4 Best low light rifle scope under $500
1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rifle Scope.
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rifle Scope is a reliable and durable riflescope designed for hunters and shooting enthusiasts who need precision, durability, and ease of use. Built with lightweight aluminum construction, this scope is made to withstand rugged outdoor conditions while maintaining optimal performance.
Its Dead-Hold BDC reticle with true MOA adjustments allows for precise long-range targeting, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned shooters.
One of the standout features of this riflescope is its extra-wide 12.6 feet field of view, which enhances situational awareness, ensuring you can track targets more effectively. The fast-focus eyepiece with 3.9-inch eye relief allows for quick reticle adjustments and rapid target acquisition, essential in dynamic shooting scenarios.
Additionally, the O-ring-sealed and nitrogen-purged design ensures waterproof and fogproof performance, preventing moisture buildup and maintaining clear visibility in extreme weather conditions.
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 is an excellent mid-range riflescope that balances durability, precision, and ease of use. Whether you’re a hunter, sports shooter, or tactical enthusiast, this scope delivers clear optics, fast focus, and reliable performance in various environmental conditions.
While it may not offer the highest magnification for extreme long-range shooting, its BDC reticle, wide field of view, and robust weatherproof design make it a fantastic choice for most shooting applications.
Key Specifications
- Magnification: 2-7x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32mm
- Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
- Field of View: 12.6 feet at 100 yards
- Eye Relief: 3.9 inches
- Material: Lightweight aluminum
- Weather Resistance: Waterproof and fogproof
Pros
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality aluminum for long-lasting use.
- Accurate MOA Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC reticle with .01 mil increments for precision shooting.
- Wide Field of View: 12.6 feet FOV enhances target tracking.
- Fast-Focus Eyepiece: Quick target acquisition with 3.9-inch eye relief.
- Weatherproof Design: O-ring seals and nitrogen purging prevent fogging and moisture damage.
Cons
- Limited Magnification: 2-7x may not be sufficient for extreme long-range shooting.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing
- Intended Use: Consider whether the 2-7x magnification is suitable for your shooting needs, such as hunting, target shooting, or tactical applications.
- Reticle Type: The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is great for compensating bullet drop, but ensure it aligns with your shooting style.
- Weather Conditions: If you frequently shoot in harsh environments, the waterproof and fogproof features are essential.
- Mounting Compatibility: Check if the scope is compatible with your rifle and mounting system.
- Eye Relief: The 3.9-inch eye relief is ideal for high-recoil rifles, ensuring comfort and safety.
- Budget: While the Crossfire II offers excellent value, ensure it fits within your budget compared to other scopes with similar features.
2) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope is a top-tier riflescope designed for hunters and shooters who demand reliability, durability, and precision. Featuring a Duplex CDS reticle and a matte finish, this scope delivers exceptional optical clarity and rugged performance in various conditions. Built with aircraft-grade aluminum, it is punisher-tested to withstand extreme recoil, making it a perfect choice for high-powered rifles.
One of the standout features of the VX-Freedom is its Twilight Light Management System, which enhances visibility in low-light conditions by adding up to 10 extra minutes of shooting light. Additionally, the scope is 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring reliability in harsh weather and rugged environments.
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope is a rugged and reliable scope perfect for hunters and shooters who need clarity, durability, and precision at an affordable price point. Its Twilight Light Management System, robust construction, and precise MOA adjustments make it an excellent choice for those who frequently shoot in varying light conditions and demanding environments.
While it lacks an illuminated reticle and adjustable parallax, its superior optical performance, weatherproofing, and durability make it a highly recommended scope for mid-range shooting
Key Specifications:
- Model: 174182 (VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm)
- Reticle: Duplex CDS
- Finish: Matte
- Construction: 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum
- Light Management: Twilight Light Management System
- Adjustment Type: 1/4 MOA finger click for windage and elevation
- Weather Resistance: 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
Pros
- Superior Durability: Built with aircraft-grade aluminum and tested for extreme recoil resistance.
