7 Best Scopes under $500

When it comes to finding a quality rifle scope, you don’t need to break the bank to get reliable performance, clarity, and durability. This guide highlights the best scopes under $500 that stand out for their optical clarity, build quality, ease of use, and overall performance.

Today’s optics market offers a wide range of high-quality scopes packed with premium features at an affordable price. Under $500, you should expect reliable performance, crisp glass clarity, solid construction, and user-friendly reticles that rival higher-end models. Besides, the best scopes under $500 are versatile for hunting, tactical shooting, and recreational plinking.

What Makes a Great Scope under $500?

While high-end scopes often boast cutting-edge features and ultra-premium glass, a great scope under $500 should feature:

1.Optical Clarity. The scope should have fully multi-coated lenses for optimal light transmission and minimal distortion at higher magnification.

2. Durable Build Quality. The best scopes under $500 are built with aircraft-grade aluminum in a solid one-piece tube, preferably 30mm for better light gathering and adjustment range.

3. Weather Resistant. Furthermore, the scope should be waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof

4. Reliable Turrets and Adjustments. It is also important for the scope to have tactile and repeatable windage/elevation turrets for easy adjustments.

5. Crisp Reticle. A Clean, easy-to-use reticle for your shooting style will enhance your speed of target acquisition. Besides, illuminated reticle are useful for low-light conditions.

6. Magnification Range. Ideal magnification depends on use. 3–9x or 2–10x for general hunting and 4–16x or 6–24x for long-range or target shooting.

7. Generous Eye Relief and Eye Box. The scope should also have a comfortable eye relief ideally 3.5” or more for high-recoil rifles and a forgiving eye box for fast target acquisition.

Best Scopes under $500

Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first scope or a seasoned shooter wanting a dependable backup, these options  under $500 prove that great performance doesn’t always come with a premium price tag.

1. Vortex Viper PST 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope

 

The Vortex Viper PST 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope is the best scope under $500. It is a highly capable optic that blends precision, durability, and tactical performance into a compact, lightweight design.

Built around a robust 30mm tube, this scope delivers exceptional light transmission and clarity. This make it well-suited for both competitive shooting and fast-paced tactical engagements. The 1-4x magnification range offers excellent versatility, allowing shooters to transition seamlessly from close-quarters scenarios to mid-range targets.

Furthermore, the illuminated reticle, located on the second focal plane, remains consistently sized regardless of magnification, providing rapid target acquisition and accurate shot placement under varying lighting conditions.

Ergonomics and build quality are other standout features of the Viper PST. The turrets are tactile and offer crisp, audible adjustments for windage and elevation, with zero-reset functionality for added convenience in dynamic shooting environments.

Above all, the scope is O-ring sealed and argon purged, ensuring reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance in harsh weather conditions.

Pros

• Rugged construction that withstands recoil and rough handling
• Exceptional optical clarity
• Lightweight
• Generous eye relief
• Illuminated reticle

Cons

• Limited battery life

2. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition

 

With dual day and night functionality, the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 3-14x50mm Smart HD Day/Night Rifle Scope is an advanced optic that delivers impressive versatility for hunters and tactical shooters alike.

It features a powerful 4K Ultra HD sensor and dual-core processor, which provide exceptional image clarity both day and night. Furthermore, the scope offers a wide magnification range of 3x to 14x, making it suitable for close to mid-range engagements.

With a 50mm objective lens and 30mm tube, users benefit from a clear field of view and ample light transmission. The onboard ballistic calculator, one-shot zero feature, and smart rangefinder further enhance shot accuracy, while the built-in video recording and Wi-Fi streaming capabilities allow users to capture and share their hunts in real time.

The Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope stands out as a reliable long-range optic that offers both clarity and value for hunters, target shooters, and varmint hunters alike.

With its powerful 6-24x magnification range and a large 50mm objective lens, this scope delivers crisp, bright images even in low-light conditions. The adjustable objective (AO) allows for parallax correction, enhancing accuracy at extended distances.

Optically, the scope’s fully multi-coated lenses and anti-reflective surfaces contribute to outstanding light transmission, providing a clear sight picture even in challenging environments. Furthermore, the Dead-Hold BDC reticle is beneficial for compensating for bullet drop and wind drift, which adds precision to every shot.

Regarding construction, the scope is constructed with a one-piece 30mm tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum. It is both shockproof and waterproof, ensuring dependable performance in rugged conditions. Additionally, the capped turrets offer tactile and audible clicks for easy windage and elevation adjustments, and the reset-to-zero feature makes it simple to return to your baseline after making changes.

Pros

• Generous eye relief
• Outstanding long-range performance
• Affordable
• Rugged construction withstands recoil and impact.

Cons

• Narrow field of view

5. Athlon Optics Midas HMR HD

 

When it comes to performance and versatility, the Athlon Optics Midas HMR HD 2.5–15×50 is hard to beat. With a 30 mm tube, it offers a compelling mix of rugged durability and optical clarity that makes it one of the best value scopes in its class.

The selling point of this rifle scope is its optical clarity. The HD (High Definition) glass delivers sharp, contrast-rich images edge to edge. There is also plenty bright for dawn and dusk shooting thanks to the generous 50 mm objective and fully multicoated lenses.

Whether you’re dialing between 2.5 for quick close-range shots or cranking up to 15× for precision at longer distances, the glass stays crisp with minimal chromatic aberration. Besides, the scope’s field of view is wide at low magnification and still usable when turned up.

