If you have just purchased your Barrett BMG rifle and are now looking for the best budget scopes for 50 BMG, then you are at the right place.
The .50 BMG, or Browning Machine Gun, is a formidable cartridge that was developed in the early 20th century for use in military machine guns. The rifle boasts impressive ballistics and accuracy at distances of over a mile, and this has made it a staple among those who demand the most from their firearms.
Despite its good performance, using a .50 BMG rifle effectively requires more than just raw power. A crucial component of successful shooting with this caliber is having a high-quality scope that can handle the recoil, provide clear and precise aiming, and offer the versatility needed for different shooting scenarios.
That is why we have put together this article on the best scopes available on the market for the .50 BMG rifle. From long-range target shooting to hunting big game, these scopes will provide you with the performance you need to make the most of your .50 BMG rifle.
Let’s dive in and find the best scope for your .50 BMG rifle.
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Best Budget Scopes for 50 BMG Rifle Review
1) Sightron SIII 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope
The Sightron SIII 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope is a high-performance, long-range rifle scope that is designed for serious shooters and hunters. It features a 6-24x magnification range that allows for precision targeting at long distances, making it an ideal choice for hunting, target shooting, and tactical applications.
The scope’s 50mm objective lens provides a bright, clear image and offers a wide field of view, making it easier to spot and track targets.
The lenses are multi-coated with Sightron’s proprietary Zact-7 Revcoat anti-reflective coating, which helps to reduce glare and increase light transmission for a clearer image in low-light conditions.
The scope’s first focal plane reticle allows the reticle to change size as the magnification is adjusted, ensuring that the reticle remains proportionate to the target and making it easier to estimate distances and holdovers.
The scope body is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum and is both shockproof and waterproof, making it durable enough to withstand the rigors of heavy recoil and extreme weather conditions.
The scope also features a zero-stop elevation turret that allows for quick and precise adjustments to the scope’s elevation, and the parallax adjustment allows for fine-tuning of the scope’s focus, ensuring that the reticle remains crisp and clear at all distances.
Key features
- 6-24x magnification range
- 50mm objective lens
- First focal plane reticle allows for accurate distance estimation and holdovers
- Multi-coated lenses with Zact-7 Revcoat anti-reflective coating
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Shockproof and waterproof
- Zero-stop elevation turret for fine-tuning
- Parallax adjustment
Pros
- Wide magnification range allows for precision targeting at long distances
- A large objective lens provides a bright and clear image
- Durable construction that can withstand heavy recoil and extreme weather conditions
Cons
- Some users may find the scope to be heavy or bulky
2) Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 6-24X50mm APMR Rifle Scope
Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 6-24X50mm APMR Rifle Scope is a high-performance riflescope designed for long-range shooting and hunting. The scope features a 6-24x magnification range and a 50mm objective lens, which provides a wide field of view and a bright, clear image.
The APMR (Advanced Precision Shooting Reticle) reticle is etched on the first focal plane and provides a versatile aiming point for long-range shooting.
The scope is constructed with aircraft-grade aluminum and has a hard-anodized matte black finish that provides durability and resistance to the elements. The housing is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed, making it waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.
The scope also features a fast-focus eyepiece and fully multi-coated lenses, which provide excellent light transmission and clarity. The scope also features a zero-reset feature that makes it easy to return to your original zero after making adjustments.
It is equipped with zero-stop turrets, which allow for quick and precise adjustments to windage and elevation. The turrets are capped to protect against accidental adjustments and are easily resettable to zero.
In addition, the scope has a side parallax adjustment, which allows for easy and precise focusing at different ranges. The scope is also equipped with an illuminated reticle, which provides a bright, visible aiming point in low-light conditions.
Key features
- 6-24x magnification range
- 50mm objective lens
- APMR (Advanced Precision Shooting Reticle) reticle
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Hard-anodized matte black finish
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Zero stop turrets
- Side parallax adjustment for precise focusing at different ranges
- Illuminated reticle for improved visibility in low-light conditions
Pros
- High-quality construction and finish for durability and resistance to the elements
- Wide magnification range and a large objective lens for clear, bright images
- Versatile APMR reticle for precision aiming at long ranges
- Easy to use and adjust turrets with zero stop and reset features
Con
- Can be expensive compared to other rifle scopes in the same class.
3) NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope
NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope is a high-performance riflescope that is designed for long-range shooting and hunting applications. It features a 5-20x magnification range, which provides the shooter with a wide range of magnification options for different shooting scenarios.
The 56mm objective lens provides a wide field of view, making it easy to locate targets, and the multi-coated lens provides excellent light transmission for clear, bright images, even in low-light conditions.
The SHV 5-20x56mm riflescope is built to withstand rugged use in the field, with a durable, aircraft-grade aluminum construction that is shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof. It also features a zero-stop elevation turret that allows for quick and easy adjustments, even in the field.
The scope has a wide parallax adjustment range, from 25 yards to infinity, and the reticle is etched into the glass for improved accuracy and reliability.
