Last updated on July 30th, 2022 at 11:29 am
Having rifle scopes with you in a shooting range will increase the accuracy and perfection of your skill. It is a challenging task to find a good rifle scope while having a budget in mind. But surely after reading our extensive research-based review, it is not going to be that much harder.
All the best rifle scopes under 500$ are listed below.
Now you only have to look at each product and then pick one per your requirements. Go ahead,select your scope, and have an ultimate hunting experience.
Editor's Pick | 4.9/5 | |
 | Vortex Optics Crossfire II |
Things that make for a splendid rifle scope
Material used
If we are spending $500 then obviously, we will want a durable product in return. Usually, aircraft-grade aluminum is used in durable scopes. Some of the scopes use durable steel too.This type of material protects the inner scope from any type of damage.If you are on an adventurous hunting or shooting trip let rain never stop, you. For that, it is important to have a waterproof rifle scope.
A scope that can resist water, fog, or any type of weather. In short, you should have one scope for all the seasons.Often lenses are the first to get scratches so be careful with the lens. You should buy a scope with a lens that has a coating over it to protect it from any type of scratches. It can increase the buying cost to some extent but believe us it is worth it. Often good scopes under 500$ have these types of coatings. The durability of the scope cannot be guaranteed without lens coating.
Adjustable
Windage and elevation adjuster knobs are one of the key components of the good scopes. With these knobs, you can have a perfect idea of elevation difference. Also, they can handle the heavy wind which often appears a second before taking an important shot.Parallax adjusters are also part of the package in some of the high-quality scopes. It is very helpful if you are going to take a distant shot.
Focal Plane
It is important to consider at which focal plane, the reticle is placed. It can be placed on the first focal plane as well as on the second focal plane. If a scope is having it on a first focal plane it will change its size. Increased or decreased magnification levels can be accommodated in this case.
For a beginner, it is never going to be an easy task to handle.If you have a scope with a reticle on a second focal plane its size will remain constant. It is way too easy for beginners to handle. But it is most useful if most of the shots are at close range.
Warranty
Without a quality warranty, it is a pretty risky task to spend 500$. There are also much more expensive scopes available in the market but not everyone can pay $500 easily. So, keep an eye on the warranty while buying the product.
With a warranty, you can easily replace your product if you receive a damaged one. Also, some of the products have lifelong warranties so you can never complain about durability.Some of the warranties include a free repairing package instead of a replacement.
best 8 rifle scope under 500$
| Image | Name | Features | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Vortex Optics Crossfire II | ☞ OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER: 40 mm ☞ MAGNIFICATION: Zoom: 3X to 9X ☞ WEIGHT: 15 oz | 4.9/5 | View Product |
 | Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm | ☞ OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER: 40 mm ☞ MAGNIFICATION: Zoom: 3.5X to 10X ☞ WEIGHT: 12.6 oz | 4.8/5 | View Product |
 | Vortex Optics Viper | ☞ OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER: 50 mm ☞ MAGNIFICATION: Zoom: 6.5X to 20X ☞ WEIGHT: 21.6 oz | 4.7/5 | View Product |
 | Leupold VX-3i | ☞ OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER: 50 mm ☞ MAGNIFICATION: Zoom: 3.5X to 10X ☞ WEIGHT: 14.7 oz | 4.6/5 | View Product |
 | EOTECH 512 Holographic | ☞ OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER: N/A ☞ MAGNIFICATION: Zoom: 6x ☞ Weight: 11.5 oz | 4.8/5 | View Product |
 | Leupold FX-II Scout | ☞ OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER: 20 mm ☞ MAGNIFICATION: Zoom: 5x ☞ WEIGHT: 7.50 oz | 4.7/5 | View Product |
 | Bushnell Engage Riflescope | ☞ OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER: 40 mm ☞ MAGNIFICATION: Zoom: 2.5X to 10X ☞ WEIGHT: 13.6 oz | 4.7/5 | View Product |
 | Athlon Optics | ☞ OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER: 50 mm ☞ MAGNIFICATION: Zoom: 6X to 24X ☞ WEIGHT: 29.6 oz | 4.6/5 | View Product |
1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II – best rifle scope under 500$
Key Features:
- OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER: 40 mm
- MAGNIFICATION: Zoom: 3X to 9X
- WEIGHT: 15 oz
If you want a scope that is waterproof, equally handy at different ranges, and adjustable then this is your product. With a versatile magnification range and perfect lens, it is one of the best scopes under $500.Its magnification range lies in between 6x and 24x so you can utilize it at small as well as large ranges.
