Have you decided to upgrade your hunting skills or shooting practices from low range to high range like up to 500 yards?
Then, you must be thinking of buying a new rifle scope for 500 yards shooting. If you have not yet, think about it. You can’t use an existing close-range or medium-range riflescope for 500 yards shooting. It will minimize the performance and provide inaccurate shots. When you are upgrading your ranges, it is also important to update the optics.
So, have you decided on your budget and requirements for the shooting riflescope like scope power for 500 yards, magnification, zooming, lens, and reticles?
Still, confused about choosing the right one? Take a break as we are here with the list of best riflescopes for 500 yards that you can buy in this 21st century. If you are not enough with our product picks, we have also provided a detailed buying guide that will guide you to your perfect scope.
Let’s do a short look at our top recommendations for the Best 500 yards riflescopes.
Best Overall Scope
Leupold VX-5HD Rifle Scope
- Dimensions: 18 x 4 x 4
- Weight: 2.1 pounds
- Sport type: Hunting
Best Compact Scope
Trijicon TR29 Rifle Scope
- Objective Lens: 30 mm
- Reticle: MOA
- Sport type: Hunting
Best Long Range Scope
Burris 4.5-x14x 42 Rifle Scope
- Objective Lens: 42 mm
- Magnification: 14x
- Sport type: Hunting
Buying the ideal scope might be a tough task since you are trying to level up your experience, and some factors must be considered first.
We got your back here so you need not worry.
With a lot of scopes that are said to be of great features that fit 500-yard shooting activities, here are some of the most reliable, versatile, and durable scopes in the market.
Table: 10 Best Scopes for 500 Yards
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10 Best Rifle Scopes for 500 Yards in 2021 - Reviewed
1. Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x 56mm Rifle Scope
With a total length of 13.58 inches and a weight of 22.3 ounces, it is a compact and lightweight scope that is indeed portable, this scope almost has it all. It has a 56-millimeter objective lens that maximizes the exit pupil light as much as your eyes can handle.
The magnification range it has will allow you to have the ability to adapt to different environments, whether it be on the mountains or onto the open plains. This scope is made with relentless versatility.
- 3-15x magnification
- 56mm objective lens
- 38.2-7.9 ft field of view @ 100 yards
- 3.7 inches eye relief
- FireDot Duplex reticle
- CR2032 Battery
This Specific Rifle Scope Model is Best Known for its:
Magnification
What makes this scope accurate and precise even within the range of 500 yards is its magnification range. The magnification range starts from 3x and extends for up to 15x.
Customized Dial System (Zero Lock CDS-ZL2)
By having a dial that is customized already to be compatible with your ammo and rifle, this scope will give you no trouble since it simplifies the longer shots. That is made possible by this customized dial system’s ability to eliminate the need for ballistic calculations and holdovers.
Twilight Max HD Light Management System
This feature allows this specific riflescope to have some extra 30 minutes of light when shooting. Additionally, this feature reduces glare in pictures while producing a high-definition lens clarity that can be a view from one edge to the other.
Motion Sensor
This rifle scope’s illuminated reticle is designed with a motion sensor that automatically gets deactivated after five minutes of being inactive. Once it senses movements, it instantly reactivates. This feature is good at saving battery life by turning it off when not in use.
Here is a simple video that explains all the great features of the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15X56mm riflescope.
Pros
- Solid construction
- Great eye relief
- Simple adjustments
Cons
- A bit pricey
2. Trijicon TR29 Accu Point 4-16x 50mm Rifle Scope
This rifle scope has a large 50-millimeter objective lens, and it is also a dual-illuminated type of riflescope. It provides a generous eye relief that causes maximum protection to your eyes even when you do extended hours of shooting in the fields.
It has a total length of 13.9 inches, truly compact, and easy to be carried anytime and anywhere. Also, it has a very lightweight of 24.2 ounces only. It is one of the best 50 mm rifle scopes on our list.
