Best Rifle Scope under $500

Most hunters want to buy a quality scope that can help make an excellent shot at an outstanding price-value ratio. The Best rifle scope under $500 is a great option for high-end images at an average budget. 

There are various categories of rifle scopes according to prices, and the more you will spend, the more you will get high quality. In this guide, I will provide detailed reviews of what you can expect during your research of the best scopes under $500.

I used and shortlisted a definitive list of my favorite 7 high-end rifle scopes under $500 in 2022 and I hope you will also like them. These riflescopes offer durability, diversity, best mid-range shooting, and top-class features at an affordable price. If you are a target practice enthusiast or big game hunter, you can trustfully shortlist one of these scopes because you will find them beneficial for all types of shooting. Have a look

Why should you buy Rifle Scopes for Under $500?

Most people want to know what is something special in rifle scopes under the $500 category. Large-game shooters and hunters can shoot very well with rifle scopes under 500 dollars. This range of rifle scopes comes with all features to do professional shooting.

It is important to remember that the rifle scope in this range is specific for long-range shooting and offers many valuable features compared to cheap rifle scopes, such as excellent image quality and more durability.

When you are going on hunting trips and have a high-end rifle, but you don’t have decent rifle scopes, your trip is useless, so this rifle scope helps in hunting with great precision and accuracy.

So, if you have a flat long-range rifle and want some long-range ballistic scopes and sights, the contents in this range are perfect for you and provide a zoom look from various distances. You can also go to high-priced capacities for more accurate hunting and zoom images.

Our Top Picks

EDITOR’S CHOICE
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle SFP Riflescopes
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle SFP Riflescopes
 
9.7
  • Sport Type: Shooting
  • Item Weight: 25.6 Ounces
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Magnification: 4-24x
PREMIUM PICK
Leupold VX-3HD
Leupold VX-3HD
 
9.3
  • Sport Type: Hunting
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Magnification: 3.5-10x
  • Objective Lens: 40mm
BUDGET PICK
Burris Fullfield II Hunting Scope
Burris Fullfield II Hunting Scope
 
8.5
  • Sport Type: Hunting
  • Item Weight: 538.64 Grams
  • Material: Alloy Steel
  • Magnification: 6.5-20x

 

List of Best Rifle Scope under $500

If you are on the hunt for a decent rifle scope, my top 7 choices will never make you hopeless. Simply read the reviews and choose a rifle scope under $500 that best meets your needs.

Image Product Details   Price
strike eagle Vortex Optics Strike Eagle SFP Riflescopes Sport Type: Shooting
Item Weight: 25.6 Ounces
Material: Aluminum
Magnification: 4-24x
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viper parallax Vortex Optics Viper Parallax Adjustment SFP Riflescopes Sport Type: Hunting
Item Weight: 2.3 Pounds
Material: Aluminum
Magnification: 6.5-20x
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burris fullfield hunting Burris Fullfield II Hunting Scope Sport Type: Hunting
Item Weight: 538.64 Grams
Material: Alloy Steel
Magnification: 6.5-20x
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bushnell engage Bushnell Engage Riflescope Sport Type: Hunting, Shooting
Item Weight: 1.26 Pounds
Material: Other
Magnification: 4-16x
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burris signature Burris Signature HD Hunting Scope Sport Type: Hunting, Tactical & Military
Material: Blend
Magnification: 3-15x
Objective Lens: 44mm
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sig sauer whiskey Sig Sauer Whiskey3 Riflescope Sport Type: Hunting, Airsoft, Tactical & Military
Item Weight: 2 Pounds
Material: Other
Magnification: 4-12x
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leupold vx 3hd Leupold VX-3HD Sport Type: Hunting
Material: Aluminum
Magnification: 3.5-10x
Objective Lens: 40mm
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1. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle SFP Riflescopes

Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
  • Sport Type: Shooting
  • Item Weight: 25.6 Ounces
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Magnification: 4-24x
  • Objective Lens: 50mm

If you are looking for the best long-range scope under 500$, I recommend Vortex Optics Strike Eagle SFP Riflescopes. It is not only for long-range, but you can also take it for short and technical shooting because it has all the rock-solid qualities needed for a versatile riflescope.

