Best Long Range Rifle Scope Under 500 – Top 10 Reviews, Ratings with Guide, FAQs & More

Best Long Range Scope for Beginners under $500

The Simmons Truplex is the best long range scope for beginners because it perfectly holds zero and gives accurate results.

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#2: Best Tactical Rifle Scope under $500 – Vortex Optics Crossfire II Review

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This is one of the most eye catching scopes you’ll find in the market. Its dead-hold BDC reticle is valuable for using your rifle in various weather conditions and at different distances, where holdover assessment may come as a worry, but not with this scope. 

Its focal point gives parallax removal and centralizes the target image for the shooter while giving a clear line of sight and anti-reflection. Also, its second focal plane guarantees that even at high magnification the size of the reticle is held. 

Its fast focus will provide you with great ease while aiming down your sights. Once you go through its features and what it has to offer, you will realize that this scope is one of the top scopes available under $500 out there.

Features of Vortex Optics Crossfire II 

• Second focal plane
• 6-24x magnifying power
• 50mm objective diameter
• Capped reset turrets 
• V-brite reticle
• Nitrogen purged
• Dead-hold BDC reticle
• O-ring sealed

Best Tactical Rifle Scope under $500

Vortex Crossfire II is the best tactical rifle because it allows longer eye relief and will allow you to take shots with pinpoint accuracy.

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#3: Best Rifle Scope with Bullet Drop Compensator Reticle – Nikon Buckmasters II 4-12x40mm Review

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The Nikon Buckmasters II is a scope that will assist you with your shooting skills. Regardless of its price the rifle scope comes with advanced features, and also comes well within one’s price range.

It is a compact and tough rifle scope with a multi-covered optical framework that assists excellent light transmission. Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) reticle ensures better accuracy and flexibility while allowing you to shoot targets that are beyond the ideal distance. 

Not only this, it’s also incorporated with a zero-reset turret and is integrated with a spring-loaded knob that will give you a wide, straightforward and clear field of view. 

Moreover, this model comes up with an adaptable sunshade feature that would allow you to shoot despite the excessive sunlight. It’s one of the rifle scopes that surely makes its way into the top rifle scopes present in the market.

Features of Nikon Buckmasters II 4-12x40mm 

• Bullet Drop Compensating (BDC) reticle
• 4-12x magnification
• 1/4 MOA adjustments
• 100 yards parallax setting
• Ballistic Match Technology
• Fully multi-coated
• Anti-reflective glass
• Positive-click reticle adjustments
• Nitrogen purged 
• Sealed O-ring

Best Rifle Scope with Bullet Drop Compensator Reticle

Nikon Buckmasters II is a great bullet drop compensation scope because it provides high quality resolution and is not complicated when it comes to use.

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#4: Best Reticle Rifle Scope – ATN X-Sight II HD 5-20x Review

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The ATN X-Sight II’s optical system offers incredible light transmission and can transmit up to 98% light. It allows you to execute low differentiation and low light-based hunting. Additionally, its HD resolution allows you to take your shots with clarity and with no blurry images whether it’s the day or the night. 

Certainly, you’ll like its smart rangefinder that permits you to follow up with your target even if it’s at a great distance. The rangefinder will tell you the distance of a target from the point you are seeing.

We were amazed by its 3D Gyroscope and E-compass. The E-compass will help you in navigation and show you your heading. And the gyroscope will feature a consistent and blur-free target imagery.

However, if you are looking for a top aiming optic in the market, this one might just intrigue you and it will also come within your price range as it’s one of the best scopes under $500. 

Features of ATN X-Sight II HD 5-20  

• Day/Night use
• 5-20x magnification
• 1080p Video
• 85mm objective lens
• Ballistic Calculator
• Rangefinder
• Night vision mode in HD
• Zero range: 100 yard
• E-Compass
• Gyroscope
• GPS
• WiFi
• Barometer
• Works with IOS and Android

Best Reticle Rifle Scope 

ATN X-Sight II is the best reticle scope because it provides you with a blur-free target imagery and can prove to be a vital asset for you.

