Having the right scope is indispensable when it comes to long-range marksmanship and precision shooting. This review highlights the best scopes for 500 yards to suit experienced shooters who want to heighten their accuracy or beginners who want to try their shot at long ranges.
The 500-yard mark is a significant distance that requires astounding clarity, durability, and magnification from your scope.
In this review, we explore the top candidates that are crafted to make your shootings successful. The models have been handpicked from a myriad of options available on the market to make it less daunting for you. Let’s dive into the excellent options that make the cut:
Best Scopes for 500 Yards
1) Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Riflescope
Kicking off our list of the best scopes for 500 yards is the Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm riflescope. It is made with durability in mind, being built from aircraft-grade aluminum for long-lasting use.
It is topped with a hard anodized finish that reduces glare and ensures maximum concealment of the shooter.
Another parameter of the Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm is the exposed turrets that facilitate excellent tracking performance. The ribbed magnification ring promotes seamless magnification alterations on the field to ensure that your eyes are only on the target.
Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm riflescope also brings to the table an advanced optical system for clear, crisp images across all power levels.
The lenses are fully multicoated to increase the light penetration rates while the extra-low dispersion glass improves resolution and color fidelity bettering the quality of the views.
What’s more, the unit is fully waterproof and fogproof to survive in harsh weather conditions. The Diamondback 4-16x44mm is also shockproof to stand up to heavy recoil and impact.
Features
- The reticle is etched on the glass
- 30mm tube diameter
- Magnification rib for easy power adjustments
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Aircraft-grade aluminum composition
- Precision glide erector system
- The glass is fully multicoated
- Fast focus eyepiece
Pros
- Built like a tank
- Great turrets
- User-friendly
Cons
- Stiff magnification adjustment
2) Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-12x50mm Riflescope
This Vortex riflescope boasts 4-12x magnification, making it perfect for an array of pursuits, from tracking targets in a tactical operation to stalking deer in a tree stand.
The Crossfire II AO 4-12x50mm is engineered with a fully multicoated optical system that promotes phenomenal light collection for clarity and crispness in all lighting conditions.
It scores highly when it comes to durability. Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-12x50mm has aircraft-grade aluminum housing and is finished with a hard anodized matte exterior that conceals your position and minimizes glare.
It will withstand the rigors that come with shooting and hunting. Aside from that, the Crossfire II AO 4-12x50mm riflescope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof to prevent damage when using it in rough terrain or inclement weather.
A unique feature of the Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-12x50mm riflescope is the adjustable objective lens that fine-tunes the scope’s focus to remove parallax errors completely.
Better yet, the turrets are capped, making them less prone to damage caused by external elements. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is handy when shooting or hunting at ranges where holdover estimation is a concern.
Mounting the Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-12x50mm riflescope on your weapon means you have all you need for fast and accurate long-range engagements.
Features
- The lenses have proprietary coatings to enhance the image quality
- Hard anodized matte finish
- Aircraft-grade aluminum design
- 9 to 4.4 inches of eye relief
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Adjustable objective lens
- Versatile 4-12x zoom
- 50mm objective lens
Pros
- An impressively clear and crisp glass
- Lovely field of view
- Ease of adjustment
- Smoothy turret rotations
Cons
- No reticle illumination
3) NightForce SHV 4-14x50mm F1 Riflescope
If you are a shooter on a budget, grab the NightForce SHV 4-14x50mm F1 riflescope that comes at a reasonable price without sacrificing quality.
This 500-yard scope is configured for versatility, with a 4-14x zoom range that provides a great combination of field of view and resolving power at top magnification. This magnification is complemented by the 50mm objective lens that supports brilliant light transmission from first to last light.
NightForce SHV 4-14x50mm F1 has exposed elevation adjustment for quick access and a capped windage turret for less vulnerability to impact. The ZeroSet feature facilitates a quick return to zero in any condition from any distance.
