
Price: Around $949
Wrapping It Up
Whew! We’ve covered a lot of ground here, folks. From budget-friendly options to scopes that push the $1000 limit, there’s something on this list for every long-range shooter. Remember, the “best” scope is the one that fits your specific needs, shooting style, and budget.
When choosing a long-range scope, consider factors like:
Magnification Range: For long-range shooting, you typically want a maximum magnification of at least 15x, if not more.
Objective Lens Size: Larger objective lenses gather more light, which can be crucial for low-light conditions.
Reticle Type: First Focal Plane (FFP) reticles are generally preferred for long-range shooting, but Second Focal Plane (SFP) can work well too.
Turret Quality: You want crisp, repeatable clicks for precise adjustments.
Durability: Long-range scopes need to withstand recoil and harsh conditions.
My personal favorite? I’ve got to give the nod to the Vortex Diamondback Tactical. It hits that sweet spot of performance, durability, and value that’s hard to beat. But honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these scopes – they’ve all earned their place on this list through real-world performance.
Before I sign off, here’s a quick tip: Whatever scope you choose, make sure to spend some quality time at the range getting to know it. Understanding your scope’s reticle, adjustments, and how it performs at various distances will make you a more effective and ethical shooter in the field.
Happy shooting, and may your shots fly true! Until next time, this is Joel Mccartan signing off. If you’ve got any questions or want to share your own experiences with these scopes, drop a comment below. I always love hearing from fellow shooters!