6 Best Rifle Scopes under 500 - Outdoor Optics Gear

In this article we focus on the Best Rifle Scopes under 500.

In today’s market, shooters no longer need to spend exorbitant amounts to acquire a high-quality riflescope. Technological advancements have made it possible to find optics that offer exceptional performance, durability, and precision—all within a budget of $500.

This price range now includes scopes suitable for various shooting disciplines, from hunting in diverse environments to precision target shooting at extended ranges focusing on theBest Rifle Scopes under 500.

Best Rifle Scopes Under 500

1) Vortex Diamondback Tactical FFP 4-16x44mm Riflescope

The Vortex Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane (FFP) 4-16x44mm Riflescope is a high-performance optic designed for shooters who demand precision, reliability, and affordability. This scope brings together advanced features that make it a top contender in the Best Rifle Scopes under 500 in rifles of its class, offering exceptional clarity, durability, and ease of use for long-range applications.

At the core of the Diamondback Tactical FFP is extra-low dispersion glass, which enhances color fidelity and resolution, delivering a sharp and bright sight picture. The fully multi-coated lenses further improve light transmission, ensuring crisp images even in low-light conditions. What sets this scope apart is its first focal plane (FFP) reticle, which remains proportionate throughout the entire 4-16x zoom range, providing accurate holdovers and windage adjustments at any magnification.

The precision-glide erector system ensures smooth and precise magnification adjustments, even under harsh conditions, thanks to its high-quality internal components. For shooters engaged in long-range precision shooting, the exposed tactical turrets and a side parallax knob allow for quick and accurate adjustments. The fast-focus eyepiece ensures rapid reticle focusing, so you never miss a critical shot.

Built to withstand extreme conditions, the single-piece 30mm tube is shockproof, ensuring durability in rugged environments. Additionally, the scope is nitrogen-purged and sealed with O-rings, making it waterproof and fog-proof, so performance remains uncompromised in any weather.

Key Specifications

Magnification: 4-16x
Objective Lens Diameter: 44mm
Reticle Type: First Focal Plane (FFP), Glass-Etched
Tube Size: 30mm
Parallax Adjustment: Side Focus
Lens Coatings: Fully Multi-Coated
Eye Relief: 3.8 inches
Field of View (FOV) at 100 Yards: 26.9 – 6.7 feet
Turret Style: Exposed Tactical Turrets
Waterproof & Fogproof: Yes, O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged
Shockproof: Yes, single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum construction
Warranty: Vortex VIP Lifetime Warranty

Pros

Exceptional glass clarity with extra-low dispersion (ED) glass
Fully multi-coated lenses for improved light transmission
First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle for accurate subtensions at any zoom level
Precision-glide erector system for smooth magnification adjustments
Exposed tactical turrets for quick and precise windage/elevation adjustments
Side parallax knob for enhanced long-range accuracy
Rugged, shockproof construction with waterproof and fog-proof performance
VIP Lifetime Warranty for peace of mind

Cons

No illuminated reticle, which may limit low-light performance

2) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope

The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope (Model No. 174182) is one of the Best Rifle Scopes under 500 well-engineered optic designed to meet the demands of hunters and shooters who require durability, precision, and crystal-clear optics. Built with 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope is not only lightweight but also incredibly tough, capable of handling extreme conditions and recoil. Its matte finish provides a sleek, low-glare appearance, making it an excellent choice for hunting and tactical applications.

One of the standout features of this scope is Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System, which enhances low-light performance by adding up to 10 extra minutes of shooting light while reducing glare and improving contrast. This ensures bright, clear images even during dawn and dusk—critical moments for hunters. The scratch-resistant lenses further ensure long-lasting clarity and durability in rugged environments.

For accuracy and ease of adjustments, the VX-Freedom comes with precision 1/4 MOA finger-click turrets, providing absolute repeatability and dependability for windage and elevation. The 3:1 zoom ratio allows for versatile magnification, making this scope suitable for various shooting distances, from short-range hunting to mid-range precision shooting.

Designed for all-weather performance, this scope is 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring reliability in any environmental condition. Leupold’s punisher-tested construction guarantees it can withstand intense recoil, making it ideal for high-powered rifles.

