Are you planning to upgrade your AR-15 rifle with the new scope? You can use the best AR scope under $500 to make your rifle more precise and powerful. The Ar-15 rifles are already reliable for you, but a sighting tool with the rifle offers great performance in hunting or tactical shooting.
A good scope is easily adjustable for both old and young eyes. If you are using the best scope, the imperfect eyes can also get a clear image of the target. The best scope with the standard objective lens and night vision feature is a bit tricky to find without a clear idea of the things to look for.
We are collecting the top AR scope with a lot of comparison in the market. Our guide also helps you to pick the best one.
Our Top 3 Recommendations
What are Expecting from AR Scope Under $500
A hunting scope can offer the best performance, and the feature of the scope provides the best experience to the combat personnel, hunter, and sports enthusiasts. Whether you choose the first or second focal plane for your scope, it should be made of high-quality material and compact design. This feature allows you to use your scope for a long time in different shooting conditions with a harsh environment.
You can also look for the scope that provides great light transmission; due to this feature, you can easily use this scope for hunting and tactical operation in low light conditions. If you are a hunter, this feature helps to provide a clear image of the target even if you are hunting in the dawn, dusk, and low light conditions.
You can also expect the durable construction with the great light transmission; it helps to last for years without any problems. The solid and compact design scope is easy to use with excellent performance.
Moreover, the AR scope can also provide fog proof, waterproof, and shockproof features. The shockproof performance of the scope helps to work well with the high-powered AR-15 rifles. The fog proof and waterproof lens of the scope ensures the great performance. Due to this feature, this scope can be performed well in foggy and rainy situations without any issue.
The element of the AR scope offers more than that, just a sighting tool. It can provide a clear image of the target and helps to work well in all weather conditions.
8 Best AR Scopes Under $500 in 2021
8 Best AR Scopes Under $500 in 2021 – Reviewed
1. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle SFP 1-6X24mm Riflescope
The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Riflescope is one of the best quality scopes for AR rifles. Due to the features of this scope, you can get the best experience in hunting and tactical shooting.
The magnification range of this scope is 1X to 6X; by using this magnification range, you can easily focus on the medium-range and long-range target. The magnification ring of this scope helps to adjust the magnification range of the scope. Using this magnification range, you can get the quick target acquisition up to 600 yards.
Vortex Optics

Strike Eagle SFP 1-6X24mm Riflescope
- 1-6x magnification
- 24mm Objective lens
- 116.5-19.2 ft field of view @ 100 yards
- 3.5-inches eye relief
- Anti-reflective lens
The field of view of this scope is 116.5 ft at 100 yards in 1X magnification and 19.2 ft at 100 yards in the 6X magnification range. The BDC3 reticle is designed in this AR-15 riflescope; it helps to shoot the target accurately from 20 yards to 650 yards. This illuminated reticle has 11 brightness settings so that you can get a clear view of the target in the dawn, dusk, and low light conditions.
Using the side illumination control, you can adjust the brightness of the reticle. The eyepiece of the scope has the fast focal dial that allows the reticle to focus on the target quickly. The eye relief distance of this scope is 3.5-inches; due to this distance, you can easily focus on the target from a safe distance.
The diameter of the objective lens of this scope is 24 mm that helps to transmit the maximum amount of light from the environment. The multi-coated anti-reflective lens of this scope helps to reduce glare so that you can get the crisp and clear image of the target.
The windage and elevation of this scope can be adjustable so that you can adjust 1/2 MOA per click. This 1-piece design scope is constructed with the aircraft-grade aluminum material; it ensures the durable construction of the scope so that you can use it for a long time.
Moreover, it ensures the shockproof feature, so you can use this scope with a high-powered rifle. The 30 mm tube of this scope has nitrogen purged; it ensures the waterproof and fog proof feature; due to this feature, you can get a clear view of the target in all weather conditions. The total dimension of this scope is 10.5×1.8×1.8 inches, and the weight is 1.7 pounds.
