Finding the best rifle scope under $500 can be a challenge. There are so many scopes on the market that it can be hard to know which one to choose. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! We’ve done the hard work for you and found the best scopes for every budget. Whether you’re looking for a high-end scope or a more affordable option, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn more about our top picks!
Which rifle scope is the perfect for under $500? This is a question that has been asked by many shooters, and there is no simple answer. Different shooters will have different opinions on the best scope for this price range. However, there are a few scopes that stand out from the rest and deserve to be mentioned. In this blog post, we will take a look at three of the best rifle scopes under $500.
Top 3 Air Rifle Scope Under $500:
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced marksman, finding the cheap rifle scope under $500 is essential for getting the most out of your shooting experience. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best rifle scopes on the market that fall within this price range and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. So, if you are looking to purchase a new rifle scope, keep reading!
There is a lot of debate over what the good rifle scope under $500 is. However, after extensive research, we have found that the best option for most people is the Vortex Viper HS-T 6-24x50mm rifle scope. This scope has many features that make it a great value for the price, including superior optics, HD clarity, and an adjustable objective lens. It also has a long eye relief and an easy-to-use turret system.
- Our Recommendation For The Best Air Rifle Scope Under $500
- Nikon Prostaff 5 BDC Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Rifle Scopes
- Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical EBR 2C MOA
- Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50 PA SFP Riflescope MOA
- Athlon Optics Argos BTR Riflescope 6-24x50mm
- Athlon Optics Helos BTR FFP Riflescope
- Summary For Air Rifle Scope Under $500
- In Conclusion
Finding the best rifle scope under $500 can be a challenge, but it is definitely possible. There are many great scopes available for this price range, so you should have no trouble finding one that meets your needs. However, it is important to do your research and make sure you get the right scope for your specific firearm. Here are some tips to help you find the best rifle scope under $500.
Quick Shopping Tips:
Are you in the market for a new rifle scope, but don’t want to spend a fortune? There are plenty of great scopes out there that don’t cost more than $500. But with so many options available, it can be tough to choose the best one for your needs. This guide will help you pick the perfect scope for your budget and shooting style.
Magnification power
Magnification is a crucial factor t0 find if you need to avoid disappointments in rifle scopes. It is the ability to increment the naked eye vision. In riflescopes, it is represented by the first number after the rifle scope name. It commonly ranges from 3-30x. However, you should regard your type of shooting to determine the level of magnification you require. For long-distance shooting, you will require a higher magnification while the vice versa also holds to be true.
Length
The standard length for adult players is 27 inches. There might be some rackets reaching 29 inches. Yet, longer rackets can be tricky to control; it is advisable to stick to the standard length if you’re a first-time buyer. Kid rackets come in different lengths to suit different ages. Most brands provide length suggestions for your consideration to make sure you can pick a suitable racket for your little angels.
Lens coating
If you need the most precise image, you can’t miss considering the lens coating. The layer determines the amount of light reflected by the lens and light transmission in the lens. This coating helps in the reduction of glares caused by the incoming light, which later reduces reflection.
Reticle
The reticle, which is also known as the crosshair, affects the target aiming. Thus, it determines the point where the bullet will go. There are different types of crosshairs; hence it is a matter of choice. The thin reticles offer a high level of precision but quite challenging to see on low light conditions. When it comes to the thick crosshairs, their accuracy is lower but has excellent visibility in low light conditions.
Objective lens size
Its diameter determines the objective lens capability. It is indicated after magnification in millimeters. For example, rifle scope 3-9x32mm has an objective lens diameter of 32 millimeters. It identifies the amount of light transmission, which later affects the clarity of the image. The higher the objective lens diameter is, the sharper the mage. However, most rifle scopes with a broader objective lens tend to be heavy.
Eye rifle
Nevertheless, the eye relief is an important feature to consider in rifle scopes. It refers to the distance from the user’s eyes to the eyepiece. It is denoted in inches. Ideally, the larger the eye rifle, the lower the magnification while the vice versa also holds to be right. Thus, to get maximum magnification which equates to brighter images, you should get a rifle scope with lower eye relief.
