Best Scope Under $1,000: 9 scopes reviewed head-to-head

See my final scope picks at backfire.tv/1000 That is a blog post where I review my final picks for each category.

[@backfire]

Thanks all for the support! I contacted many other companies who chose not to participate or failed to respond. I can really only review what's in front of me. Also, some companies like Arken make awesome scopes and I will definitely be reviewing them, BUT their scopes are much less expensive than these so I didn't think it'd be a fair comparison. Tried to keep everything in the $750 to $1,000 range and as close to 3-18 FFP as possible.

[@BigShotsEric]

im curious do any of the Arken or other cheaper scopes compete with these? or is it really a "you get what you pay for" kinda deal?

[@jirifrybort5877]

What you think about Meopta optika6 3-18 ffp it should be under 1000 also

[@GetMeThere1]

Just purchased the Tract Toric 3-15 x 44 FFP scope and it's AWESOME at $800-$900, Awhile back I found the Athlon Ares BTR Gen 2 4.5-27 x 50 for $600! It's super awesome!

[@wisco_guy]

I own two of the PA GLX FFP scopes and they have been excellent so far. Love the ACSS reticle!

[@brandonquintero5710]

You should do another cheap rifle test, and do different rifles compared to the ones that you have already done. Like do a cheap browning or other known brands

[@francoisbm6785]

that drop test hurts to watch

[@Flinting_and_gaming]

Fr

[@C_oprator89]

How the heck isn’t athlon in this race?

[@PRSKris]

So bad, I cringed everytime one was dropped

[@Mills141]

​@architekt8937 no locking turrets

[@C_oprator89]

@@Mills141 most athlon have locking turrets. The helos gen2 btr does for sure

[@hlranch]

I'm curious if you reported the water failure to Burris and if yes, what was the response? This was an awesome test, thank you

[@tyrelhunter6529]

The fact that you arent allowed to show us the turret being twisted is just wild. I would love for youtube to explain the reasoning just to humor me. Awesome vid as always!

[@taylorcleblanc]

You can, he is just being super cautious

[@reabralop]

He said he’s been demonetized for that in the past. Just shows how much YT loves the year 84 from the 20th century

[@Isaacmantx]

@@reabralop It took me a second.... But I see what you did there!

[@herpingmad145]

Good test. I would be interested in the scopes ability to track and hold zero pre and post drop. That seems to be a bigger issue than out of the box. If a scope doesn’t track out of the box that seems to be a non starter.

[@afdetailing8104]

Thanks for doing these tests for us Jim. Keep up the good work!

[@jimfunchess]

You need to include Vortex and Leupold Scopes in this. Thanks!

[@philschaefer4651]

We know they're good, why would they donate a scope for things they've already tested?

[@920fist4]

Well vortex's only optic that really lines up here is the Strike Eagle 3-18ffp... Leupold doesn't really have anything. Closest would be vx3hd 4.5-14 sub 1k... technically a non side adjust, non fire dot, and non cds vx5hd 3-15, but both of those are SFP

[@taylortisaac]

He literally says why they’re not in here. In addition to Nikon, I might add.

[@paulmoss7940]

Nikon no makee scopes no mo. I like the older ones.@@taylortisaac

[@MrMadeinthe80s]

Primary arms has been making so good scopes as of late. I have one on my 6.5 (PLx) and it looks so nice. I just couldnt justify going Razor HD price over it.

[@scbane]

