When it comes to shooting, having a dependable rifle scope is just as important as the rifle itself. Whether you’re a hunter, a military professional, or a precision shooter, the right scope can make the difference between landing your target and missing it. While some top-tier scopes cost thousands, the under-$500 range has really stepped up in recent years. You can now afford scopes with excellent glass, rugged features, and build quality without overspending. Here is a summary of the top rifle scopes you can get for under $500—ranked from the eighth best to the top choice—emphasizing what performs well in the field and provides genuine value.
8. Burris Fullfield IV 4-16×50
Burris has built a reputation for producing dependable, affordable optics, and the Fullfield IV 4-16×50 is no different. It’s light and parallax adjustable—a feature not always included at this price point that aids in accuracy at different distances. The second focal plane reticle and capped turrets make things easy, perfect for hunters who don’t need any fussy setup. The glass is good, though not great, in low light, but Burris stands behind this scope with their fine “Forever” warranty, allowing shooters to have confidence in the field.
7. Hawke Vantage 30 WA IR 3-9×42
For an inexpensive, versatile scope, the Hawke Vantage 30 WA IR is the way to go. At just 17.5 ounces, it’s light enough to handle and has a good mount on most rifles. Its red reticle is both red and green, assisting in various lighting conditions. Although the glass won’t glare in low light and the turret dots can be a little hard to read, the broad view and durable construction make it a good option for hunters who want a basic illuminated optic without overspending.
6. Maven CRS.1 3-12×40
Maven has been causing ripples with their direct-to-consumer model, filling the CRS.1 with great Japanese glass at a very competitive price point. It’s light—barely more than 14 ounces—which is perfect for hunters who like to keep their equipment light. The Spartan CSHR reticle allows for fast target acquisition using plain holdover points. It doesn’t have illumination or parallax adjustment, but testers noted the clarity and color were surprisingly good, even in low light. Plus, Maven offers a lifetime warranty and throws in a neoprene cover, making it a great bang for your buck, though the fine reticle and small turret numbers might frustrate those who like dialing precise adjustments often.
5. Athlon Argos HMR 4-20×50
For shooters looking for more magnification at a non-premium price, the Athlon Argos HMR stands out. The 4-20x zoom, illuminated reticle, and parallax adjustment add features common on more expensive scopes. Turrets are capped but sharp, and the construction is tough enough to withstand field use. Its glass holds up well, and with reticle choices such as the BDC 600A MOA or Mildot, it’s suitable for both hunters and target shooters. The big objective lens requires a little extra space to mount, and some may find the reticle a bit aggressive, but generally speaking, this scope’s adaptability and lifetime warranty make it a wise choice under $350.
4. Sig SauerWhiskey 44 5-20×50
If shooting at distance is your thing, the Sig Sauer Whiskey4 cannot be overlooked. It has a first focal plane illuminated MOA Milling Hunter reticle, exposed turrets with zero-stop, all mounted in a rugged 30mm tube featuring a 50mm objective lens for improved light gathering. Add-on accessories such as flip-up lens covers and a throw lever are nice touches. It’s slightly heavy at almost 25 ounces, and although the glass resolution isn’t particularly high, its tracking and mechanical durability are good. For shooters who require a solid long-range scope without the astronomical price, this one gets the job done.
3. Riton 3 Primal 3-18×50
The Riton 3 Primal 3-18×50 is meant to be an all-around optic, combining features for precision and hunting. Its first focal plane LRH MRAD reticle features useful marks for target shooting and hunting, and the bright, red full-reticle illumination is readable even during the day. Zero stop, multi-position throw lever, and heavy erector system make it suitable for centerfire rifles and rimfire competition. The glass quality isn’t quite the best, and it’s slightly heavier than some competitors, but its solid mechanics and bundled accessories, such as flip-up covers, make it an excellent all-around value.
2. Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×40 CDS-ZL
Leupold’s VX-3HD line has been a favorite for years with its lightweight construction and hardcore dependability. The 3.5-10×40 CDS-ZL model has Leupold’s Elite Optical System with superior clarity and coatings, and Leupold’s groundbreaking Custom Dial System (CDS) that allows you to dial in your accurate elevation adjustments based on your ballistics. Weighing only 13.1 ounces, it is ideal for mountain hunts or all-day carrying. Its push-to-turn Zero Lock turret prevents changes by accident, although it lacks illumination or parallax adjustment, and the windage turret could be improved. Despite that, its optical quality, durability, and transferable lifetime warranty make it a top choice for serious hunters.
1. Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44
At the top of the list is the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44, a scope that is punching well above its price class. It features a first focal plane EBR-2C reticle, exposed tactical turrets, and a robust 30mm tube—features normally reserved for much more expensive scopes. The glass is razor-sharp and transparent, tracking is accurate, and the durable construction resists harsh field conditions with ease. Scales around 23 ounces, finding a nice balance between ruggedness and transportability. Waterproofing tested, tracking tested, drops tested, it’s covered by Vortex’s much-lauded VIP lifetime warranty. It lacks light and is made out of the country, but its reliability, performance, and affordability justifiably place it at the top of the list for the best rifle scope under $500.
When shopping for scopes within this price point, pay attention to things such as if the reticle is first or second focal plane (first for accuracy, second for ease of use), reticle type (BDC, MIL, MOA, illuminated or not), turret style (capped for hunters, exposed for dialing in), weight, and warranty. Be cautious of scopes with subpar glass, dodgy tracking, or dubious durability, as these problems still plague some budget scopes. Scopes such as the Sig Sauer Whiskey3 and Bushnell Nitro have been faulted for optical imperfections, and although the Arken had good features, it tended to be too heavy to be useful for real hunting.
Today’s under-$500 rifle scopes offer more choice and quality than ever before, blending useful tech with ruggedness to meet the demands of hunters, military users, and shooters at the range. Whatever your needs, this list highlights some of the best optics that balance performance and price without compromise.