Another notable thing about the NightForce SHV 4-14x50mm F1 is the adjustable parallax from 25 yards to infinity. The controls on the scope allow intuitive and precise adjustments when you need to make a hurried shot after retreating prey or during a competition.
Features
- First focal plane reticle
- 30mm tube size
- Illuminated reticle with twelve intensity settings
- Power zoom ring
- Adjustable parallax from 25 yards to infinity
- ZeroSet mechanism
- 50mm focal aperture
Pros
- Great illuminating reticle
- Performs seamlessly
- Admirable image quality
Cons
- The numbers indicating mil are unreadable as they are partially illuminated.
4) Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56mm Riflescope
Boasting a magnificent 5-25x magnification and massive 56mm objective lens, the Strike Eagle is a beast in long-range shooting, offering an expansive field of view and exceptional light gathering even in poorly lit areas.
If you are looking for a shooting instrument that provides unmatched accuracy and precision, the Strike Eagle 5-25x56mm riflescope is definitely worth considering.
It is engineered around a 34mm tube to provide a great range for windage and elevation travel. The RevStop Zero System guarantees a solid return to zero, and the locking turrets ensure there are no accidental adjustments for stay-put accuracy.
Another valuable addition of the Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56mm riflescope is the first focal plane reticle with illumination that provides fast reads at any power setting and lighting situation.
There are ten brightness levels, with the illumination dial being cleanly integrated into the side focus adjustment knob for seamless access and streamlined performance.
The Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56mm riflescope features extra-low dispersion glass for maximum resolution and color fidelity. The anti-reflective lens minimizes light loss and maximizes light transmission for peak clarity and low-light performance.
Features
- 7 inches of eye relief
- 34mm tube size
- A throw lever for fast power adjustments
- RevStop Zero System
- Includes a sunshade for elimination of glare
- Armortek coatings on the lens for protection and durability.
- Waterproof and fogproof integrity
- Extra-low dispersion glass
Pros
- Solid construction
- Illumination is handy especially in low-light conditions
- Stunning glass quality
Cons
- Parallax is stiff to use
5) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm riflescope is so good it will make you wonder why you have been shooting without it.
As one of the best scopes for 500 yards, the VX-5HD is built around the Leupold Professional Grade Optical System, offering impressive objective lens quality. This addition ensures that harsh light will not mess with the image quality.
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm couples a High-Definition optical system and the Twilight Max Light Management System to give you an edge in dismal lighting by providing superior clarity and resolution.
Another attribute to behold is the motion sensor technology that turns off the unit once there is no movement and automatically reactivates it when it senses movement. This helps conserve battery life for when you require it most.
Another terrific feature of the VX-5HD 3-15x44mm riflescope is the FireDot illuminated reticle that increases visibility even in low-light environments. The Guard-ion coating protects the lens from harsh elements like water and dirt.
Moreover, Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm has the CDS-ZL2 dial that provides two revolutions for windage and elevation adjustment. Unwanted turret movement is eliminated courtesy of the push-button Zerolock system. Further, this mechanism provides an easy and rock-solid return to initial zero after sighting in.
Features
- Custom dial system
- Built from 6061-T6 aluminum
- Gas purged and sealed for all-weather functionality
- Guard-ion rain-shedding coating
- ZeroStop system
- Professional grade optical system
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Twilight Max Light Management system
Pros
- Reticle illumination
- Operator-friendly
- Built-in motion sensors lengthen battery life
- Superior build quality
Cons
- Illuminated FireDot reticle costs more money
6) ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 5-20x70mm Smart HD Day/Night Riflescope
Last but not least is the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 5-20x70mm Smart HD Day/Night Riflescope. Don’t miss another opportunity to capture those memorable moments you can share with friends and family.
The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition allows you to record your outings in full HD and capture photos of your terrific adventure.
The riflescope is equipped with ultra-HD optics that provide unparalleled image crispness from any distance.
