Optics are the greatest force multiplication tool you can put on a rifle. In today’s post, we delve on the best long range scopes under $500. These scopes are proof that quality doesn’t have to be bank-breaking. They have numerous features and specifications that make them worth buying.
Attaching a riflescope to your firearm exponentially increases your shooting enjoyment. A scope extends distance targeting and enhances your accuracy. Hunters enormously benefit from scopes as they increase their chances of taking down their quarry.
Long-range hunting or shooting demands an optic that gives the shooter advantages over elements such as parallax and distance.
We know that not everyone has the ability to splurge, which means that the price of the scope is a major consideration. With enough probing of the market, we have provided the best scopes under $500 that will blow your mind with their features.
What To Look for In the Best Long Range Scopes Under $500
Some mid-range scopes provide features on par with high-end models. The best long range scopes under $500 provide top-shelf features to shooters and hunters. Consider the following factors before making a purchase decision.
Magnification
Magnification is the first element to look at before buying a long range scope under $500. It is crucial for precision shooting. The scope you intend to buy should have a magnification range starting from 4x. It should be versatile with a higher zoom level going all the way to 24x or more. A variable magnification scope offers broader views at the lower end and finer detail at the higher end.
Objective Lens Diameter
The size of the objective lens affects the amount of light transmitted into the scope, determining how bright and clear the view is. A wider objective lens like 50mm lets in more light, increasing the brightness and clarity for superb image quality. However, the large size can make the scope bulky.
Reticle
Selecting a scope with the right reticle is essential for long-range shooting. For a more comfortable shooting experience, ensure you pick a reticle with hashmarks. The reticles should have single dots spread horizontally and vertically, which can have measurements in either MIL or MOA.
Scopes with hash marks and dots need time to be broken into, but once you get the gist of it, their handling becomes effortless. They also support bullet drop and elevation compensation. Knowing how to use these reticle configurations makes the scope ideal for precise mid-range shooting.
When also looking at the reticle, consider the focal plane. A scope with a first focal plane has the reticle size increase or decrease as the magnification changes. A scope with a second focal plane has the reticle remain constant when magnification changes.
Select a scope with the appropriate focal plane depending on the conditions you use it in. Also, consider your experience as a shooter.
Lenses
The lenses are another important feature when looking for the best long-range scopes under $500. Scopes with ED or high-quality glass yield sharp images even after being zoomed in to the maximum. Although most budget scopes often don’t offer ED glass, you can still find one with the inclusion with sufficient scrutiny.
The scope should have a multi-coating. Fully multi-coated scopes with anti-reflective, anti-glare, and rubber coatings are more robust and ideal for outdoor shooting. The coatings enhance the image quality even in low-light conditions.
Some scopes have coatings that resist scratches, dirt, oil, and smudges. Getting a scope with additional features is a better investment as it lasts longer and holds up really well in rough conditions.
Adjustment Range
Windage and elevation adjustment are vital in long-range shooting. Turrets that are smooth and finger-adjustable without handling tools should be preferred. Scopes with turrets that can be locked and released quickly without hassle are also a great idea. Apart from that, look for a scope with easy-to-reset zero stops and those that hold the zero even under harsh recoil and vibrations.
Size and Weight
A heavy scope can throw off the balance of your rifle, impeding accuracy. Weight is thus an important element when buying the best long-range scopes under $500, especially if you carry your rifle around. However, don’t compromise on quality. In some cases, an extra ounce or two can imply a more robust and long-lasting scope.
Best Long Range Scopes Under $500
Finding the right scope can be overwhelming, with dozens of options available. We are here to help. Let’s look at the best scopes on our list.
1) Vortex Crossfire II 6-24x50mm Riflescope
Crossfire II from Vortex optics is one of the best long range scopes under $500. This one has a 6-24x50mm configuration. It has a length of 14.5 inches and weighs 23.6 oz.
Lenses are fully multi-coated to increase the level of light transmission, delivering clearer and brighter images. A fast-focus eyepiece focuses the reticle, aiding rapid target acquisition.
The housing constitutes aircraft-grade aluminum, making the Crossfire II indestructible. The hard anodized single tube is o-ring sealed and nitrogen purged for waterproof and fogproof performance.
Another thing that makes the scope hand other value-priced counterparts their hat is the Dead-Hold BDC MOA reticle with a customized hashmark design that removes second guesses on windage and elevation corrections. This makes it suitable for hunting or shooting at varying ranges without having to worry about estimating holdover.
Resettable MOA turrets and a long eye relief of 4 inches are other features of the riflescope. The turrets are capped for protection from bumps, knocks, and other external elements. It also features an adjustable objective with a parallax adjustment focusing down to 10 yards.
