The right scope makes the hunting experience fun but choosing the best riflescope can be a bit overwhelming. The 500 yards mark is difficult as it is neither too far nor too near. This means that you have to choose a very versatile scope to attain the perfect shots at this range.
This review will give you useful information, including factors to consider before deciding on the scope of your choice. There is a wide range of scopes to choose from in the market and we have gone ahead and reviewed the best riflescopes for 500 yards.
They include;
Best Riflescopes for 500 Yards
1) CenterPoint Optics LR416AORG2 Red/Green 4-16x40mm
The CenterPoint Optics scopes offer among the best performance in the field. They reassure a shooter of versatility and durability. The CenterPoint Optics LR416AORG2 Red/Green 4-16x40mm features the Centerpoint bullet drop reticle that eliminates hold-over estimations.
The scope can be calibrated to any load/bullet combination with ease and can stretch out to a distance of 600 yards. Once the distance has been identified, the aiming points on the target are simply pre-calculated for an accurate shot.
The scope has a clear, fully multi-coated optical system to provide quality and bright images of the target. The one-inch tubes are designed to withstand extreme environments and weather conditions.
Considering the features the scope has, it has an affordable price as compared to other scopes in its class.
Key features
- Fast-focus eyepiece, red/green illuminated reticle
- Rugged one-inch Nitrogen-filled tubes
- Tool-free windage and elevation adjustments
- 100% waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Second focal plane
- Length: 15.51 x 2.99 x 4.49 inches
- Objective lens diameter: 40mm
- Has limited life warranty
2) Bushnell Optics, Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope
With a compact design and made from high-quality aluminum alloy, the Bushnell Optics, Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope with Target Turrets assures a hunter of durability. Its AR Optics 1-4 x 24 are ideal for close to mid-range shots but can go further when needed.
The capped target turrets give accurate adjustments to the target. The drop zone reticle can reach approximately 600 yards and has aiming points every 100 yards. For the ballistic feature to operate properly, the scope must be set at proper magnification.
Key features
- Drop zone reticle
- Target turrets with 0.1 mil click value
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Drop zone 223 BDC reticle for close to mid-range shooting
- 100% waterproof, and shockproof
- The ballistic reticle is calibrated for 55 to 62 grain, 223 REM 5.556 loads with aiming points that stretch out to 500 yards
- Field of view (feet at 100 yards) 90 feet at 1x to 23 feet at 4x
- Weight: 1.06 pounds
- Length: 13.5 x 3.9 x 3.1 inches
- Magnification range: 1-4x
- Objective lens diameter: 24mm
- Matte black color
3) Athlon Optics Neos 6-18×44 Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Athlon Optics Neos has features that offer the best hunting experience while still being pocket-friendly. The one-piece aluminum tube is rugged and can withstand harsh environments.
Its fully multi-coated lenses give excellent light transmission for top brightness and true color on the entire light spectrum. The reticle is carved on glass which makes it recoil-resistant and excellent backing support for complex reticle design.
The tube is heated to give it extra strength. It is also nitrogen purged to remove moisture from the interior of the scope
Key features
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Heat-treated tube
- The reticle is etched on the glass
- Second focal plane
- Illuminated reticle
- Nitrogen purged for a fog-proof performance
- Waterproof, and shockproof
- Black in color
- Length: 16.4 x3.9 x 3 inches
- Weight: 1.03 pounds
- Magnification range: 6-18x
- Objective lens diameter: 44mm
4) Nikon P-Tactical .223 3-9×40 Matte BDC600
The Nikon P-Tactical .223 3-9×40 Matte BDC600 has a one-inch tube with a rugged design that makes it durable. It has fully multi-coated lenses that give bright and clear images even in harsh weather conditions.
The spring-loaded instant zero rest turrets for windage and elevation make it possible for quick adjustments, while the windage and elevation knobs can be reset to zero after sighting in.
A quick focus eyepiece guarantees a quick acquisition of the target. The scope is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to protect it from moisture. The BDC reticle gives shooters open circle aiming points and hash marks from 100-600 yards.
Key features
- Spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets
- One-inch body tube
- Consistent eye relief
- Elevated windage and elevation turrets
- 100% waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Weight: 1 ounce
- Objective lens diameter: 40mm
- Magnification range: 3-9x
5) Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescope has been updated to ensure speed and versatility. The 1x variable optic helps shooters engage targets from point-blank to extended ranges of up to 600 yards.
The scope has a BDC3 reticle and a thread-in throw lever to help the shooter acquire a target even faster. The fast-focus eyepiece on the other side allows reticle focusing to be fast and easy
The scope is made from a non-reflective coating on the air-to-glass surface that improves light transmission for quality images and low-light performance. It is nitrogen purged and O-sealed to keep moisture from getting in the tube. The aluminum tube protects it from impact and other abrasives.
Key features
- Illuminated BDC reticle
- 1x variable optics
- Updated magnification ring with a thread-in throw lever
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed
- Waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof
- Dimensions: 10.5 x 1.77 x 1.77 inches
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
- Magnification range: 1-6x
- Objective lens diameter: 24mm
- Includes 1 lithium metal batteries
6) Monstrum 3-12×42 AO Rifle Scope
The Monstrum Tactical S31242-R-RGAO-V2 is a reliable tactical scope that is ideal for mid to long-range shooting. Its fully multi-coated optical system helps in delivering quality images, and the 3-12x magnification can target out to 500 yards and beyond.