Parallax remover is also part of the package with an adjustable objective.It is the best choice for rifles with high recoil as it has an amazingly good eye box. There is a reliable aluminum casing to hold the scope. It does not change the size with the magnification.The second focal plane is used to set the reticle.
The special coating is used on the reticle to provide you with the best light transmission. However, some reviews suggested that the reticle lacks efficiency at higher ranges.
2. Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm- Duplex Rectile Riflescope
Key Features:
- OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER: 40 mm
- MAGNIFICATION: Zoom: 3.5X to 10X
- WEIGHT: 12.6 oz
One can easily say that Leupold VX-3i is one of the most effective rifle scopes at any price range.If you are a hunter fond of close distances and low light hunting this is the piece for you.Duplex reticle and matte finish make this product unbeatable. As mentioned earlier it is best for low ranges so, its magnification lies in between 3.5x to 10x.
It is at its best while hunting its target at the range of 200 to 800 yards. If you are experienced enough you can push it to 1000 yards too.You are never going to compromise on the eye relief with this with 3.6 to 4.4 inches. Amazing abrasion resistance is provided by the Diamond Coat 2 lens. It provides the best light transmission. Unfortunately, one setback is that you cannot set the turrets to zero.
3. Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20×50 – top-selling rifle scope under 500$
Key Features:
- OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER: 50 mm
- MAGNIFICATION: Zoom: 6.5X to 20X
- WEIGHT: 21.6 oz
No matter you belong to which price or skill range of the customers, Vortex Optics always has something to offer. This product of Vortex is assembled in the Philippines. It is a very elegant looking scope with an amazing zoom capability.Amazing color properties are provided by its coatings.
And you get an increased light transmission. This is a special feature for air to glass surfaces. These all properties are only possible due to the XR anti-reflective used coatings.You are never going to get blurred images anymore. Resolution and color fidelity is increased by using a high-density glass.
This also makes sharp and crisp images possible.Aircraft-grade aluminum has been used in its construction. A 30mm body tube makes sure that there is no chance of any low visual performance.It can be a bit costly for some of the customers but having said that you should have it if you want all these amazing features in one scope.
4. Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x50mm – durable riflescope under 500$
Key Features:
- OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER: 50 mm
- MAGNIFICATION: Zoom: 3.5X to 10X
- WEIGHT: 14.7 oz
Have a Leupold and be fearless while targeting your shots. It is highly recommended and praised by the users. If you want the best scope but also want it to be under 500$ then go for this one.Twilight Max Light Management system is introduced in this scope that makes it special.
No matter what the light conditions are through this scope you will be able to see the targets. By adjusting the brightness or contrast it makes it possible for you to have a perfect view in any condition.Its lens is also equipped with the anti-glare functionalities and is also a reliable one.
Turrets of the scope are very easy to use. Easy adjustments can be made by only rolling your fingers over the adjustment turrets. It is under $500 but it’s a bit on the pricier end as compared to the other items on our list.
5. EOTECH 512 Holographic Weapon Sight- waterproof rifle scope under 500$
Key Features:
- OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER: N/A
- MAGNIFICATION: Zoom: 6x
- Weight: 11.5 oz
If you are looking for something different to deal with, a bit more exciting and different then have a look at this one. Being different doesn’t mean that you can’t use it, it is fully capable of delivering high performance. You can have twenty different brightness options. This will make you capable of hunting in any weather condition.
This scope is also second to none for target shooting. It is very stable and has a high-quality scope. The only drawback you may have to deal with is its battery timing. But the good thing is that batteries used in this scope are very generic. These batteries are available everywhere easily. However, it has limited battery life.Furthermore, it is equipped with a 68MOA ring and one MOA dot reticle. It is also waterproof up to 10 feet.
