10 Best Rifle Scope Under 500 Dollars Reviews, Tips & Guides
Contents
- 1 10 Best Rifle Scope Under 500 Dollars Reviews, Tips & Guides
- 2 [TOP 10] Best Rifle Scope Under 500 Dollars Reviews
- 2.1 1. Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x50mm – Best Overall Image Rifle Scope under $500
- 2.2 2. Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20×50 BDC Refle Rifle Scope
- 2.3 3. EOTech 512.A65 – Best Holographic Rifle Scope under $500
- 2.4 4. Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x50mm Riflescope
- 2.5 5. Athlon Optics Helos BTR 6-24 x 50 First Focal Plane – Best Low Light Rifle Scope under $500
- 2.6 6. Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20×50 SFP Riflescope
- 2.7 7. Athlon Optics Helos BTR 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope
- 2.8 8. Leupold FX-II Scout 2.5x28mm Duplex, Matte Riflescope
- 2.9 9. Leupold Mark AR Mod 1 – Best under $500 Rifle Scope
- 2.10 10. Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC 4.5-18x40mm – Best Long-Range Rifle Scope under $500
- 3 Buying Guide – How To Choose The Best Rifle Scopes Under 500?
- 3.1 1. Quality Optics And Glass
- 3.2 2. Weatherproof
- 3.3 3. Superior Light Transmission
- 3.4 4. Appropriate Magnification
- 3.5 5. Generous Eye Relief And Exit Pupil
- 3.6 6. Zoom Capability
- 3.7 7. Easy Mounting And Adjusting
- 3.8 8. Fast Focus Eyepiece
- 3.9 9. Durable Construction
- 3.10 10. Coated Lenses
- 3.11 11. Objective Lens
- 3.12 12. Reticle Style
- 3.13 13. Plane Reticle
- 3.14 14. Adjustability
- 3.15 15. Night Vision
- 3.16 16. Price
- 3.17 17. Scope Warranty
- 4 FAQ – Frequent Asked Questions
- 4.1 What Is A Rifle Scope?
- 4.2 Why Should You Get A Rifle Scope?
- 4.3 What Is The Best Rifle Scope For Long Range/1000 Yard Shooting?
- 4.4 What Power Scope Do I Need For 500 Yards?
- 4.5 Are Expensive Scopes Worth It?
- 4.6 What Is The Most Powerful Rifle Scope?
- 4.7 Who Makes The Best Rifle Scope In The World?
- 4.8 What Do The Rifle Scope Numbers Mean?
- 4.9 How Do Scope Reticles Work?
- 4.10 What Is A Red Dot Sight?
- 4.11 Which Red Dot Sight Should I Use?
- 4.12 What Types Of Lens Coatings Are There?
- 4.13 How To Mount A Rifle Scope?
- 4.14 How To Sight In Your New Rifle Scope?
- 4.15 How Often Should You Clean Your Rifle Scope?
- 4.16 How To Clean A Rifle Scope?
- 4.17 How To Maintain A Riflescope?
- 5 Conclusion
If you still do not know which Rifle Scope Under 500 Dollars is the best one for you, we are here to help you have a better understanding.
Choosing the best rifle scope involves a lot more than just getting the measurements right. Scopes are basically metal tubes with lenses. If we broadly classify, there are three main categories of rifle scopes; target scopes, tactical scopes, and hunting scopes. Each one serves a different purpose.
To put rounds on target, a rifle needs to have particular features thereof. Take into consideration the following mentioned things before making a decision:
Things to keep in Mind before Buying a Rifle Scope
Purpose– For what purpose will the scope be used? A lot of general-purpose scopes are available, but they don’t always serve the purpose well. So buy the particular one suited for the purpose. Long-range or target scopes are the most expensive scopes on the market and are all about long-range shooting. Hunting scopes are the most simple type of scope while Tactical scopes offer adjustments for focus.
Budget– Now this is one of the most important features that need consideration. Riflescope works on a simple phenomenon that “Quality comes at a price.” Flexibility is very important as a suitable scope may exceed your range. The rule here to remember is that more magnification is not always the key. So, always go for the best brand and the best glass. Just beware of cheap imitations of popular models.
Fixed or variable power– Variable power scopes are user-adjustable while the fixed ones have a particular degree of magnification. Fixed scopes are simpler and have less magnification than variable power scopes.
Magnification– One of the most important factors that should be considered before buying a rifle. Sometimes even a cheap glass tends to have high magnification numbers, thus don’t fall prey to cheap glasses. Ensure that the lenses are fully multi-coated for maximum brightness and light transmission.
Turrets and reticles– Usually the turrets will have caps that are threaded over the adjustments. The adjustment here is of utmost importance. Go for turrets that can be easily adjusted.
