Why you should get the Best Rifle Scope Under $500?
Well, there are times that you really want to buy the best rifle scope, if only they were priced a little bit lower.
Unfortunately, it is not that easy to find a scope that is priced under $500, and still works as well as the one in the $1000 range.
| Product Name | Pros | Cons | Quick Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20X50 |
|
|
|
| Nikon Monarch 3 BDC Rifle Scope |
|
Not good for a long-hunt |
|
| Vortex Viper PST 1-4X24 Rifle Scope |
|
Not good for a long-hunt |
|
| Nikon M 308 4-16X42mm Rifle Scope |
|
Not good for a long-hunt |
|
| Sightmark Photon XT Rifle Scope |
|
Not good for a long-hunt |
|
Let’s get more best scopes in different denominations, then check out the article What’s the Best Scope for the Money.
In that regard, we decided to research the best rifle scope under $500, and this is what we found. Read on to learn more.
Top 5 Best Rifle Scope Under 500 Reviews
1. Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20X50 – Best Rifle Scope Under $500
- High Magnification: Allows for detailed viewing of distant targets.
- Bright and Clear Images: Achieved through a large objective lens diameter.
- Versatile Reticle: The mil-dot reticle assists in bullet drop compensation and windage adjustments, facilitating accurate shots.
- Durable Construction: Ensures the scope is both fog-proof and waterproof, allowing for use in various weather conditions.
- Quick Re-indexing to Zero: Facilitated by capped turret settings, enhancing shooting efficiency.
- Versatility: Suitable for both competitive shooters and long-range hunters due to its mil-dot reticle.
- Durability: Fog-proof and waterproof features ensure longevity.
- Vision Performance: The 30mm single-piece tube enhances vision performance, strength, and accuracy.
- Quick Re-indexing to Zero: Allows for quick re-indexing to zero when you sight a target, enhancing efficiency during hunting.
- Eye Relief: Some users might find the eye relief distance (3.1-3.3 inches) limited, especially for high-recoil firearms.
- Field of View: The field of view might be considered narrow, restricting the viewable area at a glance.
The Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20X50 is another rifle scope under 500 which competes with the best models on the market. It has incredible features that you’ll find useful in your hunting expedition.
This scope features a mil-dot reticle, which you’ll find highly convenient and effective when hunting. One function of this reticle is estimating the bullet holdover, target range and windage.
The reticle makes this rifle scope highly efficient and effective for competitive shooters and long range hunters.
The Argon purging and O rings sealing ensure that this scope is fog proof and waterproof, which means it will serve you for a long time. You can re-index to zero quickly whenever you sight the target, thanks to the capped turret settings on this gun. Furthermore, the turrets have maximum protection from the caps.
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The Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20X50 features a single piece 30mm tube. It maximizes the alignment to ensure you enjoy excellent vision performance, strength and accuracy. The Glide rector system makes sure that the zooms lens mechanism utilizes quality components for smooth magnification adjustments.
- Magnification: 6.5 – 20 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 2 – 17.4 ft at 100 yards
- Exit Pupil Diameter: 2.5 – 7.69 mm
- Eye Relief Distance: 3.1 – 3.3 in
2. Nikon Monarch 3 BDC Rifle Scope
The Nikon Monarch 3 BDC Rifle Scope is arguably among the best rifle scope under 500. Hunters looking for the best medium range rifle scope should consider this model.
For instance, if you love stalking big game, this rifle scope should be included in your hunting gear. Its price shouldn’t deceive you since it will serve you for longer.
Weighing only 20oz, this scope is made using high-grade aluminum. Hunters who love long hunting sessions will find this lightweight scope to be the perfect companion.
Moreover, the magnification and focus rings on this scope function well without grinding.
This rifle scope offers you incredible optical quality. Its chromatic aberration is excellently controlled at all magnification levels. In addition, the sunshine adaptable feature aids the chromatic aberration well.
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The 50mm ocular lens on the Nikon Monarch 3 BDC Rifle Scope features the incredible Ultra ClearCoat Optical System. It provides the shooter/hunter with a sharp and bright flat sight picture of the target. In addition, this rifle scope offers you excellent clarity without any blurriness, thanks to its 95% light transmission.