Tube size
A rifle scope has two main dimensions, 30mm or 1 inch. The tube size determines the internal range adjustability and also regulates the amount of light transmission. Also, knowing the riflescope tube size will help you get the right mounting rings. A 30mm tube requires 30mm mounting rings while the 1mm tube size will use 1mm mounting rings.
Our Recommendation For The Best Air Rifle Scope Under $500
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Nikon Prostaff 5 BDC Riflescope
Best Pick
Are you in the market for a new riflescope? Check out the Nikon Prostaff 5 BDC riflescope. This scope is ideal for all types of hunting, from predators to big game. It features a large ocular lens and 5-time magnification, making it easy to get on target and take your shot. Plus, the BDC reticle makes it easy to compensate for wind and distance. Order yours today and see the difference quality optics can make!
Nikon’s Prostaff 5 BDC riflescope is perfect for serious hunters and shooters. The scope features a five-time zoom system, an evolution of Nikon’s patented BDC reticle, quick focus eyepiece, fully multi-coated optics and more. Whether you’re taking down big game or shooting targets at the range, the Prostaff 5 BDC will help you take your shooting skills to the next level. Order yours today and experience the power of Nikon!
The Nikon Prostaff 5 BDC Riflescope is not just the best low-light riflescope, but also one of your best bets if you’re looking for a scope under $500 that can handle any situation. The Nikon Prostaff 5 is a great choice for both low-light shooting and hunting.
Pros
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof
- Clear and bright optical system with a generous and consistent eye relief
- Nikon has a lifetime warranty
Cons
- The turrets are a bit bulky
- Some may consider crosshairs to be a little thick
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Rifle Scopes
Staff Pick
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Rifle Scopes is a company that makes rifle scopes for hunters and shooters. They make a variety of rifle scopes, but their Strike Eagle line is popular for its second focal plane design. This means the scope’s reticle stays the same size no matter what power setting you have it on. This can be helpful in keeping your targets in view while you are shooting at different ranges. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the Strike Eagle line of rifle scopes from Vortex Optics.
A rifle scope is an important part of any good hunting or shooting setup. It’s critical to find the right one to fit your needs, and that can be a difficult task. With so many options on the market, it’s hard to know where to start. One brand that you might want to consider is Vortex Optics. They have a wide variety of scopes available, and one of their newer models is the Strike Eagle second focal plane rifle scope. Let’s take a closer look at what this scope has to offer.
This Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Rifle Scopes is perfect for 3-Gun competitions. It has the ability to rapidly engage targets from point blank all the way out at extended ranges, making it an excellent choice if you want more than just short distance power and accuracy in your firearm!
Pros
- True 1x power
- Fast target acquisition in all kinds of conditions
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof
Cons
- At maximum magnification, eye relief and finding the sweet spot can be rather sensitive and difficult to manage
Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical EBR 2C MOA
Budget Pick
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable tactical rifle scope, the Vortex Optics Diamondback EBR 2C MOA is worth considering. Featuring a 30mm tube and customisable turrets, this scope is perfect for long-distance shooting. Plus, with its illuminated reticle, it’s perfect for use in low light conditions. So, if you’re in the market for a quality tactical rifle scope, be sure to check out the Vortex Optics Diamondback EBR 2C MOA. You won’t be disappointed!
When it comes to optics, Vortex is a brand that you can trust. They offer quality products at an affordable price, and their Diamondback Tactical EBR 2C MOA is no exception. This optic is perfect for tactical applications, thanks to its robust construction and precise accuracy. If you’re looking for an excellent optic that won’t break the bank, the Vortex Diamondback Tactical EBR 2C MOA should be at the top of your list.
You can get a sweet rifle without breaking the bank. The Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical EBR 2C MOA series is well-known for being affordable while still helping you hit steel at upper limits of what your gun can do, and it doesn’t hurt that these guns look good doing it too!