Read Also: Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 SFP Riflescope Review
Pros
- BDC Reticle
- Versatile scope
- Fully Multi-coated lens
- Best for close-range to long-range target
Cons
- Does not have a parallax adjustment
2. Bushnell Optics, Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope
The Bushnell rifle scope is one of the best AR scopes under $500. Due to the drop zone reticle and multiple magnification of this scope, it shows the best performance in tactical situations. This is one of the best low price scopes for AR-15.
Using this 1X to 4X magnification range of this scope, you can easily shoot close-range and medium-range targets. By using this scope, you can shoot the target from 100 yards to 500 yards.
Bushnell Optics

Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope
- 1-4x magnification
- 24 mm Objective lens
- 3.5 inches eye relief
- 90-23 ft field of view @ 100 yards
- 5.2-13.1 mm exit pupil
The field of view of this scope is 90 ft at 100 yards in 1X magnification and 23 ft at 100 yards in 4X magnification so that you can get a wide view of your surroundings.
The drop zone reticle is designed in this scope; this reticle type is best for both hunting and tactical shooting. The reticles are located on the second focal plane of the scope so that you can get a clear view of the target in maximum magnification range also. Using this scope, you can shoot the medium-range target accurately.
The eye relief distance of this scope is 3.5 inches; it helps to protect your eyes from injuries. The length of the exit pupil of the scope is 5.2-13.1 mm. The diameter of the objective lens of this scope is 24 mm. It helps to absorb maximum light from the surroundings so that you can clearly view the target in low light conditions.
The fully multi-coated lens of this scope helps to reduce the glare and provide the crisp and clear image of the target. The fast-focus eyepiece helps to the quick target acquisition. The elevation and windage of the scope can be adjustable; by using the turret, you can adjust 1/2 MOA per click. The material used to construct this scope has IPX-7 certification; it ensures that the scope has a waterproof and fog proof feature so that you can use this scope in all weather conditions.
This matte finish provides the scratch-proof to this scope. The compact and rugged design ensures the durability of the scope. The length of the main tube of this scope is 30 mm, and the total dimension of this scope is 13.5×3.9×3.1 inches. The weight of this scope is 1.06 pounds.
Pros
- Best for close quarters
- Quick focus eyepiece
- 30 mm tube diameter
- Shockproof and fog-proof performance
Cons
- Hard to use for beginners.
3. Nikon M-Tactical .223 BDC600 Riflescope
The Nikon M-Tactical scope is one of the best AR scopes from Nikon for its repeatability and reliability. This Nikon M-Tactical scope for AR-10 is another consideration for the tactical shooters and hunters.
This Nikon M-Tactical is the best .223 scope that is specially designed for the .223 Remington and NATO round. The magnification range of this scope is 4X to 16X; due to this magnification range, you can easily focus on the long-range target. The field of view of this scope is 27.8 ft at 100 yards in 4X magnification and 6.8 ft at 100 yards in the 16X magnification range.
Nikon M-Tactical

.223 BDC600 Riflescope
- 4-16x magnification
- 42 mm Objective lens
- 27.8-6.8 ft field of view @ 100 yards
- 3.9-3.6 inches eye relief
- 2.6-10.5 mm exit pupil
The BDC 600 Reticle is designed in the scope; this reticle offers the unique open circle aiming points for the exact shot in the harsh environment; By using this reticle, you can easily focus on the target from 100 to 600 yards in all weather conditions. This reticle is placed on the second focal plane of the scope so that the size of the reticle will change based on the magnification range.
The length of the exit pupil of this scope is 2.6-10.5 mm. The eye relief distance of this scope is 3.9-3.6 inches; due to this eye relief distance, you can avoid eye injuries in the tactical situations.
The diameter of the objective lens of this scope is 42 mm; this large lens will help to absorb the maximum amount of light from the environment, it helps to get a clear view of the target in the dawn, dusk, and low light environment.
