As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve spent countless hours behind various riflescopes, pushing my shooting skills to new distances. When it comes to consistently hitting targets at 500 yards, having the right optic is absolutely crucial.
Over the years, I’ve learned that stepping up to longer range shooting requires more than just cranking up the magnification on your trusty 3-9x deer rifle scope. To really unlock your rifle’s potential at extended ranges, you need glass that’s up to the task in terms of optical clarity, precision adjustments, and reticle design.
The good news is that riflescope technology continues to advance by leaps and bounds. Features that were once only found on high-end tactical and competition scopes are now trickling down to more affordable options. For 2024, hunters and target shooters have more great choices than ever when it comes to riflescopes capable of consistent 500 yard performance.
In this guide, I’ll break down my top 10 picks for the best 500 yard riflescopes currently on the market, along with a detailed buying guide to help you choose the right one for your needs and budget. Let’s dive in!
Top 10 Best Riflescopes for 500 Yards in 2024
- Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x56mm
- Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm
- Nightforce ATACR 4-16x50mm F1
- Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x50mm
- Athlon Ares ETR 4.5-30x56mm
- Burris XTR III 5.5-30x56mm
- Swarovski Z5 5-25x52mm
- Sig Sauer TANGO6 5-30x56mm
- Primary Arms PLx 6-30x56mm FFP
- Meopta Optika6 5-30x56mm RD
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x56mm
The Leupold VX-5HD earns my top overall pick for 500 yard shooting thanks to its combination of optical excellence, rugged reliability, and smart features. Having used this scope extensively on my .308 hunting rifle, I can attest to its stellar low-light performance and edge-to-edge clarity.
Key Features:
- 3-15x magnification range
- 56mm objective lens for excellent light transmission
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- ZeroLock CDS elevation dial
- Motion sensor illuminated reticle
The VX-5HD’s 3-15x magnification range provides plenty of versatility, allowing you to engage targets from close range out to 500 yards and beyond. At 15x, I have no issues making precise shots on steel or game-sized targets at 500 yards in good conditions.
What really sets the VX-5HD apart is Leupold’s Twilight Max HD system, which provides industry-leading low light performance. I’ve been able to clearly see and engage targets well into last legal shooting light on evening hunts. The motion-activated illuminated reticle is also a nice touch that preserves battery life.
The ZeroLock CDS elevation turret makes dialing for longer shots a breeze. You can get a custom dial matched to your exact load from Leupold. Overall build quality is top-notch – I’ve banged this scope around plenty in the field without any loss of zero or function.
At around $1000-$1200 street price, the VX-5HD isn’t cheap. But for a do-it-all hunting and long range scope that will last a lifetime, I think it’s worth the investment. The optical performance and features make it equally at home punching paper at the range or in the deer stand.
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm
For pure long range performance at a more affordable price point, it’s hard to beat the Vortex Viper PST Gen II. This scope packs in high-end features like a first focal plane reticle and precision turrets at a mid-range price.
Key Features:
- 5-25x magnification
- First focal plane EBR-7C MRAD reticle
- Locking turrets with zero stop
- 10 MRAD per revolution adjustment range
- Illuminated reticle with 10 intensity levels
The Viper PST Gen II’s 5-25x magnification range and FFP reticle make it ideal for precision long range work. At 500 yards, you have plenty of magnification to make fine shot corrections. The EBR-7C reticle provides detailed hold points for elevation and windage.
Optically, the Viper PST Gen II punches above its price class. The glass is clear and bright with minimal distortion at the edges. It may not quite match the low light performance of the Leupold, but it’s no slouch either.
The precise click adjustments and zero stop turrets allow for confident dialing of elevation at extended ranges. With 10 MRAD per revolution, you have plenty of adjustment range for shooting well past 500 yards.
For around $1000, the Viper PST Gen II offers a ton of performance. It’s become a favorite among precision rifle shooters on a budget. While I wouldn’t consider it a dedicated hunting scope, it can certainly pull double duty for both target and hunting applications.
Nightforce ATACR 4-16x50mm F1
If money is no object and you want the absolute best optical and mechanical quality for 500 yard shooting, look no further than the Nightforce ATACR. This is the gold standard in precision rifle scopes used by military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters alike.