This video is a prime example of "I love your content, even though it does not apply to me." Most of my scopes are 1-6x, or 2-7x24mm. I love the Athlon BTR series. You should see the looks I get from techno hunters out in the sage or up in the mountains, with their 3lb 6-24x50mm scopes. I am ethically the "fair chase only" type. I do not hunt from blinds, or sit on water or food. I despise road hunters, unless they are genuinely physically disabled. Spot and stalk. Thus, weight is important to me. Also, since I do not shoot over 450 yards, 99% of my big game kills have been at 4x mag. Just works for me. I also do not share your love of chassis rifles, composites, Cerakote, etc. Give me a Win 70 Supergrade in maple any day. I love your content, keep it up. Side note: last year out Mulie hunting in our big, wide sage canyons, I came upon a guy who was lugging a 28" Palma barrel UberLoudenBoomer, that had to 13lbs if it was an ounce. Giant scope, like 3 sun shades on it, a tacticool green chassis of some kind, chambered in 30 Nosler. He took one look at my Tikka T3x Hunter 243 Win, 20" barrel, with an Athlon BTR 2-7X24 it, asked to handle it. He laughed at first when I told him 243, until I showed him a vid of that rifle knocking down a mulie at 373 yards. He offered to trade me on the spot. We were up high, and could see where we were parked, about 3 miles away. Last I saw of him, he had his rifle tied to his giant pack, sweating balls while I cruised on by. Bet this year he has a different rifle/optic.

[@micaellnstrup4602]

Absolutely fantastic review! I would love to see the same review, for top tier scopes from the top manufacturers.

[@EthosAtheos]

For where I hunt a 4x is not low enough. Most shots in my area are under 100yd and many are under 100ft. Hunting in the woods is really very different than on grassland or mountains.

[@kellyreid8230]

Excellent video as always Jim, thank you for all your hard work. I am that much wiser after takin in your videos. Thanks from Canada

[@romanrussian8989]

I appreciate your time, your work, your skills.

[@choomanfoo157]

Thank you for your research and doing the community a service by keeping us informed. My jaw dropped along with that scope drop test! haha. You sir have my respect! (and sub and like)

[@jpaul1232h]

Please please do the best scopes regardless of price. I’d love to hear what you have to say! Thank you for such amazing content!

[@karlsailor]

In the price range: Arken EP4L for hunting, EP5 for targets

[@brandonquesenberry8291]

SH4 is 300 great scope for the price

[@paulmoss7940]

Arken not really waterproof. Fail.

[@KenBlackRifleAmerica]

Thanks Jim and Crew...Awesome information and on my way to the blog post!! 👍👍

[@overkill0149]

For first focal plane scopes, do you check that the reticle subtensions line up with the calibrated equipment throughout the magnification range?

[@kellyrick4365]

Thanks for your hard work and videos!!!

[@fook-joby-den6172]

Ive Never used the Arken Optics, but, LOVE the PA GLx4 2.5-10x/4-16x. Great turrets and reticle along with glass thats

[@Bubblyhiccups]

Arken EP5 would be my choice.

[@CiviTac]

My buddy put one on his Barrett as a joke. And it has stayed there because it’s great. We all thought it would die

[@Chit_126]

I’ve had 6 Arkens. All 6 have been sent back.

[@awsomedude9111]

I thought Trijicon Accupoint should maybe be in your tests. Cool to see primary arms in the top, I think when doing the drop test it should be done 3-10 times to have consistency possibly.

[@ingelri2]

Did you contact Burris regarding the failure of the waterproof test? I'd be curious to know what their response was. I'm considering buying a couple of those Veracity PH scopes.

[@armeddiver]

Thank for the review. I am looking to buy a new scope for a semi-precision rifle and I am looking at scopes in all price ranges. This was a great review and I learned a lot.

[@maxcoatlhunter4322]

Your reviews are so great..that now we need a review on scopes under $2,000.

[@michaelbakowski5143]

Would love to see the same but for PRS scopes. Great video!

[@tannervanasten]

hugely appreciate the work here, great video. Really wish the big guys would have participated as I'm not really willing to step outside of the big 3-4

[@Quality_Guru]

Great video. How about a LPVO run off for those of us interested in getting an optic for a semi auto rifle using .223 or 5.56.

[@gold_3]

Great job as always 👍🏼👍🏼

[@davidlaney8254]

Excellent video and review that demonstrates why KZbin can be so valuable in making the most of your hard- earned money.

[@juanherrera2672]

I’d like to see a Meopta óptica6 3-18x50 added to your testing. Where did you acquire the colomiator ?

