Unless you have the eyesight of Superman, it’s not quite surprising that you need a rifle scope to hunt down a target. Without a rifle scope attached to your gun, it’s nearly impossible to take a precise shot at your target yards away from your position. However, having a rifle scope doesn’t mean you need to reach the bottom of your pocket! Yep, you can even get the best rifle scope under $500, too!
So, how do you get it? Where do you find such scopes right now? Well, today, we are here to answer these questions! Stay tuned till the end of this piece to figure out what we have dug out just for you!
What Does A Rifle Scope Do?
A rifle scope does the following tasks when attached to a rifle.
Magnify the target: It easily magnifies the target you are about to take a shot on. It works like a binocular to zoom in to the view and enlarge the image to your eyes. This way, you can take a closer look at your target and take an accurate shot.
Set the target: A Riflescope has a targeting grid which is popularly known as the reticle. This reticle helps you to set the target in line and take a precise shot at your target.
Better Lighting :Some rifle scopes do have a lighting enhancement option to light up under low light conditions. It helps you to see through the field view in a better way.
How We Reviewed?
To find out the best long range rifle scope under 500 bucks a 4-member team of us scanned through the market. We have considered more than 60 rifle scopes for this. We read and analyzed 70+ real life customer reviews and also went through 15+ expert analyses on these products. After spending 36+ hours, we have finally come up with the following 10 reviews just for you.
1 Minute Quick Summary – Best Rifle Scope Under $500
Running out of time? Need to get a quick summary of what we have reviewed here? Well, here you go!
Editor’s Choice: Vortex Optics Crossfire II
“A heavy-duty rifle scope that won’t let you down in any of your expeditions!”
Best Lightweight: Athlon Optics Argos BTR Riflescope
“With its lightweight profile, it allows you to move around anywhere without feeling much pressure.”
Best For Scratches: Bushnell Engage Riflescope Matte Black, 30mm Tube
“This one comes with a scratch-proof design on the lens to keep it clear every time you focus on your target.”
Best For Budget: Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope
“Its 14X zoom comes with ¼ MOA click adjustment, but it charges a surprisingly lower price than most of its peers.”
Best For Clarity: Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescopes
“This champ offers you the best clarity you can ask for in the deepest of woods and darkest of days!”
Best For Lowlight: Leupold VX-Freedom Muzzleloader 3-9x40mm Scope
“With its twilight adjustment system, you are sure to get the best lighting experience with this one attached to your rifle.”
Best For Laser Light: Pinty Rifle Scope 3-9×32 Rangefinder
“Its awesome green laser light makes it way easier for you to set your target precisely.”
Best For Construction: Monstrum G2 6-24×50 Rifle Scope
“Its aircraft-grade aluminum construction won’t let you down in any tough environment.”
Best For Eye-Relief: Monstrum G3 6-24×50 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope
“Having a wide eye-relief option gives you the most comfortable viewing option.”
Best For Zoom: Sniper KT 12-60X60 SAL Long Range Rifle Scope
“With the 60X maximum zoom capacity, you can zoom in towards the longest of distances.”
Table Of Contents:
To find out what interests you most, here is a table of content. Just click on the topic and jump right to it.
Comparison Table:
Need to compare among the options we have mentioned here? Find out all the scopes under one umbrella in this comparison table.
| Image | Product | Technical Spec | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Editor’s Choice
|
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-24×50 AO |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best Lightweight
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Athlon Optics , Argos BTR |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best For Scratches
|
Bushnell Engage Riflescope, Matte Black |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best For Budget
|
Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best For Clarity
|
Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical Riflescopes |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best For Lowlight
|
Leupold VX-Freedom Muzzleloader 3-9x40mm Scope |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best For Laser Light
|
Pinty Rifle Scope Illuminated Reflex |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best For Construction
|
Monstrum G2 6-24×50 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best For Eye-Relief
|
Monstrum G3 6-24×50 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best For Zoom
|
Sniper KT 12-60X60 SAL Long Range Rifle Scope |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
Top 10 Best Rifle Scope Under $500 Reviews 2021
Even if it wasn’t an easy task to make a shortlist of best rifle scopes under 500 bucks, we did try our best to come up with the best options. So, here we are with what we have found that worth your money!