Main Tube– The main tube of riflescope generally measures 1”, 30 mm, or 34 mm in diameter. Rifles with large-diameter main tubes are heavy in weight and help in long-distance targeting. Always go for a waterproof and shockproof rifle.
With an ever-increasing array of options, it becomes difficult to choose the right one. Take a look at the following mentioned Best Rifle Scope Under 500 dollars:
[TOP 10] Best Rifle Scope Under 500 Dollars Reviews
1. Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x50mm – Best Overall Image Rifle Scope under $500
- Model #170684 - VX-3i 3.5-10x50mm with Duplex reticle and Matte finish
- 100% Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
- DiamondCoat 2 - Ion-assist lens coating for higher light transmission and the greatest level of abrasion resistance
Being an updated version compared to its original VX-3 series, this Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x50mm Scope is no doubt an excellent choice for your next purchase. It offers clear images with vivid colors for its users thanks to the 50mm objective lens and ultra-clear glass in a 1-inch tube.
In addition, the scope’s magnifications range from 3.5x to 10x, making it highly versatile as you can use it for both short-range and long-range shooting. Also because of this, it proves an even better option than the 4.5x version of the same series.
In terms of durability, its 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum has been tested to withstand any recoil. With this, you can rest assured that it can last a very long time and save you a lot of money.
Apart from such great features, the scope is 100% resistant to water, fog, and shock, and the Diamond Coat 2 – Ion-assist coating on its lens also heightens its abrasion resistance and light transmission. All in all, this is a great product that you should not overlook.
2. Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20×50 BDC Refle Rifle Scope
- The Viper 6.5-20x50 is built on a 30mm main tube with a hard anodized finish providing a rugged, tough hunting riflescope. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is good for any hunting or shooting at varying ranges where estimating hold-over would be a concern.
- Incorporating our premium, fully multi-coated, extra-low dispersion lenses brings excellent resolution and color fidelity. The XR coatings provide enhanced light gathering capability while Armortek coating protects the lenses.
- Capped reset turrets allow quick re-indexing of the turret to zero after sighting in the riflescope. Side knob parallax adjust allows quick and easy parallax adjustments with range numbers visible while in the shooting position.
Vortex Optics has a product range that caters to all types of users and pockets. Not only they offer quality products, but also 100 guarantees in case the scope faces any kind of default in the functioning.
Viper which is made in the Philippines is equipped with some of the most amazing features. This riflescope looks large than other riflescopes and has excellent zoom power.
Its XR anti-reflective coatings provide amazing color properties and increase light transmission on all air-to-glass surfaces. So with this model, you no longer have to deal with blurred images. It also contains a premium high-density glass that increases resolution and color fidelity and provides crisp and sharp images.
The customized dot design of the dead-hold BDC Reticle helps eliminate guesswork on hold-over and windage corrections. The scale of the reticle maintains the same ideally-sized appearance.
It is constructed from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum that provides adequate strength to the riflescope. The 30mm body tube is of one-piece construction and maximizes alignment for improved accuracy and provides for optimum visual performance.
With argon-filled that prevents internal fogging and O-ring sealed, this rifle is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof.
The tube is adjoined with a long and tapering objective bell. The turrets are capped that provide external protection for the turret. It allows for quick re-indexing of the turret to zero after sighting in the riflescope.
The hard Anodized Finish is highly durable and comprehends well with the shooter’s position. The exterior glass surfaces are treated with an ArmorTek coating that protects from abrasion damage and resists scratches.
It is equipped with a precision-glide erector system that ensures smooth magnification changes with the large zoom lens mechanism.
The parallax adjustment turret enables the person to maintain his shooting position while adjusting the parallax on the side. The force spring system is patented and provides for easy windage and elevation adjustments.
This is one of the best and handy scopes for long-distance shooters. It provides 3.1 inches of eye-relief. The scope cover lets you shoot with precision even when it turns dark.
Given the excellent features this riflescope comes with, its price tag is completely justified. It has quality features and components that speak of quality and makes it one of the best rifle scope for the money.
3. EOTech 512.A65 – Best Holographic Rifle Scope under $500
- Mount: 1" weaver or Mil-Std 1913 rail
- Brightness: 20 settings
- Water Resistance: 10 feet (3 meters)
Although this rifle scope from EOTech is less frequently used for hunting since it offers a short range of vision and therefore is more common among tactical or target shooters, it is still one of the most popular holographic scopes on today market.
In more detail, the scope is originally designed for a 200-yeard shooting, but it is especially ideal for shorter ranges. Aiming with this scope, you can see a red dot that accurately indicates the position of where your bullet hits within 200 yards.
In addition, it comes with 20 brightness settings for the best visibility regardless of the light conditions you are in. However, there is no night-vision mode, so you may have to spend more to get a holographic lens of higher quality for that function.
