Hey there, fellow hunters and shooting enthusiasts! Joel Mccartan here, and boy, do I have a treat for you today. We’re diving deep into the world of affordable rifle scopes, and I’m excited to share my top picks for 2024 that won’t break the bank.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Joel, can I really get a quality scope for under $600?” Well, let me tell you, the optics market has come a long way in recent years. We’re living in a golden age of affordable, high-quality glass, and I’m here to help you navigate the options.
Before we dive in, let me level with you folks. I’m not some fancy military expert or a bigwig at an optics company. I’m just a regular Joe who’s passionate about hunting and has spent countless hours in the field testing gear. When it comes to rifle scopes, I’ve personally put dozens through their paces in all kinds of conditions. From dawn patrol varmint hunts to long-range target shooting sessions that stretched well into the evening, I’ve seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t.
So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let’s explore the best rifle scopes under $500-$600 for 2024!
Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40
Kicking off our list is the Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40. Now, I’ve been a fan of Vortex for years, and this scope is a prime example of why.
Key Features:
- Second focal plane (SFP) reticle
- 4-12x magnification range
- 40mm objective lens
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- 1-inch tube
What I Love:
- The Diamondback 4-12×40 riflescope is one of multiple configurations in the Diamondback lineup and is ideal for a variety of applications.
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle is good for hunting at varying ranges where estimating hold-over would be a concern.
- Lenses are fully multi-coated for crystal clear, bright images from dawn till dusk. The fast focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing.
The glass clarity on this scope is impressive for the price point. I’ve used it in low-light conditions, and it performs admirably. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is a game-changer for estimating holdover at various ranges.
Real-World Experience:
I took this scope out on a whitetail hunt last fall, and it didn’t disappoint. The wide magnification range allowed me to quickly transition between close shots in the timber and longer ranges across fields. At about 250 yards, I was able to clearly see and make a clean shot on a nice buck during the last minutes of legal shooting light.
Price: Around $299
Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×40
Next up is the Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×40. Leupold has been in the optics game for a long time, and their experience shows in scopes like the VX-3HD.
Key Features:
- Second focal plane (SFP) reticle
- 3.5-10x magnification range
- 40mm objective lens
- Duplex reticle
- 1-inch tube
- Custom Dial System (CDS) compatible
What Stands Out:
- Elite Optical System
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- 3:1 zoom ratio
The Leupold VX-3HD offers a ton of value. The glass quality is excellent, and the Twilight Max HD Light Management System provides exceptional low-light performance. The CDS-ZL2 ZeroLock elevation dial allows for precise, repeatable adjustments.
Field Notes:
I used this scope during an elk hunting trip in the Rockies. The optical clarity was outstanding, even in the challenging light conditions of dawn and dusk. The lightweight design (just 13.1 oz) was a blessing during long days of hiking at elevation. When I finally got a shot opportunity at a bull about 300 yards out, the clear glass and simple reticle made for a quick, clean ethical kill.
Price: Around $499
Burris Fullfield IV 3-12×56
Burris has been making waves in the optics world with their quality-to-price ratio, and the Fullfield IV is no exception.
Key Features:
- Second focal plane (SFP) reticle
- 3-12x magnification range
- 56mm objective lens
- Ballistic E3 MOA reticle
- 30mm tube
Why It’s Great:
The Burris Fullfield IV offers features typically found on much more expensive scopes. The glass clarity is excellent, and the illuminated reticle is a nice touch for low-light conditions. The large 56mm objective lens gathers a ton of light, making this a great choice for dawn and dusk hunting.View Product Price.
Personal Experience:
I mounted this scope on my .30-06 for a mule deer hunt in open country. The 3-12x magnification range was perfect for both close-in shots and reaching out to distant ridgelines. The Ballistic E3 reticle made it easy to compensate for bullet drop and wind drift. By the end of the trip, I was consistently making accurate shots out to 400 yards.
Price: Around $399
Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen2 6-24×50
Athlon might not be as well-known as some other brands, but they’re making waves with scopes like the Argos BTR Gen2.
