What’s the point of having a powerful rifle if your scope can’t keep up at 400 yards? Hitting your target at this distance requires more than just a steady hand it requires the proper optics. Whether you’re pursuing deer across a vast field or aiming for steel at the range. In this article, we’ll examine the best scope for 400 yards that provides hunters and shooters with the clarity, accuracy, and dependability they require.
To save you time and money, I have evaluated and tested a variety of highly regarded scopes. Stick around if you want to find optics that will last as long as you do in the field. Choosing the right scope could be your best bet this year.
Factors to consider when buying the Best Scope for 400 Yards
Magnification
A scope with at least 9x to 16x magnification is what you’ll need at 400 yards. If you use too little, you may have trouble locating your target; if you use too much, you may lose field of view. For more versatility, look for variable zoom scopes such as 3-12x or 4-16x.
Objective Lens Size
When hunting in the early morning or late at night, a larger objective lens (such as 40mm to 50mm) lets in more light, giving you a brighter, clearer image. But keep in mind that larger lenses may add weight.
Reticle Type
You can compensate for wind drift and bullet drop at 400 yards with a MOA, Mil-Dot, or BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) reticle. Holdover points provided by these reticles can improve the accuracy of longer shots.
Glass Quality
Superior multi-coated lenses improve clarity and lessen glare. For identifying targets at a distance, brands that use ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass or fully multi-coated optics offer superior image sharpness and color fidelity.
Durability
If you plan to use your scope in harsh outdoor conditions, it is especially important that it be fogproof, waterproof, and shockproof. High-quality optics typically use sealed, nitrogen- or argon-purged designs and aircraft-grade aluminum.
Best Scope for 400 Yards
1) Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 FFP
Specifications
- 4-16x magnification
- 44 mm objective lens diameter
- 3.8 inches eye relief
- 26.9-6.7 ft/100 yds field of view
- 30 mm tube size
- 20 yards to infinity parallax
- 14 inches length
- 23.1 oz weight
- First Focal Plane
- EBR-2C MRAD reticle
The Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 FFP is a feature-packed scope that punches well above its price point, making it a top choice for shooters looking to reach out to 400 yards and beyond. It features a first focal plane (FFP) EBR-2C reticle, which maintains accurate holdovers at any magnification level—ideal for precise long-range shots. The glass is impressively clear for its class, enhanced by fully multi-coated lenses that boost light transmission and clarity.
Built with a rugged one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube, it’s shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof—ready for real-world field abuse. Tactical turrets with crisp, audible clicks allow for precise adjustments, and the side parallax knob ensures a sharp image and improved accuracy at longer distances. Whether you’re hunting, target shooting, or plinking at steel, this scope offers exceptional value and dependable performance for 400-yard shots.
Pros
- First focal plane reticle
- Excellent glass quality
- Precise turrets
- Side parallax adjustment
- Durable build
- Great value
Cons
- Heavy
2) Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12×40
Specifications
- 4 – 12 x magnification
- 40 mm objective lens
- 3.4 mm exit pupil
- 10 – 21.5 ft at 100 yds FOV
- 3.7 – 4.9 in eye relief
- Weighs 16.1 oz
- Side focus parallax
The Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12×40 is a lightweight, rugged, and crystal-clear riflescope that’s perfect for hunters and shooters looking to stretch their range out to 400 yards with confidence. Built around Leupold’s legendary Twilight Light Management System, it delivers bright, high-contrast images even in low-light conditions—making it ideal for early morning or late evening hunts.
The 4-12x magnification range offers excellent versatility for medium to long-range shots, while the 40mm objective lens provides a wide field of view without adding unnecessary bulk. Its durable, aircraft-grade aluminum construction is 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring reliable performance in tough outdoor conditions. Simple yet dependable, the VX-Freedom is a solid go-to for anyone who values clarity, precision, and trusted American craftsmanship.
Pros
- Excellent low-light performance
- Lightweight & compact
- Crisp, clear optics
- Durable build
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- No tactical turrets
3) Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 FFP
Specifications
- 6-24x magnification
- 50mm objective lens
- 30mm tube diameter
- Weighs 30.3 oz
- 3.3 inches eye relief
- 2.1mm exit pupil
The Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 FFP is a feature-rich riflescope designed for precision shooting at extended ranges, including 400 yards and beyond. It boasts a first focal plane (FFP) illuminated reticle, ensuring accurate holdovers and subtensions across all magnifications. The scope’s 6-24x magnification range and 50mm objective lens provide versatility and excellent light-gathering capabilities. Constructed from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, it offers durability while maintaining a manageable weight of 30.3 oz.
The advanced fully multi-coated lenses and XPL protective coating enhance light transmission and protect against dirt and scratches. Additional features include a precision zero stop system, side parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity, and argon purging for waterproof and fogproof performance. With its combination of high-end features at an accessible price point, the Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 FFP is a compelling choice for shooters seeking reliable long-range performance.
Pros
- First focal plane reticle
- Wide magnification range
- Illuminated reticle
- Zero stop turrets
- Side parallax adjustment
- Durable build
- Great value
Cons
- Heavy
4) Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 FFP
Specifications
- 4 – 14 x magnification
- 44 mm objective lens
- 30mm tube diameter
- 3.3 – 11.2 mm exit pupil
- 7.85 – 27.2 ft at 100 yds FOV
- 3.14 – 3.22 in eye relief
- First focal plane
The Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 FFP is a versatile and budget-friendly riflescope designed for shooters aiming for precision at mid to long ranges, including 400 yards. Its first focal plane (FFP) reticle ensures that holdovers and ranging remain accurate across the entire 4x to 14x magnification range. Constructed from durable 6063 aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-resistant, making it suitable for various environmental conditions.
