Are you looking for a riflescope under $500? If your budget is around $500 then one thing, we want to assure you that you will get a solid quality and well-performing product for sure.
However, as there is a wide variety of the scope available in the price, you will typically want to for the best. So here we come with the best rifle scope under 500 to make the job easier for you.
A proper riflescope should be consists of quality construction, decent performance, precise adjustments, etc. If you are agreed with me, then the riflescope reviewed below will be a great pick for you. For your ease, we also provided a buying guide so that you can decide which riflescope is the best suit for you easily.
Also Read: Best Rifle Scope Under $300 in 2023
Vortex Optics Viper Parallax Adjustment – Best Riflescope under $500 in 2023
Vortex Optics Venom 5-25×56 – New Release in 2023
Best Rifle Scopes Under $400
Vortex Optics Spitfire 3x Prism Scope – Top Rated Scope Under $400
Vortex Optics Spitfire Prism Rifle Scopes - Under $400
vortex optics spitfire Features:
- 3x Prism Scope perfect for close to medium range shooting applications.
- Multi-coated lenses and anti-reflective coatings.
- High-end and Ultra-compact waterproof construction.
- Dual use mode for Shooting Tactical / Hunting.
- Brightness controllable reticle illumination can be used without the illumination.
Prism scope is a modernized and high-performing version of the typical red dots. If you are looking for short to medium-range AR magnification equipment, then the Vortex Optics Spitfire Prism Scopes will be the perfect pick for you.
It comes with a bunch of features including illumination control, brightness control, EBR-556B (MOA) Reticle, Dual shooting mode, and much more.
The best thing about the scope is it is ridiculously fast when it comes to the target acquisition and speed of essence. It has a multicoated lens that is anti-reflective, and it provides you with a bright view even in a lower light condition. Moreover, the reticle is etched directly in the prism which ensures an effective point of aim.
The Vortex Optics Spitfire Prism Scopes will cost you a little much from the red dots. That is because of the high quality, rugged, ultra-compact construction along with the additional features of the scope.
Such construction ensures the performance of the riflescope for years. The well-optimized and modernized features will help you to detect the target within the shortest time. Moreover, the scope allows you to continue fighting even when the battery is dead.
Read More: Best Rifle Scope Under $600 In 2023
Vortex Optics Viper PA Second Focal Plane Riflescopes - Under $500
vortex optics Viper Features:
- This Riflescope has a brilliant light transmission.
- 50mm objective lens guarantee you a crystal clear pictures right through the magnification range.
- Robust single piece most important tube construction.
- Amazing Intuitive adjustment controls.
- Rapid focus eyepiece.
- It also has an Easy zero reset function.
- Unlimited lifetime warranty and Free Shipping.
The Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50 is an amazing quality riflescope. It is required when you are in accuracy shooting at high magnification. Its exceptional ViewMag alteration lever of the riflescope by Vortex. This permits you to formulate swift power adjustments not including ever taking the eye off your aim.
This is a complete waterproof riflescope that has pop-up dials. This feature provides a simple but specific adjustment of elevation and windage as well. This will make clear clicks with no trouble and swiftly counted.
Not only is this awesome best hunting scope waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof, but it is also extremely prized for its exclusion with Argon gas that targets corrosion in an accepted way.
This feature will assist to get rid of internal fogging, chemically disregard water. The scope is prepared with a swift focus eyepiece. These features make it easier to focus rapidly and with no trouble as well.
Pros
- The turrets might not be high-quality for steady adjustments.
- Reticle is in Mil-Dot at the same time as turrets are in MOA, which might be contrary, and it may only be correct up to 14x magnification system.
- Zooming can be a bit tight for some scopes.
Cons
- Not work fine for close range bring into play.
- Potentially insufficient eye relief at superior magnifications
- Focus button may be difficult wit
ATN X-Sight II HD 3-14 Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope - Under $500
Features of ATN X-Sight Rifle Scope
- Equipped with high-quality lens; perfect for both day and night.
- Advanced HD technology; gives you a crystal clear target view.
- Easy to use ballistic calculator; perfect for higher accuracy.
- 3 to 14x magnification with fine tune adjustment features.
- Automatic inserted full HD camera to record your shoots.
- Built-in rangefinder to find the distance between the targets.
You may not hear about the brand previously but sometimes the less known brands come with the best quality. The ATN X-Sight II HD 3-14 Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope is such a scope. It is equipped with some of the finest features that you get in this price range.
The best thing about the scope is it can give you quality performance both day and night. It is equipped with a unique HD technology from the manufacturer which ensures you a crystal clear vision of the target. It has a 3 to 14x magnification range which is perfect for shooting at different distances.
