Having a good, reliable rifle scope is paramount to a successful hunt. When it comes to choosing the right scope, you want to find one that is suitable for your gun and is durable enough to withstand thousands of rounds of ammunition. It is also wise to consider low-light capability, magnification ranges, ease of adjustment, and reliability. You want to ensure you are getting the best rifle scope for the money you are paying for it.
In this guide, we will go over 8 different best rifle scopes under $500 and weigh the pros and cons of each of them. These are some of the highest-rated and best-selling rifle scopes. We hope that you find this guide helpful in your next purchase of a rifle scope and wish you luck on your hunt!
The best and top-rated rifle scopes:
#1 Nikon P-223 BSC 600 Riflescope with Rapid Action Turret, 4-12×40
Overview: This Nikon riflescope features the Rapid Action Turret system, making this a great scope for distances anywhere between 100-600 yards. The multicoated options on this Nikon scope give you a bright, clear image and reduce reflection and glare. This scope is waterproof with a sleek, matte finish. This scope is designed to work with Nikon’s Spot on Ballistic Match Technology to make for an even greater experience. This Nikon scope also comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Pros:
Easy to zero in
Multicoated optics
Quick hand-turn
Buyers state complaints with adjusting the scope
“I am so pleased with this product. The scope zeroed easily and held zero after firing 100 rounds.”
#2 Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12×40 AO Riflescope
Overview: The Vortex Crossfire II riflescope is a good choice for tactical shooting or hunting. It offers a long eye relief at 3.9 inches and comes with fully multicoated lenses for enhanced image quality. Focusing is a breeze with a fast-focus eyepiece. The Crossfire II is waterproof and fog-proof so your focus remains steady and clear. It is designed with resettable 1/4 MOA turrets. This scope also comes with a lifetime warranty.
Long eye relief
Multicoated optics
Waterproof and fog proof
“This is the second Vortex product that I have purchased and I can now say I will be topping all my firearms with Vortex optics. The best scope on the market!”
#3 Bushnell Trophy Xtreme X30 6-24×50 Scope
Overview: This matte black Bushnell riflescope is equipped with fully multicoated HD lenses for image clarity. It offers DOA LR800 reticle and has a 30mm tube. This scope is both waterproof and fog-proof for clear images under harsh conditions and is also shockproof for added protection and durability. It is designed with a fast-focus eyepiece and has 1/4 MOA adjustments. This scope allows for plenty of light to come in, making it a good choice for lower light conditions. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.
Great for long distance shooting
HD fully multicoated optics
Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
Thick reticle lines
“Overall I’m very pleased with the scope, especially for the price. Images are crystal clear and has great eye relief.”
#4 Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Riflescope
Overview: This Nikon riflescope comes with a lifetime warranty and guarantees performance, durability, and precision. It offers fully multicoated lenses that let in 98% of available light. This scope has an eye relief of 3.6 inches and is both waterproof and fog-proof for good images even in difficult-to-see conditions. The quick-focus eyepiece and BDC reticle is designed for precision. This scope can be used with Nikon’s Spot on Ballistic Match Technology.
Waterproof and fog proof
Fully multicoated optics
Quick-focus eyepiece
Some buyers state difficulty with zeroing
“This scope is well worth the price and competes with scopes double or triple the price. I can’t find anything negative to say about it.”
#5 Leupold VX-1 3-9×40 Duplex Riflescope
Overview: This scope is designed with Leupold’s Proprietary nitrogen sealing process, making it a great choice for lifelong durability and ruggedness. It is fully waterproof and fog proof. The scope has a fully multicoated lens to give you extreme clarity from edge to edge, even in low light. The Leupold Riflescope comes with 1/4 MOA precision adjustments and has a generous eye relief. It comes with a fast-focus eyepiece. This scope comes with a versatile 3:1 zoom ratio erector system, making it a great scope for a multitude of situations.
Rugged and waterproof
Fully multicoated lenses
Good in low light
Mushy finger click adjustments
“I highly recommend this scope for rifle enthusiasts and newbies, alike. Fantastic quality and made in the USA.”
#6 Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Riflescope
Overview: This Vortex Strike Eagle riflescope allows for speed and versatility and is a good choice for both tactical shooting, as well as hunting. The illuminated reticle features a centered halo for quickly finding your target. This scope is designed with a single-piece 30mm tube for better alignment and strength. The Strike Eagle comes with fully multicoated lenses for better image quality. This scope is built to be rugged and waterproof and comes with an eye relief of 3.5 inches. It is designed with max MOA adjustments of 140 for elevation and windage.
Illuminated reticle
Fully multicoated lenses
Rugged, waterproof design
Some buyers complain of fish eye effect
“A well-made scope, excellent image clarity and good reticle illumination.”
#7 UTG 3-9×32 BugBuster Riflescope
Overview: This UTG riflescope is designed with a mil-dot reticle for range estimation and performance. It comes with zero lockable and resettable turrets and 1/4 MOA adjustments. This riflescope is sealed to be rainproof and fog proof and can handle shock, as well, with it’s True Strength design. For easier use in low light conditions, this scope is designed with side wheel illumination for quick and easy access to reticle light. This scope features a parallax-free view from 3 yards to infinity.
Rainproof, fog proof, shockproof
Mil-dot reticle
Complaints of a misaligned reticle
“This scope is solid and is good quality. The featured illuminated red and green reticle is great to use in low light conditions.”
#8 Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle 3-9×40 Riflescope
Overview: This Bushnell riflescope features multicoated lenses for an optimal view in dusk or dawn, helping you to achieve success at those critical moments of your hunt. It comes with 1/4 MOA fingertip adjustments. It is 100% waterproof and fog proof and offers 3.3 inches of eye relief. The one-piece tube is built to be rugged and shockproof. The scope features a fast-focus eyepiece. This all-around big-game scope is a good choice for a cheap riflescope that is durable and reliable.
Dusk and Dawn Brightness coatings to help in low light situations
Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
Fast-focus eyepiece
Buyers complain that scope will not hold zero
“This scopes works very well and is clear. I am amazed at the visibility in low light. I watched a deer through the scope for 45 minutes after sun down.”
Valuable information about the scopes. We need to get my husband one and your list helped a ton. Thanks!
Thanks Kaci for the list. We ended up getting the Bushnell since it’s a well known brand and has a good warranty. I’ve seen lots of good reviews on it too. Thanks!