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#5: Best Shockproof Rifle Scope under $500 – Vortex Optics Viper HS Review

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The Vortex Viper HS scope is one of the best eye-catching rifle scopes under $500. This one is reliable with the XR multi-covered focal points. Whereas, its crosshairs offer both types – MRAD and MOA.

The glass of this scope is multi-layered with anti-reflective coating that downcasts air to glass surface glare. Even though its glass construction gives a clear target imagery, its light transmission is slightly underwhelming and can negatively affect target imagery. 

Both the inside and outside are shockproof to withstand the heavy recoils. Its side focus adjustment permits you to see an ideal picture and accommodates parallax removal when shooting your target.

Furthermore, it is a single piece 30mm tube built from aircraft-grade aluminum making it durable and reliable to use. 

Features of Vortex Optics Viper HS 

• 30mm Tube
• ArmorTek Coating
• Argon Purging
• 5-10×44 Magnification
• Matte Black Finish
• 4x Zoom 
• XR multi-coated lenses
• Dead-hold BDC reticle

Best Shockproof Rifle Scope 

Vortex Viper HS is a highly recommended shockproof scope, below 500 dollars, as it will ensure smooth and accurate shooting, regardless of how heavy your rifle is.

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#6: Best Rifle Scope for Long Range under $500 – Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC Review

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The Nikon PROSTAFF 5 comes up with a BDC reticle that features see-through ballistic circles that will assist you with extensive distance shooting. Moreover, its aluminium built is  durable and makes it easier to carry around. 

Besides, its quick focus eyepiece allows a hunter to quickly bring the reticle into focus and assists him while aiming at the target. Its eye piece also comes with a 4x zoom ratio allowing you to shoot from any position without any hassle.

It’ll also allow you to get your target, even in a low light environment, with great ease. However, being under one of the best rifle scopes under five hundred dollars, it has a lot to offer and is well-suited for your needs. 

Features of Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC 

• BDC reticle
• 3.5-14x
• 40mm objective lens
• Instant zero reset turrets
• 1/4 MOA adjustments
• Fully multi-coated lenses 
• Ballistic match technology
• Fully multi-coated
• Anti-reflective glass
• 50 yards to infinity parallax setting

Best Rifle Scope for Long Range under $500

Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC is an amazing long range scope as it provides you with a clear line of sight and is easily mountable on your rifle.

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#7: Best illuminated Rifle Scope under $500 – Osprey Global Compact Scope 3-9X42 Review

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The Osprey Global Compact Scope is an accurate one and is perfect for close quarters. Since it is compact, it will allow you to quickly acquire your target. And with its comfortable eye aim distance it won’t be a problem for you to focus on a target that is at a greater distance.

Since it’s fog proof and waterproof, let it be rain or shine, you will have no problem using this scope. Moreover, it is resistant to the heaviest of recoil and can be used on a high caliber rifle.

The scope will come well within your price range, and with its matte black finish it’s quite attractive too.

Features of Osprey Global Compact Scope 3-9X42 

• 8.87 inches length
• 3-9x magnifying range
• 30mm tube diameter
• 42mm objective lens
• Windage and elevation adjustments
• 4.91 to 8.85 inches eye relief
• 1/2 MOA adjustment
• Illuminated reticle 
• Anti-reflective glass
• Rangefinder 
• Dust covers and ring mounts included

Best illuminated Rifle Scope 

Osprey Global Compact is the best illuminated scope as it provides you with a variety of illuminating colors and provides excellent parallax adjustment.

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#8: Best High Performance Scope under $500 – Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-inch Tube Review

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The Vortex Crossfire II provides high performance while being economical. Its V-brite illuminated MOA reticle will provide you with an incredible performance in low light, giving you an advantage while shooting in the dark.

It is equipped with the second focal plane (SFP) reticle which allows your target to be seen in the same size regardless of the change in magnification. Moreover, its dead-hold BDC makes it an ideal one for hunters and shooters shooting at various ranges. 

However, if you are looking for best scopes under $500, this is something that will surely intrigue you.