Key Specifications

Model: 174182 (VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm)
Reticle Type: Duplex CDS
Magnification: 3-9x
Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
Main Tube Diameter: 1 inch
Adjustment Type: 1/4 MOA Finger Click for Windage & Elevation
Zoom Ratio: 3:1
Optical Coating: Twilight Light Management System
Construction Material: 6061-T6 Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
Waterproof & Fogproof: Yes
Shockproof: Yes, punisher tested for extreme durability
Lens Protection: Scratch-resistant coating

Pros

Exceptional low-light performance with the Twilight Light Management System
Rugged and durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction
Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof for all-weather reliability
Precise and repeatable 1/4 MOA adjustments for windage and elevation
3:1 zoom ratio provides versatile magnification for different shooting scenarios
Duplex CDS reticle offers a simple and effective aiming solution
Lightweight design makes it easy to mount and carry

Cons

No illuminated reticle for low-light or night shooting

3)Primary Arms SLx 4-14 x 44 mm Rifle Scopes

The Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 is one of the Best Rifle Scopes under 500 acompanied by its high-performance optic that caters to the needs of serious shooters and hunters. Designed with a variable 4-14x magnification and a first focal plane system, this scope ensures that your holdovers and ranging remain accurate at every magnification level. Its ACSS Orion reticle is optimized for popular calibers such as .308, .223, and -06, providing shooters with unique open circle aiming points and hash marks for quick ranging and wind holds when targeting deer or coyote-sized game.

At its core, the scope features the ACSS Orion reticle—a versatile design that combines quick ranging with traditional MIL-DOT markings. This dual capability allows for both immediate target engagement and precise range estimation, making it a valuable tool for varied hunting scenarios. The first focal plane reticle remains true throughout the entire magnification range, ensuring that bullet drop and wind hold calculations stay accurate no matter the zoom setting.

Constructed with a high-strength, aircraft-grade aluminum body, the SLx is built to withstand harsh conditions while maintaining a lightweight profile. Its 30mm main tube design ensures compatibility with a wide range of rings and mounts, offering shooters flexibility in how they set up their rig. Additionally, the side-adjustable parallax and fast-focus eyepiece guarantee a crisp view of both the target and the reticle, with parallax adjustments ranging from as close as 15 yards to infinity for pinpoint clarity at every distance.

The scope’s tactical features further enhance its performance in the field. Exposed tactical-style turrets with zero-reset functionality allow for quick and accurate adjustments on the fly, while the tactile and audible 1/10 MIL windage and elevation adjustments provide exceptional precision. Designed to perform in any environment, the SLx is shockproof, waterproof, and fog resistant—further bolstered by nitrogen purging to ensure optimal optical performance even under extreme conditions.

Key Specifications

Magnification: Variable 4-14x
Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
Reticle: ACSS Orion reticle (suitable for .308, .223, and -06) with traditional MIL-DOT elements
Reticle Positioning: First Focal Plane (stays true at all magnifications)
Main Tube Diameter: 30 mm
Parallax: Side-adjustable from 15 yards to infinity
Adjustment Mechanism: Tactile and audible 1/10 MIL windage and elevation adjustments
Turrets: Exposed tactical-style with Zero Reset
Construction: High strength, aircraft-grade aluminum body
Additional Features: Fast focus eyepiece, shockproof, waterproof, fog resistant, nitrogen purged
Application: Ideal for hunting and precision shooting

Pros

Versatile Magnification: Variable 4-14x magnification with a first focal plane reticle ensures accurate holdovers across all ranges.
Dual Reticle Functionality: The ACSS Orion reticle combines quick ranging with traditional MIL-DOT markings, ideal for precise holdover and range estimation.
Durable Construction: Built with aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope is shockproof, waterproof, fog resistant, and nitrogen purged for long-lasting reliability.
Enhanced Adjustability: Side-adjustable parallax and fast focus eyepiece offer a crisp, clear view, while exposed tactical turrets with zero reset and 1/10 MIL adjustments provide precision in the field.
Broad Compatibility: The 30mm main tube design is compatible with a variety of rings and mounts, giving shooters flexibility in their setups.

Cons

Complexity for Casual Shooters: The advanced features and adjustments may be more than necessary for beginners or casual shooters.

4)Burris Fullfield E1 4.5-14x42mm Rifle Scope

The Burris Fullfield E1 4.5-14x42mm Rifle Scope is designed for shooting enthusiasts who demand a simple yet sophisticated reticle for supreme accuracy. Built with high-grade optical glass, this scope provides exceptional brightness and clarity, ensuring you never miss a critical detail in any light condition. Its robust construction, featuring a durable one-piece outer tube and a double internal spring-tension system, guarantees that the scope holds zero through shock, recoil, and vibrations—even from the heaviest recoil.This makes it top in the list of the Best Rifle Scopes under 500.

A standout feature is the Ballistic Plex E1 reticle, which offers quick and accurate target acquisition with its cascading dots that effectively compensate for wind drift. This intuitive reticle, coupled with the trajectory-compensating technology, simplifies range estimation and holdover adjustments, making it an ideal choice for long-range shooting. The ergonomic side focus allows for smooth parallax adjustments from 50 yards to infinity, ensuring that your view remains crisp and true no matter the distance.

