When it comes to maximizing the performance of your AR-15 at extended distances, choosing the right optic is essential, especially when targeting out to 500 yards. In this guide, we will walk you through the best AR-15 scopes for 500 yards available on the market.
At 500 yards, precision, clarity, and dependable tracking are critical. The best scopes for 500 yards should offer a combination of magnification, glass quality, reliable reticles, and durable construction to handle both range shooting and real-world conditions.
What Makes an AR-15 Scope Ideal for 500 Yards?
Whether you’re a tactical shooter, hunter, or long-range enthusiast, the ideal AR-15 scope for 500 yards should have the following attributes:
- Magnification of 3-12x or higher for 500-yard accuracy
- Clear, high-quality glass for better image resolution at longer distances
- Adjustable parallax that helps eliminate aiming errors at 500 yards
- Tactical turrets with precise, audible clicks for elevation and windage
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof construction for durability in different field conditions
- Multi-coated lenses that reduce glare and improve light transmission in low light conditions
- Lightweight design to maintain AR-15’s balance and maneuverability
Best AR-15 Scopes for 500 Yards
1.Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope, 1″ Tube
The Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope is the best AR-15 scope for 500 yards. This rifle scope is designed with cutting-edge features that deliver an outstanding balance of performance, clarity, and rugged reliability at a mid-range price point.
The 4-12x magnification range offers excellent versatility for close to long-range shooting. This zoom range is complemented by the 40mm objective lens that gathers ample light, offering a bright, clear image even in early morning or dusk conditions.
Furthermore, the glass is impressively sharp for its class, and the proprietary Leupold Twilight Light Management System noticeably improves visibility in low-light situations. Adjustments for windage and elevation are also crisp and tactile, with 1/4 MOA precision that tracks reliably.
Solid build quality is where the VX-Freedom truly shines. The scope is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum and is 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, living up to Leupold’s reputation for durable optics. Moreover, he matte black finish resists glare and scuffs, blending well with most hunting setups.
Pros
- Holds zero reliably under constant recoil
- Rugged and lightweight construction
- Ease of use
- Bright and crisp optics
- Unparalleled low light performance
Cons
- Non-illuminated
2. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
For shooters seeking a dependable, high-performing optic without the steep price tag of high-end tactical scopes, the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope is the ideal choice.
Durability and precision are clearly at the forefront of the Viper PST Gen II’s design. The robust aluminum construction feels solid and confidence-inspiring, with waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof performance under harsh conditions.
Furthermore, the exposed tactical-style turrets offer audible and tactile clicks, and they zero reset easily after sight-in, adding to the overall user-friendly experience. Parallax adjustment and side focus are also smooth and precise, giving the shooter total control over image sharpness and target clarity.
With a 30mm tube and a first focal plane (FFP) reticle, the scope delivers consistent sub-tensions and holdovers throughout the magnification range, making it ideal for long-range engagements and dynamic shooting scenarios. Moreover, the 3-15x magnification range is broad enough for both close and extended ranges.
Above all, the glass clarity is exceptional, providing a crisp and sharp image, even in low light, thanks to its XR fully multi-coated lenses and extra-low dispersion glass.
Pros
- Illuminated reticle that enhances visibility in poor lighting conditions
- Multi-platform friendly
- Rugged construction that withstands recoil and impact
- Exceptional optical brightness and clarity
Cons
- Tight eye relief
3. Trijicon AccuPoint TR-20 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Trijicon AccuPoint TR-20 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is a reliable and highly capable optic for those demanding accuracy and performance without crossing into the ultra-premium price tier.
As one of the best AR-15 scopes for 500 yards, this high-performance optic impressive with its 1-inch tube design that keeps the profile lightweight and easy to mount. Furthermore, the second focal plane reticle ensures that the aiming point remains consistent across all magnifications.
