ShrewdHunter.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission. For more details Click Here.

Best 1000 Yard Scope Under 500

Best 1000 yard scope under 500

Needless to say, choosing the perfect Scope is an important factor to increase the chances of your accuracy. But who is going to help you match with your dream scope? Well, swipe up!

Two major aspects come into play while deciding the best scope for your rifle: The first is finding the one that is compatible and fits perfectly with your gun. The second factor is the budget. 

Top 6 Best 1000 Yard Scope Under 500

NameSepcsToday's Price
Bushnell Engage Riflescope2.5-10x44Click Here
Nikon MONARCH4-16×50Click Here
Leupold Mark MOD3-9x40Click Here
Athlon Optics Helos6–24×50Click Here
Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical6-24x50Click Here
Night Owl OpticsNAClick Here

We will help you to find the best long-range rifle scope under 500 that should be compatible with your rifle and guess what, it will turn out to be a relief to your eyes as well!

1. Bushnell Engage Riflescope, Matte Black, 30mm Tube

Bushnell Engage Riflescope, Matte Black, 30mm Tube

Bushnell has 4 variants of the riflescope, ranging from 13.6 inches to 14.3 inches in length and weighing 19.3oz to 23.7 oz, and each one of them is a long-range scope under 500.

Here we will review the Bushnell Engage Riflescope, Matt Black with a 30mm tube. It weighs 1.21 pounds. The diameter of the objective lens is 40 millimeters. The maximum magnification of 10.00 and the minimum magnification is 2.5 millimeters. The product is the best for the mid-range target, making it the best for shooting sports and mid-range hunting.

It is equipped with an illuminated center dot that permits easier target acquisition, leading to a reduction in your time spent on finding the target in the first place. So that you can focus more on the shot itself.

Fully multi-coated optics gives a brighter and clearer image at dusk and dawn. While the level of illuminations ranges between one to six to guaranteeing that the reticle stands out against any target.

EXO Barrier ties to the outer lens surfaces and removes water, oil, fog, dust, and debris to ensure that you can see your target in any condition.

Pros

  • Illuminated center dot
  • enhanced dusk/dawn performance
  • Six brightness settings of illuminations Exo barrier protection

Cons

  • The reticle is thin and may get camouflaged if the dark object is on the sight.

2. Nikon MONARCH 3 BDC Riflescope, Black, 4-16×50

Nikon MONARCH 3 BDC Riflescope, Black, 4-16×50

MONARCH 3 combines impressive optics and reliable mechanical functionality in an all-in-one package. The black Nikon Monarch Riflescope weighs 1.21 pounds with the dimensions 4-16× 50 millimeters inches. 

It has eight different magnifications and is available in five different types of reticles to choose from. So that you have the option to select the best that suits your shooting and hunting style.

The excellent low light vision and clarity make it a perfect long range scope under 500 for shooting and hunting. The MONARCH 3 Eye Box Technology has 4-times the normal zoom range and up to 4 inches of eye relief. The turrets are one of the easiest to adjust with a Spring-Loaded Instant Zero-Reset Turrets.

Along with the above, the quick focus eyepiece allows the shooter to instantly bring the reticle into focus with an ultra ClearCoat Optical system offering up to 95% light transmission.

Pros

  • Four times zoom range
  • Easy to adjust zero-reset turrets
  • Quick Focus
  • 95% Light Transmission
  • Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof

Cons

  • The lines of the reticle may get big in the long-distance range, which may not be compatible with everyone.

3. Leupold Mark MOD 1 3-9x40mm Riflescope

Leupold Mark MOD 1 3-9x40mm Riflescope

Weighs 1.2 pounds and has dimensions 14 x 3 2.75 inches. Leupold Mark has a varied magnification range, between a maximum of 9 magnifications and a minimum of 3 magnifications.

Leupold Mark Mod long range scope is also available in Illum. FireDot TMR  reticle. MOD Riflescope P% turrets with 0.1-millimeter dials which come with an elevation BDC dial for FMJ missile with a snout velocity of 3100 FPS.

