What you do during your free time is what is called a hobby. Remember, you may have a hobby that pays even more than your job. I know most of you will agree with me on this. Whatever the case, you must be comfortable when doing something that you enjoy. My grandfather and I went on a hunting trip. For him, hunting was not only a hobby but something that brought food to the table. To some extent, he made me have an interest in it. Believe me or not, hunting is fun. This is especially when you got the best long range scope under $500.
The hunters in the house will attest to this. However, you may go on a hunting venture but return with no-poach. This can be so frustrating. It may not be your wish.
Actually, when we went with him on the first two hunting errands, we never succeeded to get any hunt. I have come to realize that focus and target are always important. Do you want to hunt that deer for a feast? Then you need a good scope for your rifle.
People buy rifle scopes aimlessly. That is why some never get a successful hunt. Some of the cheap scopes do not give a good focus. That is why one should do adequate research before purchasing a scope. This guide will save you energy and time for research.
This is by giving the best reviews on the best long range scope under $500. The guide will also give the pros and cons of each.
| Product | Magnification | Image | Feature | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Bushnell Engage Riflescope, Matte Black, 30mm Tube | 2.5-10x44mm |   | Locking turrets | [su_button url="https://geni.us/bushnellengage3-9" target="blank" background="#3c8922" size="5" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" "]Check Price [/su_button] |
| 2. Burris Scopes 200370 Predator Quest | 4.5-14X42mm |   | Windage and elevation turrets are solid | [su_button url="https://amzn.to/3jrUfex" target="blank" background="#3c8922" size="5" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" "]Check Price [/su_button] |
| 3,Athlon Optics Helos BTR 6-24x50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes | 6-24x50 mm |   | Locking elevation with windage turrets | [su_button url="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=15098&u=1953732&m=4355&urllink=www%2Eopticsplanet%2Ecom%2Fathlon%2Doptics%2Dathlon%2Dscope%2Dhelos%2Dbtr%2Dg2%2D30mm%2D6%2D24x56%2Dsf%2Dir%2Daprs6%2Dmil%2Dffp%2Ehtml&afftrack=" target="blank" background="#3c8922" size="5" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" "]Check Price [/su_button] |
| 4.Nikon MONARCH 3 BDC Riflescope, Black, 4-16x50 | 4-16x50mm |   | Side focus | [su_button url="https://amzn.to/3jrjWvG" target="blank" background="#3c8922" size="5" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" "]Check Price [/su_button] |
| 5.Leupold 115390 Mark AR MOD 1 Riflescope with Mil Dot Reticle, 3-9x40-Millimeter, Matte Black | 3-9x40mm |   | Has turrets that can be adjusted | [su_button url="https://geni.us/leopoldmarkmod" target="blank" background="#3c8922" size="5" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" "]Check Price [/su_button] |
| 6.Millet Tactical 6-25x56mm | 6-25x56mm |   | Long range rifle scope | [su_button url="https://amzn.to/2WxfLFB" target="blank" background="#3c8922" size="5" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" "]Check Price [/su_button] |
| 7.Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20x50 PA Second Focal Plane Riflescopes | 6.5-20x50 mm |   | Has reset turrets | [su_button url="https://amzn.to/3jqvMGd" target="blank" background="#3c8922" size="5" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" "]Check Price [/su_button] |
Top Rated Long range scope under $500
1.BARSKA Varmint Mil-Dot Riflescope
[amazon box=”B07TTL68G5″ button_text=”Check Price On Amazon” button_detail=”https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=15098&u=1953732&m=4355&urllink=www%2Eopticsplanet%2Ecom%2Fbarska%2Dvarmint%2D6%2D24x42%2Dao%2Driflescope%2Ehtml&afftrack=”]
In need of long-range precision, target shooting, or varmint hunting? This is the scope for you. With the multicoated optics, the scope is able to give a very good clarity of the image.
The view is also enhanced by the presence of the crosshairs.
Also, one can be able to make adjustments because of the magnification range of 4-16X. It is as well waterproof and shockproof.
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Pros
- Waterproof
- Shockproof
- Longrange scope
- Hight clarity
- Comes with a lens caps and cloth
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Cons
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2. Burris Scopes 200370 Predator Quest
[amazon box=”B00TU6IIBI” button_text=”Check Price On Amazon” button_detail=”https://www.opticsplanet.com/burris-predator-quest-4-5-14-42mm-riflescope.html”]
You will love this riflescope because it is designed to give a hunter all the features they need to make their job easier.
This device is designed for hardcore varmint and predator hunters. The reticle will ensure that you are adequately protected from elevation, wind, and loping coyotes, which are as far as 500 yards away.
The glass is also multi-coated and made from Hi-Lume, glare resistant, and ensures that you can see your targets from far away.