Optically, the glass quality is top-notch, providing a crystal-clear sight picture with excellent light transmission, even in low-light conditions such as early dawn or dusk. The fiber optic and tritium illumination system is another standout feature, offering a bright aiming point without the need for batteries.
Regarding construction, the construction of the TR-20 reflects Trijicon’s reputation for ruggedness and reliability. The scope is built to handle heavy recoil and harsh weather conditions without losing zero, making it ideal for demanding field environments.
Moreover, adjustments for windage and elevation are tactile and precise, with audible clicks that enhance confidence during zeroing and in-the-field corrections. The scope also boasts a variable 3-9x magnification range that is versatile enough for both close-in shots and mid-range engagements.
Pros
- Exceptional optical performance
- Solid range-ready build quality
- Lightweight design
- Quick and easy zeroing
Cons
- Tight eye relief at high magnification levels
4. ATN Thor 5 LRF 4-16x 320×240
Next, we have the ATN Thor 5 LRF 4–16× with a 320×240 12-micron sensor. This is a precision-engineered thermal rifle scope that blends versatility and sharp image quality.
In daylight, the optics are surprisingly crisp and clear, but it truly comes alive when detecting heat signatures in low light or pitch-black environments. The refresh rate is smooth and responsive, minimizing lag during movement and allowing for quick target acquisition.
Furthermore, the laser rangefinder (LRF) is integrated neatly and provides accurate yardage readings without obstructing the field of view. The scope also features a ballistic calculator that offers quick adjustments, making longer-range shots much more intuitive.
On usability, the Thor 5 is comfortable to operate even with gloved hands. This is thanks to the physical buttons that are well-spaced and responsive. Over and above that, the rechargeable battery life is solid, supporting hours of continuous use, and the onboard Wi-Fi and streaming features add versatility for on-the-road sharing or remote viewing.
Pros
- Rugged housing
- Exceptional thermal sensitivity with smart features
- User-friendly design
- Long batter life
Cons
- Narrow eye relief
5. Burris Veracity PH 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
The Burris Veracity PH 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope is a precision-engineered optic designed for hunters and long-range shooters who demand reliability and advanced functionality.
With its 30mm tube and high-quality glass, this scope delivers excellent light transmission and image clarity across all magnification levels. The 3-15x zoom range is extremely versatile, offering a wide field of view for close-range shots and precise target acquisition at longer distances.
Another standout feature is the Programmable Elevation Knob (PH), which uses an integrated digital heads-up display to show your exact turret position. This helps eliminate guesswork in elevation adjustments. Furthermore, this system is intuitive and user-friendly in field applications where quick and accurate adjustments are critical.
Durability and build quality are also top-tier. The Veracity PH is shockproof, waterproof, fog-proof, and rugged enough to withstand extreme hunting environments. Moreover, the Zero Click Stop technology allows for quick returns to your original zero, which is a must for variable distance shooting.
Pros
- Built-in ballistic calculator that pairs via Bluetooth with the BurrisConnect app
- Cutting-edge technology with traditional reliability
- Sturdy and rugged construction
- Consistent performance and long-range accuracy
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- Big budget
6. ATN X-Celsior 5-15x
The ATN X‑Celsior 5–15× is our last recommendation for the best AR-15 scopes for 500 yards. It is a top-tier night vision scope that offers both versatility and powerful performance in one package.
Featuring a high-quality 5–15× magnification range, this scope allows hunters to shift effortlessly between medium and long-range targeting with razor-sharp clarity. Besides, its thermal imaging sensor delivers crisp, noise-free visuals even in low-light or pitch-dark conditions.
The built-in laser rangefinder is a standout feature, offering real-time distance measurements up to several hundred yards. When paired with the range-compensated reticle, it ensures every shot is calculated with pinpoint precision. Furthermore, the intuitive digital display is clear and customizable, allowing users to tailor settings for reticle style, brightness, and even custom ballistic profiles.