[@travisemory1388]

I have loved your videos. You helped me pick my wives cva and my new Ruger gen 2. Spearfishing, we got dialed in, but long range shooting, we are still learning. Was wondering what you do with the used scopes when you're done? Some of us newer shooters would not mind a High end scope with a few nicks and scrapes if you sold them when you were done. You know the old saying, Losers cant be choosers 😅. Thanks for all the info and great videos!

[@rymoy4923]

I’d love to see Tract, Meopta and GPO in the lineup!

[@southerncountryboy8]

Same. I've handled some of those brands in person, and they are very clear. Wish they got more coverage.

[@toddmartin3962]

also toss in the Athlon Ares G2 BTR 4.5-27, the Crimson Trace Hardline Pro 4-16, Trijicon Credo HX 2.5-15, and the Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18. All FFP, all with lifetime warranties.

[@stanleysanders9099]

@@toddmartin3962 the credo hx is sfp

[@SamEpperson93]

Huge bummer about the Veracity PH. I'm stoked to pick one up soon, I don't think I'll have issues with late season snowy hunts but hopefully they figure out the waterproofing issues!

[@lasthit1890]

i put a veracity PH on my 7mm PRC and you are going to love just being able to range, dial to that range and then pew ( mines been through a fair amount of downpours and no water issues as of yet)

[@charltonlwalker]

@@lasthit1890how’s the glass clarity? Burris has a next gen PH with ED glass so you can get last year’s version on sale.

[@TheMotorcycleBoss]

I own the Element Titan 5-25x56 FFP and have for about a year now. It's heavy but lighter than the Vortex Razor HD. Comes with a free optional throw lever, parallax down to 15yds, 34mm main tube, reticle illumination with an off setting between brightness adjustments and it tracks PERFECTLY as what was shown in this video. Glass quality is excellent for the price. I only have 2 minor gripes; turret clicks are a little mushy but do get better with use, and the glass quality isn't good enough to easily see mirage. Aside from that, I would 100% buy this again if I had to make the decision again. It was initially advertised as an airsoft optic because the owner is an airsoft fan but it is 100% designed for real guns. They actually test their optics on a .50 BMG. I use the optic for competition long range shooting and it has performed better than I could have hoped. If I ever replace it in the future, it would only be so I can see mirage better; but the glass quality is exceptional and very bright for such a great price. I absolutely recommend it for anyone wanting to get into long range. They have a hassle-free lifetime warranty as any reputable brand should and it is a VERY feature-rich choice. Highly recommended.

[@reedehinger2636]

what is "mirage"? Like, what do you mean by that?

[@TheMotorcycleBoss]

​@reedehinger2636 mirage is the heat waves coming off the ground that make distant objects blurry. You can read the mirage to see how strong and what direction the wind is blowing

[@MrCclime]

Great episode / test! Great questions / comments from the community. I'm a huge fan of the growing segment of built-in electronics😎 not sure how deep the pool is, but I think it's less than one atmosphere ; with that said immersion and rain are different. I wonder if a dose of silicone spray would help 🤔 Thanks again and please do more 🤙

[@steffentysnes5302]

You should try to include some of the bigger European scopes as well, I really enjoy Zeiss scopes for example, but also there are other premium brands like Leica or Swarovski are also popular among the higher end scopes, I's love to see a comparison including these which i and many other Europeans know and love.

[@worrdogg]

Great review..!!!

[@hxl6162]

Jim, fantastic content as usual, best wishes from Brazil 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷 Have you tried ATN X-sight pro 4K with ABL (Balistic Calculator)?

[@josefpdx1]

Quick question: could you please include the the ARKEN EP5 5-25x56 in the next review. Kind regards and happy shooting

[@davidsalsedo6765]

ELP 6-24 30mm Jap glass

[@Ron-ni8uu]

Not in same price class 750_1000 range

[@Ron-ni8uu]

That's the 500 price review

[@chrisgunsandguitars1403]

Tracking test right out of the box is one thing, and a good test. Testing long term tracking to see if the scope acquires lag would require heavy manipulation of the turrets that these “deer hunting” scopes likely won’t experience. I was hoping to see a TRACT scope, and would like to know who declined being part of the test. I personally am fine with American assembled with Japanese glass and a scope tube machined in China to certain specs. The whole scope made in China not so much.