1. Editor’s Choice: Vortex Optics Crossfire II
We start our reviews for the best rifle scope under $500 with the Vortex Optics Crossfire II. Undoubtedly this one is one of the most popular rifle scopes among shooters and hunters because of its low light performance. To clarify, the Crossfire II comes with a V-Brite reticle that uses the V-Plex formats for illuminating the vision area. So, even if the area is not that bright, you can still get a clear look.
Again, the scope has a long eye relief for pain-free looking through the lens. Further, the eye box comes with an ultra-forgiving profile to make it easy on your eyes while looking through it. In addition, you can find the fast focus eyepiece pretty useful in this piece. It will reduce all your issues in focus.
Furthermore, the scope-lens is fully multi-coated and anti-reflective. That means you can get the clearest view every time you put your eyes through the scope. Again, the tube here is also filled with nitrogen to make the inner construction fog-free. As for the tube’s outer construction, it’s made from aircraft-grade aluminum to ensure shockproof performance.
Vortex Optics Crossfire Technical Specs:
- Dimension: 14.5 x 2 x 1.73 inches
- Material: Aluminum
- Magnification: 4X
- Lens Diameter: 24mm
- Weight: 0.5 KG
- Style: V-Brite
For Whom Is This Product Designed?
The scope has a truly superior-quality construction that can withstand pressure. That being said, this one is going to be the best suit for those hunters who need to survive in high-impact conditions.
2. Best Lightweight: Athlon Optics Argos BTR Riflescope
Number two on our list is the Athlon Optics BTR Riflescope. Basically, this scope is a perfect fit for you if you are looking for automated focus. To clarify, the scope comes with the first focal plane design. That means, if you are focusing on this scope with your rifle, the view will shrink and grow according to the target as you zoom in and out.
Further, apart from that, you have this illuminated reticle in it that provides excellent visibility. So, when you are using the scope under low light conditions, it will easily lighten up the scenery for you. Again, no matter where you are and how randomly you are using this device, it will not break down in any way. As a matter of fact, the scope is built with aircraft-grade aluminum to withstand heavy impact in different conditions.
Moreover, the total construction of the scope is multicoated. What this does is makes it anti-reflective to pave the way to clear visibility. In addition, it comes with an excellent waterproof profile that makes it a pretty good choice on rainy days, as well. Again, its shock-proof build-quality will also come in handy if you are hunting down in rough environments.
Athlon Optics Argos Technical Specs:
- Dimension: 17 x 5 x 4 inches;
- Weight: 15.87 ounces
- Focal Panel: First Focal
- Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum
- Magnification: 4X
- Waterproof: Yes
For Whom Is This Product Designed?
This one is a pretty lightweight device with an amazing focus system. If you are not in a mood to compromise on focus, this should be on your priority list.
3. Best For Scratches: Bushnell Engage Riflescope Matte Black
Another champ in the house is the Bushnell Engage Riflescope. Not to mention, for hunters in the woods, Bushnell scope has been a prime choice for a long time. To clarify, the crosshair on the lens of the scope is brilliantly designed for better focusing. In other words, the 0.18-MOA-thick crosshairs let you see through the lens as easily as possible.
Further, the locking turrets of the scope remain level-zero. Again, to change it to different levels, you need to simply pull the turret up to adjust the dial of it. Also, you can push it down to lock it. Again, it gets back to the level-zero after you focus positively.
Moreover, the scope has an anti-reflection coating on it. What this does is it makes it obviously clear when you are looking through the lens with zero reflection. As for the outer side of it, the EXO barrier plays a good role by molecular bonding to the exterior lens for repelling dust, oil, and water. So, your tool is safe from any scratch or unwanted marks.
Bushnell Engage Riflescope Technical Specs:
- Dimension: 17.9 x 4.6 x 3.7 inches
- Weight: 1.26 pounds
- Crosshair: 0.18 MOA thick
- Coating: Multi Coating
- Water Resistance: Yes
- Style: 4-16x44mm
For Whom Is This Product Designed?
