Engaging long-range targets requires a dedicated riflescope with unmatched clarity and brilliant optics. If you are on the hunt for the best 500 yards scope, you have come to the right place. We combed the market and came up with the best 500 yards scopes ideal for tactical and hunting applications.
500 yards is not an easy range to shoot. Even with a quality and powerful rifle and the best ammo, it is still hard to acquire targets accurately without the help of a good sighting tool.
This is where 500-yard scopes come into play. A scope that is designed for long-range use is vital if you want to make this range as feasible as possible.
When it comes to finding the best 500 yards scope, there are lots of models to choose from. It is vital to choose a scope with high magnification, quality optics and easily adjustable turrets.
In this buying guide, we will begin by looking at the best design features of a 500-yard scope and then proceed to the very best 500 yard scopes.
What Makes a Great 500 Yard Scope?
A great 500-yard scope is made of several things. They include:
High Magnification
Magnification is a very important aspect of every scope. For the best shooting/hunting experience, you should get a variable power scope with a minimum magnification power of 3x and a maximum magnification of about 14x.
Quality Glass
The second thing that a great scope for 500 yards should have is quality lenses for optimal optical performance. The scope should also have superior lens coatings for better visibility and light transmission.
Durable Make
The best 500 yards scopes come with ruggedized housing to take in the beating. Both hunting and shooting can be rough on the optics so it is vital to invest in a unit that is duty worthy.
Ample Eye Relief
Finally, great scope for 500 yards must have sufficient eye relief to enhance glassing comfort. Besides a long eye relief will protect you from being scoped during the rifle recoil.
8 Best 500 Yards Scopes
If you are having a difficult time finding the right scope for 500 yards, the following is a list of the best models to pick from. Let’s have a look.
1) Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42 mm Rifle Scope
Ideally suited for medium and long-range use, the Fullfield II 4.5-14×42 mm Rifle Scope is our best overall scope for 500 yards. It features a wide and versatile magnification range and a large 42mm objective lens that balances light collection abilities without being big and bulky.
A defining facet of this rifle scope is its minimalist design. This plus the user-friendly features make it an ideal choice for all users including beginners. Besides, it boasts low-profile turrets that are capped to prevent accidental dialing in the middle of use.
To get you on targets more quickly, the scope has an impact point correction made at 1/4 MOA per click. Additionally, it has a total adjustment range of 40 MOA on both windage and elevation. Even better, the scope has an uncluttered ranging duplex crosshair reticle that stays visible even in low light.
As one of the best 500 yards scopes, the Fullfield II 4.5-14x42mm is parallax free to 50 yards. Its 1-inch single-piece main tube is made from 6061-T6 aluminum to maximize longevity. The optical tube is also waterproofed and nitrogen filled to provide reliable all-weather protection.
Burris 4.5-14x 42mm rifle scope ensures the best performance through high-performance optical glass and unrivaled clarity when taking down distant targets. Choose this rifle scope and get the accuracy you need from a hunting stand or long-range.
Features
- 5-14x total magnification
- Hi-Lume multi-coated optics
- Capped turrets
- 1/4 MOA impact point correction
- Single-piece 1-inch tube
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Second focal plane reticle
Pros
- Crisp reticle
- Lightweight
- Sturdy and well-built
- Good price
Cons
- Bad eye relief at max power
- Non-illuminated reticles hinder low-light usage
- No lens covers
2) Trijicon AccuPoint 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope
Trijicon prides itself in making premium-quality optics and the AccuPoint TR-29/31 4-16x50mm rifle scope is a testament. Transform your rifle into a potent long-range performer by mounting this purpose-driven rifle scope.
It is a versatile and highly accurate rifle scope ideal for tactical shooting and long-range hunting making it a top contender among the best 500 yard scopes.
The optical performance of this scope is what makes it stand out. It has a large 50mm aperture that is responsible for gathering light and boosting low-light performance.
Moreover, the lenses are fully multi-coated to enhance light transmission and provide bright image views that are rich in color and detail.
To ensure comfortable aiming in any light, this rifle scope has a battery-free illuminated reticle system. Expect brilliant performance any time of day from this rifle scope.
In terms of construction, it is built with 6061-T6 aluminum and weatherproofed for operability in all environments and temperatures ranging from -20 to 140℉.
The other important features the scope boasts include a repositionable magnification throw lever, capped turrets and generous windage and elevation adjustment.
Features
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Crisp and precise windage/elevation adjusters
- Battery-free reticle illumination
- Easy focus eyepiece
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof construction
- Second focal plane reticle
- 30mm body tube diameter
Pros
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Phenomenal low light visibility
- Great glass
- Swift and easy adjustments
- Quick target engagement
- Suitable for different shooting applications
- Fast focus eyepiece
Cons
- Pricey
- Short eye relief at max power
3) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
Good scopes for long-range use don’t come cheap. The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm rifle scope is built with top-tier features that make it an excellent choice for long-range use. It is good for both hunting and shooting in any environment.