The MIL-DOT reticle provides a traditional and widely accepted system for ranging and holdovers, while the side-adjustable parallax and fast-focus eyepiece contribute to a crisp and clear sight picture. With 0.1 MIL click adjustments and exposed tactical-style turrets featuring zero reset, shooters can make precise and repeatable adjustments. Weighing in at approximately 24 ounces, the SLx 4-14×44 FFP offers a balance between robust construction and manageable weight.
Pros
- First focal plane (FFP) reticle
- Clear glass quality
- Durable construction
- Tactile turrets
- Side parallax adjustment
- Value for money
Cons
- None
5) Vortex Viper HS 4-16×44
Specifications
- 4-16x magnification
- 44 mm objective lens
- 4.0 inches eye relief
- 27.4-7.4 ft/100 yds field of view
- 30 mm tube size
- 20.8 oz weight
- 13.7 inches length
- 50 yards to infinity parallax
- Second focal plane
- VMR-1 MRAD reticle
The Vortex Viper HS 4-16×44 riflescope is a versatile and durable optic designed for hunters and shooters seeking reliable performance at mid to long ranges, including 400 yards. Featuring a 4-16x magnification range and a 44mm objective lens, it offers a balance between field of view and detail resolution. The scope utilizes XD™ (Extra-low Dispersion) glass and XR™ fully multi-coated lenses to deliver sharp, high-contrast images, even in low-light conditions.
Its Dead-Hold® BDC (MOA) reticle, positioned in the second focal plane, provides accurate holdover and windage corrections without changing size across magnifications. Constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, the 30mm tube is argon-purged and O-ring sealed, ensuring waterproof and fogproof performance. Additional features include capped reset turrets for protection and easy re-indexing to zero, a fast-focus eyepiece for quick reticle focusing, and ArmorTek® coatings to protect exterior lenses from scratches, oil, and dirt. Weighing approximately 19.2 ounces and measuring 13.41 inches in length, the Viper HS 4-16×44 is a robust and user-friendly scope suitable for various shooting applications.
Pros
- High-quality optics
- Durable construction
- User-friendly features
- Dead-hold BDC reticle
Cons
- None
6) Sig Sauer Whiskey3 4-12×40
Specifications
- 4 – 12 x magnification
- 40 mm objective lens
- 3.33 – 10 mm exit pupil
- 11.3 – 33.9 ft at 100 yds FOV
- 3.5 in eye relief
- Weighs 16 oz
- 100 yds parallax
The Sig Sauer Whiskey3 4-12×40 riflescope is a versatile optic designed for hunters and shooters seeking reliable performance at medium to long ranges. Featuring a 4–12x magnification range and a 40mm objective lens, it offers a balance between field of view and detail resolution. The scope utilizes Low-Dispersion (LD) glass and SpectraCoat™ fully multi-coated lenses to deliver sharp, high-contrast images across the visible spectrum. Its QuadPlex reticle, positioned in the second focal plane, provides a clear and unobtrusive aiming point that remains consistent in size across magnifications.
Constructed from a single piece of aluminum alloy, the 1-inch maintube is IPX7-rated waterproof and fogproof, ensuring durability in various environmental conditions. Additional features include 1/4 MOA impact point correction, 70 MOA windage and elevation adjustments, and a side focus parallax correction knob for enhanced accuracy. Weighing approximately 16 ounces and measuring 14 inches in length, the Whiskey3 4-12×40 is a robust and user-friendly scope suitable for a wide range of shooting applications.
Pros
- High-quality optics
- Durable construction
- User-friendly features
- Versatile reticle options
- Value for money
Cons
- None
Best Scope for 400 Yards FAQs
What magnification is ideal for shooting at 400 yards?
A scope with at least 9x to 16x magnification is advised for 400 yards. You can zoom in on far-off targets with a variable scope, such as 4-16x, while still being able to use it at closer ranges.
Can I use a 3-9x scope for 400-yard shots?
Yes, but with limitations. A 3-9x scope can work at 400 yards, especially for larger targets like deer, but it may lack the precision needed for smaller targets or long-range accuracy. If you want more confidence in your shots, consider a higher-powered optic.
Do I need a BDC or Mil-Dot reticle for 400 yards?
Not completely, but they are very beneficial. Holdovers are made easier with a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) or Mil-Dot reticle, which also lets you compensate for wind drift and bullet drop, which become more important at 400 yards.
What kind of glass should I look for in a 400-yard scope?
Better light transmission, clarity, and color accuracy are offered by scopes with ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass or fully multi-coated lenses. This makes it easier to see and recognize your target, even in dimly lit areas.
What’s a good budget range for a quality 400-yard scope?
Reliable scopes range in price from $200 to $600, with some high-end models costing more. The secret is to stay within your budget while balancing durability, glass quality, reticle, and magnification.
Conclusion
As long as you understand which features are most important, selecting the best scope for 400 yards doesn’t have to be difficult. The best scope can significantly impact your long-range accuracy and confidence, from the appropriate magnification and reticle style to glass clarity and turret precision.
Investing in high-quality optics will help you make every shot matter, whether you’re ringing steel at the range or aiming for a trophy buck. You’re one step closer to improving your shooting skills now that you know what to look for. Choose the scope that best fits your shooting style, and make your next 400-yard shot your best to date.
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