The Burris Fullfield E1 further enhances usability with finger-adjustable, low-profile windage and elevation turrets that not only create a sleek profile but also provide tactile and audible feedback for each 1/10 MIL adjustment. The power ring is designed to be easy to grip and turn—even with gloves—while the fixed eyepiece ensures that lens covers stay securely in place. Additionally, the nitrogen-filled scope tube, combined with its waterproof construction, prevents fogging in cold or rainy conditions, all backed by the Burris Forever Warranty for peace of mind.

Key Specifications

Magnification: 4.5-14x
Objective Lens Diameter: 42mm
Reticle: Ballistic Plex E1
Adjustment: Finger-adjustable windage and elevation turrets with 1/10 MIL clicks
Parallax Adjustment: Ergonomic side focus from 50 yards to infinity
Eyepiece: Non-rotating for secure lens cover placement
Tube Construction: Durable, one-piece outer tube with a double internal spring-tension system
Optical Glass: High-grade for excellent brightness and clarity
Environmental Protection: Nitrogen-filled, waterproof, and fog-resistant
Warranty: Burris Forever Warranty

Pros

Exceptional Clarity: High-grade optical glass delivers outstanding brightness and sharpness.
Accurate Reticle: The Ballistic Plex E1 reticle offers quick ranging and reliable wind drift compensation.
Robust Construction: Durable one-piece tube and double internal spring-tension system ensure zero retention through heavy recoil.
User-Friendly Adjustments: Finger-adjustable turrets and an easy-to-turn power ring facilitate rapid and precise changes, even with gloves on.
Versatile Parallax Control: Ergonomic side focus enables smooth parallax adjustments from 50 yards to infinity.
Reliable in Harsh Conditions: Nitrogen-filled tube and waterproof construction prevent fogging and ensure durability in adverse weather.

Cons

Complexity for Beginners: The advanced features may be overwhelming for novice shooters.
Reticle Preference: The simple yet sophisticated Ballistic Plex E1 reticle might not suit shooters accustomed to illuminated or more intricate reticle designs.

5)Sightron S-TAC 3-16x42mm Riflescope

The Sightron S-TAC 3-16x42mm Riflescope is a meticulously engineered optic designed to meet the demands of both hunters and precision shooters. Its versatile magnification range of 3x to 16x, coupled with a 42mm objective lens, provides a clear and bright sight picture across various lighting conditions and distances. The scope’s second focal plane (SFP) reticle ensures that the reticle size remains constant across all magnifications, allowing for consistent aiming points without any adjustments.

Constructed with a robust 30mm single-piece main tube, the S-TAC offers enhanced durability and increased adjustment range for windage and elevation. The scope is equipped with Sightron’s Zact-7 Revcoat multi-coating technology, which enhances light transmission for superior clarity and color accuracy. The ExacTrack windage and elevation adjustment system ensures precise and repeatable tracking, a critical feature for long-range shooting.

For parallax correction, the S-TAC features a side focus adjustment, allowing for parallax-free viewing from 9 yards to infinity. This is particularly beneficial for shooters who engage targets at varying distances. The scope also boasts a generous eye relief of 3.8 to 4.1 inches, providing a comfortable shooting experience and accommodating firearms with heavier recoil.

Key Specifications

Magnification: 3-16x
Objective Lens Diameter: 42mm
Tube Diameter: 30mm
Reticle: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
Field of View (FOV) at 100 yards: 32.3 – 6.1 feet
Eye Relief: 3.8 – 4.1 inches
Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
Elevation and Windage Adjustment Range: 70 MOA
Parallax Adjustment: Side focus, 9 yards to infinity
Length: 12.8 inches
Weight: 23.3 ounces
Finish: Matte Black
Weather Resistance: Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof

Pros

Versatile Magnification: The 3-16x range accommodates both close-quarters and long-range shooting scenarios.
Durable Construction: The 30mm single-piece main tube enhances durability and provides a broader range for windage and elevation adjustments.
Superior Optics: Zact-7 Revcoat multi-coatings ensure excellent light transmission and image clarity.
Precise Adjustments: The ExacTrack system offers accurate and repeatable windage and elevation adjustments.
Flexible Parallax Adjustment: Side focus allows for quick parallax correction from as close as 9 yards to infinity.
Generous Eye Relief: Provides a comfortable shooting experience, even with high-recoil firearms.

Cons

Weight: At 23.3 ounces, it may be heavier compared to some competing models.