Features
- 30mm tube
- 40 MOA maximum windage and elevation adjustment
- Eye relief of 4 inches
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Sizeable 50mm objective lens
- Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum
- Capped turrets with a zero-resettable function
- Full multi-coating on the lenses
- Adjustable objective
Pros
- Tough and well-built
- Extreme clarity and brightness
- Exceptional lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not exactly lightweight
2) Hawke Sports Optics Vantage 30 6-24x50mm Riflescope
The Vantage 30 is another potential providing quality and accuracy without denting your wallet. This is the scope for you if you are looking for a simple long-range scope without the bells and whistles but with solid engineering and world-class optics.
High-quality 11-layer fully multi-coated optics provide exceptional clarity and vision. A wide field of view enhances situational awareness, while the fast-focus eyebell and high-torque zoom ring make magnification adjustment seamless.
The scope is built on a 30mm tube, which is machined from a single piece of rugged aircraft-grade aluminum for resilience and stability. The internal optics are filled with nitrogen to prevent fogging and misting. The riflescope is also waterproof and shockproof.
It uses target-style exposed turrets that lock in place. The 3.5 inches of eye relief is sufficient to protect you from unwanted decorations on your face, even when using high-recoil rifles.
Features
- Side focus knob for adjusting parallax till infinity
- 6-24x magnification
- 30mm tube
- 11-layer fully multi-coated lenses
- Rheostat with five brightness levels
- Wide-angle optical system
- 1/10 MRAD exposed turrets with a locking mechanism
- Fast focus eyebell and high torque zoom ring
- A glass-etched reticle that illuminates in red or green
Pros
- Superb clarity
- Illuminated reticle
- Tracks well
Cons
- Stiff knob on the lighted reticle
3) Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50 PA Riflescope
Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50 PA is a top-notch riflescope that is not easy to shake. It has impeccable features at a price that should have taken away more bucks from your wallet.
The first premium feature is the solid construction. The Viper is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum for strength and rigidity. It is built on a 30mm single-piece tube that maximizes alignment, leading to enhanced accuracy and superb visual performance.
The second feature is the generous 6.5-20x magnification, complemented by the 50mm objective lens. This combination makes long-distance targeting successful.
The lens is fully multi-coated, allowing plenty of light to enter the scope for excellent visuals. The exterior lenses have the registered Vortex Armortek coating that fights off dirt, dust, oil, and scratches.
Another feature that makes the Viper PA one of the best long range scopes under $500 is the O-ring seals and argon gas purging on the optics rendering the scope waterproof and fogproof. It will not be a victim of moisture penetration or internal lens fogging.
The hard anodized finish provides a low-glare matte finish that conceals the shooter’s positions when lining up those most important kill shots.
It also incorporates the Precision Glide Erector System and Precision Force Spring System. Parallax can be adjusted from 50 yards to infinity, and the Dead-Hold BDC reticle takes care of holdover issues at various distances.
Features
- XR fully multi-coated optics
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Capped reset turrets
- Hard anodized finish
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- The objective lens is 50mm
- Extra-low dispersion glass increases resolution and color fidelity
- Weighs 21.6 oz
- Armortek coating on the exterior lenses
- Maximum windage and elevation adjustment of 60 MOA
Pros
- Unequaled durability
- Lenses provide crystal-clear views
- Ease of adjustments with no tools needed
- Trademark features ensure precision
Cons
- Clarity suffers at high magnification levels
4) Sightron S-TAC 4-20x50mm Riflescope
Sightron S-TAC 4-20x50mm is designed with a straightforward, versatile reticle that excels at hunting but can be used for multiple shooting applications. The reticle is made from etched wire for an incredible viewing experience and remains static at any zoom range.
The tube is milled from a single piece of lightweight industrial-grade aluminum, showcasing the scope’s durability. It is waterproof and fogproof for a lifetime of fog-free use and shockproof to withstand heavy recoil and accidental impact.
The patented Zact-7 Revcoat multi-coating process uses revolutionary lens coating technology on both lens surfaces, resulting in superior anti-reflection performance and excellent light transmission.
Another unique thing about this scope is the ExacTrack windage and elevation technology that ensures proper alignment between the adjustments and the erector tube. A built-in flip-up lever in the power ring ensures hassle-free adjustments.
Features
- Matte black finish
- Side focus adjustment
- Duplex reticle
- Zact-7 Revcoat multi-coating
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- ExacTrack windage and elevation system
- Maximum windage adjustment of 40 MOA
- Maximum elevation adjustment of 80 MOA
- A length of 14.7 inches
Pros
- Premium glass for clarity and brightness
- Sleek and smooth appearance
- Smooth and repeatable clicks
- Really good quality
Cons
- Only 5 mils per turn
5) Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Riflescope
The best scopes are rugged and quality, making them long-lasting. Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm doesn’t disappoint here. With a hard anodized finish, the scope is formed from aircraft-grade aluminum, which is robust enough to handle the shocks and vibrations of continuous shooting. It is also waterproof and fogproof, withstanding wear and tear.