Although the battery life is relatively short (roughly 1,000 hours), the scope uses AA batteries that you can find anywhere so this is not a real problem. Anyway, this is still a great choice judging from its low price and high-quality features.
4. Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x50mm Riflescope
- Twilight Max Light Management System provides maximum brightness in all colors and intensified contrast across the entire field of view
- Dual Spring Precision Adjustments perform with match grade precision
- Easy turn power selector can be quickly turned, even with gloves on while watertight seals ensure fog free performance for a lifetime. Weight: 16. 5 oz
Another scope from Leupold is the VX-3i 4.5-14x50mm Riflescope. Just like its counterparts from the same brand, this riflescope is a great choice for those on a bit of a budget but still wanting to find a quality product for their next hunt.
The best thing about this scope is the ability to offer clear and bright images in any light conditions, which is facilitated by its Twilight Max Light Management System and the anti-glare multi-coated lens it features. In addition, the adjustment turrets that can be easily reached using your finger can help you adjust the magnification ratio accurately to your need.
As for materials, this scope is completely resistant to water, fog, and shock, making it highly durable and usable in any weather. The only con is that the scope is a bit more expensive compared to the other scopes that we have recommended.
5. Athlon Optics Helos BTR 6-24 x 50 First Focal Plane – Best Low Light Rifle Scope under $500
- First focal plane reticle stays valid at all power settings allowing you to fully utilize the specially designed reticle that shrinks or grows along with your target as you zoom in or out
- Locking feature on both elevation and wind age turrets allows you to simply pull up the turrets to Dial and push down the turrets to lock them in place
- Fully multicoated optics effectively reduces reflected light and increases the transmission of light giving you a Brighter image than Normal single coated lenses
Although this brand may not be the most widely-known compared to its counterpart, its series of Helos BTR scopes are of great quality and therefore deserves to be considered. Its line of optics with illuminated reticles and super clear glass surely makes the brand one of the most attractive options in its price range.
To begin with, the position of the reticle on the first focal plane is ideal for shots from a long distance, and the amount of light that enters the tube is maximized thanks to its 50mm large objective lens.
Using this scope, you can see targets from far away with ease thanks to its 4x magnification ratio, ranging from 6x to 24x. However, it may be a bit hard to locate closer, smaller targets due to its lower end level.
Another major plus point is its glare-free, multi-coated glass that helps improve clarity. Its one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube has a diameter of 30mm and is sealed and purged to prevent fog and water from entering, which keeps the tube dry and clear.
Finally, its locks on both the elevation and windage turrets can be pulled up for dialing and then locked down in place. It also allows adjustments of 18 mils (60 MOA) to be made to both the elevation and windage, with an adjustable range of 6 mils for each rotation.
6. Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20×50 SFP Riflescope
- The Viper 6.5-20x50 is built on a 30mm main tube with a hard anodized finish providing a rugged, tough hunting scope; The Mil-Dot reticle is useful for helping to estimate range, windage and bullet holdover
- Incorporating our premium, fully multi-coated, extra-low dispersion lenses brings excellent resolution and color fidelity; The XR coatings provide enhanced light gathering capability while Armortek coating protects the lenses
- Capped reset turrets allow quick re-indexing of the turret to zero after sighting in the riflescope; Side knob parallax adjust allows quick and easy parallax adjustments with range numbers visible while in the shooting position
This rifle scope is a must in this list, as it comes from one of the best and most popular brands out there – Vortex.
With its mil-dot reticle, your shooting accuracy can be significantly enhanced and your vision quality can be maintained regardless of the magnification range you are using. In addition, you can enjoy HD visuals thanks to the scope’s multi-coated lens, which translates into low dispersion and improved light transmission.
Another plus point is that the scope is highly adjustable. Its fast-focus eyepiece makes rapid targeting an easy feat, allowing you to adjust the scope’s magnification power quickly and easily. In addition, it features adjustable MOA windage and elevation turrets, and the magnifications can be rapidly altered using the side knob parallax.
In terms of material and durability, this scope has a sturdy aircraft aluminum construction that is nitrogen-purged and sealed to prevent shock or water from affecting its performance. Although this scope may not hold zero well, it still proves an amazing choice and a good value for money.
7. Athlon Optics Helos BTR 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope
- 0.1 MIL Click Value, 13 MIL Total Elevation Adjustment, 10 yards to infinity Parallax adjustment
- First focal plane reticle stays valid at all power settings allowing you to fully utilize the specially designed reticle that shrinks or grows along with your target as you zoom in or out. The reticle offers quick target engagement at low power while offering precise holdover positions with finer details.
- Locking turrets feature on both elevation and windage turrets allows you to simply pull up the turrets to dial and push down the turrets to lock them in place. This feature gives you a peaceful mind whether you are moving from one station to next during your competition or putting them away for your next hunting trip.