Factors to consider when choosing Best Rifle Scopes under 500

1. Optical Quality

The clarity and brightness of the image viewed through a riflescope are paramount. Scopes with fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission, resulting in clearer and more vivid images. High-quality glass reduces glare and minimizes optical distortions, which is crucial for accurate target acquisition, especially in low-light conditions. Investing in a scope with superior optical quality ensures precise shot placement and reduces eye strain during extended use.

2. Magnification Range

The magnification range of a scope determines its versatility across various shooting scenarios. Lower magnifications (e.g., 3-9x) are suitable for close to mid-range shooting, providing a wider field of view, which is beneficial for hunting in dense environments.

Higher magnifications (e.g., 6-24x) cater to long-range shooting, allowing for precise targeting of distant objects. Selecting a magnification range that aligns with your typical shooting distances and applications is essential for optimal performance.

3. Reticle Type and Focal Plane

The reticle design and its placement within the scope (first focal plane [FFP] or second focal plane [SFP]) significantly impact shooting accuracy. FFP reticles scale with magnification, maintaining consistent holdover and ranging values, which is advantageous for long-range shooting. SFP reticles remain the same size regardless of magnification, offering a consistent sight picture, preferred by some hunters. Choosing the appropriate reticle type and focal plane depends on your shooting style and specific requirements.

4. Durability and Build Quality

A robust construction ensures that the scope can withstand harsh environmental conditions and recoil from the firearm. Scopes made from high-quality materials, such as aircraft-grade aluminum, offer enhanced durability.

Features like waterproofing, fogproofing, and shock resistance are crucial for maintaining performance in diverse weather conditions and terrains. A well-built scope provides longevity and reliability, essential for consistent shooting experiences.

5. Adjustment Turrets and Tracking

Precise windage and elevation adjustments are vital for accurate shooting. Scopes with tactile and audible turrets allow shooters to make exact corrections, enhancing shot placement. Reliable tracking ensures that adjustments are consistent and repeatable, which is crucial for maintaining zero and making accurate shots at varying distances. High-quality turrets contribute to the overall ease of use and precision of the scope.

6. Eye Relief and Eye Box

Adequate eye relief—the distance between your eye and the scope’s eyepiece—is essential for shooter comfort and safety, particularly with high-recoil firearms. A generous eye box allows for flexibility in eye positioning, facilitating quick target acquisition and maintaining a full, clear sight picture. Scopes offering consistent and ample eye relief reduce the risk of “scope bite” and enhance the overall shooting experience.

7. Parallax Adjustment

Parallax occurs when the reticle appears to move relative to the target when you shift your eye position. Scopes with parallax adjustment features allow shooters to eliminate parallax error, ensuring that the reticle remains fixed on the target regardless of eye movement. This is particularly important for precision shooting at varying distances, as it enhances accuracy and confidence in shot placement.

Best Rifle Scopes under 500 FAQs

1. What features should I prioritize when selecting Best Rifle Scopes under 500?

When choosing a riflescope in this price range, focus on:

Optical Quality: Ensure the scope has fully multi-coated lenses for optimal light transmission and clarity.
Durability: Look for scopes constructed from robust materials like aircraft-grade aluminum, and ensure they are waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
Adjustment Precision: Opt for scopes with reliable windage and elevation turrets that offer tactile and audible feedback.

2. Are there quality riflescopes under $500 suitable for long-range shooting?

Yes, several riflescopes under $500 are well-suited for long-range shooting. For example, the Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20×50 PA offers a high magnification range and precise adjustments, making it ideal for extended distances.

3. How does the reticle’s focal plane impact performance in riflescopes under $500?

The focal plane determines how the reticle behaves with magnification changes:

First Focal Plane (FFP): The reticle scales with magnification, maintaining consistent holdover and ranging values. This is beneficial for shooters who engage targets at varying distances.
Second Focal Plane (SFP): The reticle remains the same size regardless of magnification, which can be preferable for those who want a consistent reticle appearance, especially at higher magnifications.

4. Can I expect reliable performance from riflescopes under $500 in various weather conditions?

Absolutely. Many riflescopes in this price bracket are designed to withstand diverse environmental conditions. For instance, the Bushnell Nitro series features EXO Barrier coatings that repel water, fog, and debris, ensuring clear visibility in challenging weather.

Conclusion

Selecting the Best Rifle Scopes under 500 requires careful consideration of factors such as optical clarity, build quality, reticle design, and adjustment precision.

Notable models in this category include the Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20×50 PA, known for its premium features and durability; the Primary Arms 4-14x44mm FFP Riflescope, offering first focal plane accuracy and affordability; and the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×33, celebrated for its quality and reliability.

By evaluating your specific shooting needs and comparing the features of these top-rated scopes, you can find an optic that enhances your shooting experience without exceeding your budget by spoting the Best Rifle Scopes under 500.