By Joel Mccartan
Hey there, fellow hunters and AR enthusiasts! Joel here. As an avid outdoorsman, I know the importance of having a quality scope mounted on your rifle, whether you’re heading out for a hunt or doing some tactical shooting. And let’s be real – ammo is pricey these days and budgets can be tight. That’s why I’ve put together my top picks for the best AR scopes under $500 for 2024.
I’ve personally field-tested several of these optics to make sure they provide the performance and durability you need without totally breaking the bank. Choosing an untested scope can definitely be nerve-racking, so I focused on models with glass-etched illuminated reticles, rugged build quality, and a range of magnification options suitable for close quarters to long range shooting. Let’s scope them out!
Our Top 3 Picks:
Best Overall: Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24 SFP
Best Performance: Bushnell Optics Drop Zone 1-4×24
Best Value: Nikon M-Tactical .223 4-16×42
What to Expect From an AR Scope Under $500
While $500 is a very reasonable budget for a quality AR optic these days, you still want to be choosy to get the most bang for your buck. The scopes in this price range should be a clear step up from entry-level options in terms of glass quality, coatings, and overall robustness.
In my experience, the best AR scopes under $500 will provide:
- Bright, clear glass for a crisp sight picture, even in low light
- Fully multi-coated lenses to reduce glare and maximize light transmission
- Durable construction to withstand recoil and the elements
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof performance
- Versatile magnification range for short to medium-long range
- Illuminated, glass-etched reticles for quick target acquisition
With a $500 budget, you may have to compromise a bit on certain higher-end features like first focal plane reticles, extra-low dispersion glass, or a huge magnification range. But the scopes on this list nail the fundamentals and provide excellent all-around performance for most AR shooting applications.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an AR Scope
Before we dive into the list, here are the key things I look at when selecting a scope for my AR-15 or AR-10 rifles:
Magnification – Consider your shooting distances and choose a power range to match, whether that’s 1-4x for close quarters, 3-9x for hunting, or 4-16x or more for longer ranges.
Objective lens size – Larger objective lenses gather more light but also add weight/bulk. 40-50mm is a good middle ground for AR scopes.
Glass quality and coatings – Look for bright, clear glass with fully multi-coated lenses. Extra-low dispersion glass is a nice bonus if you can find it in this price range.
Reticle – There are tons of reticle options these days, from simple duplex to BDC to mil-dot. Choose one that matches your needs but isn’t overly cluttered. Illumination is very helpful for low light and quick aiming.
Eye relief – 3.5″+ is ideal for an AR to avoid scope bite. More is always better.
Focal plane – First focal plane (FFP) keeps subtensions consistent but second focal plane (SFP) works well for low-mid power scopes too. FFP is rare under $500.
Durability – Your scope needs to be able to handle your AR’s recoil and keep its zero through bumps and drops. Look for quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum.
Adjustment system – Exposed, resettable, tactical-style turrets are popular on AR scopes. Make sure the clicks are precise and repeatable.
Warranty – Stuff happens. Look for a manufacturer with a strong warranty program that will make things right if your scope has any issues.
With those factors in mind, let’s count down my top 8 recommendations for AR scopes under $500!
The 8 Best AR Scopes Under $500 in 2024
Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 SFP – Best Overall
Specs:
- 1-8x zoom range
- 24mm objective lens
- 11 illumination settings
- AR-BDC3 SFP reticle
- 3.5″ eye relief
Overview:
The Vortex Strike Eagle takes my top pick for the best all-around AR scope under $500. This 1-8x LPVO gives you true 1x performance for close-in shooting with both eyes open while also zooming out to 8x for accurate hits at medium-long range. The glass quality is excellent for the price point.
The AR-BDC3 SFP reticle features holdovers for 5.56 NATO out to 650 yards. While I prefer a FFP reticle, the Strike Eagle’s thick stadia and illumination make it fast to use at any magnification. Eye relief is a generous 3.5″ and the throwlever makes it quick to zoom between close and far targets.