With the features of this scope, you will experience precision when shooting from dusk until dawn. The reticle size of this scope will remain the same when you increase the magnification.
- 4-16x magnification
- 50mm objective lens
- 25.8-6.4 ft field of view @ 100 yards
- 3.6-3.7 inches eye relief
- MOA Dot reticle
This specific rimfire scope model is best known for its:
Magnification
This rifle scope provides a magnification option that starts from 4x and reaches for up to 16x. This feature is what makes this scope very dependable even when used to shoot targets that are distanced at a location of 500 yards away.
Superior Quality of Lenses
This scope is built with multi-coated lenses to allow it to provide your desired superior clarity and gather the maximum light that is available with the current situation and location where you are. Besides, it does not allow distortion of the sight picture
Battery-Free Illumination
The fiber optic of this scope automatically adjusts its brightness setting depending on the available lighting condition on the shooting grounds. In addition, the tritium phosphor lamp of this scope has the ability to illuminate its reticle from the low-light conditions to the no-light conditions.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Durable
- High-quality optics
Cons
- A bit heavy
3. Burris 4.5-14x 42mm Full Field II Ballistic Plex Rifle Scope
Burris is a rising brand that continuously manufactures scopes that are proven to be at par with the quality that established brands provide.
With its ballistic plex type of reticle, 500-yard shooting can be done easily and accuracy is more than you have ever experienced with other scopes before.
Its simple and elegant properties are what make it one of the best trajectory-compensating rifle scopes in the market.
- 4.5-14x magnification
- 42mm objective lens
- 7.5-22 ft field of view @ 100 yards
- 3.1-3.8 inches eye relief
- Long-Range MOA reticle
This specific rimfire scope model is best known for its:
Magnification
This scope’s magnification option is one of the things that makes it a very great fit for 500-yard shooting activities. You can smoothly switch the magnification ranges with ease.
Versatility
It is the most versatile scope on the list. You will be allowed to partner this traditional rifle scope with any caliber or bullet weight. Thus, making it very easy to pair with any firearm you have or want to use for your hunting or shooting ranges.
Parallax Adjustments
Another good thing about this scope is its parallax adjustment system that makes it more accurate. With this feature, you will be able to use this scope at long-range hunting.
Water Proof, Shock Proof, and Fog Proof Construction
This scope also has enhanced durability that features its waterproof, shock-proof, and fog-proof construction. It is nitrogen-filled on the inside; thus, making no room for moisture or fogging to occur. It also has sealings of the type called reinforced quad seals.
Pros
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Great magnification
- High level accuracy
Cons
- Absence of lens cap
4. Primary Arms Classic Series 4-16x 44mm SFP Rifle Scope
One of the most reputable brands to trust when it comes to riflescopes is the Primary Arms.
It provides 12 different levels of brightness that make it compatible with any lighting condition throughout the day.
It has adjustable turrets that are easy for settings regarding the elevation and the windage. Besides, it has a quite large impersonal lens with a diameter of 44 millimeters. It comes with a free CR2032 3V battery when you purchase it.
- 4-16x magnification
- 44mm objective lens
- Illuminated Mil-Dot reticle
- CR2032 Battery
- 12 brightness settings
This specific rimfire scope model is best known for its:
Magnification
The magnification option that this riflescope provides is what makes it another great scope for 500-yard shooting activities. This scope has a minimum magnification of 4x and a maximum of 16x, so it will give you the ability to see the target even at extended distances.
Mil-Dot Reticle
The mil-dot type of reticle that this rifle scope has is what guides your eye to the center. The reticle stays the same in all magnification ranges.
Water Proof, Fog Proof, and Shock Proof Construction
This scope is considered tougher even when exposed to different harmful substances on the shooting grounds. Fogging will not take place even when there is a sudden change in temperature.
Parallax Adjustment Knob
This scope features a parallax adjustment knob that is mounted on its side. With this knob, the reticle of this scope will remain parallax-free, and it will also keep the sight picture sharp even at extended ranges.