Key Features:
- 4-16x magnification
- First focal plane MIL-R reticle
- ZeroStop elevation adjustment
- 120 MOA total elevation travel
- Digillum illuminated reticle
The ATACR’s 4-16x magnification hits the sweet spot for versatility at mid to long ranges. The crystal clear ED glass and 50mm objective provide an ultra-bright sight picture even in challenging lighting conditions.
Where the ATACR really shines is in its mechanical precision. The crisp adjustments track perfectly, allowing you to dial elevation with complete confidence. The ZeroStop feature makes it easy to return to your 100 yard zero after dialing for long shots.
The MIL-R reticle offers a clean design with detailed hold points. Nightforce’s DigIllum reticle illumination provides daylight visible brightness without any graininess.
At over $2500, the ATACR certainly isn’t for everyone. But for those who demand the absolute best and are willing to pay for it, it doesn’t get much better than this. The ATACR will easily handle any shooting you want to do at 500 yards and well beyond.
Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x50mm
Zeiss has long been known for producing some of the finest riflescopes and binoculars in the world. The Conquest V4 line brings that legendary German optical quality to a more accessible price point perfect for 500 yard shooting.
Key Features:
- 6-24x magnification
- Second focal plane ZBR-2 reticle
- Ballistic turret with locking feature
- 1/4 MOA click adjustments
- Water and fogproof construction
The Conquest V4’s 6-24x magnification range is ideal for precision work at 500 yards and beyond. Even at 24x, the image remains tack sharp from edge to edge. Zeiss’s T* lens coatings provide excellent light transmission and color fidelity.
The ZBR-2 reticle offers a clean design with holdover points calibrated for popular long range cartridges. While I generally prefer first focal plane reticles for long range use, the second focal plane design keeps things simple for those who mainly shoot at max magnification.
Zeiss’s reputation for precision engineering shines through in the crisp and repeatable turret adjustments. The external locking feature on the elevation turret prevents accidental changes in the field.
At around $1000-$1200, the Conquest V4 competes directly with options like the Leupold VX-5HD. While it may give up a bit in low light performance, the optical clarity is hard to beat. For those who primarily shoot during daylight hours, it’s an excellent choice.
Athlon Ares ETR 4.5-30x56mm
Athlon may not have the name recognition of some other brands, but they’ve been steadily impressing shooters with their feature-packed scopes at very competitive prices. The Ares ETR exemplifies this approach, offering high-end features at a mid-range price point.
Key Features:
- 4.5-30x magnification
- First focal plane APRS MIL reticle
- Locking turrets with zero stop
- HD glass with XPL coatings
- 110 MOA / 32 MIL total elevation adjustment
The Ares ETR’s huge 4.5-30x magnification range provides tons of versatility. At 500 yards, you have more than enough magnification for precise shot placement. The first focal plane APRS MIL reticle offers detailed hold points that remain true at all magnifications.
Optically, the Ares ETR punches well above its price class. The ED glass and advanced coatings deliver a bright, clear image with good low light performance. It may not quite match $2000+ scopes, but it’s impressively close.
The precise click adjustments and zero stop turrets allow for confident dialing at long range. With a whopping 32 MIL of total elevation adjustment, you have room to dial for extreme distances.
At around $850-$950 street price, the Ares ETR offers an incredible value for long range shooters. It has become a popular choice among precision rifle competitors on a budget. While primarily designed for target use, it can certainly work for hunting as well.
Burris XTR III 5.5-30x56mm
Burris has been steadily improving their premium XTR line of riflescopes, and the latest XTR III is their most impressive offering yet. It offers a feature set to rival scopes costing significantly more.
Key Features:
- 5.5-30x magnification
- First focal plane SCR2 MIL reticle
- Tool-less zero click stop adjustment
- High performance HD lenses
- 29 MIL total elevation adjustment
The XTR III’s 5.5-30x magnification range provides plenty of versatility for mid to long range shooting. At 500 yards, you have more than enough magnification for precise shot placement. The first focal plane SCR2 MIL reticle offers a clean design with detailed hold points.