The fully multi-coated lens of this scope helps to provide the bright and high contrast image of the target. The quick focus eyepiece of the scope helps to the maximum functionality and versatility. A turret is designed for the side-focus parallax adjustment of the scope; by using the turret, you can adjust without altering your position.
This Nikon M-Tactical Scope is designed by the Aircraft-grade Aluminum Alloy material; it ensures the durable construction of the scope. The design of this scope is finished with Ultra-Matte Anodized. The material used to design this scope provides waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof features so that you can use this scope in all weather conditions.
The zoom ring and turret of this scope are ergonomically designed for comfortable use. The 30 mm main tube provides extra reliability and durability of the scope. The elevation and windage of the scope can be adjustable, the adjustable type of this scope is MOA. By using the turret, you can adjust up to 55 MOA, and also you can adjust 1/4 MOA per click.
Pros
- BDC 600 Reticle
- Ergonomic Design
- The quick focus eyepiece
- Decent Eye relief distance
Cons
- Occasionally Blurry images
4. Athlon Optics 6-24X50 mm FFP Riflescope
The Athlon Optics Riflescope is one of the coolest choices for the hunters, tactical shooters, and sporting enthusiasts. It is one of the best options for yearly use due to the repeatable performance and consistency of the scope.
The magnification range of this scope is from 6x to 24X; by using this magnification range, you can easily shoot the long-range target. The length of the exit pupil of this scope is 2.1-8.2 mm so that you can quickly focus on the target. The eye relief distance of this scope is 3.3 inches; it helps to protect your eyes from injuries.
Athlon Optics

6-24X50 mm FFP Riflescope
- 4-24x magnification
- 50 mm Objective lens
- 16.7-4.5 ft field of view @ 100 yards
- 3.3 inches eye relief
- 2.1-8.2 mm exit pupil
The field of view of this scope is 16.7 ft at 100 yards in 4x magnification and 4.5 ft at 100 yards in 24X magnification range; due to this view angle, you can get a wide view of your environment, it provides better awareness in the tactical situations.
The APMR FFP IR MIL reticle is designed for this scope; it is an illuminated type reticle that can easily focus on the target in a dark environment. The reticle is placed on the first focal plane of the scope. Due to the complex design reticle, it etches on the glass of the scope that provides the great backing support for the durability. The illumination color of the reticle is red.
By using the turret, you can adjust the reticle’s elevation and windage; the adjustment type is Mil Rad. The total adjustment rage of the reticle is 15 Mil Rad; by using the turret, you can adjust 0.1 Mil Rad per click.
The dimension of the objective lens of this scope is 50 mm; due to this lens, you can get a clear view of the target in a low light environment. The wide Band fully Multi-coated lens with the Xtra protective coating provides better light to get the crisp and clear image of the target.
The 6061-T6 Aluminum material is used to design this scope; the material used to design this scope has IPX-7 certification; it ensures the waterproof feature of this scope. The diameter of the main tube of this scope is 30 mm, due to this one-piece design, you can quickly fix it on a rifle.
This scope has Argon purged into the tube; it helps to purge any moisture out from the tube and provide better thermal stability. The robust mechanical system ensures the shockproof feature of the scope. The total dimension of this scope is 17x5x4 inches, and the weight is 15.8 ounces.
Pros
- Robust optics
- Versatile function
- XPL coating lens
- Easy to mount and adjust
Cons
- Bit pricey
5. Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14X42mm Riflescope
The Burris 4.5-14X scope from Burris Optics is one of the best choices for a person looking for a long-lasting sighting tool. It is a solid choice for the AR-10 rifle. The 4.5X to 14X magnification range of this scope helps to shoot the medium-range and long-range targets accurately.
The Ballistic Plex reticle is designed with this riflescope; it is an effective, simple, and elegant reticle. By using this reticle, you can get the best hunting experience in all weather conditions. It is a non-illuminated type reticle, it does not help to view the target in a dark environment. The Ballistic Plex reticle helps to shoot the target easily from 100 to 500 yards.