Moreover, there is an inserted rangefinder in the scope which can let you know the distance of the target with two clicks. Once the target is determined, the scope will automatically adjust the point of impact.
There is also a Ballistic calculator in the scope which gives you an accurate calculation as soon as you enter the environmental data. Another impressive thing about the scope is it gives you the opportunity to record your shooting/hunting. The trigger-activated camera will capture all of your shots automatically.
You can control the features of the scope such as Ballistic Calculator, Rangefinder, etc. with the help of the ATN X-Trac Remote Control. The scope also has an ATN 20000mAh battery pack which can give you a long 22 hours of consistent performance.
The ATN X-Sight II HD 3-14 Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope will be the best choice for you with its highly advanced premium features.
Pros
- Best value for the money.
- Multiple advanced features for a super accurate shoot.
Cons
- No cons.
Read More: Best Long Range Rifle Scope in 2023
Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x50mm Riflescope – Top Rated Gun scope under $500
leupold Riflescope Features
- 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum construction with matte finish.
- Twilight Max Light Management System for better light transmission.
- Quality interior and exterior lens coating for bright and clear sight.
- 2nd Generation Argon/Krypton purging for a Waterproof performance.
- Minimalistic design Duplex Reticle for easy target acquisition.
Leupold is a name of trust because of its high-quality and well-built riflescopes. The Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x50mm Duplex Reticle Matte Black Riflescope is one of the best products from the manufacturer. The scope comes with 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum construction.
Such construction ensures a lifetime performance even on frequent uses. The aluminum construction along with the matte black finish makes this scope very smart and comfortable to hold. It comes with a 3.5-10x magnification which is very perfect for short-range and mid-range shooting applications.
Moreover, it has a 3:1 zoom ratio erector system which is virtually perfect for any situation. The lenses of the scope are properly quoted to ensure a proper target view at any range.
The exterior lens surface of the scope is treated with DiamondCoat-2, an ion assist lens coating to ensure optimum light transmission and accurate abrasion resistance.
The Twilight Mac Light Management System of the scope delivers proper light to your eye and for a crisp and high contrasting image.
Moreover, there is a special mechanical structure in the scope to control the glare. So one thing we can assure you about the scope is you will get the best possible view of your target at any harsh light condition. The adjustment of the scope is also pretty accurate.
There is a ¼ MOA precision finger click adjustment for windage and elevation which is very to use and accurate. Moreover, there is a unique Duplex Reticle that comes with a minimalist design. Such a design of the reticle makes it easier for you to acquire the target quickly.
Pros
- Multiple advance features.
- Accurate performance.
- Very lightweight.
Cons
- No cons.
Nikon Monarch 3 BDC Riflescope – Under $400
Looking for a decent and modern hunting riflescope at an affordable price? The Nikon Monarch 3 BDC Riflescope can be the perfect pick for you. Available at a mid-range price, the riflescope comes with some of the decent features which make it stand out in the list of our top rifle scopes.
The riflescope combines a full complement of the features along with a list of flagship performance attributes to provide you a smooth shooting experience. It has a single-piece construction which improves durability and precision.
There is an anodized black finish which will give you a nice feel every time you touch it. Though the scope is pretty big as a 4-16 x 50 scopes should be, it is very lightweight and easy to carry when mounted on your rifle.
The Nikon riflescopes are famous for their higher light transmission capability. The Nikon Monarch 3 BDC Riflescope is equipped with high-quality ultra ClearCoat optical system which ensures up to 95% light transmission. Along with the large 50mm objective lens, you will get a sharp and clear view of the target.
It can be a perfect choice for you if you are planning to hunt in dawn and dusk weather conditions. The scope is also pretty much comfortable to control. It has an adjustable fingertip turret which allows you to fit the right adjustment easily.
The riflescope comes with multiple reticles choices, including BDC, Nikoplex, Mildot, German #4, etc. The reticle is in the second focal plane, which means the reticle doesn’t increase in size as you increase or decrease the magnification.
Such properties affect the measurements while using the BDC reticle. However, as the scope uses Spot On Ballistic Technology, you can quickly get accurate measurement information by entering some specific data with the help of your smartphone.
Pros:
- ClearCoat optical system which ensures 95% light transmission.
- 50mm long objective lens; provide a crystal clear view of the target.
- Various reticle choices, including BDC, Nikoplex, Mildot, German #4.
- Waterproof, shockproof, fog-proof, and lightweight.
- Smooth zoom control with magnification reference.
- Spring-loaded zero-reset turrets; very easy to adjust.
Cons:
- You have to rely on the app for different data.
Vortex Optics Strike PA Second Focal Plane under $500
As long as you have by now spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars on your riflescope, it is very important that you think about riflescope configurations. With this approach, you can find the most out of your deal and have the benefit of it for the time to come up.