[@scottbennett7676]

I watched both your Best Scopes under $500, and under $1,000 videos and appreciate you detailed reviews. I was especially interested to see that the Primary Arms 3-18 SLx & 4x16 GLx scopes did well in your test. Have you tested any of Primary Arms scopes with their ACSS Apollo 6.5 Creedmoor bullet drop compensating reticle? As the 6.5 CM is one of the top selling rifle calibers today; I'm sure there are many like me who would like to see you test & compare their 4.5-27x56 GLx & their 6-30x56 PLx rifle scopes with the ACSS Apollo reticle. I would like to see you review how well you think these scopes would work for both hunting & target shooting with the 6.5 CM. Keep up the good work!

[@bww1970]

I would have liked to have seen the results of the tracking test after the drop test.

[@user-wp5gr5wc6p]

I would like to hear more about the Burris. But after seeing the water test and not passing I’m not sure now. Burris has no problem with warranty, I know they will replace it.

[@dirklabuschagne473]

Hi. Great to the point comparison. Where did you buy those collimators? Please tell me..been searching forever🙇🏼‍♂️

[@KretinD]

The pa glx 4-16x50 is my favorite scope

[@slpeteyAZ]

Great work Jim.

[@codyblack1498]

I think you need to do a video on electronic scopes, ATN, Burris, Sig BDX line

[@eriksforestryvision8751]

Were these tests done in the order displayed? If so seems very fair. Great video!

[@Saintalexander797]

I've been waiting on this video and didn't even know it

[@fattigla]

That's crazy that any of those scopes survived that drop test. Its great to see they are that durable, I would not have expected any of them to survive that.

[@buzby80]

Did they survive though? The drop test should have been performed before the tracking test. Ideally they should have been checked for zero.

[@backfire]

@@buzby80 We actually did test tracking before AND after the drop test. No notable change, which is why it wasn't mentioned.

[@Ron-ni8uu]

​@@backfireI wondered the same thing

[@kingdave905]

Awesome video. Your content is always greatly appreciated. Have you thought about doing a review on the Meopta brand scopes? i have heard alot of good things about their quality and clarity.

[@shawngrays9087]

Personally,, I like the primary arms optics, even the 3 hundy range works well, for me

[@TurboJakebrakeKingpin169]

I wish you did the drop test before the crosshair adjustment test. Seems it would have been more real world applicable for scope value and durability.

[@romansdzalbs]

Would be interesting to see turret tests after drop test

[@backfire]

I actually did do that, but didn't see any changes so I didn't show it in the review. The drop test didn't seem to affect any of the scopes other than possibly the Riton.

[@romansdzalbs]

@@backfire thank you for information, despite pool test, still in love with PH, gonna put that on 7PRC rifle, when finally will get one in europe, hopefully from bergara or tikka

[@AdamSmith-cb3dn]

Would love to see review on Wilson combat Nula rifle

[@justsnuggle]

Recommend confirmatory turret tracking after torture testing. Also torture testing should be done after all the other tests are concluded to not skew results.

[@brom226]

Can you do this with the day/ night vision scopes 🤙

[@SamuelBerryhill]

Thanks for video man. I was wondering why no Arken or meaopta scopes in the test I’d like to see what you come up with on there scopes? Thanks again God bless

[@backfire]

Arken makes a great scope but they are half this cost so I didn't think it'd be fair to review them in this category. I will, however, be reviewing them in future videos. Meopta was contacted about being in this review but didn't respond.

[@SamuelBerryhill]

@@backfire okay just wondering. I’m guessing nightforce bailed out as well

[@MEDICIERIC]

What about the new strike eagle 3-18? Its heavy, but I’d imagine it would be competitive with the options in this video

[@dtmelanson]

Great content.

[@MrTacklebury]

You all get so tweaked on the FFP, but for long range, you are typically using top magnification and that's what the reticles have typically been set up for when you buy a SFP scope. I literally use only two settings. All the way down for close in shots and all the way out for further shots. If you do that, you don't need the FFP. THe other nice thing is that the reticle doesn't shrink down to the itty bitty size that many of the FFP's do. For old eyes and deer hunting at least in most places, you don't need FFP or the added expense.