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof
- High magnification with crisp clarity
Cons
- No “Zero Stop” feature
Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50 PA SFP Riflescope MOA

Are you in the market for a high-quality riflescope that will offer you great performance? If so, then you should consider taking a look at the Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50 PA SFP Riflescope MOA. This scope is perfect for anyone who wants to be able to take their shooting to the next level, and it is sure to help you hit your targets with precision accuracy.
Looking for a riflescope that can do it all? The Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50 PA SFP Riflescope is up to the challenge. This scope offers MOA adjustments with a side focus parallax adjustment, making it ideal for hunting or long-range shooting. Plus, the extra-low dispersion glass provides excellent image clarity and color fidelity. Check out our review to see if this is the right scope for you!
The reticle in the Vortex Viper 6.5-20×50 PA SFP Riflescope MOA has a fixed appearance, regardless of where you are looking through it. The reticle in the Vortex Viper never changes, which means you can count on it to always be there when needed.
Pros
- Best for estimating range, windage, and bullet holdover
- Excellent image resolution and color fidelity
- Focus eyepiece
Cons
- Though SFP reticles can do the job, FFP reticles are generally preferred for long-range shooting
Athlon Optics Argos BTR Riflescope 6-24x50mm

Looking for a top-quality riflescope that will help you take your shooting to the next level? Check out the Athlon Optics Argos BTR Riflescope 6-24x50mm. This scope is packed with features that will make it easy for you to hit your targets every time. Plus, it’s built to withstand even the harshest conditions, so you can rely on it in any situation. Don’t miss out on this amazing piece of gear – order yours today!
A rifle scope is a critical piece of gear for any hunter or shooter. It helps you accurately aim and take down your target. So, it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. If you’re in the market for a new riflescope, Athlon Optics has some great options to consider. The Argos BTR line offers scopes with a variety of features and at different price points. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the Argos BTR 6-24x50mm scope. Stay tuned for our full review soon!
For the money, this might just be one of your best bets when it comes to scopes for competition-grade use. Looking for a new budget Athlon Optics Argos BTR Riflescope 6-24x50mm? Look no further than the PRS Scopes. These scopes are ideal in competition use and can get you through any shooting match without issue!
Pros
- Exceptional strength and mechanical integrity
- Better waterproofing and thermal stability
Cons
- No “Zero Stop” feature
Athlon Optics Helos BTR FFP Riflescope

Athlon Optics is a company that produces some of the best optical gear available on the market. Their scopes are popular with both hunters and competitive shooters for their quality and affordability. The Athlon Optics Helos BTR FFP Riflescope is one of their latest products, and it has already gained a following among serious marksmen. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at what makes the Helos BTR FFP so special and why you might want to consider adding one to your arsenal.
Athlon Optics is known for their high quality optics, and the new Helos BTR FFP Riflescope is no exception. This scope is perfect for long range shooting, with its First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle that allows you to accurately measure distance and wind drift. Plus, the scope’s sturdy construction ensures that it can handle even the most extreme conditions.
The Athlon Optics Helos BTR FFP Riflescope is an excellent choice for any shooter who wants to get the most out of their shooting experience. With its locking turret and high magnification power, this scope will help you take down your game with ease while also giving competitors on a tighter budget more than enough distance before they have make adjustments in order find target normally seen at longer ranges
Pros
- Advanced multi-coated optic system
- Argon-purged tube, waterproof, fog proof
- Better waterproofing and thermal stability
Cons
- Insufficient eye relief
Summary For Air Rifle Scope Under $500
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Budget Pick ![]() | Check Price | |
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In Conclusion
So, what are you waiting for? Start shopping for the best rifle scope for your needs and budget today! We know you won’t be disappointed with our selection. Thanks for reading our guide to the best rifle scopes under $500. We hope it helps you make the perfect purchase for your next hunting trip or shooting range visit.
So, what are you waiting for? Start shopping for the best rifle scope under $500 today! We know you’ll love the results. And don’t forget to check back often; we’re always updating our selection of scopes to ensure that you have the latest and greatest options available. Thanks for reading!