This riflescope has a hard, clear sight picture, and its brightness is a surprise. And it has good quality eye aid for you. Although the focus knob is possibly not easy to use with turnover-up lens caps. The awful zooming adjustment is possibly a bit tight for some hunters. And the riflescope’s clearness definitely not so good quality at complete zoom.
Other than, at the same time as the reticle is Mil-Dot, the turrets are MOA. This possibly will need a bit more idea when in the field, which engages in time a hunter may not have as soon as trying to zero in on an aim that can move at any moment. And because of its being on the next focal plane, the Mil-Dot reticle possibly only perfect up to 14x magnification.
On the other hand, Vortex Optics has a first-class warranty, which they give the name their VIP warranty which stands for the vital promise. The brand takes it upon itself to chuck out customer troubles, even outside of usual business hours.
Pros
- This riflescope has a superb light transmission.
- Amazing 50mm objective lens guarantees you the crystal clear quality images all the way through the magnification range.
- Strong single piece main tube structure.
- Extremely sensitive adjustment controls.
- Quick focus eyepiece helps us to target better.
- Unlimited lifetime warranty and Free Shipping.
- Simple zero reset function.
Cons
- Potentially not enough eye relief at higher magnifications compare to the other riflescopes brand.
- Some review suggests that may perhaps not work well for close range of target.
- Sometimes view picture may perhaps not be clear at 20x magnification.
- Focus button maybe not easy with flip-up caps as well.
- Zooming can be rather firm according to Amazon reviewer.
- Turrets may possibly not be good quality for the constant adjustments.
Why spend between $500 on a rifle scope?
The range $300 to $500 is neither small nor bigger. It is such a range that most of the shooters will be able to afford. The scopes available in the price range come with all the necessary features to give you an adequate shooting experience.
Moreover, they come with a decent build quality for a long-term performance without any performance drop. While researching the scope in this price range, we have found an amazing combination of performance and quality without compromising any feature. For such reasons, the under $500 range is the right amount to end up with a proper riflescope.
Things To Remember When Buying A rifle Scope Under $500
Choosing a riflescope becomes easier if you know the features and functions of the scope. Hereinbelow, we will discuss the main features of a scope that you need to consider while purchasing a rifle scope under $400, $500, $1000.
Magnification
The magnification is the capability of the scope to zoom in the sight. The magnification range of the scope depends on your applications.
If you are going to use the scope for long-range shooting, then a scope with a bigger magnification range will be perfect for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a scope for hunting purposes, then a short-range to mid-range scope will be a better choice.
Construction
The construction of the scope is also important. Make sure that the scope is made with proper quality material so that you can get a long-term durable performance from it. Try to go for an aircraft-grade aluminum construction or 6061-T6 aluminum construction as they are the best in this price range.
If you are going to use this scope for hunting, then try to go for a scope with a lightweight scope. It will help you to shoot consistently and move while shooting.
Lens of the scope
The lens is the most important part of the scope. Make sure that the scope is equipped with proper reticles so that you can get a trustworthy performance. It is highly important as the lens prepares the view of the target for you. Proper lenses will give you a better and bright look when the low-quality one can’t. So be assured about the quality of the scope.
Also, make sure that the lenses of the scope are properly coated. The coating is necessary to decrease grazing and light reflection. It also helps to increase the light transmission of the scope for a brighter target view. Lenses come in varieties of coating, amongst them “fully multi-coated” coatings are the best.
Objective Lens
The objective lens is another important feature of the scope. It is the main lens of the scope, and you see the target through the objective lens. The interesting thing about the objective lens is the bigger the objective lens is the better the view will. However, the larger objective lens also requires bigger space and extends the scope size. So choose the size carefully!
Adjustments
The adjustment of the scope is another important thing that you need to consider while choosing a scope. They are required to customize your shoot to make it accurate. If you are going to shoot on a long-range, make sure that the scope comes with elevation and windage adjustment. The adjustment is required to change the point of impact of your shoot. On the other hand, also make sure that the scope has the parallax adjustment feature which is required for eliminating the parallax adjustment.
Reticles
Reticle, which is also known as a crosshair, is also important for your riflescope. Make sure that the scope comes with proper reticles to give you an accurate and comfortable performance. When it comes to the reticle, the thinnest one is the finest one. However, the thick reticles are more comfortable to use when compared with the thinner ones. There are also specialized reticles for different purposes such as hunting, shooting, low light shooting, long-range shooting. So choose a scope that comes with suitable reticles for your job
Who Should Buy These Rifle Scopes?
The rifle scopes reviewed in this article are perfect for a variety of applications. If you are a hunter, then you can go for any of the scopes from above. Besides, if you are a shooter looking for the perfect scope, then you can go for the scopes that come with a bigger magnification range.