The black-colored scope is designed from aircraft-grade Aluminum, while its ultra-clear glass provides accurate vision even in the rain. With 16 inches dimensions, 50 Millimeters Objective Lens Diameter, and ‎25.6 Ounces weight, the scope comes with a lifetime warranty. The tube diameter is 30 mm, which withstands recoil and impact, while nitrogen purged and O-ring seal makes the scope best even in the fog.

I love its 6x zoom, which makes its optics versatile. The lower side of the zoom range focuses on a wide range of scenarios that allows shooters to target everything, including extended ranges and point-blank. Such high-end zoom is comparable to expensive scopes because it will enable shooters to engage all types of short, intermediate, and extended ranges. It is one of my favorite scopes because it is reliable with its repeatable performance in any application.

EBR-4 MOA Reticle has extraordinary ranging abilities because this reticle is specific for long-range hunting. You can use these reticles for moving target leads, windage corrections, holdovers, and perfectly determined ranges.

best rifle scope under $500
EBR-4 MOA Reticle

Near the scope’s eyepiece and behind the magnifying lenses, there are present Second focal plane (SFP) reticles that help image erecting. When the shooter changes the magnification, the style of SFP reticles does not change in size because the function of these reticles is to maintain the appearance of an image. The standard reticles are accurate at a particular magnification and offer wind drift correction, estimating range, and holdover, but SFP offers detailed hold points with a crisp and bright image.

The knob is present with built-in illumination, which is streamlined, and the side parallax. It runs on a CR2032 battery, while you can rotate it to 11 levels of brightness. While tactical-style turrets can be reset at zero and are marked with adjustment rotation indicators, I can adjust the optics and ensure accurate dialing.

Pros
  • High-end reticles.
  • Comes with a Throw lever.
  • Best for long-range shooting.
  • Vortex VIP warranty.
Cons
  • Fixed parallax.

2. Vortex Optics Viper Parallax Adjustment SFP Riflescopes

Vortex Optics Viper Parallax Adjustment Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
  • Sport Type: Hunting
  • Item Weight: 2.3 Pounds
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Magnification: 6.5-20x
  • Objective Lens: 50mm

My second best AR scope under 500 is the Vortex Optics Viper rifle scope, a great option for long-range hunting firepower under 500$. It is a magnificently built and perfectly designed rifle scope for hunting and target shooting.

With under 500$ scopes, it was challenging for me to find erector systems and high-quality precision glide. Still, I finally found a Viper rifle scope to ensure easy transitioning, tactile feedback, elevation adjustment, and windage.

best rifle scope under $500

It is designed on the second focal plane or SFP. You can quickly change the multiple magnification settings up to 20x. The scope offers a 400-700 yard range for hunting, so you can easily take it for mid to long-range shooting. This type of riflescope is mostly suitable with .308 Winchester calibers and 6.5 Creedmoor rifles.

A durable, aircraft-grade aluminum tube with 30mm gives a great look to scope. While multi-coated 50mm objective lens provides crispy image quality, 95% light transmission, and lasts for long times. This best precision rifle scope under 500 withstands heavy weather conditions because of its fog proof, waterproof material.

best rifle scope under $500

A 6.5x to 20x range of magnification level is impressive. The light transmission from this scope is top class because of its massive 50 mm objective lens. These fully coated lenses crisp sight images with a ton of light into the content.

1/4 MOA clicks of the turrets and a 65 MOA range for Elevation and windage are also outclassed, while 3.1 inches eye relief and 17.4 feet to 6.2 feet ranges of 100 yards field of view are also my favorite. The overall scope dimension is 16.2 x 4.4 x 4.3 inches with 2.3 Pounds weight.

Pros
  • 95% light transmission.
  • 400-700 yard range hunting.
  • Up to 20x magnification settings.
  • High-quality precision glide.
Cons
  • A bit heavy.

3. Burris Fullfield II Hunting Scope

Burris Fullfield II Hunting Scope, Ballistic Plex Reticle
  • Sport Type: Hunting
  • Item Weight: 538.64 Grams
  • Material: Alloy Steel
  • Magnification: 6.5-20x
  • Objective Lens: 50mm

My third suggestion is the Fullfield II, awarded scope and well known in the hunting industry. If you are a hunting lover, you might understand that Burris Optics is an excellent brand for high-end areas. This product will never disappoint you because this premium traditional hunting scope combines affordability, accuracy, and reliability.

