Here's my $.02. In my opinion, you get what you pay for ... sort of like buying a quality camera lenses. ButI will admit there comes a point of deminishing returns ... and pretty quick $$$-wise.I am of the opinion that with $1000 to spend you are beyond the more dramatichump of that reduction in return for the $$$. I am big time fan of the higher endSwarovskiand Zeisss scopes. I have both and they are superb. But these are several hundred or more beyond your $1000 limit. So I will limit my suggestions to the range that you mentioned. FYI - I have used and/or sighted in scopes made by too many different manufacturers, and too wide a price range to list here. If you need the "long version", e-mail me and I'll share. I'm talkling $40 BSA's to $2500 Zeiss'.

Here's my #1 suggestion ... and this is first hand,a scope that I own and have used on several hunts in the 2007 -08 season ... the Zeiss Conquest.This scope sits on top of an inline 50 cal. muzzle loader that I use 150 gr. 777 to push a 340 gr. bullet. So it has "felt" recoil. I realize there is zero logevity, but I have to think that the long term ruggedness is there in the Zeiss name.As far as optical performance, I put this scopeabove my 2 - Leupold Vari-X III's as far as clarity, crispness and low light viewing. And I put itwell above a comparably pricedNikon Monarch that I have.

Not on your list, but in my opinion and within your price range, there is another good buy ....a Kahles, 1" tube scope. These usually run about $700 +/-. I have a 3-9x40 mm , 1" tube mounted on a "lender' rifle. Several friends have used this set-up with excellent comments. I have used the same many times and this scope has performed well in the field.