Burris Fullfield II

4.5-14X42mm Riflescope
- 4.5-14x magnification
- 42 mm Objective lens
- 23-9 ft field of view @ 100 yards
- 3.1-3.8 inches eye relief
- 3-9 mm exit pupil
The field of view of this scope is 9 ft at 100 yards in 14X magnification and 23 ft at 100 yards in 4.5X magnification; it ensures a wide view of the environment. The eye relief distance of this scope is 3.1-3.8 inches so that you can get a clear image of the target from a safe distance.
The length of the exit pupil of this scope is 3-9 mm; it helps to focus on the target quickly. The parallax adjustment also helps to improve the accuracy of the long-distance target. The objective lens diameter of the scope is 42 mm; this large size objective lens helps to allow the maximum light transmission into the scope so that you can get a clear view of the target in a low light environment.
The Hi-Lume Multi-coated lens has an anti-reflective feature that reduces the glare and helps to view the target clearly in all light conditions. This scope is designed by the aluminum material; it ensures the shockproof feature of the scope.
The main tube diameter of this scope is 1-inch so that you can easily mount this scope with any rifle. The nitrogen gas is filled in the scope’s tube; it helps to remove the moisture into the scope and provides fog proof and waterproof features. Due to these features, you can use this scope in heavy rainfall and snow.
The design of this scope has a matte finish; it ensures the scratch-proof feature. The elevation and windage of this scope can be adjustable; by using the turret, you can adjust 0.25 MOA per click. The total dimension of this scope is 14×3.5×3.4 inches, and the weight is 1.12 pounds.
Pros
- Precision at long range
- Simple and compact design
- Waterproof and Shockproof
- Easily matched with any caliber
Cons
- Heavyweight
6. Leupold VX-R Patrol Riflescope
The Leupold is one of the leading brands for the riflescopes. The Leupold VX-R Patrol Scope is one of the best choices for the AR-10 rifles. Usually, there are 7 types of reticles designed in the VX-R model scope; there are FireDot Duplex, FireDot Wind-Plex, Ballistic FireDot, FireDot SPR, FireDot Pig Plex, FireDot 4, and FireDot TMR.
For this 113771 model VX-R riflescope, the FireDot TMR reticle is designed; it is an illuminated type reticle so that you can clearly focus on the target in a dark environment. The 8 brightness setting of the reticle helps the fast target acquisition even in the harsh daylight.
Leupold VX-R

Patrol Riflescope
- 3-9x magnification
- 40 mm objective lens
- 3.66-4.17 inches eye relief
- 33.7-13.6 ft field of view at 100 yards
- FireDot TMR reticle
The magnification range of this scope is from 3x to 9x so that you can clearly view the long-range target. Due to the wide field of view, you can get a better awareness of your environment. The field of view of this scope is 33.7-13.6 ft at 100 yards.
The 40 mm objective lens helps to allow the maximum light transmission to the scope. It ensures a clear view of the target in all light conditions. The Twilight Light Management System of this scope helps to maintain the clarity and brightness of the image by balancing light transmission. This feature will help reduce the glare and ensure the resolution and contrast of the target’s crisp and clear image in all light conditions.
The eye relief distance of the scope is far enough to protect your eye from the injuries in the tactical situations; the eye relief distance is 3.66-4.17 inches. The elevation and windage of the reticle can adjust both MOA and Mil range. The elevation and windage adjustment range of the scope is 65 in MOA and 18.9 in Mil.
The motion sensor technology is helping to extend the lifetime of the battery. Due to this technology, the power of the reticle is automatically off after the scope is not used for 5 minutes.
This scope is designed by the 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum material; it ensures the durable performance under harsh recoil. Due to the material used in this scope, it has a shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof feature. The dimension of the main tube of the scope is 30 mm, and the total dimension of this scope is 14x3x2.8 inches. The weight of this scope is 15.4 ounces.
Pros
- Illuminated Reticle
- Shockproof feature
- Simple and durable design
- Twilight Light Management System
Cons
- The reticle is a little thinner.