One of the key selling points is the stunning low-light performance. This is made possible by the Twilight Max Light Management System which provides hunters and shooters with a distinct advantage in low-light settings.
Furthermore, the scope has a 44mm objective lens for sharpening clarity and image brightness in dismal environments. The scope’s resolution and clarity are exactly what you need to execute long-range shots with utmost precision.
The side focus eliminates the parallax on the scope and makes the reticle clearer. Over and above that, this rifle scope has a Custom Dial System that you can use to tailor your turrets to your exact environmental conditions and ballistics.
What’s more, is that the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm scope is built waterproof, fogproof and with a hydrophobic lens coating to be usable in all weather conditions. It also has robust housing to withstand shock, elevation changes and extreme handling.
Features
- Custom Dial System
- Zero lock dial
- Guard-ion hydrophobic lens coating
- Second focal plane reticle
- 30mm diameter for the body tube
- Professional grade optical system
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Side focus adjustment
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sufficient eye relief
- Ruggedized construction
- Great glass quality
- Ease of installation
Cons
- Non illuminated reticle
4) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
Gracing its presence in this list of the best 500 yards scopes is the Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm. Built with versatility and durability in mind, this rifle scope has every feature you need to acquire targets accurately from close to long ranges.
The scope is designed for use even in nearly all light conditions. This is attributed to the XD elements, XR fully multi-coated lenses, and the 44mm aperture that operate in tandem to offer bright and detail-rich sight pictures.
Not only is the scope’s optical performance outstanding but also its build quality. Crafted from aerospace-quality aluminum, it is lightweight yet durable enough to withstand anything you subject it to.
Moreover, the scope is built waterproof and fog-proof for operability in all kinds of weather conditions. Reliable performance comes in handy for hunters who sometimes have to deal with harsh weather conditions.
The PST Gen II 3-15x44mm FFP Rifle Scope also brings to the table a fast-focus eyepiece and a highly functional reticle located on the second focal plane.
Features
- Aircraft-quality aluminum body
- Water, fog and shockproof
- Hard anodized finish
- Tactical-style turrets
- XD lens elements
- Glass-etched SFP reticle
- Fully multi-coated optics
Pros
- Manageable weight
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Simple to use
- Illuminated reticle
Cons
- None
5) Trijicon VCOG 1-6×24 Rifle Scope
The Trijicon VCOG 1-6×24 is another premium-grade rifle scope that is optimized for durability and multi-functionality. It has a variable 1-6x zoom range that gives shooters the flexibility to take shots at close to medium ranges.
This rifle scope will significantly increase your odds of success while withstanding the most unforgiving environments.
It is made from a single piece of 7075-T6 aluminum alloy which provides unmatched strength and durability. The entire optical tube is also fogproof and waterproof for use even in adverse weather conditions.
To complement the robust housing, this rifle scope has high-quality glass and a fully multi-coated optical system designed to help improve light transmission. It also boasts an illuminated reticle for engaging targets quickly and accurately in low light.
In addition to everything else, the scope has 90 MOA windage and elevation adjustments to help you manage wind drifts and ballistics.
The Trijicon VCOG 1-6×24 rifle scope will extend your effective shooting range and help you dominate in close-quarters engagements. Mount this scope on your rifle and take advantage of advanced features to become a better marksman.
Features
- Fully multi-coated optics
- First focal plane reticle
- 7075-T6 aluminum alloy construction
- Capped finger-operated turrets
- 90 MOA windage and elevation adjustment range
- Hard anodizing finish
- Single-piece main tube
Pros
- Long 4” eye relief
- Easy to mount and use
- Superior image clarity
- Unmatched durability
Cons
- Weight
- Expensive
6) Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope
The Diamondback 4-16x44mm is another top-performing 500-yard scope from Vortex. It is designed with a variable 4-16x magnification to provide all the benefits of a tactical rifle scope without unnecessary bulk.
The optical performance of this rifle scope is reliable even in poor lighting conditions. It uses an advanced optical system that provides crisp clear images through the whole zoom range. Furthermore, it has ED glass and fully multi-coated lenses to limit glare and maximize light transmission.
Another remarkable feature of this unit is its solid build. It has a tough but lightweight aluminum housing that is completely shockproof and impact-resistant.
The matte anodized finish shields the scope from scratches and corrosion that cause rust. It also prevents glare from keeping you hidden in the brush.
And that’s not all. The Diamondback 4-16x44mm rifle scope is waterproof and fogproof to handle harsh weather conditions. It is also built with a fast-focus eyepiece to help you lock onto targets quickly and seamlessly.