 It comes with an integrated-eyepiece design, while a Durable and no-slip grip style offers easy adjustment in the field. The Alloy Steel adjustments provide perfect accuracy and make the scope durable for use in any season.

best rifle scope under 500

Its durable structure withstands the heaviest recoil because it is shock and vibration-resistant. The 19.5 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches dimensions, 538.64 Grams weight, and solid 1-piece outer tube make this scope a perfect companion for hunting. A magnification ring is built from metal, while a knurled makes the scope lasting and offers an easy grip.

Compared to expensive scopes, it comes with larger ground lenses that provide quality and precision during shooting. Such lenses eliminate glare and offer better light transmission and Hi-Lume multicoating aids in low-light shooting; index-matched. That’s why your hunting success rate becomes significantly increased. The lifetime warranty makes you fearless that the scope will become useless.

Pros
  • No-slip grip.
  • Precision-ground lenses.
  • steel-on-steel adjustments.
  • Integrated-eyepiece design.
Cons
  • Minor Accuracy issues.

4. Bushnell Engage Riflescope

Bushnell Engage Riflescope, Matte Black, 1" Tube
  • Sport Type: Hunting, Shooting
  • Item Weight: 1.26 Pounds
  • Material: Other
  • Magnification: 4-16x
  • Objective Lens: 40mm

Bushnell Engage riflescopes are popular in the market as the best hunting scope under 500. This scope offers extreme durability and versatility that even other branded scopes struggle to balance.

The black-colored Bushnell scope looks fantastic, with dimensions of 17.9 x 4.6 x 3.7 inches and 1.26 pounds. An anti-reflection coating process on the scope customized elements of every lens in the optical path. It collects maximum light from the front glass to the eyepiece back, and the result is accurate color across and optimum brightness across the light spectrum.

The best feature is Deploy MOA Reticle which is designed for Versatility. If you are looking for flexibility in a riflescope with devotees of multiple calibers for target shooting and hunting, the Bushnell Deploy MOA reticle provides everything you want.

best rifle scope under 500

Without obstructing the target picture, the 0.18-MOA-thick crosshairs offer easy vision during shooting. You can also enjoy hash marks at every 1 MOA that offers accurate elevation holdover. 2-MOA wide hash marks below zero offer accurate windage holds. The Deploy MOA reticle works with precise ballistic calculations to provide the best shoot.

Water on the scope disturbs your shooting in the rainy season because ordinary scopes do not provide good vision in fog or rain. But, Bushnell’sBushnell’s scopes come with EXO Barrier Protection on the lens that repels dust, mist, rainwater, and even oil. Even after years of use, you will never see a single scratch on scopes because lenses resist scratches and offer you complete confidence for shooting.

best rifle scope under 500

This best precision rifle scope under 500 comes with locking turrets that remain on any predetermined setting or zero. If you want to dial the adjustment or lock the adjustment in, pull up and pull down the turret.

best rifle scope under 500

The turrets will not be affected by bumps, drops, and common accidental contact because the turret will remain locked until you will unlock them. If you want to zero reset the locking turret, there will be no need for any tool or coin. You can tighten the nut on the turret with your fingers and release it quickly.

Pros
  • EXO Barrier Protection.
  • Tool-less Zero Reset.
  • Ultra-Wide Band Coating.
  • Deploy MOA Reticle.
Cons
  • Customer service is struggling

5. Burris Signature HD Hunting Scope

Burris Signature HD Hunting Scope with Premium Multi-Coated Glass
  • Sport Type: Hunting, Tactical & Military
  • Material: Blend
  • Magnification: 3-15x
  • Objective Lens: 44mm

Suppose you want to buy a high-end scope that offers reliable and confident shooting. In that case, nothing is best than the Burris Signature HD Hunting Scope, which offers rugged dependability and clear optics in every shooting.

The Matte Black-colored Burris scope comes with 15.35 x 4.25 x 3.39 inches with 0.84 kilograms package weight. The glass features a 5x zoom that provides a bright and crisp image, while its fog, shock, and waterproof structure make it reliable for years.