Optically, the XTR III is impressive. The HD glass and advanced coatings deliver a bright, clear image even in challenging light. Edge-to-edge clarity is excellent throughout the magnification range.
What really sets the XTR III apart are the tool-less adjustable turrets. You can easily set your zero stop and make adjustments in the field without needing any special tools. The crisp adjustments track true for confident dialing at distance.
At around $1500-$1700, the XTR III competes with scopes costing considerably more. For the long range shooter looking for premium features without breaking the bank, it’s an excellent option to consider.
Swarovski Z5 5-25x52mm
When it comes to optical quality, few can match the legendary Austrian glass of Swarovski. The Z5 line brings that optical excellence to a more hunting-oriented package perfect for 500 yard shooting.
Key Features:
- 5-25x magnification
- Second focal plane BRX reticle
- Ballistic turret with rotation indicator
- 1/4 MOA click adjustments
- Optimized coating system for low light
The Z5’s 5-25x magnification range hits the sweet spot for versatility at mid to long ranges. Even at 25x, the image remains tack sharp from edge to edge. Swarovski’s advanced coatings provide class-leading light transmission and color fidelity.
The BRX reticle offers a clean design with holdover points calibrated for popular long range hunting cartridges. While I generally prefer first focal plane reticles for long range use, the second focal plane design keeps things simple for those who mainly shoot at max magnification.
Swarovski’s reputation for precision engineering shines through in the crisp and repeatable turret adjustments. The external rotation indicator on the elevation turret makes it easy to keep track of your adjustments in the field.
At around $2000-$2200, the Z5 certainly isn’t cheap. But for those who demand the absolute best optical quality and are willing to pay for it, it doesn’t get much better than Swarovski. The Z5 excels both on the range and in the hunting fields.
Sig Sauer TANGO6 5-30x56mm
Sig Sauer may be best known for their firearms, but they’ve been making waves in the optics world with their TANGO line of riflescopes. The TANGO6 offers premium features at a competitive price point.
Key Features:
- 5-30x magnification
- First focal plane MRAD or MOA reticle options
- LevelPlex digital anti-cant system
- Locking turrets with zero stop
- Sig’s MOTAC illumination system
The TANGO6’s 5-30x magnification range provides plenty of versatility for mid to long range shooting. At 500 yards, you have more than enough magnification for precise shot placement. The first focal plane reticle options offer detailed hold points that remain true at all magnifications.
Optically, the TANGO6 is impressive. The HD glass and advanced coatings deliver a bright, clear image with good low light performance. Sig’s LevelPlex digital anti-cant system helps eliminate rifle cant for improved long range accuracy.
The locking turrets with zero stop allow for confident dialing at long range. Sig’s MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination) system automatically turns the illumination on when it senses motion and off when idle to conserve battery life.
At around $1500-$1700, the TANGO6 offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s become a popular choice among precision rifle shooters looking for premium features without breaking the bank.
Primary Arms PLx 6-30x56mm FFP
Primary Arms has been steadily moving upmarket with their optics offerings, and the PLx line represents their push into the premium scope segment. The PLx 6-30x56mm offers high-end features at a competitive price point.
Key Features:
- 6-30x magnification
- First focal plane ACSS Apollo reticle
- Locking turrets with zero stop
- ED glass with advanced coatings
- 29.1 MIL total elevation adjustment
The PLx’s 6-30x magnification range is perfect for precision long range work. At 500 yards, you have plenty of magnification to make fine shot corrections. The ACSS Apollo reticle provides detailed hold points for elevation and windage.
Optically, the PLx punches above its price class. The ED glass and advanced coatings deliver a bright, clear image with minimal distortion. Low light performance is quite good for the price point.
The precise click adjustments and zero stop turrets allow for confident dialing at extended ranges. With 29.1 MIL of total elevation adjustment, you have plenty of room to dial for extreme distances.
At around $1500, the PLx offers a ton of performance for the price. It’s become a popular choice among precision rifle shooters looking for premium features without breaking the bank. While primarily designed for target use, it can certainly work for hunting as well.