Its optical performance is lovely. This is because of the fully multi-coated lenses, which maximize light transmission for bright and clear images. It also uses ED glass, which increases color fidelity and resolution.
Vortex puts the focus where it counts instead of cramming features at the expense of turret performance. Exposed turrets support frequent adjustments in the heat of the moment. The turrets are tailored for precise and repeatable clicks with smooth finger movements that can be taken advantage of in any scenario.
Its simple design puts you firmly in the driver’s seat, giving you the power to take on that 1,000-yard mark and beyond with unprecedented accuracy and ease. The fast-focus eyepiece and side-focus parallax adjustment help you achieve maximum image clarity at various magnifications.
Opt for the Diamondback 4-16x44mm on your shooting rifle and take advantage of a perfectly capable competition rig without emptying your wallet.
Features
- XD lens elements
- Shockproof to withstand recoil and impact
- Exposed turrets
- EBR-2C reticle
- 44mm objective lens
- 8 inches of eye relief
- The maximum adjustment for windage and elevation is 80 MOA
- 30mm tube
- Magnification ranges from 4x to 16x
Pros
- Solid construction
- Ease of use
- Easy to zero and holds it like a champ
- Crystal-clear images
Cons
- Stiff power adjustment
6) Burris Veracity 4-20x50mm Riflescope
Burris Veracity 4-20x50mm riflescope combines various features in one package, making your long-range shooting terrific. Durability is one of the elements that make the scope a winner for the best long range scopes under $500.
The scope is constructed from high-grade aluminum to withstand demanding conditions. Its sleek matte look complements this durable construction, which is also waterproof and fogproof.
The 4-20x magnification and 50mm objective lens diameter give hunters and target shooters finely-tuned precision. The Ballistic Plex E1 reticle that allows for trajectory and wind drift compensation when employing big game hunting cartridges.
Another genuine asset of the scope is the high-grade optics, which provide clear and bright images with lasting durability. The lenses are multi-coated with index-matched Hi-Lume coatings, which have anti-glare and high light transmission properties.
Zero Click Stop adjustment knobs make it easy and quick to return to the initial yardage setting without counting clicks. The dual internal spring-tension system helps hold the zero through vibrations and shock.
Features
- Advanced windage and elevation adjustment match the MOA measurement system of the reticle.
- Index-matched Hi-Lume multi-coating on the lenses
- Multi-turn target knobs provide up to 15 MOA of adjustment per rotation
- Ballistic Plex E1 reticle
- High-grade optical glass
- Side focus provides easily accessible parallax adjustment from 50 yards to infinity
- 30mm tube
- Nitrogen filled for fog-free performance
- Waterproof
Pros
- Intuitive
- Excellent image quality
- Easy to calculate holds at various distances
Cons
- Requires special scope rings
7) Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm Riflescope
Finally, we have the Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm as a runner for the best long range scopes under $500. A key attribute that makes the Engage stand out is its light-gathering capability. It provides remarkable brightness and clarity thanks to the fully multi-coated lenses that take advantage of the available light, transmitting as much of it as possible.
The Deploy MOA reticle is compatible with various calibers. The thin reticle doesn’t obscure the target, and MOA hashmarks help in windage and elevation holdovers.
Long-range shooters enjoy the 24x zoom and the 50mm objective lens that aids light collection. The windage and elevation turrets are adjustable and provide crisp clicks.
Other features that the Engage provides and are found in higher-tier riflescopes include a side parallax adjustment, target-style toolless locking turret, and best-in-class glass.
The EXO barrier protection on the lenses repels dirt, oil, dust, and scratches.
Features
- Easy to dial in with the toolless locking turret
- Multiple layers of anti-reflective coating on the lens system
- Deploy MOA reticle
- EXO barrier protection keeps off scratches, oil, dirt, and debris
- 30mm tube
- A fast-focus eyepiece
- Integrated throw down lever
- The objective lens is 50mm
- A sunshade and scope caps for extra protection from sun flares and the elements
- Toolless locking turret
Pros
- Wide field of view
- Excellent brightness
- Tracks well
Cons
- Blurs at higher magnification
Final Thoughts
There are many options for the best long range scopes under $500. The handpicked models reviewed here provide excellent features like superb build, excellent optics, great reticles, and other impressive features to ensure you enjoy your shooting experience to the fullest.
Do your research well, and without being in a hurry, pick a model that best fits your needs, preferences, and shooting requirements. Which of these scopes are you choosing?
Read Also: