Nikon Black X1000 Scope Review [Entry Level Precision Rifle Scope]
by , Updated: 240 Are you on a budget and looking for an entry-level precision rifle scope? The Nikon Black X1000 scope is suitable for shooting from 50-yards or making 1,000-yards shots. This entry-level scope’s features are comparable to ranges in a higher price class. Let’s dive into the features, specs, pros, and cons.
Specifications
Different Nikon Black X 1000 Vortex Viper PST GEN II
Waterproof and fog proof Yes Yes
Zero Stop Feature No Yes
Eye Relief 3.6 – 4 inches 3.4 inches
Objective Lens Diameter 50 mm 44 mm
Field of View 27.2 – 6.8 ft/100 yds 41.2 – 8.6 ft/100 yds
Turret Style Tactical Yes Yes
Parallax Setting 50 yds to infinity 20 yards to infinity
Length 14.8 inches 14.3 inches
Weight 23.3 oz 28.1 oz
User’s Opinions on Features
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | Less expensive | Average $200 more (at time of this review) |
| Physical Size | Bigger | Slightly smaller |
| Reticle | Thicker/dimmer illuminations | Thinner/brighter illuminations |
| Glass | sharper and crisper | Good but not the best of the two |
| Has a Sunshade | Yes | No |
| Durability | More durable | Can lose zero after extensive shooting over time |
| Warranty/customer service | Lifetime warranty / okay customer service | Lifetime/better customer service |
Different Configurations Available
If an X-MRAD or an X-MOA reticle is your preference, they have that covered also. In addition, the 1-4×24 comes with a horseshoe style reticle.
- 4-16×50 SF Illuminated X-MRAD Reticle
- 1-4×24 (with a horseshoe style reticle, complete with drop scale)
- 4-16×50 SF Non-Illuminated X-MOA Reticle
- 4-24×50 SF Illuminated X-MRAD Reticle
- 4-16×50 SF Illuminated X-MOA Reticle
Eye Relief
The distance from the ocular lens to the shooter’s eye is called eye relief. The shooter who is shooting high caliber cartridges wants a longer eye relief to protect their eye upon recoil.
The Nikon Black X 1000 has 3.6 inches to 4 inches eye relief, which is decent for high caliber cartridges. Although this may be true, a beginner shooter might find this eye relief a little short.
Construction/Design
Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy makes the Nikon Black X 1000 a lightweight and sturdy scope. Furthermore, rain and fog are not a problem for this scope with its waterproof and fog proof construction.
You do not have to worry about the glare from sun-rays causing adverse effects to the image quality. The scope has a sunshade to keep this from happening.
Image Quality
The scope is only as good as its image quality. It is essential to have a crisp image under any light conditions. The lenses on the Black X 1000 are multi-coated, lead, and arsenic-free. The resulting image is bright, clear, and sharp. Consequently, you can rely on a clear view of your target in all light conditions, from hazy to bight.
Parallax/tracking
It is necessary to adjust the parallax for the range of your target. The reticle will change position on the target as you move your head if the parallax is not adjusted correctly. This will affect tracking.
The most important feature on a precision scope is tracking. If the tracking is not accurate, the scope is not worth having. You do not have to worry about the Nikon Black X 1000 scopes. They rank with the top scopes on the market for tracking.
Precision tracking can be adjusted by easy to use turrets. The .10 mil values are well space and easy to view. In like manner, the clicks themselves make it easy to keep track of your adjustments.
Nikon Black X 1000 vs. Vortex Viper PST GEN II
We put the results in easy to read charts below. The first chart represents the general consensus, of the user’s opinions. The second chart shows a comparison of the specifications for both scopes.
Excellent Entry Level Scope
The Nikon Black X 1000 is an excellent entry-level scope, especially if you are on a budget. The dimmer illumination of the reticle and the lack of a zero-stop feature is not a deal-breaker.
The durability, sharp, crisp image, and sunshade, more than makeup for the slight faults, of the Nikon Black X 1000 scope. Compared with the Vortex Viper, PST Gen II customers are reporting the Nikon Black X 100 is more durable and holds zero better under extensive use. The eye relief on the Vortex is shorter, and the objective lens is smaller.
Even though the Vortex Viper PST Gen II has a Zero Stop feature and a slightly wider field of view, are these two features worth an extra $200 in cost? That will be a decision you will have to make.