We have also listed a highly advanced scope with the new technologies for the technology geeks. So it doesn’t matter what your purpose is, you will find a suitable scope here for sure. And we will suggest you buy a scope from the list because you are assured about their performance and build quality, as we mentioned above
The scope industry is now full-filled with a large number of decent quality products. We have chosen the best out of the best to help you out. It doesn’t matter which scope you choose from above; we will get excellent performance and never-ending durability from it.
Final Verdict of Rifle Scope
If you are still in confusion, then don’t rush. It is normal as each of the scopes comes with almost the same level of performance and capability. However, let me help you out. Amongst the 5 best rifle scopes under 500, I prefer the ATN X-Sight II HD 3-14 Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope most.
I think you already know why. Apart from its excellent performance and ease of use, the scope is equipped with some of the craze features that you don’t even think of. The built-in Range Finder, Ballistic Calculator, and HD camera not only save you a good amount of bucks but also make the shooting/hunting easier and fun-filling for you.
I will recommend you to go for it without any further thought. A bigger zoom lens, a better light comparison, and durable usability, apart from these, what else do you want from a reliable rifle scope?
If your exception is satisfied amongst these features, then we assure you that you will easily find a suitable rifle scope within $400. We are happy to let you know that there are lots of top-notch brands such as Nikon, Vortex, Leupold that offer a good number of decent rifle scopes in this price range which can be a perfect companion for your rifles.
If you are searching for a riflescope without cutting the pocket then let us guide you to find the best rifle scope under $400.
Why Spend Between $300 to $400 on a Rifle Scope?
There is a common misconception amongst the firearms community which claims that the scope must be ridiculously expensive to be high-quality.
But the truth is a variety of riflescopes available at a lower price which doesn’t come with the unneeded bells and whistles but still does their job like a boss. The scopes described in this content have a proven record of performance, and they are equipped with all the required features needed for a perfect shooting/hunting experience.
If you got all the features of a rifle scope around a lower price and if the features satisfy your requirement then why exactly you should spend more? That is why we suggest you pick a rifle scope for around $300 to $400 for your rifles.
Best rifle scope under 400 Dollars In 2023
The below table will help you to get an overview of the top feature of the scopes that we will review in this article. One thing you will notice is that none of the riflescopes has compromised their functions to deal with the price.
Best Rifle Scope under 400 Reviews
According to our hours of research and testing, we have found the below-mentioned rifle scopes as some of the excellent choices in $300 to $400 price range. They have been chosen based on photo magnification and zooming capability, target detecting, zeroing flexibility, and other important features which make a decent scope.
- Vortex Optics Diamondback HP Rifle Scopes
- Bushnell Trophy XLT Multi-X Reticle RifleScope
- Vortex Optics Spitfire Prism Rifle Scopes
- Athlon Optics, Argos BTR, Rifle Scope
- Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Compact Waterproof Fogproof RifleScope
Rifle Scope light transmission comparison
Light transmission is one of the essential features of a rifle scope. The accuracy and the target visibility of a scope mostly depend on it. The scope transmits the available light throughout the scope’s lenses in your eyes. It is quite impossible for any lenses to send 100% light through the scope.
The best possible rifle scope can transmit light up to 98%, and only a very few of the expensive scopes can do it. If the rifle can transmit around 95% of the light, then we can consider it great. Most of the standard rifle scopes can transmit light by around 90%.
All the rifle scopes described in this list have around 90 to 95% light transmission availability which is perfect for most of the common rifles. So you can pick any of these without any worries about light transmission. Some of these scopes are also equipped with high-end light-transmitting technology to give you a much accurate result.
Summary
It’s true that most of the cheap and mid-range scope available in the market struggle to practically offer you the performance as the manufacturers claim.
But one thing we can confirm you that the scopes mentioned in the article with all the fantastic build-quality and decent features will never dishearten you. You can pick any of these rifle scopes without any further thought. However, if you ask me to choose a particular riflescope from these six, then I will inevitably pick the Nikon P-223 BDC 600 Riflescope.
The Nikon P-223 can easily beat any expensive rifle scope with its amazing features such as Spot on Ballistic Match Technology, multicoated optics, quick focus eyepiece, better view of the target even in the low light, and much more.
Besides, the most interesting thing about the scope is its ninety-eight percent light transmission capability which is very rare in this price range. Considering the feature and performance of the riflescope, the Nikon P-223 BDC 600 Riflescope is the best rifle scope under $400 and you can go for it without any hesitation.
Related: Best Scope for 300 Win Mag in 2023
Outdoorsman, hunter, writer, photographer, inventor and owner of Sage & Braker. Pics taken by yours truly unless otherwise noted.