Meopta Optika6 5-30x56mm RD
Meopta may not be a household name, but this Czech optics company has been producing high-quality glass for over 85 years. The Optika6 line brings that optical expertise to a mid-priced offering perfect for 500 yard shooting.
Key Features:
- 5-30x magnification
- First focal plane MRAD reticle
- Tool-less zero reset
- ED glass with MeoLux coatings
- Illuminated center dot
The Optika6’s 5-30x magnification range provides plenty of versatility for mid to long range shooting. At 500 yards, you have more than enough magnification for precise shot placement. The first focal plane MRAD reticle offers detailed hold points that remain true at all magnifications.
Optically, the Optika6 is impressive for its price point. The ED glass and MeoLux coatings deliver a bright, clear image with good low light performance. Edge-to-edge clarity is excellent throughout the magnification range.
The tool-less zero reset makes it easy to re-zero your turrets in the field without any special tools. The illuminated center dot aids in low light shooting situations.
At around $1000-$1200, the Optika6 offers excellent value for money. It competes favorably with scopes costing considerably more. For the long range shooter looking for premium optical quality without breaking the bank, it’s an excellent option to consider.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Riflescope for 500 Yard Shooting
Now that we’ve covered my top picks for 500 yard riflescopes, let’s break down the key factors to consider when choosing the right one for your needs:
Magnification Range:
For 500 yard shooting, you’ll want a scope with a maximum magnification of at least 15x, with 18-20x being ideal. This provides enough power to clearly see and engage targets at that distance. However, don’t neglect the low end of the range – a scope that starts at 3-5x will be much more useful for closer range shooting and hunting scenarios.
Objective Lens Size:
A larger objective lens allows more light transmission, which is crucial for low light performance. For 500 yard shooting, I recommend at least a 50mm objective, with 56mm being even better. Just keep in mind that larger objectives add weight and bulk to your setup.
Reticle Type:
For precision long range work, I strongly prefer first focal plane (FFP) reticles. These allow holdovers and ranging to remain true at all magnifications. However, second focal plane (SFP) reticles can work well if you primarily shoot at max magnification.
Look for reticles with detailed hold points for elevation and windage. MIL-based reticles tend to be more popular for precision shooting, but MOA works well too – it’s largely personal preference.
Turret Adjustments:
For 500 yard shooting, you’ll likely be doing some elevation dialing. Look for scopes with precise click adjustments (preferably 1/10 MIL or 1/4 MOA) and ample adjustment range. Zero stop features make it easy to return to your 100 yard zero.
Optical Quality:
This is where you often get what you pay for. Higher end scopes will offer better edge-to-edge clarity, improved low light performance, and less distortion at high magnifications. For serious long range work, it’s worth investing in the best glass you can afford.
Durability :
A scope is only as good as its ability to hold zero. Look for scopes with solid track records for durability and reliability. Nitrogen or argon purging helps with fog-proofing, while quality O-ring seals provide waterproofing.
Price and Value:
Riflescopes for 500 yard shooting can range from around $500 to well over $3000. While you generally get what you pay for, there are some excellent values to be found in the $1000-$2000 range that offer 90% of the performance of ultra-premium scopes at half the price or less.
My Recommendations
For hunters looking for a do-it-all scope capable of 500 yard performance:
- Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x56mm
- Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x50mm
For dedicated long range target shooters on a budget:
- Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm
- Athlon Ares ETR 4.5-30x56mm
For those wanting the absolute best optical and mechanical quality:
- Nightforce ATACR 4-16x50mm F1
- Swarovski Z5 5-25x52mm
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right riflescope for 500 yard shooting comes down to balancing your needs, preferences, and budget. Any of the scopes on this list will serve you well at that distance and beyond.
Remember, the scope is only one part of the equation – you’ll also need a capable rifle, quality ammunition, and most importantly, practice to consistently hit targets at 500 yards. But with the right glass on your rifle, you’ll be well-equipped to push your shooting skills to new distances.
So get out there, stretch your legs, and see just how far you can push your shooting skills! There’s nothing quite like seeing that steel plate ring or watching the orange cloud of a hit clay pigeon at distances that seemed impossible when you first started shooting.
Happy hunting and shooting!