Top 10 Best Long Range Scope Under 500 Dollars

Looking for the best long range scope under 500 dollars can be a challenging task since there are dozens of best long range scopes in the market today.

Whether you are looking for best long range rifle scope under 500 for hunting or tactical shooting, this post will guide you on picking the best long range scope under $500 without wasting too much time in your research.

Some of the most reliable long-range scopes have a premium price. If you need a long-range scope but you don’t have money to spend on a premium scope or you are unwilling to spend so much money on a scope; this article is for you.

You do not have to spend all your savings to get a quality and reliable long-range scope.

The search for the best long-range scope under 500 can be long and frustrating.

This is because some of the cheap scopes available in the market either do not provide you with the magnification range you need to take a long-range scope or they do not provide you with a clear view and focus you need to make an accurate long-range shot.

You need to do thorough research to identify the best long-range scope under 500.

The good news is that we have done the research for you and have identified some of the reliable long-range scopes under 500.

We have also provided you with tips to help you choose the best long-range scope under 500.

Top 10 Best Long Range Scope Under 500 Dollars Reviews

There are so many long-range scopes in the market that are affordable but most of them do not provide you with the features or the reliability you need to make long-range shots.

We have researched and tested some of the affordable scopes in the market so that we can provide you with reviews of some of the most reliable scopes that will provide you with value for your money.

Here are the reviews of the 10 best long-range scopes for under 500 dollars.

Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x50mm Riflescope – Best Long Range Scope Under 500 Dollars

Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x50mm Riflescope is a great choice for those looking for a reliable long-range scope that is affordable. This Leupold scope is our first pick for best long range scope under 500 dollars.

It provides you with high-quality images with vivid colors thanks to the 50mm objective lens and ultra-clear glass. The riflescope features a 1-inch tube construction that is made of 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum for durability.

The scope is 100% resistant to water, fog, and shockproof. It comes with Diamond Coat 2 – Ion-assist coating on its lens to heightens its abrasion resistance and light transmission.

The scope’s magnifications range from 3.5x to 10x, making it a very versatile rifle scope. It is lightweight and will not weigh down your rifle.

Pros

The riflescope is made of quality material to ensure durability.
It has a magnification range of 3.5x to 10x which is great for both close and long-range shooting.

The scope has a large objective lens for maximum light transmission.
It has Diamond Coat 2 – Ion-assist coating which is abrasion-resistant.
The rifle scope provides quality and vivid images in all light conditions.

It is from a reputable brand.

Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10X40 – Best Long Range Scope Under $500 With Good Eye Relief

Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×40 riflescope is a reliable scope that can let you make an accurate shot of a target 100 yards away. This is the second; best longrange scope under 500 dollars that you should consider if you are looking for reliability.

It is a reliable long-range scope that is very affordable. The scope is designed to deliver clear images, bright glass, low-light performance.

It is made of aircraft-grade aluminum to ensure that it is solid and rugged.

The rifle scope comes with low-profile, slim, and capped turrets. The turrets are finger adjustable and made in 1/4 MOA clicks for a total of 52 MOA in elevation and 52 MOA windage adjustment travel.

It is nitrogen-filled and has O-ring sealed for fog and waterproof quality. The Leupold scope has a Duplex reticle with heavy posts drawing your eye to the center.

It includes Twilight Max Light Management System, which allows you to use the scope even in low light conditions.

Pros

It provides you with a generous eye relief of 4.4-3.6″.
The riflescope is lightweight and rugged.

It has a multi-coated lens that ensures maximum light transmission for quality images.
The scope has easy-to-use turrets.
It has a duplex reticle which is accurate and easy to use.

The Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×40 riflescope is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof.
The Twilight Max Light Management System allows you to use the scope at dusk and dawn.

BARSKA Varmint Mil-Dot Riflescope – Best Long Range Hunting Scope Under 500

BARSKA Varmint Mil-Dot Riflescope is a reliable rifle scope that can be used for target shooting as well as varmint hunting. This is considerably the best long range scope under 500 dollars that is ideal for hunting.

The scope features fully multicoated optics to ensure maximum light transmission for clear and quality images. It provides you with clear images in all light conditions.