- Enhanced Low-Light Performance: The Twilight Light Management System extends shooting time and reduces glare.
- Accurate Adjustments: 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments for precise and repeatable settings.
- Reliable Weatherproofing: Completely waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof for all-weather use.
- Clear Optics: High-quality glass and coatings deliver crisp and bright images.
Cons
- No Illuminated Reticle: The Duplex CDS reticle lacks illumination, which may not be ideal for extreme low-light shooting.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope.
- Intended Use: The 3-9x magnification range is ideal for hunting and mid-range shooting but not for extreme long-range precision shooting.
- Reticle Preference: The Duplex CDS reticle is simple and effective, but shooters preferring an illuminated or more complex reticle may need an alternative.
- Light Conditions: If you often shoot in low-light conditions, the Twilight Light Management System is a major advantage. However, lack of illumination may affect visibility in extreme darkness.
- Durability Needs: The 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum construction and punisher testing ensure longevity, making it a great option for those who need a rugged and reliable scope.
- Parallax Adjustment: This scope lacks adjustable parallax, which may be a consideration for those shooting at varied distances.
- Weather Resistance: The 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof design makes it suitable for all-weather hunting and shooting conditions.
- Budget: This scope offers excellent value for money, best low light rifle scope under $500 compare it with similar models in the same price range to ensure it meets your specific needs.
3) Burris Fullfield II 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope.
The Burris Fullfield II 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope is a premium yet best low light rifle scope under $500 hunting scope designed for shooters who demand high-quality optics, durability, and precision. Featuring high-grade optical glass, this scope delivers exceptional brightness and clarity, ensuring crisp images even in challenging lighting conditions.
Its precision-ground lenses are larger than those found in comparable scopes, allowing for better light transmission and improved visibility in low-light situations.
Built for rugged outdoor use, the Fullfield II features a solid one-piece outer tube construction with reinforced quad-seal gas seals, making it waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. The nitrogen-filled tube prevents internal fogging, even in extreme weather conditions, while the eliminate glare and enhance performance at dawn or dusk. Additionally, the scope’s integrated eyepiece design with a no-slip grip allows for easy and quick adjustments in the field.
The Burris Fullfield II 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope tops on the list of the best low light rifle scope under $500 with versatile and durable hunting scope that delivers superior clarity, excellent low-light performance, and rugged construction. Whether you’re hunting at dawn or dusk, its Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses and precision-ground optics ensure you never miss a shot.
Key Specifications:
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
- Reticle: Ballistic Plex
- Tube Diameter: 1 inch
- Lens Coating: Index-matched, Hi-Lume multi-coating
- Turrets: Hunter-style turrets with steel-on-steel adjustments
- Construction: 1-piece tube with reinforced quad-seal gas seals
- Weather Resistance: 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Warranty: Burris Forever Warranty
Pros
- Superior Light Transmission: Large precision-ground lenses and Hi-Lume multi-coating enhance low-light performance.
- Durable Build: One-piece solid tube withstands recoil, shocks, and harsh weather conditions.
- Reliable Adjustments: Steel-on-steel turret adjustments ensure repeatable accuracy.
- Easy Field Adjustments: Integrated eyepiece design with a no-slip grip for quick magnification changes.
- Weatherproof Design: Nitrogen-filled, waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof for all-weather use.
- Lifetime Warranty: Backed by the Burris Forever Warranty for peace of mind.
Cons
- Fixed Parallax: No adjustable parallax, which may affect long-range precision shooting.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing Burris Fullfield II 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope.
- Shooting Conditions: Ideal for hunting in low-light environments, thanks to its high light transmission and glare reduction.
- Reticle Type: The Ballistic Plex reticle is simple and effective, but users needing more advanced reticle features may want other options.
- Durability Requirements: Built for heavy recoil and rugged use, making it a great option for high-powered rifles.
- Weather Conditions: Fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring reliability in any environment.