This will ensure that your aim is perfect, and you will have fun during your hunting activities.
Besides, you also get the glare-resistant, screw-on anti-reflection device, which goes a long way in reducing view issues when it is too bright out.
The glare protection also ensures that light is not protected from your lens and making it easy for your target to notice you.
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Pros
- Includes a honeycomb ARD which the slip scope can be covered over both
- Windage and elevation turrets are solid. All you need to do is turn it a little for positive adjustments
- E1 reticle is both useful and clean when finding targets
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Cons
- The glass clarity is not as good as other brands
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3.Athlon Optics Helos BTR 6-24×50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes
[amazon box=”B087GHHS8Z” button_text=”Check Price On Amazon” button_detail=”https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=15098&u=1953732&m=4355&urllink=www%2Eopticsplanet%2Ecom%2Fathlon%2Doptics%2Dargos%2D6%2D24x50%2Dside%2Dfocus%2Driflescope%2Ehtml&afftrack=”]
Athlon has been a household brand for people who want high-quality rifle scopes at pocket-friendly prices. The Athlon Optics Helos BTR 6-24×50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes is an excellent choice for both experts and novices because it has features that allow you to keep up with your growing demands, which hunting.
It comes with a multicolored lense that allows you to enjoy fantastic light transmission and get the clearest and sharpest images even for longer distances.
For some more outdoor fun, the company throws in an intriguing Xtra protective lens coating that will keep your lenses safe from dirt, oil, and smudges. It also has an extra-strong and one-tube construction that is made from aircraft aluminum for some increased sturdiness.
Its construction separates it from the normal aluminum scopes, thus allowing you to enjoy the needed strengths when it comes to providing excellent optics.
The company also uses a robust mechanical system with special erector systems and designed controls that provide you with 1000G of recoil times, which is all the resistance you need.
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Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Locking elevation with windage turrets
- Waterproof and windproof
- Shockproof
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Cons
- You may experience some milkiness and chromatic aberration
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4. Nikon MONARCH 3 BDC Riflescope, Black, 4-16×50
[amazon box=”B00BAHMGGI” button_text=”Check Price On Amazon” button_detail=”https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=15098&u=1953732&m=4355&urllink=www%2Eopticsplanet%2Ecom%2Fv%2F6775%2Dnikon%2Dmonarch%2D3%2D4%2D16x50%2Driflescope%2Ehtml&afftrack=”]
This is another type of the long-range rifle scope under $500 that has good features. It has top notch clarity.
Being from the Monarch family, the scope has 8 magnifying lenses and 5 different reticles. The reticles are of the BDC type and have larger cross hairs. Because the scope can magnify up to 4x it can be able to view things properly.
The reticles also give a clear focus. It has flip up covers that are meant to protect the scope in addition to being shock proof, waterproof, and fog proof. This means that you should not at any time be worried about hunting with the scope during the misty days.
There is also an improvement made on the optical system that allows up to 95% light transmission. In this case, the images will not be blurred. Eye relief is also offered by the presence of the eye box technology. In this, a better view of the hunt can be provided. It also allows for side focus.
It is long range scope. The magnifying power helps one to see far. It can allow a range of up 400-500 yards. This means that for the long-range hunter, this scope does not frustrate at all.
It has turrets that are spring-loaded. These usually help in preventing parallax errors. After sighting the hunt, one can be able to quickly adjust the turret knobs. Springs are easy to manipulate as a result of their flexible nature.
It is lightweight. This is one of the features that people are keen on. This is because there is also the riffle weight. If the rifle is heavy then the scope will add some weight to it in a way. For this riflescope, weight is a nonissue.
It is made of durable material. Additionally, it has a lifetime warranty. This is a feature that most people like because, at the end of the day, you are sure that you will not go to purchase another scope.
As long as you are taking care of the scope, there is no way that it will get damaged easily. The flip covers that come with it may wear off from time to time, but they are pretty cheap and can be replaced easily.
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Pros
- Durable
- Has a lifetime warranty
- Fog proof, waterproof and shock proof
- It is a long range scope
- Has adjustable turrets that can be easily zeroed
- Has topnotch clarity
- Allows for side focus
- Light weight
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Cons
- It is costly
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[su_frame]For lovers of long range scopes, this is one of the best scopes that has outstanding features. It also has very few to no cons. The fact that there is a warranty attached to it means that there is no time that your money will go to waste because you can always get back for another one. The best thing about this scope is that it is one of the lightest with a weight of 1.21 pounds meaning that it is manageable and portable even when it is on the rifle. So, when looking for the best long range scopes under $500, this will always be outstanding.[/su_frame]
5. Leupold 115390 Mark AR MOD 1 Riflescope with Mil Dot Reticle, 3-9×40-Millimeter, Matte Black
[amazon box=”B06Y27K88Y” button_text=”Check Price On Amazon” button_detail=”https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=15098&u=1953732&m=4355&urllink=www%2Eopticsplanet%2Ecom%2Fv%2F6775%2Dnikon%2Dmonarch%2D3%2D4%2D16x50%2Driflescope%2Ehtml&afftrack=”]
This is another type of the best long range riflescope under $500. It has excellent clarity as a result of the multicoating on the scope. This multicoating helps in reducing reflections. At most times, reflections are shown to give blurred and unclear images.