Pros
- Excellent reticle
- Simple and sharp adjustments
- Affordable
Cons
- Eye relief is short
5. Bushnell Optics 4.5-18x 40mm DZ 6.5 Creed Rifle Scope
Another scope for 500 yards with great versatility is Bushnell DZ 6.5 Creed. It is described to be compatible with almost all varieties of hunting rifles that make it to this list. It has an objective lens of 40 millimeters, and it weighs 1 pound.
It has a very stylish and aesthetic appearance that makes it one of the most smart scopes in the industry.
- 4.5-18x magnification
- 40mm objective lens
- 22 ft field of view @ 100 yards
- 3.6 inches eye relief
- 6.5 Creedmoor BDC reticle
This specific rimfire scope model is best known for its:
Fully Multi Coated Optics
The fully multi-coated optics of this scope is one of the features responsible for producing the adequate and maximum light transmission you need when shooting in low light conditions. Besides, the fully multi-coated optics of this scope is further enhanced with an anti-reflective coating that undoubtedly provides clear and crisp sight pictures.
Parallax Focus
This riflescope is equipped with a side parallax focus that you can easily use to adjust some settings so you can maintain your view on the target. Besides, this feature will help you shoot with more accuracy no matter what shooting position you are in.
Throw Down Power Change Lever
With this lever, you will be able to mount this scope with two different height options. Thus, this feature makes your scope more customizable as it can be used for all types of rifles.
Pros
- Bright & crisp images
- Attractive design
- Turrets are easily adjustable
Cons
- Not enough eye relief
6. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Rifle Scope
The objective lens of this scope is 50 millimeters. A large objective lens with 3.9-inch eye relief, makes it a great and excellent scope for 500 yards shooting.
Besides the lens and eye relief, the price of the scope is also more affordable to any scope buyer.
It has an adjustable objective that will allow you to focus on the sight picture and maintain a view of your target with clarity.
- 4-12x magnification
- 50mm objective lens
- 8.4-25.7 ft field of view @ 100 yards
- 3.9-4.4 inches eye relief
- 150 hours of battery life
This specific rimfire scope model is best known for its:
Fully Multi-Coated Optics
This scope is manufactured with a fully multi-coated lens that will provide clear and bright images of the sight picture you are viewing through your scope. This lens is engineered with an anti-reflective coating that further provides high quality to optics.
Fast Focus Eyepiece
The fast-focus eyepiece of this scope will allow you to rapidly acquire your targets and eventually shoot them in lesser time. This feature is most significant, especially for dedicated hunters who are hunting deadly and vicious predators. Every second in the forests counts because of the unexpected dangers.
Water Proof and Fog Proof Construction
When you use this scope in rainy conditions, you can fully depend on this scope to perform well because of its o-ring seal. It is also nitrogen-filled inside that provides fog-proof performance.
Pros
- High-quality optics
- Extended magnification
- Strong construction
Cons
- Eye relief lacks in high magnification
7. Athlon Optics Neos 6-18x 44mm Rifle Scope
The black and sleek exterior of this rifle scope will surely compliment the looks of any types of firearms you own. The materials used for this scope are heat-treated to make it stronger and more resistant to moisture.
It has a total length of 12 inches, and it only weighs 17 ounces. It has an eye relief that ranges from 2.99 inches for up to 3.07 inches. Its tube is one inch in diameter.
This scope is built to have great features that will give you the ability to have maximum accuracy, but the good thing about it is that it will not cost you a lot of money.
- 6-18x magnification
- 44mm objective lens
- 17.5-5.9 ft field of view @ 100 yards
- 3.39-3.19 inches eye relief
- CR2032 Battery
This specific rimfire scope model is best known for its:
Fully Multi-Coated Lenses
This scope will provide a better transmission of light to give the optimum brightness you need. With this scope’s reticle that is etched on the glass, this scope is made more resistant to recoil and shock.