Coming from Athlon Optics, which is a brand well-known for its dedication to producing the best quality hunting and shooting scopes, this Athlon Optics Helos BTR 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope is surely a product that you should take into consideration before making your purchase decision.
The first great feature of this scope is that its APMR FFP IR MIL reticle with an illuminated center facilitates quick and easy target locking regardless of the lighting conditions around you. In addition, you can also enjoy great quality images thanks to its anti-glare multi-coated lens.
With regard to its durability, this scope, like most of the scopes recommended on this list, is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, allowing it to endure any impact or recoil during use. It is also resistant to water and fog, which further enhances its durability.
Finally, since the turrets can be locked in place, it will be easier for users to focus on shooting their targets. Although some may find its eye relief feature a bit lacking, which can cause eye fatigue during long periods of use, it is still a great choice in this price range thanks to the many great features included.
8. Leupold FX-II Scout 2.5x28mm Duplex, Matte Riflescope
- Leupold Model #58810 - FX-II Scout 2. 5x28mm with Duplex reticle and Matte finish
- 100% Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, and backed by Leupold's lifetime
- Twilight Max Light Management System - Adds up to 20 extra minutes of shooting light and reduces glare for premium edge-to-edge image quality
The company located in Beaverton, Oregon has been building telescopic sights in the U.S.A. for over 100 years. Every Leupold riflescope is waterproof, fog-proof, and built for a lifetime of guaranteed performance.
This fixed scope is designed from a single-piece tube of high-grade aluminum. It is designed in a way that it will be mounted forward on the barrel rather than the receiver.
The lenses feature Leupold’s Diamond Lens coating that makes it scratch resistant. Due to this coating, this rugged body rifle can handle even extreme abuse. Even as the lenses are as per the Leupold standards, they offer the best low-light performance.
It features a compact design and low magnification that allows you to take shots of the entire field while keeping both eyes open. For a naturally rapid target acquisition, it provides eye relief at 9.3 inches.
This scope uses a simple duplex reticle that provides a crisp and clear image. The turrets are adjustable but it becomes difficult to reach out and adjust them quickly. Overall it is shock, water, and fog proof and offers a full lifetime warranty. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best rifle scopes for the money.
Good optics come at a price, so plan well-in-advance as far as your budget is concerned. There is no point in buying an overly simple scope or an overly complex scope.
Broadly speaking, according to your purpose begin to narrow down your choices significantly. Focus more on selecting the right scope than on the rifle. Make a good choice and you won’t regret it.
9. Leupold Mark AR Mod 1 – Best under $500 Rifle Scope
- Leopold Model #115370 - mark AR mod 1 3-9X40mm with illume. Fire Dot tar reticle and Matte finish
- 100% waterproof, fog proof, shockproof, and backed by Leopold Lifetime
- P5 turrets - 0. 1 mil dials with an elevation BDC dial for a. 223/5. 56, 55gr FMJ projectile with a muzzle Velocity of 3100 FPS
Being a popular choice among seasoned tactical shooters and hunters alike, this rifle scope from Leupold is another excellent product that we highly recommend.
To begin with, its multi-coated lens with high density and low dispersion significantly heightens its light transmission and resistance to scratches, making it a superior product in terms of image clarity. In fact, the combination of such coatings and blackened lens edges allow it to offer up to 98% light transmission in all conditions of light.
In addition, the scope ideal for hunting purposes with a 40mm objective lens and magnifications ranging from 3x to 9x, allowing sufficient light to enter the tube and making it easier to hunt in low light conditions. Even in low contrast environments, the most vital parts of the reticle can still be brought out by the proprietary Firedot-G TMR reticle illumination included by the brand.
Apart from that, it is also highly durable. Just like our previous recommendation, this scope is also waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-proof. In brief, it is the best scope in this price range to take with during any long hunting trips.
10. Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC 4.5-18x40mm – Best Long-Range Rifle Scope under $500
- Features Nikon's patented BDC reticle with see-through ballistic circles for superior long-range shooting
- Adjustments are made easy with Spring-Loaded Instant Zero-Reset Turrets
- Made with Nikon's fully multicoated optics for maximum brightness and light transmission
This long-range scope from the reputable brand Nikon will surely not disappoint you in any way. With a price of under $500, it is one of the best options for budget hunters.
In addition to its wonderful coated optics, the scope also has amazing magnifications, ranging from 4.5x to 18x. Although its objective diameter is a bit smaller than its counterparts in the same price range (only 40mm) and can, therefore, result in lower performance in low light conditions, it still excels in normal daylight, which leaves no problem for its user to complain about.
Another plus point is its Nikon’s patented BDC reticle that is ideal for long-range shooting thanks to its transparent ballistic circles. Thanks to this, it is undoubtedly the best option for long-distance shots.