Despite its high-end capabilities, the ATN X‑Celsior maintains a robust, lightweight, and weatherproof build that’s appropriate for rugged field conditions. The chassis is constructed from rugged aluminum alloy, protecting it from recoil and harsh environments.
On top of that, the optical tube has an IPX7 water-resistance rating to ensures it remains operational even in rain or snow.
Pros
- Responsive, and well-placed lens adjustment and control dials
- Lightweight yet robust construction
- Dual day and night operation
- Straightforward setup process
- Intuitive menu navigation
Cons
Image clarity at higher magnifications tends to degrade slightly, especially in poor light conditions
Criteria for Choosing the Best AR-15 Scopes for 500 Yards
When choosing the best AR-15 scope for shooting at 500 yards, several critical factors come into play to ensure accuracy, reliability, and overall shooting performance.
Magnification
Firstly, magnification is essential. At 500 yards, you’ll need a scope with at least 10x magnification to clearly see your target and aim with precision. Variable magnification scopes like 3-15x or 4-16x offer flexibility for both close and long-range engagements, making them ideal for dynamic shooting situations.
Reticle Type
Next, consider the reticle type. A reticle with bullet drop compensation (BDC), Mil-Dot, or MOA markings helps you estimate range and adjust for bullet drop and windage accurately at longer distances. Illuminated reticles are also essential in improving visibility in low-light conditions and providing better target acquisition.
Optical Clarity
The next thing to consider is optical clarity and quality. The best AR-15 scopes for 500 yards should have multi-coated lenses to reduce glare and enhance light transmission, offering a clearer image which is crucial when shooting at extended ranges. High-quality optics also important in ensuring that you can clearly identify targets and aim with precision, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Durability
Another important factor to consider is durability. The AR-15 is a versatile and often rugged platform, so your scope should match that durability. Look for scopes that are shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof to ensure consistent performance under different environmental conditions.
Adjustment Turrets
In addition, adjustment turrets should be precise and repeatable. Tactical-style turrets that allow for easy elevation and windage adjustments without tools are especially useful when dialing in shots at 500 yards.
Eye Relief
Also, pay attention to the eye relief. This is the distance between your eye and the ocular lens of the scope where you can still see the full field of view clearly. A scope with generous eye relief ensures comfort and safety, particularly when dealing with recoil or rapid target transitions. A tip is to get a scope with at least 3.5 inches eye relief.
Size and Weight
The best AR-15 scopes for 500 yards are compact and lightweight. Avoid a scope that is too large or heavy will negatively affect the balance and maneuverability of your rifle, especially during extended shooting sessions or when carrying the firearm over long distances. Besides, compact and lightweight rifle scopes have the added advantage of scattering recoil more effectively.
Mounting Compatibility
Lastly, mounting compatibility should not be overlooked. Ensure that the scope is compatible with your rifle’s rail system and that the mounting height aligns properly with your cheek weld for optimal shooting posture and accuracy.
Best AR-15 Scopes for 500 Yards FAQs
- What magnification is best for shooting 500 yards with an AR-15?
For 500-yard shooting, a scope with 10x to 16x magnification is typically ideal. It provides enough zoom to clearly see and engage targets at that range while still maintaining a good field of view.
- Do I need a first focal plane (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP) scope?
FFP scopes are often preferred for 500-yard precision shooting, because the reticle’s size adjusts with magnification, making holdovers and range estimations consistent. However, SFP scopes can still work well, especially if you typically shoot at max magnification.
- Are illuminated reticles useful for 500-yard shooting?
Yes, especially in low-light conditions. An illuminated reticle helps with visibility, though it’s not a necessity for bright daylight shooting.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hunting, target shooting, or engaging in long-range tactical training, investing in a scope that’s specifically tuned for 500-yard performance will elevate your accuracy and confidence. Hopefully, this buying guide has helped you choose a scope that complements the AR-15’s capabilities and enhances your effectiveness at the 500-yard mark.