The rifle scope provides you with a magnification range of 4-16X. The variable magnification range allows you to effectively shot targets at different ranges.

You only need to adjust the magnification range of the scope to shoot your target location for an accurate shot. The riflescope is waterproof and shockproof, making it ideal for hunting.

Pros

It is a rugged scope that is capable of withstanding shock.
The rifle scope provides you with quality images in all light conditions.
It is from a renowned brand that is known for making quality and reliable optics.

The scope has a variable magnification range which lets you adjust the scope to suit your shooting needs.
It can be used for target shooting as well as varmint hunting.
The long-range scope comes with lens caps and a cloth.

It has a matte black finish that will not give away your shooting position.
The riflescope is waterproof.

Burris 14 x 42mm Predator Quest Scope

The Burris Optics Scopes 200370 Predator Quest, 14 x 42mm is a great long-range scope that is designed to provide you with all the features you need to make precise long-range shots. This is another excellent choice for the best long range scope under $500 that is good for hunting.

It is made for hardcore varmint and predator hunters.

The rifle scope comes with a quality multi-coated lens that is Hi-Lume, glare-resistant glass to provide a clear view of targets at a long-range.

The rifle scope includes a honeycomb ARD which the slip scope can be covered over both.

It has solid windage and elevation turrets that are easy to use and help you achieve the scope settings that suit your shooting needs.

It features an E1 reticle which is useful and clean when finding targets.

The scope provides you with a glare-resistant, screw-on anti-reflection device, which helps in reducing view issues when it is too bright out. The glare protection also prevents your target from noticing you.

Pros

It is a quality and durable scope that can withstand shock.
The riflescope is waterproof and fog proof.
It comes with honeycomb ARD which the slip scope can be covered over both.

The scope has solid windage and elevation turrets that are easy to operate.
It features an E1 reticle which helps you effectively find targets.
Burris Optics Predator Quest scope is from a reputable brand.

It features a multi-coated lens for quality images in all light conditions.

Athlon Optics Helos BTR 6-24×50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes – Best Long Range Tactical Scope Under 500 FFP Scope

Athlon Optics Helos BTR 6-24×50 Riflescope is a rugged scope that has a solid construction that is capable of withstanding shock and adverse weather conditions. For shooters who like Athlon scopes, this is best long range scope under 500 from Athlon.

It is an affordable scope that is suitable for long-range shooting and hunting.

The riflescope has a one-tube construction made from aircraft aluminum for some increased sturdiness and durability.

The scope is ideal for both experts and novices because it has features that allow you to keep up with your growing demands.

It comes with a multicolored lens that allows you to enjoy fantastic light transmission and get the clearest and sharpest images even for longer distances.

The riflescope has Xtra protective lens coating that keeps your lenses safe from dirt, oil, and smudges.

It is designed using the robust mechanical system with special erector systems and designed controls that provide you with 1000G of recoil times.

Pros

The rifle scope locking elevation with windage turrets that are easy to operate.

It has a solid and sturdy construction that is shockproof.
The scope is waterproof and windproof.
It features a multicoated lens for maximum light transmission.

The scope provides quality images in all light conditions.
It is very affordable.
The riflescope is ideal for both experts and novices.

It includes Xtra protective lens coating that protects your lens from dirt, oil, and smudges.

Cons

Users might experience some chromatic aberration when using the scope

Nikon MONARCH 3 BDC Riflescope, 4-16×50

The Nikon MONARCH 3 BDC Riflescope, 4-16×50 is designed to provide you with exceptional clarity to make it easier for you to make an accurate shot. This is an excellent, reliable Nikon scope that is considered the best long range scope under 500 from Nikon.

It features 8 magnifying lenses and 5 different reticles.

The scope’s reticles are BDC reticles with larger crosshairs. It is a durable scope that is made from durable material to ensure reliability in all weather conditions.

The scope is lightweight and will therefore not weigh down your rifle. It comes with a lifetime warranty and is from a reputable brand thus you can be assured of its durability and reliability.

The rifle scope comes with a side focus which makes it easy for you to quickly focus.

It includes spring-loaded turrets that help prevent parallax errors. The Nikon scope comes with flip-up covers that help protect the scope from damage.

