There is a common notion that the best rifle scopes are highly priced and that they belong to a certain class of people who can afford them. Well, I beg to differ with that because the quality of a riflescope is not necessarily equivalent to its price tag. We will be discussing the best air rifle scopes under $500 in this article.
We know a good rifle scope based on the quality of construction and features included. These are some good-quality scopes in the market that will not have to cost you an arm and a leg for that great performance you want.
We have taken our time to research some of the best rifle scopes so sit back as we unveil a scope that could help you get targets with accuracy and precision without breaking the bank.
Best Air Rifle Scopes under $500 Review
Below are 8 of the best scopes in the market that will only cost you something below 500 dollars. We have selected scopes from the best brands in the market and therefore believe that they will be the best choice for you who is looking for quality.
1) Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle SFP Riflescope is made with the best materials on the market. This includes a one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum, 30mm tube that is shockproof for better response to recoil.
This updated version specifically is defined by speed and versatility. The scope has a true 1x magnification on the low end making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
The magnification ring is updated to include a thread-in throw lever, while the magnification indicators can be seen without coming off the scope. The magnification range allows shooters to rapidly engage targets from close to extended ranges.
Key features
- It features the new illuminated BDC3 reticle that quickly focuses the user’s eye on the target
- It has holdovers allowing for immediate use out to 650 yards for targets of known distance
- It has a fast focus dial on the eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing
- It has anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces for maximum light transmission
- It is Nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed for water and fog-proof performance
Pros
- High-quality materials
- Affordable
Cons
- Not very ideal for long-range shooting
2) Athlon Optics Helos BTR 6-24×50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes
This is another good choice from Athlon Optics. Just like the name suggests, the Helos BTR 6-24×50 First Focal Plane Riflescope is designed with a first focal plane reticle that stays valid at all power settings and shrinks or grows along with your target as you zoom in or out.
The rifle scope comes with a locking feature on both elevation and windage turrets. This feature allows you to simply pull up the turrets to dial and push them down to lock them in place.
The fully multicoated optics in this rifle scope effectively increase light transmission by reducing reflected light for brighter images than the normal single-coated lenses.
Key features
- The scope is Argon purged with big size molecules of the gas to keep moisture out of the tube
- It has an illuminated reticle that offers greater visibility in low light and at dusk and dawn
- It has fully multi-coated lenses for high-light transmission
- It features lockable turrets
Pros
- It is waterproof
- It has great thermal stability
- Wide magnification range
Cons
- Requires some expertise to make adjustments
3) TRUGLO TRU-Brite 30 Series 1-6 X 24mm Gun Scope
The Truglo TRU-Brite gun scope is made with a 1-6 x 24mm objective lens that has a rheostat for controlled brightness. The scope features a dual-color illuminated reticle- red and green. The glass-etched reticle can be used without illumination (black).
The mil-dot reticle allows users to determine the distance of objects of a known size and provides quick trajectory and wind drift aiming references. With true 1x magnification, you will have an opportunity to utilize an extremely fast-sight picture and even take the shot with both eyes open.
The included monolithic 30mm scope mount CNC is made of strong materials ensuring safe mounting for convenient use even when o the move.
Key features
- It has a 30mm tube for increased brightness and click adjustments
- It features two pre-calibrated BDC turrets to engage turrets up to 800 yards
- It has fully-coated lenses for maximum brightness, clarity, and contrast
- It includes reversible, offset, monolithic 30mm scope rings/mount that is machined from aircraft-grade aluminum
- It features durable leaf-spring click adjustments for windage and elevation
- It has a bright 24mm Objective lens
Pros
- It has an extremely wide field of view
- Shock resistant
- It is waterproof and fog proof
- It has a generous 4-inch eye relief
Cons
- It is ideal for a range of up to 800 yards
4) Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescope
The Vortex Crossfire II rifle scope is among the many configurations in the Crossfire II line. It is designed with a Dead-Hold BDC reticle which is ideal for hunting/shooting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is a concern.
This rifle scope offers long eye relief as well as an ultra-forgiving eye box that allows you to quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target. It also comes with a fast-focus eyepiece that allows quick and easy reticle focusing.
Key features
- It features a single-piece tube construction
- It has anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses for bright and clear views
- It is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged for waterproof and fog-proof performance
- It has capped reset turrets that are finger adjustable with MOA clicks that can be reset to zero after sighting in
- It has a max elevation adjustment of 60 MOA
Pros
- Made from strong aircraft-grade aluminum for strength and durability
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Shockproof
Cons
- Small magnification range (2-7)
5) Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope
From Leupold, the VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Riflescope is affordable and reliable. It is among the Leupold VX-3i Scopes series. This scope is made with 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum and is punisher tested to withstand a lifetime of performance even under the harshest recoil.
The scope has been inert gas purged and completely sealed for total waterproofing. It also offers a fog-proof and shockproof performance. What’s more, is that the scope comes with a Duplex reticle and Matte finish for a long time of performance.
The scope has an Ion-assist lens coating on the exterior lenses that allows more light transmission and abrasion resistance. It also has 8 military-standard scratch-resistant lenses with added bikini-style lens cover for durability and excellent lens protection when in the field and during storage.
The scope’s precision 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments for windage and elevation provide absolute repeatability and dependability over a lifetime of extreme use.