Key Features:
- First focal plane (FFP) reticle
- 6-24x magnification range
- 50mm objective lens
- APMR MIL reticle
- 30mm tube
Why I Like It:
- 0.1 MIL Click Value, 18 MIL Total 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.
- Fully Multicoated optics effectively reduces reflected light and increases the transmission of light giving you a brighter image than normal single coated lenses
The Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 offers a lot of features for the money. The first focal plane reticle is a game-changer for long-range shooting, as the reticle subtensions remain valid at all magnifications. The glass quality is surprisingly good for the price, and the illuminated reticle works well in low-light conditions.
Field Test:
I had the chance to use this scope during a prairie dog hunting trip. The high magnification range allowed me to clearly see those small targets even at extended ranges. The FFP reticle made it easy to quickly adjust for different distances without changing my hold. I was consistently hitting prairie dogs out to 400 yards, which is impressive for a scope in this price range.
Price: Around $399
Sig Sauer Whiskey3 4-12×50
Sig Sauer might be better known for their firearms, but they’ve been making some serious waves in the optics world. The Whiskey3 is a testament to their commitment to quality.
Key Features:
- Second focal plane (SFP) reticle
- 4-12x magnification range
- 50mm objective lens
- HellFire Triplex Illuminated reticle
- 1-inch tube
What Makes It Special:
- HUNTING SCOPE – The Sig Sauer WHISKEY3 scopes come engineered for durability and includes low-dispersion glass, a rugged chassis, capped elevation and windage turrets. Its rugged, industrial design provides reliability and protection from the elements
- HIGH-QUALITY OPTIC – Featuring an impressive 3x optical zoom, this Whiskey3 4-12x40mm scope by Sig Sauer also includes low dispersion (LD) glass which reduces chromatic aberration and provides industry-leading optical clarity in any situation
The Sig Sauer Whiskey3 offers a great balance of features for hunters. The HellFire Triplex Illuminated reticle provides a clear aiming point in any light condition. The glass quality is excellent, with low-dispersion (LD) glass that rivals some much more expensive scopes.
Real-World Use:
I took this scope out for an early morning coyote hunt, and it performed admirably. The 50mm objective lens and quality glass provided a bright, clear image even in the low light of dawn. The illuminated reticle made it easy to place an accurate shot on a coyote at about 200 yards in the dim early morning light.
Price: Around $399
Primary Arms SLx 4-14x44mm FFP
Primary Arms has been making a name for themselves with high-quality, affordable optics, and the SLx 4-14x44mm FFP is no exception.
Key Features:
- First focal plane (FFP) reticle
- 4-14x magnification range
- 44mm objective lens
- ACSS HUD DMR .308 reticle
- 30mm tube
What Stands Out:
The ACSS HUD DMR reticle is a standout feature. It’s incredibly intuitive and provides quick ranging and holdover references. The glass quality is surprisingly good for the price, with minimal chromatic aberration. The first focal plane reticle is a great feature at this price point.View Product Price.
Hunter’s Perspective:
I mounted this scope on my .308 for a combination deer/hog hunting trip. The lower end of the magnification range was perfect for quick target acquisition in wooded areas, while the higher magnification allowed me to reach out to distant feeders. The ACSS reticle made it easy to quickly range targets and make accurate shots. I ended up taking a nice buck at 300 yards and a hog at 150 yards during the same trip.
Price: Around $429
Maven CRS.1 3-12×40
Maven is a direct-to-consumer brand that’s been making waves in the optics world with their quality-to-price ratio.
Key Features:
- Second focal plane (SFP) reticle
- 3-12x magnification range
- 40mm objective lens
- Duplex reticle
- 1-inch tube
Why It’s Great:
- Featuring Maven’s award-winning C Series glass, the second focal plane CRS.1 offers an exceptionally clear, bright, and high contrast image with excellent color fidelity.