7. Bushnell Engage Riflescope
The Bushnell Engage Riflescope is an affordable choice under a medium-range budget. Due to the durable design of this scope, you can use it for a long time. The magnification range of this scope is 4-16x; this magnification range is far enough to focus on the medium-range and long-range target.
This scope has a wide field of view angle; due to this feature, you can view the target clearly up to 28-7 ft at 100 yards. The Deploy MOA reticle is used in this scope; it ensures that you can easily focus on the target in all weather and environmental conditions.
Bushnell

Engage Riflescope
- 4-16x magnification
- 44mm objective lens
- Deploy MOA Reticle
- Fully multi-coated lens
- 3.6 inches eye relief
It is a non-illuminated reticle so that it is a bit difficult to use in the dark environment. The elevation and windage of the reticle are adjustable; you can adjust 0.25 MOA per click. The maximum adjustment range of the scope is 50 MOA.
The reticles are located on the second focal plane of the scope, in which you can easily focus on the close-range and medium-range targets. The 44 mm objective lens of this scope allows the maximum light transmission; it ensures that you can easily focus on the target in low light conditions.
The eye relief distance of this scope is 3.6 inches. The length of the exit pupil of the scope is 2.75-11 mm; it ensures the quick target acquisition. The fully multi-coated lens helps to reduce the glare, so it does not have any chance of missing the shot on the target in the case of bright light conditions.
The premier protective coating of the lens is protected from the oil, water, fog, debris, and dust. By using the side-mounted dial, you can easily adjust the parallax of the scope so that you can quickly focus on the target. There are no other tools required for the zero-reset locking turret.
The material used to design this scope has IPX-7 certification; it ensures the fog-proof and waterproof feature of the scope so that you can use it on rainy days and snow. The black matte finish provides the scratch-proof feature to the scope. The total dimension of this scope is 1.9×4.6×3.7 inches, and the weight is 1.26 pounds.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Premier protective lens
- Waterproof construction
- Easy Parallax adjustment
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
8. Athlon Optics Talos 6-24×50 SFP Riflescopes
The Athlon Optics Talos Scope is an excellent compact scope for medium-range shooters. This scope provides good reliability in the 100-200 yard range target due to the durable construction and amazing features.
The ATMR1 SFP IR MIL reticle is designed in this scope; it is an illuminated type reticle so that you can easily shoot the target in low light conditions. The reticle is placed on the second focal plane of the scope; it ensures that you can easily focus on the mid-range target. The reticle is etched on the glass of the scope that provides great backing support to the complex reticle design.
Bushnell

Engage Riflescope
- 6-24x magnification
- 50mm objective lens
- Fully multi-coated lens
- 16.8-4.5 ft field of view at 100 yds
- 3.03-3.11 inches
- CR2032 Batteries
The windage and elevation of this reticle are adjustable; you can adjust 0.1 Mil per click. By using the turret, you can adjust 5 Mil per rotation, and the total adjustment range of this scope is 18 Mil. The magnification range of this scope is 6-24x, with which you can zoom the medium and long-range target for the clear view.
The field of view of this scope is 16.8-4.5 ft; due to this angle, you can get better awareness in tactical situations. The large objective lens of this scope helps to view the target in the low light condition because this 50 mm lens allows the maximum light transmission for a better view.
The fully multi-coated lens of this scope helps to reduce the light reflection and increase the light transmission so that you can get a brighter image of the target. Moreover, the multi-coated lens of the scope helps to view the target’s image with true color brightness.
The eye relief distance of this scope is 3-inches; it ensures that your eyes can protect from the injuries in tactical situations. The aircraft-grade aluminum material is used to design the tube of the scope. This scope has a 1-piece design; the total dimension of the scope’s tube is 1-inch.
This compact design helps to handle this scope easily. The nitrogen is filled in the tube of this scope; it helps to remove the moisture in the scope and provide the waterproof and fog-proof feature. One lithium metal battery is used to power up this scope.