Besides, its quick focus eyepiece also makes it easier to focus the reticle. Combined with its instant zero-reset facilitated by the spring-loaded turrets, this feature can contribute greatly to enhancing your hunting experience and reaction speed.
Buying Guide – How To Choose The Best Rifle Scopes Under 500?
Buying the best rifle scope is something that you need if you are to enjoy your time hunting. Here are factors that will guide you when buying a rifle scope.
1. Quality Optics And Glass
A clear and great quality lens is what you need for a good hunting experience. Therefore, it is important to buy a rifle scope that comes with high-quality optics and glass.
In addition to ensuring you have the best clarity levels while shooting, having high-quality lenses will make sure you enjoy your time hunting better and in comfort. It is important to note that most rifles scopes are created with the highest quality lenses and optics.
2. Weatherproof
When buying the best rifle scope, it is important to consider a weatherproof one. This simply means that your rifle scope should be able to perform effectively even in unfavorable weather conditions.
Here is the thing, if you buy a rifle scope that cannot perform effectively in unfavorable weather conditions then you are most likely going to shoot down your prey before it comes close.
Therefore, when buying a rifle scope, ensure it has excellent weatherproof features to be able to enjoy hunting under all circumstances.
3. Superior Light Transmission
It is important to buy a rifle scope that comes with superior light transmission optics when hunting. This will make sure you are able to take shots in the night without worrying about whether you can see well or not.
Being in darkness while shooting your prey can be dangerous since you might miss the target at bay. For this reason, it is important to buy a rifle scope that has great light transmission features.
Besides, having excellent light transmission will make sure you are able to enjoy shooting at night more since you are likely to have the best experience while hunting in the dark.
4. Appropriate Magnification
Another thing to consider when buying a rifle scope is its magnification capacity. You definitely need the best riflescope but you also have to make sure that it has appropriate magnification features.
For instance, if you are going hunting for deer, you should buy a rifle scope with higher magnification levels so as to be able to hit your intended target with minimal effort.
The thing about the magnification feature is that it will determine how easy or hard you are going to hit your target while hunting. Therefore, go for rifle scopes with appropriate magnification levels to enjoy an easy time hunting.
5. Generous Eye Relief And Exit Pupil
The eye relief and exit pupil of your rifle scope will determine how easy you are going to use it. Therefore, ensure that the rifle scope comes with generous eye relief and exit pupil features for you to be able to use it comfortably and effectively.
To put things into perspective; you can only shoot your prey with ease if the eye relief and exit pupil of your rifle scope is generous. Having a comfortable time when shooting is what you want and this will not be possible if the eye relief and exit pupil features of your rifle scope are not generous enough.
6. Zoom Capability
Having the best zoom capability of your rifle scope is another thing to consider when buying one. The feature will determine how far you are able to see with the lens while hunting down your prey.
This means that having a great zoom capability is likely going to make it easy for you to shoot at any distance without worrying about whether you can hit your intended target or not.
Here is the thing, when you are hunting down prey, it is important to ensure that you can hit them at any distance. This will make sure you are able to kill them easily without using much effort. For this reason, go for rifle scopes with great zoom capabilities.
7. Easy Mounting And Adjusting
You definitely need the best rifle scope but this does not mean you can buy any random one. This simply means that your rifle scope should be easy to mount and adjust to make sure you can shoot down your prey with ease.
For instance, if you have a hard time mounting and adjusting your rifle scope, it is likely going to be hard for you to hit your intended prey. The thing about mounting and adjusting rifle scopes is that they should be easy to make sure you can shoot at ease.
8. Fast Focus Eyepiece
Having a fast-focus eyepiece is also essential when buying the best rifle scope. The thing about this feature is that it will make sure you can use your rifle scope easily and properly without having to experience any form of stress or discomfort.
In addition, if your rifle scope comes with a durable fast-focus eyepiece, you can be sure that it is going to serve you for a long time without issues. This simply means that your rifle scope should have a durable fast-focus eyepiece to serve you for many years.
On the other hand, if the focus eyepiece of your rifle scope does not work well, it will make hunting harder since you will not be able to use your rifle scope effectively. Therefore, ensure that you get a rifle scope with an effective fast-focus eyepiece for you to enjoy using it while hunting down your prey.
9. Durable Construction
You definitely do not want to buy a rifle scope that will not last long. This simply means that you should be able to use it for many years before replacing or buying another one. For this reason, ensure that your rifle scope comes with great durability features to serve you for many years without any issues.
A durable rifle scope is what you need if you want to experience the best hunting results. A good rifle scope should be able to last for many years to serve its purpose effectively and efficiently.
Furthermore, if your rifle scope breaks down after using it for many months, chances are that you will not buy another one since you do not want to waste your money. Simply put, go for rifle scopes that are highly durable so you can use them for many years without any issues.