If you are particularly looking for something that works best against scratches and impacts, something like this is going to be your first choice. Again, it has a wonderful focusing option for the best-focusing experience, as well.
4. Best For Budget: Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope
Leupold VX-3i Rifle Scope is going to be an excellent choice for you if you are particularly interested in magnification. To clarify, the lens comes with a 14X magnification system that can take your targeting skill to a whole new level. No matter how far your target is, you can easily have it in your grip. In addition, the lighting system of the scope is also pretty high-class in this case, which makes it even more interesting.
Further, the device comes with a ¼ MOA finger click adjustment system. So, you can simply use the clicker of the MOA and set the desired point for your focus. Again, apart from that, the elevation of the scope allows you to enjoy excellent repeatability for long-term use. Further, you can also rely on the construction of it, as well!
To clarify, the scope is built with 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum to make sure it’s tough. So, you can take it anywhere attached to your rifle and expect it to withstand as much impact as possible. Again, its 100% waterproof and fog-proof profile also makes it a great choice for wild hunting use. Above all, it’s totally shockproof, as well.
Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Technical Specs:
- Dimension: 14 x 3 x 2.75 inches
- Weight: 1.4 pounds
- Maximum Magnification: 14X
- Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Color: Duplex 170704
- Waterproof: Yes
- Click Adjustment: ¼ MOA click
For Whom Is This Product Designed?
It comes with a maximum of 14X magnification. If you are looking for higher magnification while you hunt, this one’s for you.
5. Best For Clarity: Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical Riflescopes
Take your hunting success rate to an enviable level with the Vortex Optics Diamondback Riflescope. Firstly, this one is a pretty much easy-to-attach device that conveniently gets attached to your rifle. To illustrate, it comes with a simple guiding line to easily set it on the rifle’s top. Again, the construction of the scope makes it a perfect match for any rifle.
To clarify, this 30mm strong and rugged scope is built with shockproof material to withstand any impact and shock. Also, it has a strong o-ring seal, and it is purged by nitrogen to make sure no fog is built in the tube. That’s how you get a fog-proof clear view when you are hunting down your target. Again, the 4X zoom is also of great help when you need to set a precise target.
Further, the scope comes with extra-low dispersion glass that is coupled with the top-class coating over the entire body. Together, these features make it possible for you to have a bright and clear picture when you are looking through the lens. In addition, the glass-etched reticle makes it quite convenient to magnify your target. Thus, it gets really easy to focus and hunt down the target in no time.
Vortex Optics Diamondback Technical Specs:
- Dimension: 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 inches
- Weight: 646 Grams
- Material: Aluminum
- Lens Diameter: 44mm
- Style: EBR-2C (MOA)
- Zoom: 4X
For Whom Is This Product Designed?
This rifle scope is equipped with the first focal plane, coupled with excellent multi-coating. This results in a super-clear view of your target. For any hunter who needs superior clarity, this one is the best suit for him/her.
6. Best For Lowlight: Leupold VX-Freedom Scope
On number 6, we have the Leupold VX-Freedom Scope on our list. To emphasize the build quality of the scope, you can expect it to be 100% shockproof. This gives you an idea of how strong the build-quality of the device is. Therefore, it’s obvious that the building material of the device is exceptionally rigid. Rightfully so, it is made from aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum.
Further, the build-material is also tested in a unique way before it gets to your hand. It goes through a Punisher test to make sure it doesn’t fall back when it comes to withstanding impact. Again, apart from the build quality, the device stands solid when it comes to light-adjustment. To clarify, the scope has a twilight light management system that can effectively brighten up your view.
Further, this system allows you to add 10 extra minutes of clear shooting light to get the most out of the natural lighting. In addition, it also mitigates the glare to ensure crystal-clear lighting. Again, you can set the target pretty much precisely with the ¼ MOA finger click adjustment system. Just open the cap and adjust the focus with a few turns and clicks!