The varied magnification and durability, backed with the lifetime warranty make it perfect for rugged activities. The lightweight polymer and aluminum body has good durability. This long range scope is 100% waterproof, fog-proof, shockproof with a lifetime guarantee over Leupold Mark Riflescope.

Extends a rim to rim clarity of the visual fields with an excellent contrast, resulting in a bright sight picture even in extreme low-light conditions.

Pros

  • Lightweight and durable body: 
  • Lifetime Guarantee
  • The Multicoat 4- delivers extreme clarity from edge to edge 

Cons

  • The product is only available in the United States.

4. Athlon Optics Helos BTR 6 – 24×50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes

Athlon Optics Helos BTR 6 - 24x50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes

This long range scope despite being expensive offers the quality and features that make it an incredible investment. This comes with a value for money by providing features like First Focal Plane along with illuminated MIL Reticle in it. It also has fully multi-coated optics. 

The tube of Riflescope is made from Aircraft grade aluminum 6061- T6 making it even more suitable to be called ‘value for money.’ This Riflescope’s IR MIL reticle is best suited for long-range shooting and also mid-range shooting.

The design of the First Focal Plane makes it easier to fully zoom in and zoom out, making it simpler for reticles to shrink or grow along with the target. This feature allows the reticles to provide precision in situations requiring finer details. 

The reticles also work well with quick target meetings at low power. It also comes with the feature of Etched Glass Reticle. Which provides excellent backing support in case of complex reticle design, offering great durability along with a higher shock resistance during recoil. 

The illuminated reticle feature provides high visibility in low light conditions like at dusk and dawn. This makes it adaptable to all kinds of light conditions. The feature of multi-coated optics, also helps it to reduce the light reflections and the problem of glare is also reduced. The optimum light transmission gives brighter images than normal images which are given by the normal coated lens. 

The illuminated center along with a 0.5 mil hash mark assists you to quickly lock in the target also setting a holdover position which also provides a lead over the motile target. This comes with locking turrets feature both at elevation and at windage turrets. 

The exposed turrets allow you to control it by just simply pulling up or pushing down to dial it and lock it in its place respectively. With this feature, it makes you stress-free when traveling from one point to another and during a change of positions in hunting competitions. It uses argon purging to purge moisture out of the tube.

Pros

  • Good enough glass to get out till 1000 yard
  • Highly durable scope
  • The versatile magnification of 6x – 24x 
  • Easily adjustable turrets of elevation and windage
  • The parallax adjustment is smooth
  • Good quality glass
  • Aircraft grade aluminum 

Cons

  • Not enough eye relief for heavy recoiling shooters
  • Glass gets blurry at low ranges
  • Turrets might get mushy over the repeated use

5. Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescopes

Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescopes

This long range scope might appear to be a normal first focal plane scope at the first glance but it is, in reality, a combination of quality and valuable features at a reasonable cost. The focus of the quality in this riflescope is put where it is necessary. 

Some riflescopes inculcate expansive features at the cost of quality which makes them low in overall character, but this is not the case here. The diamondback beats the vortex optics viper by a slight margin, due to its XD Lens elements (Extra-low Dispersion) in its glass, which increases color fidelity and resolution delivering sharper images, even at long ranges. This long range scope has exposed turrets even at this low price range.

This has the capacity of a 1000 yard mark and even beyond which puts you in lead with it. It also has fully multi-coated lenses which increase the light transmission and reduces the problem of reflected light. 

The coating of the anti-reflective surface on the air-to-glass exterior adds to its quality. It also comes with First Focal Plane Reticle. The proportion of scale of the reticle to zoomed images hence remains consistent to each other, so that’s a plus!

The Etched-Glass reticle makes it an intricate design. The reticle is placed between two layers of glass, this provides durability and protection to the reticle. The EBR-2C(MOA) Reticle has hash marked suspensions on the reticle with maximum elevation adjustment and maximum windage adjustment of 65 MOA. 