10. Coated Lenses
At the end of the day, it is important to make sure that you are able to see your prey clearly. For this reason, go for rifle scopes with highly coated lenses to ensure you can see your prey easily and effectively.
A highly coated lens will make sure you are comfortable when hunting because there is no way you cannot see your prey with ease. Furthermore, this feature does not cost much so you do not have to worry about it draining your bank account.
To sum it all up, always ensure that your rifle scope comes with great features before buying one for yourself or another person. This way, you will be able to use your rifle scope effectively and efficiently for many years
11. Objective Lens
The most important part of a rifle scope is the lens. The lens is also commonly referred to as objective lens because it does the heavy lifting in terms of hunting. If your objective lens is not big enough, you will have problems focusing when shooting at long distances or when there are issues with light conditions. A large objective lens helps resolve these problems.
12. Reticle Style
Reticles can be explained as crosshairs etched on the inside of the window. For hunters, they are used to make sure that bullets hit their targets. With all types of reticles which you can choose from depending on your personal preferences and budget, there are some unique ones like ballistic reticles with ranges or windage holdovers. Ballistic reticles are very helpful for hunters because they allow them to easily range their targets. Then, depending on the cartridge and bullet trajectory you input into the ballistic reticle it will give you a holdover point in MOA or MILs no matter how far your target is from your shooting location. For hunters who want to shoot long distance without having to resort to the help of a gunsmith, ballistic reticles are very helpful. On the other hand, hunters who want accurate shots with no added cost will find windage holdovers very useful because they allow them to aim at the target in order to compensate for wind direction and speed.
13. Plane Reticle
Plane reticle is very simple to understand. It works just like the iron sight found on many pistols today. The plane reticle remains at zero regardless of the magnification level you are using. This type of reticle works well for shooters who do not need magnification in order to aim and shoot their targets while hunting or shooting at steel plates. While there are many rifle scopes with this kind of reticle, they are mostly suitable for shooters who have 20/20 vision without needing additional magnification.
14. Adjustability
Adjustability is vital. You want to make sure that you can orient your rifle scope properly depending on the wind, lighting and distance conditions around your shooting location. Adjusting a rifle scope with high accuracy and precision is what you need if you want to shoot targets with ease and comfort.
15. Night Vision
Shotguns and other rifles use suppressors for shooting purposes. As a result, there is no flash or sound when you fire your rifle. For this reason, night vision becomes very helpful because you can see and shoot your targets without worrying about light conditions and noise. With the help of night vision devices which you can attach to your main rifle scope, you can shoot your targets even during low visibility conditions.
16. Price
Price is always a concern when it comes to hunting gear. However, you do not have to worry about this issue because modern rifle scopes are very affordable without compromising on quality. More importantly, some of the best rifle scopes on the market are available for less than $500 which is quite lower compared to other types of accessories used for hunting such as night vision devices and suppressors.
17. Scope Warranty
There is no such thing as a perfect rifle scope. Even the best rifle scopes on the market today have weaknesses, and you should remember this fact when looking for a new rifle scope to purchase and use for hunting and shooting purposes. This way, you will be able to determine whether or not a particular weakness can affect your experience when using a rifle scope. If you find a certain weakness which can cause problems, then it is better to ask for a warranty from the manufacturer if one is available. A good manufacturer with an excellent reputation will not have difficulty with providing a warranty to their customers.
FAQ – Frequent Asked Questions
What Is A Rifle Scope?
A rifle scope is an optic that can be mounted onto a rifle and increases accuracy by magnifying the target. Optical scopes come in all sorts of forms with different magnification levels, sizes, mounting equipment, and materials. A rifle scope might as well be as expensive as the weapon it’s mounted to because accurate shots equal money on the line.
Why Should You Get A Rifle Scope?
If you plan on doing any serious shooting at the range, hunting, or even home defense, you should definitely get a rifle scope. They are easy to install and can come in really handy when it comes to precision shots. Scopes have the ability to make the target appear closer than it actually is, giving you more time to line up your shot.
Rifle scopes are primarily used for target shooting, hunting, and long-range combat. The use of a rifle scope has proven to give shooters the best possible accuracy out of their rifle. Every shooter that wants to take his or her game to the next level should invest in a high-class quality rifle scope. These modern optics offer clear images and can be mounted onto a rifle with ease.
What Is The Best Rifle Scope For Long Range/1000 Yard Shooting?
A quality rifle scope for long-range shooting is one that has a large objective lens and oversized tube, giving you maximum light gathering capabilities. The larger the objective lens is, the more amount of light can be captured by the lenses. Also, make sure the scope has fully coated lenses to give you crisp clear images.