- Budget: Offers a great balance of premium best low light rifle scope under $500 optics at an affordable price, making it a strong contender for those seeking value.
read more: 6 Best Rifle Scopes under 500
4)Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
The Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is a high-quality hunting optic designed for durability, precision, and versatility. Engineered for short, medium, and long-range engagements, this scope is ideal for traditional and dangerous game hunting as well as recreational shooting. Built with low-dispersion glass, it significantly reduces chromatic aberration, providing sharp and crystal-clear images in various lighting conditions.
This scope features a 3x optical zoom for enhanced target acquisition, while its European-style eyepiece ensures smooth and precise focusing. The fully multi-coated lenses deliver a vivid sight picture, ensuring accuracy and clarity in any environment.
With capped elevation and windage turrets, the Whiskey3 is designed to withstand rugged field conditions and maintain reliability in harsh environments.
Designed for all-weather performance, the Whiskey3 is waterproof and fogproof, making it a dependable choice for hunting in rain, fog, or high humidity. The rugged one-piece chassis enhances durability, protecting the scope from shocks and heavy recoil.
Whether you’re hunting in dense woods or open fields, this versatile, all-purpose scope is built to deliver.The Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is a versatile, rugged, and high-performance scope designed for hunters and shooters who need reliable optics in various conditions.
With LD glass, fully multi-coated lenses, and a durable build, it offers excellent clarity, precision, and weather resistance. While it lacks an illuminated reticle and adjustable parallax, its superior optics, solid construction, and affordability make it an excellent choice for hunters and recreational shooters.
Key Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 inch
- Reticle Placement: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Glass Type: Low-dispersion (LD) glass for enhanced clarity
- Lens Coating: Fully multi-coated for a vivid sight picture
- Turrets: Capped elevation and windage adjustments
- Construction: Rugged one-piece chassis
- Weather Resistance: 100% waterproof and fogproof
- Ideal Use: Hunting, mid-range shooting, and recreational shooting
Pros
- Exceptional Optical Clarity: Low-dispersion glass and fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and sharp images.
- Durable and Rugged: Industrial design with a one-piece chassis ensures protection from recoil and rough conditions.
- Reliable Weatherproofing: Waterproof and fogproof construction allows use in any climate.
- Smooth & Precise Adjustments: European-style eyepiece and capped turrets offer easy, repeatable adjustments.
- Versatile Application: Suitable for short, medium, and long-range engagements across multiple calibers.
Cons
- No Illuminated Reticle: Can be difficult to use in extremely low-light conditions.
Key Factors.
- Hunting Conditions: If you hunt in varied environments and weather conditions, this scope’s waterproof and fogproof design ensures reliability.
- Optical Performance: Low-dispersion glass and fully multi-coated lenses deliver superior brightness, but the lack of an illuminated reticle may limit usability in extreme darkness.
- Magnification Needs: The 3-9x zoom range is ideal for mid-range hunting, but those seeking long-range precision may require higher magnification.
- Durability & Recoil Resistance: Built for heavy use, this scope’s rugged chassis and capped turrets withstand harsh conditions and recoil.
- Budget: A cost-effective option for hunters and shooters seeking premium optical performance at an affordable price.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the best low light rifle scope under $500
- Objective Lens Size: Larger objective lenses (e.g., 50mm or 56mm) gather more light, improving visibility in dim conditions.
- Lens Coatings: Fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission and reduce glare.
- Reticle Illumination: Illuminated reticles can significantly aid in target acquisition during low-light periods.
- Build Quality: Ensure the scope is constructed from durable materials and is weather-resistant to withstand various environmental conditions.
- Magnification Range: Choose a magnification range that suits your typical shooting distances and scenarios.
conclusion
In summary, selecting the best low-light rifle scope under $500 means prioritizing features like high-grade optics, durable construction, and reliable weatherproofing to enhance your shooting experience in challenging conditions.
These scopes offer a competitive blend of clarity, precision, and rugged performance that make them ideal for hunters and shooters alike.
By carefully considering factors such as optical quality, magnification range, and environmental resilience, you can confidently choose a scope that not only meets your needs but also maximizes your success in low-light shooting scenarios.