6. Leupold FX-II Scout 2.5x28mm- Scratchless best air rifles for 2020
Key Features:
- OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER: 20 mm
- MAGNIFICATION: Zoom: 5x
- WEIGHT: 7.50 oz
This scope is one of the many high-quality products produced by Oregon. It is a USA based company. It is waterproof, fog-proof, and protected for life with a lifetime warranty scope.High-grade aluminum is used in its design. It needs to be mounted on the barrel. Its design does not allow it to be mounted on the receiver. It is a scratch-resistant rifle scope. Leupold’s Diamond Lens coating plays a great role in making it scratch less.
It is highly recommended when the light is low.With an eye relief of 9.3 inches, it is the best fit for people looking for a scope with natural rapid target acquisition. A crisp and clear image is provided by its simple duplex reticle. Occasionally you can face the problem while adjusting the turrets. Sometimes it is difficult to adjust them accordingly.
7. Bushnell Engage Riflescope, Matte Black – multi-coated lens’ rifle scope
Key Features:
- OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER: 40 mm
- MAGNIFICATION: Zoom: 2.5X to 10X
- WEIGHT: 13.6 oz
If you are tired of adjusting turrets again and again then with this scope you are never going to face that problem. You just need to set it up once and then use it as long as you want according to that setting .4x to 16x is its magnification range and is equipped with a 44mm lens. It offers amazing visibility. It is very easy to clean as it never allows much dust to stick to it. It is made up of dust,water, oil repellent material.
So, there are minimal chances of it being dirty or scratched.You can use it in any weather conditions. No matter if it is raining or there is fog it can deal with both situations. It is highly durable, accurate and a beautiful scope. However, the alignment of the reticle can fall at times.
8. Athlon Optics, Argos BTR- Stable reticle rifle scope under 500
Key Features:
- OBJECTIVE LENS DIAMETER: 50 mm
- MAGNIFICATION: Zoom: 6X to 24X
- WEIGHT: 29.6 oz
Athlon Argos is a time tested scope and delivers in all types of conditions and shooting ranges.Once you spend on it, it is going to serve you for a long period. For high impact weapons, it is one of the best choices. Its reticle is so sturdy that it is perfect for such weapons.It has a special feature of setting its magnification level to 4x besides its basic magnification that is 6x to 24x. It is enabled to make it also perfect for the short ranges.
If you prefer to have a scope with improved light transmission and color contrast, then you should opt for it. It comes up with a specially coated lens. So now it’s not anymore, a difficult task to take a shot on a target at dense underbrush. But some reviews suggested it was not very clear at higher ranges.
Conclusion
We tried our best to help you in finding the best rifle scope under 500. You must keep your requirements in mind while reading all the reviews. All the mentioned above products are of the highest quality and are enlisted after extensive research. Some of the best hunters and shooters use these scopes. You will get the ultimate experience for sure if you buy any of these scopes.
FAQ’s
- What is the use of magnification in the scope?
There is a variety of magnification offered in a single scope to make it multipurpose.Magnification helps in making the shot perfect at any distance. - What is a riflescope reticle?
A rifle scope uses a visual marker. An aiming point is provided to the shooter with the help of it.It is very important to choose the appropriate reticle as they are available in various options. - What is parallax?
Parallax is when you try to see targets at a large distance and the reticle starts to move slightly.To avoid parallax, you need to line up your eye with the reticle. - How objective lenses are beneficial?
With the addition of objective lenses, manual adjustment is allowed on some scopes so that you can rectify the parallax error. - What are fiber-optics-sights?
Fiber optic material is used in some of the rifles to make them visible. - What scope rings should I use?
It depends on the size of the scope and the rifle. You should try to mount as low as possible on the rifle. The barrel should touch the scope. - Scopes with different objective lens diameters need which size of rings?
High-rings: 50mm objective lenses scopes
Medium-rings: 42mm – 45mm scopes
Low-rings: 40mm objective lens scopes
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