Pros
- Mil Reticle
- Multi-coated lens
- True Color brightness
- Heat-treated one-piece tube
Cons
- Images in high magnification range are blurry
Who Are AR Optics Under $500 Best Suited For?
The scope with the high-quality multi-coated lens is for the person who wants to get more than their investment. Anyway, purchasing a scope is an investment. In this case, the people should have to choose the high-quality scope by taking advantage of the features of the scope like mil-dot reticle or ability to perform well in the low light conditions. It helps to get better performance, especially when they hunt in the low ambient light.
Moreover, the AR scope under $500 is best for the military, combat personnel, tactical shooters, hunters, and sporting enthusiasts that help to get the best hunting and shooting experience. The premium quality material of the scope ensures the years of use of the scope.
This AR scope is for the person who wants to take advantage of the optics that work no matter of tactical shooting and hunting environment. The scope constructed with the aircraft-grade aluminum alloy material offers the shockproof performance so that it can work with a high-powered rifle without any problem, and also it ensures ruggedness for all situations.
This AR scope is best for the person who is looking for a high-quality and durable sighting tool. It is best for the person who is looking for long-lasting use for all environmental conditions.
Factors to consider the Best AR Scope Under $500
The unique and special quality of the AR scope under $500 is making an ideal choice for the tactical shooters and hunters, also for the person who wants a scope with constant performance and reliability. But, it may be hard to find for the hunting rifle between the thousands of scopes in the market. There are some features of the scope you have to consider before the purchase.
Magnification
Magnification is one of the biggest factors to consider. You can easily choose the scope with variable magnification and the aperture platform under $500. There are several options available in the magnification, you have to choose the magnification range based on your application.
If you are looking for a close-range scope, the magnification range of 1x-4x is far enough for you. Most of the people use this magnification range for hunting small game and target shooting. The magnification range between 5X to 9X is best for the medium-range target.
Most of the people prefer this hunting range to protect the homeland from hogs, foxes, coyotes, and other animals. The magnification range is more than 9X is best for the long-range shooting. The AR-15 rifle is not designed for this range shooting, but this magnification range helps to focus on the long-range target.
Some emerald coated lens specially designed for the magnification of light; it helps to view the target clearly in the low light conditions, and also, the higher magnification makes a clear field of view.
Objective lens
When it comes to the compact scope, the objective lens is the most important feature, like eye relief. Before purchasing a scope, you have to consider the size of the objective lens; the large objective lens helps collect a large amount of light from the environment. It ensures that you can get a crisp and clear view of the target even in the low light conditions. The objective lens helps to hit or miss the target.
Glass Coating
The AR scope under $500 is mostly designed with a multi-coated lens. The star-rated scopes under this price have the protective coated lens that helps to protect from oil, scratches, rain, dirt, smudges, etc. The additional coating technology ensures the ultimate light transmission that helps to focus on the target in the dusk, dawn, and low light environment. The anti-reflective coating of the scope helps to reduce the glare. This feature helps to get a clear image of the target in all environmental and weather conditions, so you have to consider the lens coating before purchasing a scope.
Eye Relief
The recoil of the gun is a common phenomenon of aiming and shooting with the high-powered rifle. It may cause the injuries around your eyes and eyebrows. In this case, you have to keep the distance between the scope and your eyes. Most of the AR-15 Scopes are designed with the 4-inch eye relief distance, which helps to focus on the target with a safe distance.
Reticles
There are different types of reticles designed in the AR scope. You have to choose the reticle type based on your application. The AR-15 is a semi-automatic rifle; you have to choose a reticle with adjustable color and adjustable brightness for this rifle, which helps to focus on the target in any light conditions. Usually, the color of the reticles is green, red, or black. Some scope is designed with the in-built rangefinder that helps to calculate the distance of the target. Among the different types of reticle, there are 4 reticle types most famous for using.
Duplex reticle: Duplex reticle is a common and widely used reticle type. Due to the simple cross design of the reticle it helps to the simple target acquisition. There are some other types of duplex reticle also available for the long-distance target. The functionality of the reticle is the same as the basic duplex reticle, but the extra ring of the reticle helps to focus on the target from different distances.