The Nikon Monarch 3 BDC utilizes an interchangeable turret technology. It’s customizable with the target and windage style elevation knobs and caps.
- Magnification: 4 – 16 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 6.3 – 25.2 ft at 100 yards
- Exit Pupil Diameter: 2.6 mm
- Eye Relief Distance: 4 inches
3. Vortex Viper PST 1-4X24 Rifle Scope
The moderately priced Vortex Viper PST 1-4X24 Rifle Scope has features commonly found on high-end scopes. Its features ensure you enjoy the best performance in all light situations.
It features a single piece 30mm tube, which is made using aircraft caliber aluminum. The strong tube provides this scope with incredible rigidity and strength.
It also offers you adequate room for long distance elevation adjustment and windage. Furthermore, the fast focus eyepiece on this scope gives the reticle an easy and quick focusing.
This rifle scope features an illuminated reticle. The reticle performs well in low light conditions, thanks to the electronic illumination.
With a simple click between the intensity levels, you can easily turn off and on the illumination. That means you can select your favorite illumination setting with ease.
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On the other hand, this scope has XR multi-coated lenses, which ensure you enjoy viewing bright images along with incredible light transmission even when hunting in low light conditions.
The Vortex Viper PST 1-4X24 Rifle Scope also features a glass-etched reticle, which provides incredible durability and reliability. You will also find the rotational stop (CRS) zero stop (customizable) to be extremely useful.
It prevents the hunter or shooter from dialing several rotations below zero. You will avoid losing zero whenever you dial large elevation corrections figures.
- Magnification: 1 – 4 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Field of View: 27.5 – 98 ft at 100 yards
- Exit Pupil Diameter: 24 mm – 6 mm
- Eye Relief: 4 inches
4. Nikon M 308 4-16X42mm Rifle Scope
The Nikon M 308 4-16X42MM Rifle Scope is one excellent product offered by the Nikon manufacturer. It’s a well-designed scope which is compatible with a number of rounds and calibers, but perfect for use with the 308 7.62mm.
This rifle scope features a 42mm objective lens which ensures you enjoy improved light transmission. Another useful feature on this scope is the adjustable knob.
That enables you to take sharp images on your target quickly. On the other hand, the Nikon duplex Reticle provides you with the chance to adjust the elevation.
That allows you to target objects at varying ranges target.
The fully multi-coated optics on this under 500 scope ensure you enjoy up to 95% of light transmission through its quality lens.
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This incredible light transmission enables you to enjoy viewing clear and bright images in all light conditions. Its ultra-clear coat optical system provides you with incredibly clear images.
- Magnification: 4-16x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 42mm
- Field of View: 6.3-25.2ft at 100 yards
- Exit Pupil Diameter: 2.62-10.5mm
- Eye Relief: 3.7-4inches
5. Sightmark Photon XT Rifle Scope – Best Rifle Scope Under $500
The Sightmark Photon XT Rifle Scope performs well regardless of the light conditions. Whether you want to use it for hunting or competitive shooting, you will find its 4.6X42 magnification powerful.
The lightweight construction of this scope ensures you find it easier to handle when in long hunting expeditions. Moreover, this scope offers you 6 reticle options. They ensure you enjoy an added advantage while hunting.
The night vision capability of this scope makes it ideal for use for hunting after sunset. During nighttime hunting, this scope magnifies and focuses your target with incredible optimal clarity.
- Magnification: 6x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 42mm
- Field of View: 7.5 m at 100m
- Exit Pupil: 6mm
- Eye Relief: 60mm
In Our Opinion about the Best Rifle Scope Under 500
If you’re searching for the best rifle scope under 500, the above 5 reviews should enable you choose the right model. Keep in mind that the rifle scope industry has progressed, resulting in the wide availability of rifle scopes under 500. Beginners may find it challenging when searching for budget-friendly scopes.
We’ve focused on the best models, which will ensure you enjoy hunting. Remember you want a device, which can serve you well whether you’re hunting in low light conditions or nighttime. Make sure you know the features and parameters of a scope before you make a purchase. It will enable you to make the right decision.
The riflescope market is estimated to grow from USD 5.36 Billion in 2016 to USD 6.87 Billion in 2022, at a CAGR of 4.24% during the forecast period.