In addition to its performance features, the NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm riflescope has a sleek, modern design that will complement any rifle. It is easy to mount and has a low profile, making it ideal for use on hunting and tactical rifles.
Key features
- 5-20x magnification range
- 56mm objective lens for a wide field of view
- Multi-coated lens for excellent light transmission
- Durable, aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof
- Zero-stop elevation turret for quick and easy adjustments
- Easy and precise adjustments with zero-stop elevation turret
- Wide parallax adjustment range (25 yards to infinity)
- Etched reticle for improved accuracy and reliability
- Sleek, modern design
- Easy to mount and low profile
Pros
- Versatile magnification range for different shooting scenarios
- Wide field of view for easy target acquisition
- Excellent image clarity and brightness, even in low light
- Durable and rugged construction allows for tough use in the field
- Backed by a limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Higher price point compared to some other riflescopes on the market
4) Zeiss Conquest V4 3-12x44mm Rifle Scope
The Zeiss Conquest V4 3-12x44mm Rifle Scope is a high-performance rifle scope designed for hunting and shooting enthusiasts. It features a 3-12x magnification range and a 44mm objective lens diameter, which provides a wide field of view and clarity at long distances.
The scope is made with durable materials and is shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof. It is then equipped with the Zeiss LotuTec lens coating that ensures clear images even in adverse weather conditions by repelling water and dirt.
This scope also has a second-plane reticle, which means the size of the reticle stays the same regardless of the magnification level, allowing for accurate shot placement at all ranges. The reticle is illuminated, allowing for use in low-light conditions.
What’s more, the scope features an adjustable parallax that allows for fine-tuning of focus for accurate shots at longer distances. It also has an ergonomic design with an adjustable objective turret and low profile elevation and windage turrets, providing quick and easy adjustments in the field.
Key features
- 3-12x magnification range
- 44mm objective lens diameter
- Zeiss LotuTec lens coating for clear images in adverse weather conditions
- A second-plane reticle that stays the same size regardless of magnification
- Illuminated reticle
- Adjustable parallax for fine-tuning focus at longer distances
- Durable and shockproof, waterproof and fog-proof construction
- Adjustable objective turret and low profile elevation and windage turrets for quick and easy adjustments
- Fast-focus eyepiece and easy-grip turrets for ease of use
Pros
- Provides a clear image and reliable performance in adverse weather conditions
- Reticle stays the same size at all magnification levels, allowing for accurate shot placement
- Illuminated reticle allows use in low light conditions
- Durable and shockproof construction provides safe use in rugged environments
Cons
- May have a learning curve for some users
Choosing Budget Scopes for 50 BMG Rifle
When choosing a scope for a .50 BMG rifle, some important factors to consider include:
Durability
The .50 BMG is a powerful cartridge, and a scope for this type of rifle needs to be able to withstand recoil. Always go for scopes with a high-quality build and strong materials, such as aircraft-grade aluminum.
Magnification
The .50 BMG is a long-range rifle, so a high magnification is desirable. Look for scopes with magnification ranges of 10x to 20x or more.
Reticle
A reticle designed specifically for long-range shooting is essential for a .50 BMG rifle. Consider a mil-dot reticle, or one with holdover points, to help with aiming at long distances.
Glass quality
High-quality glass will provide a clear, bright, and sharp image even at maximum magnification. Look for scopes with fully multi-coated lenses and a high light transmission rate.
Turrets
Exposed turrets with precise adjustments and zero-stop capabilities will allow for quick and easy adjustments to the scope’s zero, even in the field.
Best Budget Scopes for 50 BMG Rifle FAQs
- What is the best scope for a 50 BMG rifle?
The best scope for a 50 BMG rifle will depend on the specific shooting needs and preferences of the shooter, but some popular options include the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP, the Nightforce ATACR 5-25×56 F1, and the Leupold Mark 6 3-18×44.
- What type of reticle is best for a 50 BMG?
A mil-dot or MOA reticle is commonly preferred for a 50 BMG rifle due to its large caliber and long-range shooting capabilities.
Read: Best Mil-Dot Scopes | Mil-Dot Scopes for Hunting
- What magnification do I need for a 50 BMG?
The magnification required for a 50 BMG will depend on the shooting scenario, but a range of 3-25x is common.
- What is the difference between an FFP and SFP scope?
FFP stands for a first focal plane, while SFP stands for second focal plane. The difference is in how the reticle behaves as the magnification is adjusted. In an FFP scope, the reticle size changes with magnification, while in an SFP scope, the reticle size remains constant.
Read: Best First Focal Plane Scope (FFP)
Final Thoughts
A Browning Machine Gun is as powerful as they come. However, to achieve its maximum capability, this cartridge can use the addition of a high-quality scope. Using any one of the best 50 BMG scopes gives you an upper hand in precision and accuracy.
The rifle scopes discussed in this article are made by the best brands in the industry, with high quality materials and great features to make every shot memorable.
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