This best tactical rifle scope under $500 is built with a 1-inch nitrogen-filled tube. Besides this, push and pull locking turrets can be resettable at zero. While zero-click stops on all target knobs are very easy to use and reliable, that is also a demand of hunting.

best rifle scope under 500

Whether you will select Plex or Ballistic E3 Illuminated reticle, the scope offers accurate shooting both near and far. It is excellent for shooting at a wide range of distances because it provides clear views, so hunters who need bright light should buy it.

The Rear focal plane Ballistic E3 reticle offers varmint, traditional, and magnum loads. The lower vertical crosshair is designed with hash marks aiming from 100 to 400 yards.

Pros
  • 5x zoom.
  • Multi-coated glass.
  • 1-inch nitrogen-filled tube.
  • Waterproof, shockproof.
Cons
  • A little pricey compared to features.

6. Sig Sauer Whiskey3 Riflescope

Sig Sauer SOW34205 Whiskey3 Riflescope, 4-12X50mm, 1 in, Sfp
  • Sport Type: Hunting, Airsoft, Tactical & Military
  • Item Weight: 2 Pounds
  • Material: Other
  • Magnification: 4-12x
  • Objective Lens: 50mm

Sig Sauer is the best tactical scope under 500. Sig Sauer Whiskey3 Riflescope comes with general dedication to quality. The whole scope is ultimately very serviceable and well-made. At a very low scope price, I love its many attributes.

The highly rugged and well-built scope comes with a 5.91 x 18.5 x 4.33 inches dimension and 2 Pounds weight. It performs perfectly even on high recoil weapons. The hold of this Best rifle scope under 500 remains perfect, and it does not matter how many bullets shooters through the scope.

The Low dispersion (LD) glass is fantastic and offers a pretty good vision, a clear field of view at every magnification, and excellent eye relief. The setting and lenses can be easily comparable with more expensive brands. The glass offers extreme precision without aberrations and visual tearing, even at a distance.

The Sig Sauer Hellfire second focal plane (SFP) reticle is excellent because it aligns my eyes with the target, resulting in quick and painless acquisition by scope. This best rifle scope under 500 yards makes the shooting breeze, and you can quickly shoot for over 300 yards. When such high-class glass and reticles will combine, results in precise and super accurate shooting. The eyepiece comes in European style with fast, smooth, and easy reticle adjustment.

The fairly well-defined adjustment dials adjust enough easy process. The excellent layout of the scope offers swift control of hunting. Shooters can easily adjust magnification rings and diopter. Tactile adjustment options and a well-designed meeting help get an exact image that shooters can expect with this scope. Some more high-end features that I love are 3x optical zoom, fog-proof, and dependable waterproof performance.

Pros
  • Quick adjustments.
  • Super clear glass.
  • Very competitive.
  • Infinite Warranty.
Cons
  • No scope cover.

 

7. Leupold VX-3HD

Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm Riflescope
  • Sport Type: Hunting
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Magnification: 3.5-10x
  • Objective Lens: 40mm

My last choice is Leupold VX-3HD which offers extreme clarity and legendary performance in a lightweight and tough design. The unique ‎Duplex CDS-ZL color, 14 x 3 x 2.75 inches dimensions, 13.5 oz. weight and 40 Millimeters objective lens diameter make this scope perfect for any type of hunting.

best rifle scope under 500

This Best rifle scope under 500 is made of Aluminum, while its magnification range from 3.5x to10x helps me get the shooting job done in almost any scenario. It is designed to withstand shocks, elevation changes, and extreme temperatures because it is designed with the advanced sealing method. That’s why internal structure and glass of scope remain safe for a lifetime, and optics keeps moisture out.

Leupold’s Custom Dial System (CDS) helps me a lot in customizing turret and adjustment dial. After installing a new custom dial, I range the target, turn the dial on the number and aim the shooting.

best rifle scope under 500

Leupold’s Elite Optical System is excellent, reducing glare and resolution and delivering unparalleled light transmission for superior performance in every type of shooting. Duplex reticle is most popular because they stand out against cover in low light for collecting maximum light transmission. The Eye Relief at Low is 4.4 while at high is 3.6.