Key features
- It is made with an ultra-lightweight design, with a weight of 12.60oz. /357.00 g
- It features the Twilight Max Light Management System
- It has a magnification range of 3.5x-10x
- It has a 3:1 zoom ratio
- Linear FOV (ft. /100yd.): Low 29.8
- Linear FOV (ft. /100yd.): High 11.00
- Length (in): 12.60
- Objective Diameter (in): 1.60
- Eye Relief (in) – Low: 4.4
- Eye Relief (in) – High: 3.6
Pros
- Lightweight
- It is 100% Waterproof, Shockproof, and fog proof
Cons
- Low magnification which is not ideal for extended ranges
6) Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Riflescope
This riflescope is one of the feature-rich, ruggedly built scopes from the Simmons family of scopes. The scopes are designed to deliver great performance shot-after-shot and hunt-after-hunt with great reliability and value thanks to the fully-coated optics and a complete set of mounting rings.
The scope features SureGrip adjustments that allow easy adjustment, even while wearing gloves. It also has a QTA (Quick Target Acquisition) eyepiece that provides a constant 3.5 inches of eye relief through the entire magnification range.
The Simmons 3-9x32mm scope also features Simmons’ patented true zero adjustment system that delivers unparalleled performance in all manner of environments.
Key features
- It has high-quality optical glass and fully-coated optics for bright, sharp images
- It has a HydroShield lens coating that helps to maintain a clear sight picture in all weather conditions
- It has parallax correction from 50 yards to infinity
- The scope features Simmons’ SureGrip rubber surfaces for easy adjusting in any shooting conditions
- It features a triplex reticle
- Parallax settings: 50 yds.
Pros
- It is waterproof and fog-proof
- Shockproof
- Comes with Rimfire 3/8″ dovetail mounting rings
Cons
- It has low magnification settings
7) Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Night Vision Digital Riflescope
The new Sight mark Wraith 4-32x50mm Digital Riflescope allows you to see the future in high definition, with an advanced 1920×1080 HD sensor that provides full-color clarity in the daytime.
It also has easy settings for you to easily switch to night mode with classic emerald or black and white viewing options.
The rifle scope comes with a removable 850nm IR illuminator that offers an enhanced nighttime image and accurate target acquisition up to 200 yards. The 10 reticle options and 9 color choices allow you to customize your riflescope to fit your needs.
Key features
- It features a high-definition sensor that provides high-resolution imaging with video recording in 1080P Hd
- It has a 4. 5-hour battery life with 4 common AA batteries
- It has an 8X digital zoom with a 2x optical system for 16x magnification
- It features a powerful 850 nm removable IR flashlight
- It has a weaver rail that allows the attachment of additional accessories
Pros
- It has an external MicroUSB port that expands options for power
- It allows video recording and export
- Easy menu button elimination
Cons
- There is no memory card included
8) CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50 Gun Scope
This CVLIFE hunting rifle scope is made with strong materials that provide strength and reliability for a long time of performance. Among its main features are well-designed and constructed turrets that allow for crisp, consistent, and precise windage and elevation adjustments.
These you can easily adjust and the caps can also be easily removed to reset the zero.
The rifle scope features precise hand-turn 1/8-inch @100 yards click adjustments that allow you to aim perfectly at any time. The 6-24x magnification is ideal for close and extended-range shooting.
Key features
- It has a 50mm objective diameter
- The magnification is 6-24x
- The eyepiece has a dioptric adjustment lens that eliminates most image aberration
- Field Of View: 28 ft. @ 100 yards
- Click Value: 1/8 inch @ 100 yards
Pros
- Wide field of view
- It fits all standard 20mm Picatinny or Weaver rail
Cons
- Requires some expertise to handle
Best Air Rifle Scopes under $500 Buying Guide
Cost– as expected, when looking for the best scopes under 500 dollars, the price tag is one of the main things to look at when you go shopping. This makes sure that you stick to your intended budget.
Durability– the materials used for these scopes should be strong and highly durable to provide a long time of use. This will also help to save on costs by avoiding future purchases or repairs.
Reticle Options- Reticle type is a key feature in determining the performance of the scope. Some of the best scopes are designed with advanced reticles such as Multi-X reticles which deliver bright and clear target images. Others have the BDC reticle which helps in range estimation for precise shooting angles.
Weatherproof- the best scopes are designed with diverse waterproofing technologies such as the HydroShield, which uses Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic actions to eliminate moisture. They are also filled with different inert gases that help to keep the lenses fog-free even with rapid temperature changes.
Best Air Rifle Scopes under $500 FAQs
- What magnification is best for air rifle scopes?
When looking for a good scope, it is also important to consider the magnification. The 3-9×40 rifle scope is one of the most popular scope specifications, and this you can get it for less than 500 dollars. The 3-9 means that the magnification is adjustable from 3 times up to 9 times for a clearer image.
- How far is a 3×9 scope good for?
A 3-9X riflescope offers an additional level of magnification for every 100 feet, up to 300 yards.
- What scope is better Vortex or Leupold?
These two are leading brands in the industry. Leupold scopes tend to be better built, while Vortex scopes are better priced. Both brands have excellent reputations, therefore your choice might solely depend on your personal preference.
Final Thoughts
With a tight budget, you need to make sure that the scope you buy matches all your needs. For whatever purpose you need a scope for, the above-discussed scopes have all the features to make sure that you have the best performance.
The scopes are made by professionals in the different leading brands to give you value for your money. We hope you love them.
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