[@Tyanmax99]

Very true

[@backfire]

I actually would almost never use max magnification when shooting long range. If you zoom in too much when shooting long range, the recoil shakes you off the target and you can't spot your impact. Top competitors in many long range disciplines are usually shooting around 12x.

[@DjLongshotxX1]

Very much disagree, shot my antelope this year at 400 yards on 8x with an FFP optic (Kahles K312i so 3x - 12x mag range), wind holds were needed and the field of view from a lower mag kept me on target. A well designed hunting FFP reticle (of which there are frankly not that many currently in market, but marketing features people don't need sells scopes) will be usable across the magnification range.

[@BooDamnHoo]

I would agree if the SFP scope reticle was setup to be accurate at max magnification. Typically they are setup for some mag level below max so when you go full mag you don't have accurate holdover or windage marks, or ranging marks.

[@yam831]

@@BooDamnHoo I'm not familiar with an SFP scope where the subtensions aren't set up for max magnification only. Not that I'm a scope expert, but all SFP scopes I've looked at, reticles were designed around max magnification.

[@treyg1808]

What’re the odds that last night I asking myself why you haven’t made a video of 1000$ scopes! So badass

[@ajd.804]

2 review requests if possible. 1 for rangefinding binos, 2 for higher end scopes: leupold, March ,NF, swaro, Ziess, etc. Thx

[@Aqulia1000]

What about ARKEN optics? Would be awesome to see how it would compare!

[@avondale08]

Although more difficult to compare, you should do drop testing on rifle to check zero retention. Or figure out a way to check that the zero hasn't shifted by using your tracking test lab equip with a repeatable mounting point for each optic. Zero retention should be the most important thing when assessing a rifle scope

[@m4rvinmartian]

Wheeler makes a scope mounting kit that contains a REALLY, REALLY NICE muzzle alignment laser. That's the best way to check for zero movement.

[@avondale08]

Yeah, if the boresighting laser is that repeatable, then that would be a solution. The guys over at rokslide have been doing zero retention drop testing and it's amazing how few optics truly hold zero under minor impacts to scope.

[@backfire]

I didn't show that in the video, but I actually did test that. I zeroed the scopes on the lab test rig, and then gave the scopes a VIOLENT blow against the ground. None of the scopes had an issue retaining zero in that test.

[@avondale08]

Thanks for clarifying :) Love the videos

[@jeffreynye3019]

I just bought an ARKEN sh4 6-24 on Amazon , new, from ARKEN, for $257!!!

[@trumpet112]

I see you picked up an Arken EPL after the pool test at 0:57 but I understand you didn't include them for pricing fairness. Can you say if the Arken survived the water at least? Great video by the way!

[@backfire]

Totally by accident I grabbed that one during that test because it was sitting near the other scopes I was testing. I’m not sure if it went into the pool or not. I didn’t use it in the rest of the test.

[@trumpet112]

@@backfire ah makes sense! Thanks for the reply

[@sithbadboy]

Can we get a similar video with $1000-$1500 range

[@peterlowyk2056]

We were especially impressed with the Burris Veracity PH, which has quite a lot of electronics inside, and still passed the waterproofing test with flying colors.

[@stevenwalker9013]

It didn’t pass the water test

[@DougBenji]

How was the box test tracking after dropping the scopes on concrete ?

[@superseries7007]

No Vortex. 😭 It's ok. I just through my 3-18 Vortex Strike Eagle FFP into my pool attached to a Tikka 6.5 Arctic. Well... The gun is not waterproof. FYI.

[@kevinraymondmontgomery6262]

Dang! Best videos ever!

[@jeremiahcoles2378]

I think id still strongly consider the burris. Its also a great option for anyone trying to get into the practice of dialing for your ranges instead of hold overs.

[@backfire]

Agreed. If you look at my written review on the website, I still like the Burris.