Features
- Ribbed magnification ring
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof design
- 4-16x total magnification
- 30mm main tube
- First focal plane reticle
- Fully multi-coated optics
Pros
- Clear glass
- True tracking
- Solid construction
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- Non illuminated reticle
7) Athlon Optics Neos 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
Enhance your aim with a scope that provides you with bright and clear images. The Neos 4-12x40mm Side Focus Rifle Scope is a top contender among the best 500 yard scopes and will increase your success while hunting.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly optic that packs premium precision in a lightweight and compact size, you have found it in this model.
For unparalleled durability in the field, this rifle scope is shockproof and impact resistant. It is also heat treated to enhance durability and be able to handle repetitive recoil. On top of that, it is 100% waterproof and fog-resistant to handle harsh weather conditions.
The picture quality of this rifle scope is also outstanding. It has fully multi-coated optics which provide bright and clear images to enhance your aim even at long distances.
Other than that, this rifle scope has a glass-etched second focal plane reticle that is illuminated to provide greater visibility in low light.
Features
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Heat treated single piece tube
- IPX-7 water resistance level
- Glass etched reticle
- Matte finish
- 1-inch main tube diameter
- Adjustable parallax from 10 yards to infinity
Pros
- Good price
- Superb low-light visibility
- Rugged and reliable construction
Cons
- Bad eye relief
8) Primary Arms Orion 4-14x44mm Rifle Scope
Primary Arms continues to build a name in the optics industry thanks to the top-grade yet cost-effective products it manufactures. The Orion 4-14x44mm Rifle Scope is a fantastic choice for hunting and shooting at medium to long ranges.
The scope is built with beginners in mind. It has a user-friendly ACSS Orion reticle which makes it easy to estimate the range of targets without doing any math.
Besides that, it is built lightweight and with a convenient side-mounted parallax adjustment knob for easy access during use.
Moreover, the Orion 4-14x44mm Rifle Scope is outstanding in terms of durability. It has a shockproof, waterproof and fog-proof 30mm body tube to protect the optics from damage.
Also, it is equipped with low-profile, finger-adjustable windage and elevation turrets that are capped for added shield from bumps and impacts.
Features
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Side-mounted parallax adjustment knob
- Capped low-profile turrets
- First focal plane reticle
- 30mm tube diameter
- 4-14x variable magnification
Pros
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Clear accurate ranging
Cons
- Bad eye relief
Further Reading
- Best Vortex Scope for 300 Win Mag
- Leupold Scopes for 300 Yards
- Best 1000 Yard Rangefinder
- Vortex Scopes for 308 Long Range
- Best Scopes for Winchester XPR
Best 500 Yards Scopes Buyer’s Guide
Criteria for Choosing the Best 500 Yards Scopes
Let us know take a look at the key things you should consider when shopping for the best 500 yards scope.
Intended Usage
The first thing to consider is the intended usage. What do you want to use the scope for? Is it for hunting, target shooting or sports shooting?
By being activity-specific, you not only simplify your selection process but also get to invest in a scope that blends best with your needs.
Lens Quality
In rifle scopes, the quality of the lens plays a big role in determining the overall optical performance. We recommend that you find a scope that employs extra-low dispersion glass, high-definition glass, or fluorite glass.
Such rifle scopes guarantee stunning color accuracy in all lighting conditions. It is also important to get a scope that has proper lens coatings for better visibility even in low-light settings.
Read: Best Scopes for Long-Range Elk Hunting
Durability
You will want to buy a scope that is built with durability in mind. Rifle scopes made from aluminum or magnesium alloy are the best in terms of quality and durability. They are also lightweight so you will have an easy time carrying one around.
Still, on build quality, be sure to get a scope that is built and ready for use in all environments. The best 500 yards scopes are fully waterproof, dustproof and fog resistant to guarantee reliable field use in all kinds of weather conditions.
Eye Relief
Sufficient eye relief is important when it comes to choosing a scope suitable for 500 yards. Under such a range, most of the cartridges used produce either moderate or high recoil.
By having a scope with long eye relief, you are guaranteed safe and comfortable glassing. Eye relief is also beneficial in reducing eye strain and fatigue when you are glassing for extended sessions.
Read: Best 350 Legend Riflescopes
Ease of Use
It is also important to find a scope that is built with ease of use in mind. The most essential features that make a scope easy to use include fast focus eyepiece for simple reticle focusing and easy adjustments for parallax, magnification and windage and elevation.
A good scope should also be lightweight to ensure easy maneuverability from one point to the other.
What is the Best Scope Magnification for 500 Yards?
To make practical shots at 500 yards range, you will need a variable power scope with 3-5x minimum magnification and 10-15x maximum magnification.
With the right zoom, you will be able to achieve a higher success rate for the application you will be using the scope for.
Read: Best LPVO Scope
Final Shot
Choosing the best scope for 500 yards is key to enhancing your success chances both in the shooting range and hunting fields.
Although this distance is to a certain degree mid-range, you will find that most medium to top-tier scopes can do the job.
Irrespective of the scope that you end up choosing, we hope that this article has steered you in the right direction.