Pros

The rifle scope comes with a fully multi-coated lens to ensure 95% light transmission.

It is capable of magnifying up to 4x, able to v allowing you to view things properly even at long ranges.
The scope’s turrets are spring-loaded to prevent parallax errors.
It includes a lifetime warranty.

The riflescope is fog proof, waterproof, and shockproof.
It is a lightweight scope that is easy to use.
The scope is made from quality material for improved durability and strength.

Cons

The scope is costly.

Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 Riflescope, 3-9×40-Millimeter

Leupold 115390 Mark AR MOD 1 Riflescope is a reliable scope that features an aluminum housing for improved durability and reliability. This is another Leupold scope that is considered the best long range rifle scope under 500 from Leupold with 3-9 magnification and 40mm objective lens.

It comes with a multicoated lens for improved light transmission to ensure quality images in all light conditions. The lens coatings also reduce reflection and glare.

The rifle scope comes with a Mil-Dot reticle that is great for focusing and a second focal plane reticle that is sharp and makes the focus as precise as possible.

It is a lightweight scope that is easy to use and will not weigh down your rifle scope. The scope is filled with argon for fog-proof performance.

It is waterproof thus you do not have to worry when you are using the scope in adverse weather conditions. It can be magnified up to 9x, allowing you to have a clear view of targets that are at long ranges.

Pros

The scope is waterproof and fog proof.
It provides quality images in all light conditions.
The riflescope has a solid aluminum housing withs is lightweight yet durable.

It can be magnified up to 9x for effective long-range shooting.
The scop has turrets that can be adjusted easily.
It is a second focal plane optical for sharp and precise focus.

The scope is from a reputable brand.

Cons

It does not have a lifetime guarantee.
The scope does not have an illumination.

Millet Tactical 6-25x56mm

The Millett 6-25 X 56 LRS-1 Tactical Riflescope is a long-range scope that can allow you to take a shot of 100 yards. This is the ultimate best long range tactical scope under 500 for tactical shooters.

It comes with a reliable optic system that provides you with a clear view even in low light conditions.

The scope has flip-up scope caps that help protect the scope for improved durability. It includes a side focus knob that gives you the ability to focus at the best point possible.

The tactical rifle scope is made of quality and durable material. It has a Mil-dot reticle which is very reliable for long-range shooting and hunting.

The scope has an illumination element that ensures you have a clear view of your target even in low light conditions.

It is a lightweight rifle scope that is easy to carry and will not weigh down your rifle or gun.

Pros

It is waterproof and fog proof for effective use in adverse weather conditions.
The scope is lightweight and easy to operate.
It has multi-coated lens for maximum light transmission.

The rifle scope comes with a side focus knob that makes it easy and quick for you to focus.
It has an illumination element that allows you to use the scope during the day as well as at night.
The tactical scope comes with a sunshade to protect the scope and prevent glare.

Cons

The scope does not include a lifetime warranty.

Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20×50 PA Second Focal Plane Riflescope

Vortex Optics Viper Riflescope is a second focal plane rifle scope that weighs 2.3 pounds. It is a reliable scope that will improve your hunting experience.

This is my favorite best long range scope under 500 dollars that is useful for both tactical shooting and game hunting applications.

The scope provides you with perfect magnification that enhances clarity for precise long-range shots. It is argon-filled and has O-rings for waterproof and fog-proof performance.

The rifle scope comes with slide-over scope caps that help protect the scope for improved durability.

The scope has a mil-dot reticle which enables you to get an accurate focus, especially at dusk.

It offers multi-coated extra dispersion lenses that reduce the amount of light reaching the eye as well as preventing the reflection of images.

The Vortex scope includes resetting turrets that can be zeroed in order to get the best sight. It has a side knob focus that helps to avoid parallax errors.

The riflescope is made of quality and durable material.

Pros

The rifle scope comes with slide-over scope caps that protect the scope.
It has quality multi-coated lenses that ensure maximum light transmission for quality images no matter the light condition.
The scope is very durable and reliable in all weather conditions.

It is from a reputable brand.
The Vortex Optics Viper Riflescope is waterproof and fog proof.
It comes with a side focus knob to prevent parallax errors.