- Due to the popularity of our proprietary RS Series reticle options, we tailor-fit the CRS Series with a unique version of the Simplified Holdover Reticle (SHR) to create the CSHR in 0.25 MOA/click units – making holdovers simple, easy, and quick.
- With a lightweight 14.18 oz. footprint and a streamlined profile, the Maven CRS.1 covers all the bases for most hunting situations and is our recommended rifle scope for eastern and western big game hunting.
The Maven CRS.1 offers excellent optical quality at a very competitive price point. The Japanese glass is clear and bright, rivaling scopes that cost much more. At just 14.18 oz, it’s also one of the lightest scopes in its class, making it perfect for mountain hunting or any situation where weight is a concern.
Field Notes:
I used this scope during a backcountry mule deer hunt in Colorado. The lightweight design was a godsend during long days of hiking at high elevations. Despite the relatively small 40mm objective lens, the quality of the glass provided excellent low-light performance during those critical dawn and dusk hours. The simple duplex reticle allowed for quick target acquisition, and I was able to make a clean 275-yard shot on a nice buck in fading light.
Price: Around $450
Meopta Optika5 2-10×42
Rounding out our list is the Meopta Optika5 2-10×42. Meopta might not be a household name in the US, but they’ve been producing high-quality optics in the Czech Republic for decades.
Key Features:
- Second focal plane (SFP) reticle
- 2-10x magnification range
- 42mm objective lens
- Z-Plex reticle
- 1-inch tube
What I Love:
- MEOBRIGHT – This Gun Scope incorporates an ion-assisted lens multi-coating applied to all air-to-glass optical surfaces; Developed by Meopta, these multi-coatings eliminate glare and reflections and deliver an industry leading 99.8% light transmission per lens surface
- MEODROP – MeoDrop is a hydrophobic lens coating designed to repel water, grease, skin oils, and lens surface contaminates that can impair clarity; This layer repels water so that rain and moisture form a tight ball and simply rolls off the lens surface
The glass quality on this scope is outstanding. It’s easily on par with scopes costing twice as much. The Z-Plex reticle is simple and effective, perfect for most hunting situations. The 2-10x magnification range offers great versatility, from close-quarters shots in thick timber to longer ranges in open country.
Real-World Experience:
I had the chance to use this scope during a week-long hunting trip in the Adirondacks. The wide magnification range was perfect for both dense forest and open meadows. The low-light performance was particularly impressive – I was able to take a nice 8-point buck in the last minutes of legal shooting light thanks to the bright, clear image. The scope’s lightweight design (just 13.1 oz) was also appreciated during long days of still-hunting through rough terrain.
Price: Around $449
Wrapping It Up
Whew! We’ve covered a lot of ground here, folks. From budget-friendly options to scopes that push the $500-$600 limit, there’s something on this list for every hunter and shooter. Remember, the “best” scope is the one that fits your specific needs, shooting style, and budget.
When choosing a rifle scope in this price range, consider factors like:
Glass Quality: Even in this price range, there can be significant differences in optical clarity and low-light performance.
Reticle Type: Choose between simple duplex reticles for general hunting or more complex BDC or MIL reticles for long-range work.
Focal Plane: First focal plane (FFP) reticles are great for long-range shooting, while second focal plane (SFP) reticles are typically simpler and less expensive.
Durability: Look for scopes that are waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
Warranty: A solid warranty can provide peace of mind, especially in this price range.
My personal favorite? It’s hard to choose, but I’ve got to give the nod to the Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40. It hits that sweet spot of performance, durability, and value that’s hard to beat. But honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these scopes – they’ve all earned their place on this list through real-world performance.
Before I sign off, here’s a quick tip: Whatever scope you choose, make sure to spend some quality time at the range getting to know it. Understanding your scope’s reticle, adjustments, and how it performs at various distances will make you a more effective and ethical shooter in the field.
Happy hunting, and may your shots fly true! Until next time, this is Joel Mccartan signing off. If you’ve got any questions or want to share your own experiences with these scopes, drop a comment below. I always love hearing from fellow shooters!