Leupold VX-Freedom Scope Technical Specs:
- Dimension: 14 x 3 x 2.75 inches
- Weight: 0.63 pounds
- Magnification: 9X
- Material: Aluminum
- Lens Diameter: 40mm
- Color: Matte black
For Whom Is This Product Designed?
The riflescope has a twilight light adjustment system. This allows you to have a brighter view of the target for a long time. Hunters who need better lighting for a precise shot should go for this one.
7. Best For Laser Light: Pinty Rifle Scope 3-9×32 Rangefinder
What if you could pinpoint your target with laser light to make sure nothing goes wrong? Well, it will be great, of course! That’s what you get when you own the Pinty Rifle Scope for your rifle. To clarify, the device comes with a green laser light that can reach up to 300 meters to give you the exact point you are about to hit. If you are looking for a rifle scope under 150 bucks, try this!
Again, apart from that, you have both red/green dot sight on the lens to get a precise point of target. In addition, the scope has 4 different reticle patterns in red/green dot sight to get the best out of your hunt. Moreover, its 3.4-inch wide eye-relief and greater field view give you an option to look at the target in a better view.
Further, the construction of the scope is beyond usual. Such as, the outer body of the scope is covered by multi-coating to give it a perfect rigid profile. In addition, the inner part of the tube is equipped with O-ring sealing and filled with nitrogen gas. So, you get a clear and fogless view every time you look through the lens.
Pinty Rifle Scope Technical Specs:
- Dimension: 14.2 x 5.7 x 3 inches
- Weight: 2.3 Pounds
- Zoom: 9X
- Material: Aluminum alloy
- Waterproof: Yes
- O-ring Sealing: Yes
For Whom Is This Product Designed?
The stand-alone feature of this scope is its green laser light. This is very much suitable for those hunters who need specific targeting.
8. Best For Construction: Monstrum G2 6-24×50 Rifle Scope
Another top-class rifle scope on our list is the Monstrum G2 Rifle Scope. Before we get into the features and details of this scope, let’s take a moment to appreciate the stunning look it comes with. To clarify, the military-type look and design make it a pretty well-suit for most types of rifles out there.
Further, the scope offers beyond its look. Its 50mm objective lens can be easily adjusted to get the sharpest focus you want. Again, this helps you to eliminate parallax and get the clearest of view. In addition, the scope has both red and green illumination systems. So, with the help of a touch-button on the sides, you can easily switch between the light types in seconds.
Moreover, the scope is designed with a First-Focal plane reticle. That’s why, even if you are magnifying the target view, you can still read the ranging information on the lens-screen. It still gives you a clear view and visibility. So, even if you are hunting under low light, it brightens up the view to a greater level.
Monstrum G2 6-24×50 Technical Specs:
- Dimension: 17.9 x 4.25 x 3.3 inches
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum
- Zoom: 4-16X
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24X
- MOA: ¼ MOA Click Adjustment
For Whom Is This Product Designed?
Apart from the stunning look, the scope offers a great zoom capacity. If you need a scoper that’s pretty strong and sturdy with an amazing zoom quality – this one is a good choice for you.
9. Best For Eye-Relief: Monstrum G3 6-24×50 FFP Rifle Scope
If you liked the G2 Rifle Scope from Monstrum, you are sure to like the G3 version, as well. To illustrate, there’s nothing radical in the case of the difference between these two models. However, the G3 comes a bit lighter in profile than the G2. Further, it comes with the same exact 24-time zoom, just like the G2.
Moreover, the scope comes with an FFP reticle that allows you to estimate the range at a faster pace. So, it takes a little time for you to put your eyes on the scope and focus immediately. As for the view through the tube, the device comes with a nitrogen-sealed inner design for a crystal-clear vision. Again, the scope is totally multi-coated to keep the glare in control, which makes it really easy to see clearly through the lens.
Further, as for the magnification, the G3 stands on the top row in the market. To clarify, with 24X zoom capacity, the scope lets you find your target from as far as 1000 yards away. Again, apart from that, the heavy-duty 6061 aluminum construction makes sure the scope lasts a lifetime. Also, the surprising lightweight profile makes it even more convenient to use.