The use of Aircraft grade Aluminium provides riflescope strength. The hard anodized finish gives it a matte finish of low glare. This helps shooters disguise in the shooting positions.

The precision force spring system makes use of good quality components to give ease of adjustment also giving maximum repeatability. It also makes use of premium components in its precision glide erector system to give clearer and smoother images by giving good magnification in all ranges. The use of raised rib for magnification makes it easy to use in situations of fast magnification. 

Pros

  • Nitrogen purging is used to make it waterproof.
  • Rigid built structure gives a shockproof performance
  • Extra-low Dispersion glass reduces light reflection
  • Easy to use knobs for parallax in case of long-range shooting
  • 4x zoom ranging from 6-24x.

Cons

  • Does not hold zero well.
  • Crosshairs are thin
  • Does not work well in low light conditions

6. Night Owl Optics NightShot Digital Night Vision Riflescope with IR illuminator, Black, NIGHTSHOT,Medium

Night Owl Optics NightShot Digital Night Vision Riflescope With IR Illuminator

The Night Owl Optics is best known to manufacture rifle scopes for night vision. When it comes to a night vision riflescope we expect it to be costly but this new riflescope NightShot by Night Owl is a solution to the high cost. 

It provides a built-in infrared illuminator at a low cost. This gives high-resolution images by making use of an objective lens. The riflescope is compatible with NV hunting, tactical shooting, and nighttime shooting. 

The reticle has 3 different options which make the shooter change it based on the shooting situation. The range of this riflescope is 100-200 yards depending upon the light conditions during the time of the shooting. 

This also provides for an additional IR illuminator separately if you want to use it for even darker conditions. Being a digital scope makes it compatible for even day-light conditions, which means it is not restricted to just the nighttime shooters. 

The riflescope is suitable for a 30 caliber bullet, it does not work well with a bullet above 30 caliber. It comes with polymer construction which makes it lightweight and easy to carry. This is durable and provides value for money. 

Pros

  • It comes with 850nm IR
  • It is compatible with both day and night lighting
  • It is durable to all weather conditions
  • 3x zoom for a nighttime lighting

Cons

  • Low battery life of an average of 5 hours.
  • Glass gets a bit blurry.

FAQ 

How to Choose the Best Riflescope?

After deciding your purpose of buying the scope (i.e., for shooting in range, or hunting, etc.) you should focus on the specifications that serve your need the best. 

These specifications could include:

  • Magnification (an important factor for long-range shooting) 
  • The size and distances between the two objective lenses (the distance between the 1st and the 2nd focal plane plays an important role).
  • Lens Coating (determines the quality of the image)
  • Reticle (it is important to choose the reticle that is appropriate to you)
  • Eye Relief (longer eye relief makes it harder to focus but is healthy for the eyes)
  • Protection (It includes both the protection from the shock of recoil and the protection from the weather)

Why use a Riflescope?

A Riflescope is a great addition to your Rifle. It helps to improve your shooting and maneuvering in tough situations. Additionally, a riflescope enhances accuracy, precision, and range. 

A Rifle Scope is an important accessory for your rile if you are looking for a good experience. And a good experience does not necessarily have to burn holes in your pocket. 

This article presents you with a detailed analysis of the best rifle scopes under 500$ to assist you to make the sound choice. 

Conclusion

If the cost is your primary concern then the Bushnell Engage Riflescope, Matte Black, 30mm Tube is the best choice for you; it is packed with some good features in the minimum range. 

Whereas if you are looking for a more advanced riflescope with wide features then the Leupold Mark MOD 1 3-9x40mm Riflescope would be a good fit for you, not to forget the lifetime warranty it comes with! 

Nikon MONARCH 3 BDC Riflescope, Black, 4-16×50 has an excellent light transmission and eye relief features, all placed in a long-range scope. It lives up to its reputation and also is economically sound.