Priced under $500, the Strike Eagle is an excellent tactical scope for competitors, hunters, and recreational shooters alike. If you want one scope that can do it all on your AR, this is it.
Pros:
- Excellent 1x performance
- Daylight-bright illumination
- Included throwlever
- Vortex VIP warranty
Cons:
- SFP reticle
- No locking turrets
Bushnell AR Optics 1-4×24 BTR-1 – Best for CQB
Specs:
- 1-4x zoom range
- 24mm objective lens
- BTR-1 BDC reticle
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Locking turrets
Overview:
Need an optic that’s built for speed at close range on your AR? The Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x is an excellent choice and rings up for well under $500. This compact scope features a BTR-1 BDC reticle that’s purpose-built for the AR-15 platform.
With 1-4x magnification, the Bushnell is at home maneuvering through close quarters and rapidly engaging targets out to a few hundred yards. The reticle features a thick ring around the crosshair for fast centering and illuminated holdover dots to compensate for bullet drop.
The scope’s lenses are fully multi-coated for maximum light transmission in low light situations. Exposed locking turrets allow you to make precise adjustments and return to zero after dialing for a long shot. And with a 30mm tube made from durable aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope can handle anything your AR dishes out.
Add it all up, and the Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x is a ton of scope for the money, especially if your AR shooting leans more towards the close-mid range tactical variety. Take it to a carbine class, 2-gun match, or out for some weekend plinking and you’ll see what I mean!
Pros:
- Simple, fast CQB reticle
- Compact size
- Locking turrets
- Affordable
Cons:
- Eye relief could be better
- No parallax adjustment
Nikon M-Tactical .223 4-16×42 BDC600 – Best Long Range
Specs:
- 4-16x zoom range
- 42mm objective lens
- BDC 600 reticle
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Adjustable parallax knob
Overview:
Looking to really reach out and touch something with your AR? The Nikon M-Tactical 4-16x gives you the magnification and glass quality to make surgical shots at extended ranges without completely blowing your optics budget.
This scope was purpose-built for the .223/5.56 round and features Nikon’s BDC 600 reticle, which provides holdover points all the way out to 600 yards. And I really appreciate that it’s a SFP design, which keeps the reticle thin and precise at high magnification. Side parallax adjustment allows you to eliminate aiming errors and dial in your focus.
The M-Tactical’s fully multi-coated lenses give you maximum brightness and color fidelity. With a 42mm objective lens, it doesn’t feel overly bulky on an AR but still provides plenty of light gathering power for a bright, crisp image. Typical of Nikon, the glass quality is excellent and really stood out during my testing.
Accurate, repeatable, and precise, the Nikon M-Tactical is a solid choice for AR shooters who prioritize performance at longer ranges but don’t want to spend a ton to get it. If you’re looking to send tight groups downrange from your AR, give this scope a serious look.
Pros:
- Great glass clarity
- Precise BDC reticle
- Parallax adjustment
- Excellent eye relief
Cons:
- Non-illuminated
- Capped turrets
Athlon Argos BTR 6-24×50 FFP – Best for PRS/NRL22
Specs:
- 6-24x zoom range
- 50mm objective lens
- ATMR MIL reticle
- First focal plane
- Fully multi-coated optics
Overview:
Precision rimfire matches like NRL22 are a blast, but you need a capable scope to be competitive. The Athlon Argos BTR 6-24×50 fits the bill perfectly for shooters looking to dip their toes into the precision world.
One of the few first-focal-plane (FFP) options under $500, the Argos BTR’s ATMR MIL reticle gives you tons of hold points and stays true at any magnification. The 6-24x power range is ideal for hitting tiny targets at long distances. And the big 50mm objective lens provides ample light transmission for a crisp sight picture.
The Argos BTR also ticks the other boxes I look for in a precision scope – exposed turrets with crisp clicks, parallax adjustment, and a fast focus eyepiece. The lenses are all fully multi-coated to cut down glare and make colors pop. And I found its tracking to be spot-on, a must for dialing corrections.