BDC Reticle: The function of the BDC reticle is approximately the same as the long-range duplex reticle with the distance ring. Using the long-range duplex reticle, you can focus on the target from 25 to 100 yards. But using the BDC reticle, you can easily focus on the target from 25 to 600 yards. This BDC reticle is used for the versatile function. This reticle type is mostly used for tactical shooting law enforcement.

Mil-Dot Reticle: The functionality of the mil-dot reticle is the same as the duplex reticle. The featured ring of this reticle covers the vertical distance of the scope; this feature helps to focus on the target in different distances. Using this mil-dot reticle, you can easily shoot the moving target.
Illuminated reticle: This illuminated type reticle is perfect for the low light condition. This reticle helps to focus on the target in dawn and dusk in the dense forest, so this type of reticle is highly recommended for hunting.
Minute of Angle (MOA)
The Minutes Of Angle is the mathematical equation used to calculate the true distance between the scope and target. The MOA is not recommended for the beginners; it is a technical thing so that the professional shooters highly use this MOA adjustment for the accuracy of the target. The 1 MOA is 1/60 of the angle. The calculation of MOA is 1 MOA is 0.5-inch for 50 yards and 1-inch for 100 yards. This MOA is helped to focus on the long-range target. The adjustment range of the minute of angle is different for each scope, some scope contains 1/2 per click, and some scope contains 1/4 per click for accuracy.
Parallax Adjustment
If the focal plane of the scope is not aligned at the time of focusing the target at 100 yards, and you see the different parts of the target and the moving target image, then you can define the parallax of the scope is not aligned. Nowadays, many scopes have the parallax adjustment feature, which is simple to correct the target’s focus. If you choose the scope without parallax adjustment, there is a chance to miss the target. The parallax adjustment of the scope helps to focus on the target accurately in the field.
Focal Plane
The focal plane is defined as what you see through the lens. The images of the target enter the upside-down into the scope. If you move your reticle left to the target, it will move the right side of the target. Two types of focal planes are designed in the scope. The first focal plane and the second focal plane are the two types of the focal plane.
The first focal plane is the primary type focal plane; it is highly used for tactical purposes; this focal plane is focused on the image of the target sooner on the target. Due to this focal plane, you can accurately focus on the target in multiple magnification ranges.
The second focal plane is also defined as the rear focal plane; this focal plane is more useful in low-light conditions. This second focal plane has limited usability, and if you use this focal plane with the BDC reticle, it shows the accurate image of the target in high magnification range only.
Price and quality
If you want to purchase a scope for the AR-15 rifle, you have to balance between price and quality. Don’t buy a scope at the lowest price. Also, purchasing the expensive scope does not mean that the scope has the best features for your money.
The expensive scope may have features that you do not need really. In this case, you have to balance the quality and price of the scope. If you are searching for the sighting tool, you have to ensure that the scope is designed with high-quality material; it helps to withstand the harsh conditions.
The high-quality optics also extends the usage of the scope. A reasonable price scope has more durability than the cheapest one. Our review for the AR scope under $500 will help you to find the best scope with the performance, balanced feature, and price.
Maximum Shooting range
You have to choose the scope that adapted with the maximum shooting range of your rifle. Don’t choose a scope that will not adapt to the range of the bullet of your rifle. If you are choosing the .223 ammo, you can shoot the target up to 600 yards, and the AR-10 or other.308 weapon with a shot target up to 1000 yards so that you have to choose the scope that is suitable for the maximum shooting range.
Final words
The AR rifles are popular among the shooters and hunters. If you already have an excellent rifle, you have to pick the best AR scope for the accurate shot of the target. Before finalizing a scope for your AR rifle, you have to consider the shockproof and waterproof feature for great performance in all weather and environmental conditions. It should be easy to mount and provide the crisp and clear image of the target. We provide a list of high-quality scope that easily fit in your budget. These are the best AR Scopes under $500 in today’s budget.