Not even darkness will stop you from indulging in your pursuit courtesy of the enhanced HD night vision mode.
This hunting instrument also boasts classic ergonomics that are responsible for making your shooting easy and familiar. Thanks to the One Shot Zero, sighting in your ATN X-Sight is a piece of old tackle.
Another incorporation in the riflescope is the ballistic calculator that allows responsible hunting by ensuring your shot hits the target always.
Furthermore, the ATN X-Sight harbors a Dual Core Processor that runs fast and cool. This is the first digital scope with more than 18 hours of uninterrupted battery operation, so it will not fail you.
We cannot forget to mention that this smart HD day/night riflescope is constructed from hardened aluminum alloy to withstand the severities of hunting and shooting.
Features
- Recoil activated video
- Hardened aluminum formation
- Auxiliary ballistic laser
- More than 18 hours of uninterrupted battery operation
- Dual stream video
- Smart Mil Dot reticle
- One shot zero
Pros
- Mounting and use are a breeze
- Image rendition is crisp and clear
- Top-notch quality
Cons
- Lens cap attachment
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Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Scopes for 500 Yards
It is patent that finding the best scopes for 500 yards is no easy feat with the multitude of options available to choose from. These are some crucial aspects to think about before settling for a model:
Magnification
Magnification is the backbone of every riflescope. Look at the range provided by the option you’re eyeing. Determining what you plan to use the riflescope for is essential to evaluate the ideal magnification. The best magnification range should match your needs for flawless images.
The best scopes for 500 yards should have an adjustable magnifying option for effective use at various distances. It also supports convenient adjusting for differing distances regardless of the target distance. This eliminates the need to keep moving at all times.
Focal Plane
Riflescopes have either a first or second focal plane. A first focal plane reticle scope means the reticle changes depending on the magnification. On the other hand, a second focal plane reticle a second focal plane reticle remains static even when you zoom in or out.
It is best to have a first focal plane scope for long-range shooting.
Durability
The best scopes for 500 yards are well-built to ensure reliability and long-lasting use. Look for a scope made out of high-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum. The scope should nonetheless be waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
Lens Quality
Checking the lens quality is a must before buying the best scopes for 500 yards. Look for anti-reflective fully multicoated lenses for the best image rendition. The lens should be built from premium materials and be scratch-resistant for longevity and unmatched performance.
Turret Adjustability
It is essential to have adjustable windage and elevation turrets for a scope for 500 yards. They ensure you remain on the go no matter your situation. The adjustments should be quick and accurate and with less fiddling for fast execution in the field. This enables you to make adjustments while moving so that you achieve long-range precision shots.
Best Scopes for 500 Yards FAQs
1) Are Scopes For 500 Yards Sufficient for Long-Range Shooting?
Yes. Scopes for 500 yards are adequate for long-range target shooting as they come with impressive features like a fast-focus eyepiece for speedy target acquisition, high magnifications, and unmatched precision and accuracy.
2) How Much Magnification Do You Need For 500 Yards?
This comes down to individual preference, but having a scope with a minimum of 10x magnification is best. Another common choice is 3-9x. Although this is okay if the greatest range you want to fire is at 500 yards, trying to strike anything further is likely to pose difficulty.
3) How Essential Is Brightness When Selecting a Scope For 500 Yards?
This entirely depends on when you are shooting. An illuminated reticle and other fancy features that permit extra light are unnecessary if you are shooting during the day.
However, brightness is everything when shooting at dusk or dawn. Hitting 500-yard targets is complicated enough, and you must do everything properly to get a chance. Bear in mind that too much light can cause complications.
Conclusion
Pursuing excellence in long-range excellence requires the right scope with unmatched precision, reliability, and clarity for 500 yards. The best scopes for 500 yards in this review will meet the demanding needs of this challenging distance. Hopefully, you can now make a wise decision based on the insightful information provided here.