The reticle options, particularly the Mil‑Dot or X-MOA pass-through, are clean, well-etched, and illuminated for easy aiming in low light settings. Furthermore, the adjustment turrets are tactile and audible (each click ~0.25 MOA), with zero-stop functionality that makes returning to your baseline point of aim foolproof.

Mechanically, the Midas HMR HD is rock-solid. The one-piece 30 mm tube is constructed from anodized aircraft-grade aluminum, delivering both strength and waterproofing. The scope also features a fast-focus eyepiece that lets you dial reticle focus quickly, and it locks in, so it won’t slip under recoil.

Pros

• Smooth and precise adjustments
• Illuminated and glass-etched reticle
• Generous eye relief
• Solid construction

Cons

• Heavy

6. Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm

The Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm Gen IV LPVO Rifle Scope stands out as a top-tier low-power variable optic designed for both speed and precision in close- to mid-range engagements.

With an improved optical system over its predecessors, the Gen IV offers noticeably clearer and brighter glass, reduced chromatic aberration, and a wider field of view for rapid target finding.

The ACSS Raptor reticle, etched and illuminated, is incredibly intuitive. It combines bullet drop compensation, wind holds, and range estimation in a layout that’s fast to pick up under pressure. Furthermore, the illumination is daylight bright with multiple intensity settings, and the capped turrets provide tactile, repeatable adjustments without compromising durability.

Construction-wise, the scope is built on a rugged 30mm tube and finished in hard coat anodized black that makes it non-reflective. Additionally, the optical tube is shockproof and waterproof for reliable performance in harsh environments.

Pros

• True 1x at the low end functions almost like a red dot for rapid target acquisition
• Versatile for hunting, competition, and defensive applications
• Lightweight construction
• Solid build quality

Cons

• The reticle illumination bleeds slightly at higher settings

7. Swampfox Arrowhead LPVO 1-8x24mm

The Swampfox Arrowhead LPVO 1-8x24mm rifle scope is our last recommendation for the bets scopes under $500. It is a versatile and reliable sighting tool designed to cater to both tactical and recreational shooters.

The scope impresses with its robust construction, featuring a hard-coated, aircraft-grade aluminum housing that’s built to withstand rough use. It maintains zero exceptionally well, even after extensive firing sessions and features a weatherproof design for use even in adverse weather conditions.

Furthermore, the scope offers a true 1x magnification for rapid target acquisition at close range, while the 8x zoom lets you reach out with precision at extended distances. The clarity of the glass is excellent for its price point, with edge-to-edge sharpness and a bright, crisp image even in lower light.

Moreover, the illuminated reticle, with multiple brightness settings, enhances usability in various lighting conditions and works well with both eyes open. This rifle scope also shines with its push-pull locking turrets, allowing for quick and confident adjustments without worrying about unintentional movement.

Pros

• True 1x magnification for fast target acquisition
• Clear, bright glass with excellent edge-to-edge clarity
• Durable and weather-resistant build
• 12-level illuminated reticle
• Excellent value for the price

Cons

• Comparatively short eye relief

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Scopes under $500

When choosing the best scopes under $500, consider these key factors before settling for any product.

Optical Clarity

Firstly, optical clarity and glass quality are critical. Even within a limited budget, many scopes offer fully multi-coated lenses and high-quality glass that provide clear, bright images and reduce glare. Look for scopes that maximize light transmission, especially if you plan to hunt or shoot in low-light conditions.

Magnification Range

Next, consider the magnification range. The ideal range depends on your intended use. For close to mid-range shooting, a 1-6x or 3-9x scope may be sufficient, while longer-range applications may benefit from scopes with magnification up to 14x or even 20x. Balance is key to avoid overpaying for magnification you’ll never use.

Reticle Type

The reticle type and features are also essential. Common options include duplex, BDC (bullet drop compensation), and mil-dot reticles. Some scopes even include illuminated reticles, which can enhance visibility in dark environments. Choose a reticle that suits your shooting style and environment.

Durability

Durability is another major factor. The best scopes under $500 should be rugged and weatherproof, featuring shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof construction. Look for scopes with aircraft-grade aluminum tubes and O-ring seals to withstand tough field conditions.

Adjustability 

Equally important is adjustability and turret quality. Scopes with precise, tactile, and repeatable turrets for windage and elevation adjustments are essential for accuracy. Consider scopes with zero-reset or zero-stop features if you shoot at varying distances.

Eye Relief

The eye relief and field of view also deserve attention. A generous eye relief is important for safety, especially when using high-recoil rifles. For the best scopes under $500, opt for models with more than 3.5 inches of eye relief.

Field of View

It is also important to look at the field of view. A wider field of view helps with target acquisition and situational awareness, particularly during fast-paced or moving target scenarios.

FAQs

• Are scopes under $500 good enough for hunting?

Yes. Many scopes under $500 offer excellent performance for hunting. These scopes offer durable, clear, and reliable optics suitable for deer, varmint, or even elk hunting.

• Are budget scopes durable enough for recoil from high-caliber rifles?

Many scopes under $500 are tested to handle recoil from calibers like .308 or .30-06. The rugged builds in this range enhances performance in adverse environments and ensures long-term durability.

• Can I get a scope with illuminated reticles for under $500?

Yes. Most mid-range scopes under $500 offer illuminated reticles. This is useful for low-light conditions such as dusk or dawn hunting.

Final Words

In conclusion, choosing the best scope under $500 doesn’t mean compromising on quality or performance. The market offers a range of high-value optics that deliver reliable clarity, durable construction, and dependable accuracy for hunting, target shooting, or tactical use. Focus on trusted brands, essential features, and your specific shooting application to confidently invest in a scope that offers outstanding value without breaking the bank.