Fog Proof and Water Proof Construction
The nitrogen purging on the inside of this 1-inch diameter tube reduces and eventually prevents the moisture inside. Thus, proving a fog-proof and waterproof performance under any conditions in the shooting grounds.
Rugged Design and Built
With the built quality, this riflescope is considered to have exceptional strength. Any worst condition you throw at it will undoubtedly be of no match against it. With its rugged design, you will be able to use it for any heavy-duty purpose you want to use it for on the shooting grounds.
Pros
- Beautiful outlook
- High-quality lens
- Rugged design
Cons
- Complaints in warranty
Steiner Optics GS3 Hunting Rifle Scope
If you want to experience long-distance shots and looking for the best scope for 500 yards, then you must indeed consider this scope from Steiner. This rimfire riflescope is considered to be one of the most appealing hunting equipment according to the most dedicated and passionate hunters.
With its eye relief that ranges from 3.5 inches to 4.3 inches, you will be able to have the assurance of having no strain in your eyes.
- 2-10x magnification
- 42mm objective lens
- 10.5-52 ft field of view @ 100 yards
- 3.5-4.25 inches eye relief
- Plex S1 reticle
This specific rimfire scope model is best known for its:
Magnification
When you buy this scope, you will be able to choose from three different magnification options: 2-10x, 3-15x, and 4-20x. All of the three magnification is reliable and very accurate when shooting for distances that reach for up to 500 yards. With those options, you can be confident that you will have accurate shots.
Water Proof and Fog Proof Construction
Another best feature of this scope is its waterproof construction. Its o-ring sealing allows it to be submersible for up to a depth that reaches 33 feet besides, this scope is nitrogen filled on the inside. With that, you can ensure that no fogging will take place; thus, providing a moisture-free performance.
Nano Protection and Hydrophobic Molecular Coated Lenses
With this type of coating in the rifle scope’s lenses, the worst elements can neither destroy the scope nor impair its performance in the shooting grounds. Dirt, water, fingerprint, dust, and even snow will be repelled to ensure a clear view of the sight picture and easy cleaning of the glasses.
Pros
- Variable magnification
- Hydrophobic Molecular Coated Lenses
- Weather resistant
Cons
- Only for long-distances
:- Please note that this product is currently unavailable on Opticsplanet. We will update once it is back in stock.
Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x 50mm Rifle Scope
This rifle scope is described to have all its features work together to produce a very dependable performance. It is designed to be a very user-friendly scope that even beginners will easily configure.
It has premium features that are best fit for long-range hunting. It has a large 50-millimeter objective lens that maximizes the exit pupil light that your eyes will undoubtedly be able to handle.
This rifle scope has a magnification option that reaches for up to 10x that is why it is considered as one of the best rifle scopes for 500 yards.
- 3.5-10x magnification
- 50mm objective lens
- 29.8-11 ft field of view @ 100 yards
- 4.5-3.6 inches eye relief
- Duplex reticle
This specific rimfire scope model is best known for its:
Ruggedly Designed and Built
This rifle scope can withstand rugged purposes and weather conditions that may be harsh for it. Furthermore, the 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum material used for the housing of this scope allows it to endure exposure to different tough elements. Even the harshest recoils have no match against this rifle scope’s housing. Besides, it has a matte finish; and as some of you know, matte finishes are less susceptible to corrosion.
Diamond Coat 2
The lens of this riflescope has a Diamond Coat 2 and an Ion-assisting coating that provides the maximum transmission of light and reduces abrasion. The unique coating on this lens can resist even the greatest amount of abrasion.
Twilight Max Light Management System
This feature helps in providing brighter, more vivid, and precise sight pictures of the shooting ground even in both bright and low lighting conditions. Besides, it provides 20 extra minutes of light for shooting. That is all made possible by the work of combined features such as the following: lens clarity from edge to edge, fully visible spectrum coating of the lens, and reduction management of glare.