Features of Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-inch Tube 

• Second focal plane reticle 
• 3-9x magnifying range
• 12.7 inches length
• 50mm objective lens
• Dead-hold BDC reticle 
• Anti-reflective lenses
• Fully multi-coated lenses
• Capped reset turrets
• 3.8 inches eye relief 
• Max Elevation Adjustment (60 MOA)
• Single piece aircraft grade aluminum tube
• Sealed O-ring 
• Nitrogen purged

Best High Performance Scope under $500

The top recommended high performance scope is the Vortex Crossfire II 1-inch Tube because it works incredibly well in low light conditions and provides great focus.

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#9: Best Ultra Low Power Scope under $500 – ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Review

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The ATN X-sight 4K pro is arguably one of the hottest scopes present in the market. It has many advanced features and falls well within one’s price range. Trust us, it will not disappoint you.

This one allows Wi-Fi connectivity and lets you stream videos in HD quality. Moreover, its great night vision mode will not let you down and allow you to hunt even at night.

You’ll love its ballistic calculator that tells the range, wind direction, and humidity accurately. This feature will help you to hunt with great accuracy and ease. Definitely, you will find this among the best rifle scopes out there.

Features of ATN X-Sight 4K Pro

• Recoil Activated Video (RAV)
• 5-20x magnification
• Night Vision Mode
• Ballistic Calculator
• Ultra Low Power Profile
• Dual Stream Video Recording 
• Built-in RangeFinder
• ATN Quick Detach Mount
• ATN Battery Pack 20000mAh

Best Ultra Low Power Scope

The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro is a top ultra low power scope and one of the best because of its features that allow you to use it in any conditions you face.

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#10: Best Durable Rifle Scope under $500 – Leatherwood Hi-Lux 4-16x44mm Review

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This amazing model is reliable in every weather condition. Being waterproof ensures that you can expect a high performance of this product. Also, it is nitrogen-purged that allows it to be fog proof.

It can withstand about 1200 Gs of recoil that makes it incredibly shockproof. Therefore, with this one you can go with high caliber rifles. Besides, its optic lens is fully multi-coated which features a clear image and quickly focuses on the target.   

It is one of the scopes that are of high quality and are reliable.It is under $500 and is one of the best. 

Features of Leatherwood Hi-Lux 4-16x44mm

• 4-16x magnifying range
• 44mm objective lens
• 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustments
• 3 inches eye relief
• 13.5 inches length
• Fully multi-coated lenses
• Hand-adjustable turrets
• Easy side parallax adjustment
• Single piece tube
• Nitrogen purged

Best Durable Rifle Scope 

The Leatherwood Hi-Lux’s great built and rugged construction makes it the best durable scope that can be used for a very long time. 

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Buyers’ Guide

Understanding the long range

One cannot undermine the importance of long range scopes in regards to hunting. The use of a long range scope is quite vital and opens further avenues in using a rifle.

As compared to traditionally used scopes, now the long range scopes have more to offer, making it harder to find a perfect one. However, the term long range varies from shooter to shooter, but it mainly depends on two factors – the length of the rifle barrel and the caliber in use.

Moreover, the phrase ‘long range’ is different for every hunter, so you should be aware of your rifle’s ballistics in order to know what will suit you the most.

What is the field of view of your scope?

Field of view points out to the territory that can be seen in feet at a distance of 100 yards or meters. The size of the area that can be seen while glancing through an aiming sight is alluded to as the field of view (FOV).

The field of view is dependent on the objective lens’s focal length. This is why scopes have different fields of view for a certain magnification and varies from one another. The shorter the focal length, the larger will be the field angle.

What is eye relief?

In simple terms, it is the distance between your eyes and the scope. It’s an integral part of scopes all around the market. Additionally, generous eye relief allows you to see a clearer image without any hassle. 

However, it is crucial in ensuring the safety of hunters from the recoil of the firearm. Moreover, it ensures comfort and a full field of view while aiming down your sights. It’s measured in either inches or millimeters. 

MIL vs MOA for long range

The MIL and MOA are two different features. When it comes to an extensive domain, it’s vital to know which one would be well suited for your rifle.

MIL and MOA  are two distinct units of measurement for angles around which a targeting sight is manufactured. The measurements are used to estimate your distance from your target, it helps to calculate the ballistic solution and determines the precision of your rifle.