If you’re wanting to stretch your rifle’s legs and hit some long-range steel, the Athlon Argos BTR is a rock-solid choice that leaves enough cash in your pocket for a few cases of match ammo too.
Pros:
- First focal plane reticle
- Excellent tracking
- 34mm tube
- Great value
Cons:
- Heavier than low power scopes
- Busy reticle not ideal for hunting
Burris RT-6 1-6×24 Ballistic AR – Most Versatile
Specs:
- 1-6x zoom range
- 24mm objective lens
- Ballistic AR reticle
- Illuminated SFP reticle
- 32mm tube
Overview:
The Burris RT-6 1-6x is one of the most versatile AR scopes on the market, and an absolute steal for the price. If I could only have one low-power variable optic for my AR, this would probably be it.
With true 1x performance on the low end and 6x magnification on the high end, the RT-6 is equally at home on a home defense carbine as a ranch rifle. The glass is incredibly clear for the price, and the illuminated Ballistic AR reticle makes it fast and easy to engage close-in targets or hit the 500-yard gong.
The RT-6 is built like a tank, with a 32mm tube and high-quality internals. It tracks true and returns to zero like a champ. At just over 17 ounces, it won’t weigh your rifle down but has enough heft to feel sturdy. The eye relief is also very forgiving for a LPVO, making it comfortable behind a wide range of ARs.
Throw in the peace of mind of Burris’s Forever Warranty, and it’s hard to find anything to complain about with the RT-6. This is one scope that can truly do it all on your AR, from home defense to hunting to competition use. Mount one on your rifle and you’ll see why I recommend it so highly.
Pros:
- Excellent 1x performance
- Daylight visible illumination
- Durable build
- Outstanding value
Cons:
- Basic BDC reticle
- Slight edge distortion at 1x
Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 ACSS – Best Under $300
Specs:
- 1-6x zoom range
- 24mm objective lens
- ACSS reticle
- Illuminated SFP reticle
- 30mm tube
Overview:
Primary Arms consistently puts out some of the best budget-friendly optics on the market, and their SLx 1-6x scope is no exception. If you want a ton of performance without breaking the $300 mark, this is the scope for you.
The SLx’s ACSS reticle is one of my favorite designs for the AR, combining bullet drop compensation, wind holds, moving target leads, and range estimation into one easy to use package. And it’s even illuminated for low light shooting. With practice, you can use the ACSS to engage targets out to 500+ yards quickly and accurately.
Besides the reticle, the SLx 1-6x scope just does everything well. It’s built on a stout 30mm tube and has a 24mm objective lens that provides a wide field of view. The image is clear and bright from edge-to-edge. The eye relief is very forgiving. And the capped, low-profile turrets stay out of the way but offer precise adjustments.
Are there any compromises with a sub-$300 scope? Sure, a few. The illumination could be brighter. There’s no throw lever included. The glass isn’t quite as crisp as higher-end Japanese options. But those are nitpicks, and the overall performance is excellent for the price.
It all adds up to a winner of an optic that can handle 95% of your AR shooting needs, at a price that leaves plenty of room in the budget for magazines and ammo. The Primary Arms SLx 1-6x is a solid choice and a heck of a scope for the money.
Pros:
- Excellent ACSS reticle
- Daylight visible illumination
- Light and compact
- Unbeatable value
Cons:
- No throw lever
- Illumination could be brighter
Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 FFP – Best for DMR
Specs:
- 4-16x zoom range
- 44mm objective lens
- EBR-2C MOA reticle
- First focal plane
- Tactical turrets
Overview:
Building a dedicated marksman rifle (DMR) is a fun project, but you need a scope with enough precision and reach to take full advantage of your rifle. And if you want to stay under the $500 mark, the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 is an outstanding choice.
One of the best values in precision shooting, this first-focal-plane scope gives you tons of premium features for a very reasonable price. Things like tactical turrets, a beefy 30mm tube, a parallax adjustment knob, and fully multi-coated lenses. But the real star is Vortex’s excellent EBR-2C reticle, which has a clean, functional design and tons of hold points for elevation and wind.