[@francoisbm6785]

very few scopes are actually rated for underwater pressure, plunging scopes in a bucket of water would have suffice. as a suggestion to complete the test would be to verify turret function etc/electronics after a 2-3 hours in the freezer

[@backfire]

Agreed. The test was way overkill, but when there are this many companies all wanting your money, we gotta be brutal in the test to find the very best.

[@williamhood5062]

Appreciate your review. Just got a Bergara Crest squared in 7 PRCand ordered your new recoil pad for it. I’ve been looking at the Burris illuminates 4. What is your thoughts?

[@yo2stix]

You need to check tracking and see if the scope lost zero post the drop test. That’s the most important test you run. You will find SWFA, Nightforce and Trijicon will be the only to pass.

[@Neb245]

Where is the arken scopes? Would have liked to the the epl4 compared to the primary arms as lighter weight hunting option

[@Chris4II]

Hi great video! It would be nice to see some optics from brands like Kahles, Svarowski, Zeiss, Leica or Schmidt & Bender, as we here in Europe, tend to own optics from these manufactures as they are better quality than many of the scope manufactures I see used in the US. I’ve seen and used scopes from Hawke, Burris, Leupold, Vortex and so on and I was not impressed. I myself use Zeiss, Schmidt & Bender and Svarowski scopes on my different rifles.

[@BlueManatee]

Please do this but for prs scopes

[@firstglass1]

Man, iv just bought two of those Hawke scopes.

[@TeensierPython]

I want to see the $1000-2000 price range

[@garyscheer8017]

I would like to see a Trijicon Credo added to this group

[@treymartin6304]

Love your channel--- can you review Tract,Apex,Meopta

[@FalconslugsPakistan]

Really Appreciate And honest Review But i didn't see any MTC scope in collection or any test what you say about MTC viper pro

[@BernardVillalon]

Broski next time can u pls do the Zero in after the drop test great vid Luv frm Toronto

[@njgrplr2007]

I just picked up a Leupold VX-3HD 4-14x50 for $500. The quality is amazing.

[@eyandetmer1925]

When are you revisiting the 783 with new remarms

[@jimmlinar296]

Needed to test tracking after the drop that’s what really matters on the drop test

[@user-bw6uh4ss4z]

Have you considered doing a review of Arken Optics? I just picked up an EPL4 and would be curious for your opinions/results on this one as well.

[@SamuelBerryhill]

I’ll second that I have the ep5 and it’s awesome would like to see a review on there new lighter Weight model for sure

[@backfire]

I have a couple Arken scopes and will certainly be reviewing them. I only didn't include them here because they are in a MUCH lower price category and I didn't think that'd be very fair.

[@brad_neal]

I have a couple Arken scopes as well and would be very interested in your feedback.@@backfire

[@mcspivey1779]

I see that 22 creed hat!! When are we going to see a gun on the channel?????

[@tonygillahan]

Wish Meopta Optika6 had been part of this.

[@m444ss]

Speaking of technology, Sig Sauer Sigma scopes have a digital focal plane.

[@tvvxq_9158]

Man would’ve loved to see the strike eagle on here

[@sk8snwmx]

That's also my pic before all of these...

[@dylanhurst3449]

The one thing I would've loved to see...how well did they track after the drop test, and did they hold zero after the drop test? Loved the water test 🤣that's commitment

[@StoneWall_Actual]

Would have loved to see a Swampfox in this comparison. Oveall though, this was a great video.

[@SVTBansheeman]

I'm just here to see if anything is superior to the Athlon Ares etr 4.5-30x56 I've been wanting...

[@commonsense5709]

The Meopta Optika 6 5-30x56 MRAD would be better for cheaper too ($799.99-$849.99) and it's not made in China.

[@SVTBansheeman]

​@@commonsense5709thanks, I'll research that

[@mikemellon80]

don't you know turning a turret on a scope is extremely dangerous and KZbin cant be too careful!

[@bruinsfan8522]

Why no vortex options? Edit: I watched the end of the video and I understand

[@spacepathfinder1]

Delta optical titanium HD SF 2.5-15x56