Monstrum G3 6-24×50 Technical Specs:
- Magnification: 6-24X
- Objective Diameter: 50mm
- Length: 15.75 in
- Weight: 1.14 pounds
- Eye Relief: 4.5 in
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
For Whom Is This Product Designed?
The scope comes with heavy-duty aluminum construction with 4.5-inch eye-relief. It’s a good choice for you if you are looking for a durable material with comfortable vision.
10. Best For Zoom: Sniper KT 12-60X60 SAL Rifle Scope
Finally, we wrap it up with the Sniper KT 12-60X60 Rifle Scope. This one is a pure dark beauty that matches most rifles out there. Above all, it’s not the look that impressed us the most; it’s the durability and the construction of it. To clarify, the scope body is fully nitrogen purged, making it pretty clear to look through the lens.
Again, the sealed o-ring and the purging of gas made it fog-proof and water-proof, as well. That means you can literally move with the scope anywhere in the jungle or woods without getting it damaged. In addition, the durable build quality of the scope makes it pretty much resistant to impact and shock.
Further, to adjust the turrets in the scope, you don’t need to go through a lot. Simply open the cap on top, and find the adjustment clicks underneath. Surprisingly, the adjustment intervals come at ⅛ MOA for the most precise adjustment you can make. Again, it comes back to zero after you sight it in.
Sniper KT 12-60X60 SAL Technical Specs:
- Magnification: 12x-60x
- Weight/Oz: 41
- Length: 19.6
- Tube Size: 35
- Eye Relief: 4.3-3.9
- Exit Pupil/Mm: 5-1
- Adjustment Range: 30 MOA
For Whom Is This Product Designed?
The scope comes with a 60X zoom capacity. This says it all about this scope. If you are in need of such wide zoom, it’s your top choice, for sure.
How To Adjust a Rifle Scope
Here is a quick step-by-step guide on how to adjust a rifle scope.
Step 1: Just draw a 15cm vertical line on a sheet of paper. Attach it to the target board. Then stand at around 10 meters from it.
Step 2: Now, to make the windage adjustment, you need to use the adjustment button on the scope’s right side. You have to zoom to four times the magnification. Then fire a few shots to see how far off you are shooting. Measuring the deviation, you can align the target by clicking the buttons on the side.
Step 3: As for the elevation adjustment, the process is the same. In this case, the elevation adjustment is on the top of the scope. You can take 2 to 3 shots before adjusting with the clicking options on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a lot of questions regarding rifle scopes that people ask. Here we are going to answer a few of these frequently asked questions.
How far can you see with a rifle scope?
Although it depends on what type of scope you are using and how it magnifies the view, you can easily see as far as 1000 yards.
Is a 40mm or 50mm Scope better?
A 50mm scope will be a lot brighter than a 40mm scope. It will also allow one power more magnification than a 40mm one. That’s why a 50mm scope is better than a 40mm scope.
Does scope height affect accuracy?
No. It doesn’t. All that matters is how accurately you settle the scope on your rifle.
Final Words
So that was all we had to locate the best rifle scope under $500. Although it wasn’t an easy task listing down the options that fall under the threshold of 500 bucks, we took great care in sorting these choices out. However, if you ask us which one you should go for, we would like to recommend you the Sniper KT 12-60X60 Rifle Scope.
This one comes with a heavy-duty aluminum construction with a massive zoom capacity of 60X range. That, too, with more than 4-inch eye-relief for maximum eye comfort. However, if you are up for more, you can easily go through all we have reviewed here to pick your choice!
Happy shooting!
Jhon Adam
Hi, I am Jhon Adam, I am an ex-military and now I run a business where I sell security tools, arm protection gadgets, gun vaults, scopes for the rifles, and other related accessories. Because of this business, I have to deal with so many clients who felt insecure about their security tools. Like it is quite risky and dangerous to let the personal protective gun in an insecure way. Because they don’t have gun safe vaults. Some people facing difficulties with their hunting rifles scope or etc. Every day they come to my shop they come with a new problem.