Also, look for rifle scopes that have a magnification between 8-20x because they can cover a large range of yardages. These are perfect for 1000 yard shooting. Most scopes in this category are also equipped with ballistic turrets which are calibrated up to 600 yards. This allows the user to make accurate shots up to 600 yards without doing any math or adjustments.
What Power Scope Do I Need For 500 Yards?
If you’re shooting at a range between 100-500 yards, a range finder scope is best suited for this job. A decent rifle scope in the 4x to 12x power will do just fine. The higher magnification scopes give you greater accuracy and can also be used during low light conditions due to their ability of gathering more light.
Are Expensive Scopes Worth It?
A quality rifle scope is worth its money, offering great accuracy and clear images. You can get a decent rifle scope for between $150-300 which will be good enough to take your shooting game to the next level. There are also higher-end scopes that have special features such as illuminated reticles, mill dot or mildot reticle, etc.
What Is The Most Powerful Rifle Scope?
A rifle scope’s power is measured in magnification levels. If a rifle scope has a magnification of 8x-10x, it means that the target is 8 to 10 times larger than the actual size, therefore being able to see more detail out of your target. Most scopes have a variable zoom level meaning you can change the magnification as you please.
Rifle scope power levels are usually measured in objective lens diameters, which can range anywhere between 40mm-80mm on most high-end scopes. A larger objective lens means that more light can enter during low light conditions, giving you a clearer image of your target. Rifle scopes with large objective lenses are perfect for 500-yard shooting and beyond.
Who Makes The Best Rifle Scope In The World?
There are so many high-quality rifle scopes on the market today, it’s hard to name just one company as the best. Most rifle scope manufacturers offer great products and services and even have a lifetime warranty. Most rifle scopes today are made with aircraft-grade aluminum and can take a beating without any problems.
Scopes have been around since the early 1900s, but they really came into their own after World War 2 when snipers were started to be used more often on the battlefield. Today, there are so many companies that offer great riflescopes that it’s hard to pick just one. Some of the most popular brands today include Nikon, Leupold, Vortex, and Bushnell.
What Do The Rifle Scope Numbers Mean?
A lot of people that are new to shooting and riflescopes don’t understand the numbers that are printed on them. These numbers give you all kinds of information such as magnification, objective lens diameter, and field of vision. The larger the number is, the more powerful the scope is and better it will be at low light conditions because of its ability of gathering more light. For example, a 24x scope will have larger objective lens diameter than a 6x scope which means it will be able to gather more light at 50 yards than the 6 power scope would.
How Do Scope Reticles Work?
A rifle scope’s reticle has to be one of the most fun things about having a rifle scope. It lets you know where your bullet will hit depending on the type of shooting you’re doing. Reticles are very important because they tell you how accurate your shot will be and give you different options when hunting depending on the conditions that surround you. There are also different types of reticles that you can choose from depending on your needs, for example, there’s the mil-dot reticle which will help you take accurate shots up to 600 yards without doing any math or adjustments. Some other common types of reticles are the dot, crosshair, BDC, etc.
Recticles are measured in MOA which stands for minute of angle. A reticle that has a measurement of one MOA will have an accurate shot over 100 yards, therefore being able to hit a target that’s 1 foot wide at a hundred yards. The smaller the measurement is on the reticle, the more accurate it will be at longer distances. For example, a 1/8 MOA will be much more accurate at longer distances than say ¼ MOA.
What Is A Red Dot Sight?
A red dot sight is a great option for beginners, hunters, and people that shoot at targets. It’s very similar to a rifle scope in how it works but the only difference is the fact that it uses a holographic image to let you know where your bullet will hit. A lot of experienced shooters prefer having a red dot sight over a rifle scope because of its ability to gather enough light during low light conditions which is something scopes can’t do.
A lot of people don’t understand how a red dot sight works, so here’s the deal. A holographic image is projected on an LED screen which you can adjust depending on your shooting conditions and what type of target or prey you’re hunting. All you have to do when using a red dot sight is point and shoot just like a rifle scope.
Traditional rifle scopes don’t work well in low light conditions, especially when you’re hunting at night or if it’s just too dark for you to see your prey clearly. Red dot sights are perfect because they have a reflex lens that gathers all of the available light and transfers it into a holographic image which is projected to an LED screen.
Which Red Dot Sight Should I Use?
Red dot sights come in all sorts of designs and options and it’s important to pick the one that best fits your needs. Some people prefer having a single red dot sight while others prefer using multiple red dots. It’s recommended to go with the ones that have multiple options so you can switch it up when needed without having to buy another product or scope altogether.
They also come in all different price ranges as well which is why it’s important to pick the one that best fits your needs. Having a cheaper red dot sight isn’t the best idea because you’ll end up buying another one soon after. It’s recommended to go with a quality one instead of saving money because it will be worth the price in the long run.