That means that one will not be able to get the required shot. Also, the multicoating makes sure that there is a limitation in the amount of light reaching the eye. When a lot of light is reaching the eye, chances are that you will not be able to see the image clearly.
It uses the Mil-Dot reticle that is loved by many because of the good focus. The scope has a second focal plane reticle. The best thing about this reticle is that it is so sharp and makes the focus as precise as possible.
The view is made clearer because of the waterproof nature that the long-range scope has. This is as a result of the Argon fill in it. At times it may be filled with Krypton.
In the cold or rainy season, it is possible to use this scope without worrying about being blurred by the fog or the mist around. Focus is also enhanced by the fact that the scope can be magnified up to 9x.
It is easy to carry around because it is of light weight. 1. 2 pounds is a bearable weight even with the riffle.
This is one of the features that many people consider because no one wants inconveniences during the hunting period.
Having the aluminum housing or material in a way guaranteed durability. Aluminum in itself is also not easily damaged by water or chemical.
In that case, after you purchase this scope, you can be sure that you will not have to go back to the shop any soon.
It also has turrets meaning that it can be zeroed.
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Pros
- High level of clarity and precision
- Has turrets that can be adjusted
- Made of durable material
- Water proof
- It is a second focal plane optical
- It is lightweight
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Cons
- Does not have a lifetime guarantee
- Does not have an illumination
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6. Millet Tactical 6-25x56mm
[amazon box=”B002R1JGWS” button_text=”Check Price On Amazon” button_detail=”https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=15098&u=1953732&m=4355&urllink=www%2Eopticsplanet%2Ecom%2Fmillett%2D6%2D25x56mm%2Dlrs%2D1%2Dmatte%2Dilluminated%2Dmulticoated%2Dreticle%2D1%2D4%2Dmoa%2Dclick%2Dlong%2Drang%2Ehtml&afftrack=”]
Millet Tactical 6-25x56mm is a long range scope and therefore, it is recommended for the long-range hunters. Many people always target a shot of 100 yards and this scope can do so. Therefore, it is not recommended so much for short ranges as a person is likely to miss the target.
Clarity is also on point for this long range scope. There is a precision that one needs if at all he or she wants to get that hunt or that animal down. The scope is made up of a very clear optic system. It is most accurate at the second focal plane and so one should use it as opposed to the first focal plane.
There are flip-up scope caps that are meant to protect the scope. At most times, you will find that the flip caps are wearing off, but they are relatively cheap to purchase. In that case, one should not shy from purchasing them because they will be beneficial in making sure that the scope lasts long enough and gives one the best service.
Any person that prefers the side focusing art is lucky when using this riflescope. This is because it is installed with the side focus knob that gives you the ability to focus at the best point possible.
Thanks to the heavy-duty rings that can be used to place the scope in the best view possible. The illumination element that is found in the rifle plays a vital role in making sure that one can use it either during the day or during the night.
This is the scope to carry if you are on a camping trip because you can be outdoors even at night and you will be able to hunt down that deer.
Any person who also likes the Mil dot reticle should consider this type of long range rifle scope.
The scope is made of durable material. This means that once you buy it, there is no time that you will need to go back to the shop and make a purchase for a similar scope. As long as you take care of that scope, there is a possibility that it will serve you for the longest time possible. It will also not be easily damaged by water.
It is lightweight. No one wants to carry a lot of baggage on the hunting trip. With a weight of 1.2 pounds, it is so easy to carry around and even to use.
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Pros
- Long range rifle scope
- Light weight
- High clarity level
- Made of durable material
- Has a sunshade
- Can be used at dawn or dusk
- It is a second focal plane reticle
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Cons
- Does not have a lifetime warranty
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7. Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20×50 PA Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
[amazon box=”B08RTS4B5N” button_text=”Check Price On Amazon” button_detail=”https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=15098&u=1953732&m=4355&urllink=www%2Eopticsplanet%2Ecom%2Fvortex%2Driflescopes%2Dvpr%2Dm%2D06fp%2Ehtml&afftrack=”]
This is another type of long range scope under $500.It is a second focal plane rifle scope that weighs 2.3 pounds. It has a perfect magnification that enhances clarity with the crystal clear glass in it.