Pros
- Large objective lens
- Twilight max light management system
- Rugged construction
Cons
- Zooming may blurs image
:- Please note that this product is currently unavailable on Opticsplanet & Amazon. We will update once it is back in stock.
Nikon Black FX1000 Rifle Scope
With Nikon’s reputation of producing one of the world’s best optics, this riflescope is built with a lot of high-quality features too.
This scope is equipped with elevation and windage turrets that can be used in doing quick adjustments even when you are walking or moving on the shooting grounds.
The enhanced sight pictures it provides are due to the balanced transmission of light and contrast in different conditions.
- 6-24x magnification
- 50mm objective lens
- 18-4.7 ft field of view @ 100 yards
- 4-3.5 inches eye relief
- illuminated FX-MOA reticle
This specific rimfire scope model is best known for its:
Illuminated Reticle
This rifle scope will give you the ability to acquire and shooting your targets even in low light conditions.
Side Focus Parallax Adjustments
This is another great feature that makes this rifle scope amazing. You can change the focus without changing the shooting position.
Fast Focus Eyepiece
The fast-focusing eyepiece of this rifle scope will also allow you to acquire targets swiftly and with ease. That is an excellent feature since it will give you the ability to spot quickly. On the shooting grounds, when you are hunting, speed is one of the most essential skills you must possess, and that is where this scope excels.
Pros
- Delivers clear images
- Quick adjustments
- Fast-focus eyepiece
Cons
- Lacks in warranty
:- Please note that this product is currently unavailable on Amazon. We will update once it is back in stock.
Factors to be Considered When Buying a Best Rifle Scope for 500 Yards
When you are about to purchase a product, you must check the things that make it worth it. With that said, the factors that you need to consider will be defined here to grasp the full understanding of the importance of the features that your purchased product must have. Here are the factors.
Magnification
When purchasing a rifle scope for 500-yard shooting activities, one of the factors that you must check is its magnification. The maximum magnification option should exceed or be equal to 10x at the minimum.
Any scope that has a maximum magnification option of only 9x can be dependable but will not be too accurate when compared to higher magnification options. Checking the magnification option is indeed important since it is where the ability of long-range shooting depends on.
Durability
Any good investment should last long, it suits riflescopes also. There are some hunters and shooters who change their rifle scopes after one or two years because of their bad choice.
With the technology that the world has now, there are a lot of ways to make rifle scopes very durable. Some materials undergo heat treatments to improve their strength over plain steel.
Some use aircraft-grade aluminum for high strength and durability. To make this short, choose a scope with high durability.
Do not risk buying one that will make you regret it after. Besides, you must check a scope’s resistance to water, fog, snow, dust, scratches, fingerprints, shock, and even recoil.
Those harmful things can be detrimental to a normal scope, but if you get a proven durable scope, then you will not have a problem with that.
Lens Quality
The lens quality of scopes is the main factor that provides clear, bright, and vivid sight pictures. So, if you want to be sure about viewing the best quality of sight pictures through your scope, you must check the quality of the optics.
There are a lot of high-quality optics that you may choose from that. Between, multi-coated optics and fully multi-coated optics, choose fully multicoated optics.
There are also some unique coatings that some brands equip their rifle scopes with.
Eye Relief
Another thing that must be considered when buying scopes is eye relief. With adequate eye relief, you can be sure that you don’t have to strain or do not get pain in your eyes even when using the firearms with large recoils.
Besides, longer eye reliefs will provide faster target acquisitions since close positioning is not required. The long enough eye relief promises successful shots every time.
Bottom Line
If you are a dedicated hunter or shooter who needs to practice shooting at 500-yards, it is indeed important that you take all things into consideration when buying a scope.
The performance, the reliability, and the durability of the scope you are going to use will all depend on how you choose it and that is why it is a big decision.
Choose a scope that not only looks good but also has the ability to help you in the shooting range.
Your shooting style, needs, and firearms use are should sync with your rifle scope, so made a wise choice. We hope our article about buying the best riflescope for 500 yards helps in your way of purchasing one.