It features a functionally designed Mil-dot reticle for easy movement calculations. The ¼ MOA per click windage and elevation adjustments can lock the turrets and reset to zero after sighting in. Its black reticle is visible without illumination but can be lit red/green in low-light environments
The scope’s rings can be mounted in either direction depending on the shooter’s preference on scope placement and mounting system. The parallax dial on the side scope can move the Adjustable Objective lens.
This adjustment improves image clarity, eliminates parallax and estimates range with precision. The scope has an offset design that ensures flexibility for placement of the scope and provides optimum eye relief.
Key features
- Adjustable reticle illumination with 5 brightness levels in both red and green
- Adjustable Objective Lens
- Eliminates parallax
- Mil-Dot reticle
- Aircraft-grade 6061 aluminum body
- Nitrogen-charged tube
- Has night vision
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Weight: 1.4 pounds
- Objective lens diameter: 50mm
- Magnification range: 3-12x
7) Burris Fullfield E1 Hunting Rifle Scope
The Burris Fullfield E1 Hunting Rifle Scope has been designed for shooters who want a simple but sophisticated reticle for a good hunting trip.
The scope has a Ballistic Plax E1 reticle that is accurate and delivers outstanding performance. It has a trajectory-compensating technology cascading dots that compensate for wind drift.
The scope has a high magnification that helps a shooter get long-range shots. The power ring is easy to grip and turn even with gloves on.
The lens cover stays put as the eyepiece does not rotate. It has a double internal spring-tension system that makes the scope hold zero through recoil, shock, and vibrations.
Key features
- High-grade optical glass
- Finger-adjustable, low-profile turrets
- Power ring that is easy to grip and turn
- Double-internal spring-tension system
- Nitrogen-filled scope
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Side focus that allows parallax adjustment from 50yds to infinity
- Dimensions: 14.9 x 3 x 3 inches
- Weight: 1.7 pounds
- Max magnification: 14x
- Objective lens diameter: 42mm
8) Monstrum Alpha Series 6-24×50 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope
The Monstrum Alpha Series is a First Focal Plane scope that is very affordable. It has fully multi-coated lenses that are anti-glare for reduced loss of light due to reflection. They offer better light transmission and sharp contrast for clear images of the target.
The scope has a scratch-resistant coating, and a 6-24x magnification, perfect for mid to long-range shooting up to 1000+ tards.
The MOA reticle has easy-to-reading ranging information that remains constant even when the magnification changes. This makes range estimation faster and holdover correction. The AO gives a sharper focus on the target, and eliminates parallax and range estimation.
Key features
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- First Focal Plane
- Butter smooth turrets
- Crystal clear optics
- Custom Type-H (non-illuminated) reticle
- Compact design
- 100% waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Magnification range: 6-24x
- Weight: 1lb 13oz
- Objective lens diameter: 50mm
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Riflescopes for 500 Yards
Elevation and windage adjustments
Ensure you choose a scope where you can easily adjust windage and elevation. For a precise shot, the holdover and wind impact must be adjusted to the right settings.
Optimal light transmission
Not all scopes are installed with this feature. A scope with ideal optical light transmission provides bright, clear, and crisp images of the target from dusk to dawn. This ensures flexibility of the scope as you can hunt in any lighting condition.
Superior quality lens
For an enjoyable and high-performance hunting trip, a fully multi-coated lens is the way to go. A good quality lens gives HD images and optimal light transmission in all lighting conditions. The coating must be anti-reflective, resistant to scratch, and reduce glare to give a clear field of view and edge-to-edge clarity.
Easily adjustable turrets
Turrets that have clear markings and are finger-adjustable are the way to go. In the field, different situations ask for different settings. Therefore, choose a scope that allows you to make accurate and quick adjustments while on the move.
Eye relief
Consistent eye relief protects your brows from impact/recoil. Spending too much time in the field can cause eye strain. Good eye relief helps you prevent that from happening.
Rugged construction
Choose a scope made from durable material that can withstand impact, abrasions, and harsh environments. Most scopes offer shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof performance. Scopes that are O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged lock out moisture, dust, and abrasives from getting into the tube. A durable scope ensures repeatability and saves you money.
Read also; 10 Best Riflescopes for 1000 Yards
Frequently asked questions
- What magnification do you need?
The ideal minimum magnification for 500 yards is 5x and could go up to at least 18x magnification. Adjustable magnification in this case is the most recommended. Choose a scope that has a wider magnification range where you can adjust to any range in different situations. This is because you may not always need to shoot at 500 yards. Always put into consideration your intended use.
- Why do you need scopes for 500 yards?
It is difficult to take shots that are a far way off. For average shooters and beginners, it is also difficult to aim right and take a precise shot. A scope for 500 yards helps you identify a target, and range accurately and at a faster rate. For hunting, a scope for 500 yards helps in quick target acquisition when you are on the move.
- Who should use a scope for 500 yards?
It is ideal for enthusiastic shooters who want excellent performance in the field. It is also ideal for those who want to practice shooting to refine their shooting skills. Whatever your intended activity is, the scope is sure to give unparalleled performance and great accuracy.
Final Thoughts
Having been provided with the necessary and basic information, we hope you now have a clear guideline on choosing the best scope for 500 yards that can improve your accuracy and performance.
The market has a multitude of options for 500-yard scopes but the review above will help you make a comparison and pick one that best suits your needs. We are assured that these scopes will make your next hunting trip memorable and a success.