What Types Of Lens Coatings Are There?
Lens coatings are a common feature that you’ll find on all rifle scopes. They help protect the lens of your scope from scratches and debris, which can cause it to become blurry or foggy. There are three types of coating available today: Fully multi-coated – this is the best type out of the bunch because it has multiple layers of coating which allows up to 98% light transmission.
Semi-Multi Coated – this type has multiple layers as well but it isn’t as efficient as a fully multi-coated scope would be because only around 75% of the light gets transmitted through, which means it’s slightly dimmer than a fully multi-coated model.
Uncoated – these scopes have only one or two layers so they aren’t as efficient and effective in low light conditions. For the most part, it’s recommended to go with a fully multi-coated scope because it can gather up to 98% of available light at 100 yards which means you’ll always be able to take accurate shots no matter the time of day.
How To Mount A Rifle Scope?
Mounting a rifle scope requires a lot of time and patience, especially if you’re new to the process. There are a few things that can make mounting your scope easier but most of it has to do with how good-looking the scope rings are because they need to be straight and strong enough so your rifle doesn’t slip or fall during shooting. There are a few things that you have to look out for when mounting your scope, but if done correctly there won’t be any problems whatsoever.
Most rifle scopes are designed with a special gun attachment that will allow it to clip onto the scope rings without having to use any other tools. You just have to attach them to your firearm and tighten the bolts securely, which should be easy for most people as long as they follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Other than that you can also go with a different option, which is attaching the scope rings directly to your rifle. This will help you save time and money because you won’t have to buy other accessories but it’s important to know that accuracy might be affected because of how strong the barrel needs to be in order for this process to work correctly.
How To Sight In Your New Rifle Scope?
Sighting in your new rifle scope is pretty simple and straightforward and it shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes to get used to. You can find directions on how to do this with some research or you can also look for some tips online by searching for red dot sight zeroing. The first thing you’ll need to do is adjust the turret caps that are located on your scope. You just have to turn them until they’re pointing directly at the target and then release them gently so it sits back in place after each shot.
If you ever lose track of where your crosshair was aiming, you can use the locking feature so you won’t lose your original zero. It’s also recommended to sight in your rifle at 200 or 300 yards since it will be more accurate than sighting them in for a shorter range.
How Often Should You Clean Your Rifle Scope?
Cleaning your rifle scope is a very important part of the process, especially if you like to shoot regularly. Not cleaning it enough can cause all sorts of problems and they might not be able to get fixed later on, but that doesn’t mean you should clean it too often either. It’s recommended to wait for around 3 or 4 months before you start wiping it down with a soft, lint-free cloth. This will prevent any rust from developing which can severely damage your scope in the future.
In case you’re wondering what to use when cleaning your rifle scope, you can never go wrong with a lens cleaner or even a 50/50 mix of water and alcohol works well most of the time. Just make sure you don’t press too hard when cleaning your lens because it might end up scratching them, which can affect how well they function in low-light conditions.
How To Clean A Rifle Scope?
Cleaning a rifle scope only takes a couple of minutes and all you need is a lint-free cloth and lens cleaner. The best way to start the process is by pulling the bolt back on your firearm and attaching your scope tightly so it doesn’t slip or fall during shooting. You’ll want to avoid any unnecessary damage, so it’s important to start by applying some lens cleaner onto your glass and then wiping it down with a dry cloth.
Once the lens are nice and clean you can focus on the exterior part of your rifle scope, which can be done by dipping your cloth into some water or alcohol if that’s what you have available. However, just make sure not to use too much pressure when doing this because it can cause the screws to loosen so smudges or fingerprints are visible on your lens once you start using them.
How To Maintain A Riflescope?
Maintaining a rifle scope is pretty simple but it’s important to know that you’ll have to do it regularly. This means you need to make sure your rifle scope is always wiped down with a dry cloth after each use, especially if you notice some moisture or debris stuck on the interior lens. It’s also recommended to clean the exterior glass just in case dust, dirt, or any other kind of debris is stuck on them.
Another thing that can go wrong during the maintenance process is that you might accidentally damage your scope when wiping it down with a cloth, which means you should start by placing your firearm in a safe position and then proceed to wipe around the exterior lens. Just make sure not to press too hard while doing this because it can cause scratches so only use light pressure.
Conclusion
If you are just starting out with a new rifle and have never been hit too hard by the outdoors, you may want to go with the best possible scope that you can get for your money. There are so many different features and amenities that go into choosing rifle scopes that sometimes it can be hard to figure out which one is the best. This article will discuss different features that you should look for when choosing a scope for hunting. We will go over what the magnification should be, how to determine which scope is going to give you the best view, and why you should get a scope that suits your needs. This article should help you understand what is important when choosing the best rifle scopes under 500 yards.
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