Pros
  • Duplex reticle.
  • Custom Dial System.
  • Leupold’s Elite Optical System.
  • 100% Waterproof.
Cons
  • Not good customer service.

Rifle Scopes of $500 offer perfect Mid-Range Hunting

Seeing the label of 500$ on any scope means that the content can handle more than a 300-yard range for hunting and shooting. If you shoot with .22 LR or 5.56mm rifles, you can easily trust 500 dollars scopes because they will provide you accurate vision till 300-400 yards.

With such rifles, you cannot do long-distance shooting because velocity becomes decreased, and the bullet will drop. So, buying a costly scope for such rifles is useless because expensive ranges also provide a vision of more than 600 yards, so it will be a waste of money.

Benefits of Rifle Scopes under $500

A best rifle scope 2022 under 500 dollars is suitable for the budget, but its lenses also provide quality images and solid optics. Magnification ranges, image definition, light transmission, and field of view are fantastic. Whether you are going hunting in the rainy season or the thunder air, these scopes withstand harsh weather and shocks because they are waterproof and never provide blurred images.

Though rifle scope is not a common thing that you can expect at cheap rates but 500$ is enough that you can find a high-end Mid-Range Hunting scope compared to most expensive options.

Such scopes provide quality images even after years, and their many features are also comparable to high-end measurements.

Best Rifle Scope under $500 buying guide

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You should be aware of some important points before buying a scope.

Quality of Construction

Every shooter wants nothing to expect that the new scope will last for years and provide a clear vision. It will be best if your scope under 50 is made of durable steel or an aircraft-grade aluminum tube. Such material of scope protects the glass from damage and protects the integrity of internal components. The optic piece made of durable glass offers a crystal clear image.

Weatherproof or not

Every shooter wants to enjoy shooting in any season and protect scopes from liquid or moisture to maintain the integrity of internal components. Besides this, when your scope is working in an extreme environment, it must have high reliability against thermal shock. The shockproof and weatherproof design of the scope withstand heavily recoiling calibers and make it easy to use the scope in any environment.

Coated Lenses

When light passes through a glass-to-air surface, a bit of light transmission will be lost through reflection. If your scope has an uncoated lens system, 50% of the light will transmit. The transmission of light varies according to the quality of the scope. The coating of the lens also protects from abrasion and weathering. It would be best to buy a scope with a fully multi-coated, fully-coated, and multi-coated lens.

Eyepiece and Objective Lens Diameter

If you are in a hurry during shooting, a fast-focus eyepiece instantly brings the reticle back in focus for fast-moving and small objects. If the lens diameter is more extensive, the brightness level will be increased because the best light transmission will occur. This feature proves great in precise shooting and sighting.

Appropriate Magnification

For long-distance shooting, the target will often be non-moving in a stable environment, so high magnification works perfectly. A high-quality lower-range magnification with a larger tube and top-of-the-line glass will be best in everyday shooting and hunting. It is necessary to remember that if you want to get the field of view smaller, buy a larger scope magnification.

FAQs

The rule of thumb is that 1x – 1.5x power per distance is sufficient, so a rifle scope with a 4x – 6x power is enough for 400 yards, and scope with 10x magnification is best for 500 yards.

You can easily do deer hunting at 100 to 200 yards in a season, and it does not require extremely high magnification. Instantly, you can easily trust Burris Signature HD Hunting Scope because its magnification is excellent for deer hunting.

The best rifle scope under 500 comes with a duplex reticle, custom dial system, great optical system, 100% waterproof, quick adjustments, super clear glass, very competitive, and infinite warranty. The scope in my list with such great features is Vortex Optics Strike Eagle SFP Riflescopes.

Conclusion

After personal testing and satisfaction, I described the Best rifle scope under 500 reviews. You can make a quick choice with the pros and cons of all scopes. These scopes are made of high-end material, waterproof, offer the best magnification, significant visual, minimum glare, and maximum performance, and are very competitive compared to expensive scopes. Among all of these outstanding scopes, the editor’s choice is Vortex Optics Strike Eagle SFP Riflescopes, while our premium pick is Leupold VX-3HD. Whereas, Burris Fullfield II Hunting Scope is the best-budget scope in my collection.

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