The Diamondback Tactical’s optical quality is excellent, with nice contrast and minimal chromatic aberration. Edge-to-edge sharpness is good, especially for the price point. The turrets have crisp, audible clicks and track perfectly. Basically, it gives you everything you need for precise shot placement at longer ranges.
Admittedly, with a 44mm objective, it’s not the brightest scope out there in low light. And 4-16x isn’t enough magnification for extreme long-range shooting. But if you’re looking to build a DMR-style AR for practical precision shooting without spending a ton, the Diamondback Tactical is a perfect choice.
Pros:
- Precise FFP reticle design
- Tactical turrets
- Parallax adjustment
- Excellent value
Cons:
- 44mm objective limits low-light performance
- Not enough magnification for extreme long range
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Duplex – Best for Hunting
Specs:
- 3-9x zoom range
- 40mm objective lens
- Duplex reticle
- 1″ main tube
- 5.1″ eye relief
Overview:
As much as we all love fancy reticles and tactical turrets, sometimes simple is better. Especially for hunting, where quick target acquisition and a bright, uncluttered sight picture are key. And that’s where the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 riflescope really shines.
This classic 3-9x hunting scope has been a staple of deer camps across the country for years, and for good reason. It just plain works. The glass is bright and clear, with excellent color fidelity and low-light performance. The tried-and-true duplex reticle is quick to acquire and doesn’t distract from the target. And the 1″ maintube is compatible with a huge range of rings and mounts.
But don’t let the VX-Freedom’s simplicity fool you – this scope is packed with features that hunters care about. Like Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System, which optimizes the scope’s light transmission for peak brightness and clarity during those critical first and last minutes of daylight. Or the second-generation waterproofing and best-in-class durability that let your focus on the stalk, not your equipment.
At this price point, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better pure hunting scope than the VX-Freedom 3-9×40. There are other scopes in this roundup that make better tactical or long-range choices, but none combine the clarity, low-light performance, and elegant simplicity of the Leupold. It’s a favorite for a reason, and it’s still one of the best choices for topping your hunting AR.
Pros:
- Excellent glass clarity
- Wide duplex reticle
- Lightweight and simple
- Unbeatable low-light performance
Cons:
- No “tactical” features
- Capped turrets
Wrapping Up
There you have it, folks – my top recommendations for the best AR scopes under $500 this year. I’ve used and abused all of these optics in the field, and I feel completely confident recommending them to anyone looking for a great balance of performance, durability, and value.
The market is packed with options these days, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a scope that will serve you well on your AR, whether you’re punching holes in paper, ringing steel, or hunting game. All of these scopes deliver where it counts, with bright glass, smart reticle designs, and tough construction that will stand up to hard use.
My overall top pick, the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x, is probably the most versatile and well-rounded AR scope under $500 right now. If you want one optic that can truly do it all, from home defense to competition to hunting, this is it. You get real 1x performance for shooting with both eyes open up close, enough magnification for precise hits out to 600+ yards, and a ton of durability for the money. The generous eye relief, daylight-bright reticle, and lightweight design are all icing on the cake. It’s just a heck of a scope.
That said, there are great options here for every kind of AR shooting. Looking for the ultimate CQB scope? The Bushnell BTR-1 gets it done for a song. Need precise holdovers for long-range target shooting? The Athlon Argos BTR or the Nikon M-Tactical will serve you well. And the Leupold VX-Freedom is still my go-to recommendation for a simple, rugged hunting scope.
So whether you’re on a budget or just looking for the best bang for your buck, you can’t go wrong with any of these top-notch AR riflescopes under $500. Pair one with a quality mount, spend some time at the range practicing, and you’ll have an AR setup that can handle everything from home defense to elk hunting and everything in between.
I hope this guide was helpful in narrowing down your options. If there’s anything I missed or if you have any other questions, just drop me a line. I’m always happy to talk shop when it comes to AR optics. In the meantime, keep your powder dry and your glass clear. I’ll see you out there!