Cons

The riflescope is a bit heavy.
It is not illuminated.

Bushnell Engage Riflescope

Bushnell Engage Riflescope is a reliable scope that is ideal for long-range hunts. This would make an excellent choice for the best long range hunting scope under 500 from Bushnell.

It comes with a 1-MOA elevation and windage, which will help you easily shot mid-range and short-range targets.

The riflescope is easy to dial using the tool-less zero reset and tool-less locking turrets.

It is nitrogen purged and has O-rings for 100% waterproof performance.

The rifle scope comes with RainGuard HD coatings to improve the waterproof capabilities of the riflescope.

The EXO barrier is included in the coating process to ensure that molecularly bonding to the lens occurs.

You will not experience any fogging even with temperature changes. It has a solid construction that is capable of withstanding shock and adverse weather conditions.

Pros

The scope is waterproof and fog proof.
It is made of quality material to ensure durability and reliability.
The rifle scope comes with locking turrets which ensure that the scope holds zero.

It has a multi-coated lens for maximum light transmission.
The Bushnell Engage Riflescope is ideal for long-range hunting and shooting.
It is from a reputable brand.

Cons

The scope does not have any illumination.

Shopping Tips for the Best Long Range Rifle Scope under 500

When shopping for the best long-range scope under 500, there are some factors that you need to consider.

Putting into consideration these factors will ensure that you get a quality and reliable long-range scope without spending so much money.

Here are some of the tips and factors to guide you when looking for the best long-range scope under 500.

Clarity and Precision

It is important for you to choose a scope that provides you with enough clarity and precision to ensure that you make accurate shots.

Look for a rifle scope that makes it easy for you to focus and also provides you with a clear view of your target.

A scope that provides you with good clarity and precision should have a large objective lens to ensure maximum light transmission.

The best long-range scope should come with a multi-coated lens for clear and quality images in all light conditions.

This makes it easier for you to use the scope at dawn or dusk. Look for a scope with an optical system that will not strain your eyes.

Magnification

The magnification of a rifle scope is what determines if it is ideal for long-range or not.

The best long-range scopes under 500 should provide you with a wide magnification range to allow you to adjust the scope to your desired shooting range.

Scope Adjustments

The scope’s adjustments and dials are intended to help your set up the scope to suit your shooting needs or your environment.

Look for a rifle scope that has dials that are conveniently located for quick and easy access.

The dials should be easy to operate and should give you audible clicks to help you know when you make the adjustments.

The adjustments should let you adjust the scope in the best position possible that your eyes will see clearly as per the magnification on the scope.

Durability

The durability of the rifle scope you choose is another very important factor to consider.

You do not want to spend your money on a scope that will get ruined the first day you go out to the field. The best long-range scopes should be capable of withstanding recoil and abuse.

Look for a scope with a solid and rugged construction.

Look for a scope that is 100% waterproof and fog proof to make it easier to use the scope even in adverse weather conditions.

It is especially important to ensure the scope is waterproof if you intend to use it for hunting. The riddle scope should be made of quality material and it should also have a good warranty.

Reticle

Rifle scopes come with different types of reticles. Some of the reticles are illuminated while others are not.

If you intend to use the scope in low light conditions, consider getting a rifle scope with an illuminated reticle.

Users who want to use the scope for hunting should consider getting a scope with a German dot, a mil-dot, a target dot or a fine crosshair.

The choice of your reticle is dependent on what makes more sense and precision to you.

Your Rifle

It is important to note that not all scopes can be suitable for your type of rifle. You need to understand your rifle so as to determine the type of scope that will work best with your rifle or gun.

The scope you choose should not weigh down your rifle. You should be able to mount it on your rifle and effectively make accurate shots.

Conclusion

For a long-range hunter and shooters, the above long-range scopes under $500 will meet all your shooting and hunting needs.

The scopes are from different brands and have different price ranges but they provide you with the features you need to making your hunting expedition fun and enjoyable.

All the scopes in our review for the best long-range scopes under 500 provide you with high level of clarity.

You will be able to get clear precision when using them. Most of the rifle scopes come with adjustable turrets and are fog and water proof.

We hope that the article was useful in guiding you when shopping for a budget long-range scope.