It is waterproof and fog proof as a result of the O-ring seal and the argon fill. It also contains slide-over scope caps that are meant to protect the scope.
The mil dot reticule enables one to get an accurate focus especially at dusk and not at night. This is because it cannot be illuminated. The BDC reticle also gives a fast focus in addition to the multi coated extra dispersion lenses that reduce the amount of light reaching the eye as well as preventing reflection of images.
It has reset turrets that can be zeroed in order to get the best sight of the hunt when at any position. It is possible to focus either when lying down or in a sitting position. That is made possible by the side knob focus that helps to avoid parallax.
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Pros
- High clarity
- Waterproof
- Fog proof
- Has reset turrets
- Has a side knob focus
- It is a second focal plane rifle scope
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Cons
- It is a bit heavy
- It is not illuminated
- Cannot be used at night but can be used at dusk
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8.Bushnell Engage Riflescope, Matte Black, 30mm Tube
This is one of the latest revolutions of Bushnell optics. It has a 1-MOA elevation and windage, which will help you easily should mid-range and short-range targets.
You will adapt to calibers and loads that are ideal for target shooters and hunters. It is also easy to dial the scope with the tool-less zero reset and tool-less locking turrets.
It uses RainGuard HD coating, which improves the waterproof capabilities of the riflescope. The EXO barrier is included in the coating process to ensure that molecularly bonding to the lens occurs, and therefore, it fills the microscopic pores inside the glass.
As a result, you get an ultra-slick coat that repels dust, oil, fog, and debris.
It also has a nitrogen purge and O-ring seal that provides fog and waterproof features that will allow it to work even after it has been immersed in water. The temperature changes will not cause fogging on the lens, which can impact visibility.
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Pros
- Waterproof and fog-proof construction
- Ultra-wideband coating
- Locking turrets
- Tool-less zero reset
- EXO barrier
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Cons
- May not work well in dim light conditions
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Factors to Consider in Selecting Best Long Range Scope Under $500
Clarity or precision that you need. No one wants to shoot aimlessly.
It, therefore, means that the scope that you choose needs to be precise.
You can look at this feature even when you are at the shop. A precise scope will not give you problems when it comes to focusing. In that case, it is good to look at the objective lens and magnification lens that your eyes need.
Each scope has a certain kind of optic system.
Some are even made in a way that they will illuminate at night. In that case, choose the scope that has an established optical system that will not strain your eyes. Additionally, choose one that will give a quick focus.
It is good to look at the adjustment ability.
This video talks more about scope adjustment
Any time that you are looking for that best shot, you need to get the best clarity. Otherwise, you will be shooting aimlessly.
When you view through a certain scope, you need to adjust it in the best position possible. That means that even if you are old or young, your eyes will see clearly as per the magnification on the scope.
The scope, therefore, should be used by any hunter whether they have eye problems or not. There are scopes that have adjustable turrets that make you even get a side focus.
Durability is another key factor to consider. No one wants to go to the shop to purchase a scope now and then.
That means that even as you look at the features of the scope, durability should be on the list. There are some scopes that have a warranty.
This can be better because you have an assurance that they will last and serve the purpose for some time.
Remember, conditions may change during the hunting period. It may rain and if the scope is not made with the best material, it is likely to spoil. Also, the rifle scope can fall accidentally.
Also, look at the range of shots that you need to take. There are some people that are good in the long range shots.
This is because they want to get that big animal that is far away. Then, these long range scopes under $500 are the best to consider.
It is so frustrating to find out that you only have short range scopes after your arrival at the hunting spot. It is good to ask the dealers about the type of scope that they have even before purchasing.
Learn also on adjusting eye relief of a scope.
The reticle pattern is also something worth considering.
In the case that you have focused on the hunt, there is that pattern that you want to see so that you can know that you are on the right track.
You may want a German dot, a mil-dot, a target dot or a fine crosshair. You are the one to make the choice depending on what makes more sense and precision to you.
Finally and most importantly, look at the rifle that you will use with the scope. All scopes are fitted for certain rifles. You do not just use any. That means that you must understand your rifle or gun well so that you can know the type of scope that it needs. If possible, it is good to carry it with you as you purchase the riffle or you can even buy it at the same time and place.
Parting Shot
For a long-range hunter, the above long-range scopes under $500 are fit for you. This is because of the features in them that make the hunting expedition more enjoyable.
The best thing about all of the above rifle scopes is the high level of clarity. It, therefore, means that one will be able to get clear precision when using them.
Most of them have adjustable turrets and are fog proof. This makes them provide perfect hunting tools in the cold weather.