MIL alludes to milliradians which are determined by separating a point called a radian into 1000 sections. Whereas, MOA stands for Minute of Angle and relates to yards and inches. Hence, 1 MOA equals to 1 minute of an angle. 

MIL is primarily used in manufacturing of scopes for hunting, competitive shooting, and for the US military. Also, MIL is preferred in the long range scope.

However, keep in mind that it’s mostly based on the personal preferences.

First focal plane vs second focal plane for long range shooting

In the FFP scopes, the reticle is placed in front of the lens and it changes as the magnification changes. However, FFP has been introduced later on, and is making great progress in terms of popularity.

On the other hand, in the SFP scopes the reticle is placed behind the lens and when the magnification is changed the reticle size doesn’t change. However, it is the most widely used plane by most manufacturers.

Well, the important question that you should ask yourself is, ‘which will go with extensive shooting?’

FFP extensions are not great for short ranges, but work better when the shooting domain is farther than five hundred yards. SFP scopes on the other hand, work incredibly great at close distances and can also work for longer distances. 

In a nutshell, the first focal plane will prove to be more beneficial. Moreover, the FFP provides easy adjustments of magnification and focuses on your target without any hassle. Also, one of the finest rifle scopes in the market is composed of a FFP.

FAQs

What scope should I use for 500 yards?

For 500 yards you should go for Nikon Prostaff 5 3.5-14x44mm BDC. 

The Nikon Prostaff 7 SF M BDC is one of the top notch scopes. And  you’ll also find it great for hunting at five hundred yards.

What is the best hunting rifle scope under $500?

Following are the top hunting rifle scopes under 500 dollars.

• Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescope
• ATN X-Sight II HD 5-20x Riflescope
• Vortex Viper HS Riflescope

What is the best long range rifle scope for the money?

Nikon Prostaff 5 3.5-14x40mm BDC FFP is the top long range aiming sight for the money.

This model by Nikon is a great extended aiming sight Its first focal plane reticle and 40mm objective lens make it ideal for great distances. Moreover, you can get it up to five hundred bucks.

What scope should I use for 1000 yards?

If you are in a hurry, the great scopes for 1000 yards include: Osprey Global Compact Riflescope, Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescope, Vortex Viper HS Riflescope.

Is a 50mm scope better than 40mm?

Yes, of course, a 50mm one is better than a 40mm one. Greater the objective lens size greater will be its ability to gather light. So, a 50mm objective transmits 55% more light than a 40mm one. However, a 40mm objective offers less parallax, lower cost, and a greater depth of field.

What range is a 3×9 scope good for?

A 3×9 can see about 900 yards.

Moreover, according to the rule of thumb you get to see additional 100 yards, for every power of magnification. Thus, you can see about 900 yards with a 3-9x.

What is the best tactical rifle scope under $500?

Following are some top tactical rifle scopes under $500.

• Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-24×50 Riflescope
• Vortex Optics Viper HS 5-10x44mm Riflescope
• ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x Riflescope
• Nikon Buckmasters II 4-12x40mm Riflescope

Does scope magnification affect accuracy?

Yes, the magnification can affect the accuracy. Your scope’s reticle would be in the first focal plane if reticle markings change with the change in magnification. Whereas, if you change the magnification of your sight and the reticle stays the same, then your scope is a second focal plane one.

What is BDC on a rifle scope?

Bullet drop compensator (BDC) is a type of reticle, and the crosshairs represent the reticle. This reticle pattern tells how much a bullet will drop at a specific distance. For instance, if your gun is zeroed at 100 yards, the points below the crosshair will show the bullet’s impact at 200 yards, 300 yards, and so on.

Final Thoughts

We have gone over many long range scopes in our thorough review, and we have come to the conclusion that Vortex Optics Crossfire II is the finest of the lot!

What astounds us is that it falls under the banner of scopes under five hundred dollars. Moreover, the scope has so much to offer and will provide you with the most advanced features. The scope has received nothing but positive reviews from the general public.

Surely, if you purchase this scope it would be worth every penny! But at the end, the decision is yours.