When it comes to finding the best scope for 500 yards, there are many options to choose from. In today’s article, we will walk you through the best long-range scopes for 500 yards available on the market and help you find the most appropriate model for your needs.
Hitting a target as far away as 500 yards is no mean feat especially if you don’t have the skills to match. But with the right scope, it becomes a thrilling and enjoyable task for every avid gun enthusiast.
A quality long-range scope will give you an optical advantage in the field, get you closer to the action, and ensure that you have an easy time hitting targets at such a distance.
As the optical industry advances, long-range rifle scopes have become better and more available to civilian shooters. We have done some research and put together several of the best-performing rifle scope ideals for those who shoot 500 yards or more in the range. But before looking at these scopes in detail, let’s begin with the attributes of a good scope for long-range.
What Makes the Best Scope For 500 Yards?
The first attribute of great scope for 500 yards in high magnification power. The further you shoot, the more magnification you require to have an up-close view of the target. A riflescope with a magnification range between 5x and 18x to 25x can be suitable for shooting at 500 yards.
Secondly, the scope should have a large aperture of at least 40mm objective lens. The larger the aperture, the more light the scope collects to form a bright and clear field of view.
The other essential features that the best scope for 500 should be outfitted with include:
- High transmission optics and premium anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces
- Sufficient eye relief and long eye box
- Lightweight construction
- A housing that is made with the most hard-wearing materials
- Accurate and easy-to-use reticle
- Reliable protection from moisture, dust, and other elements
Best Scopes for 500 Yards
1) Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope
Coming in first is the Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope from Leupold. This rifle scope is designed for long-range shooting applications and excels in all kinds of lighting and weather conditions.
Built with durability, the scope features the most robust housing to take in any abuse. It is designed and tested to be shockproof, impact-resistant, and recoil-proof. Furthermore, the optical tube is waterproof and fog proof to ensure precise performance in all weather conditions.
Another thing that makes it the best scope for 500 yards is the first focal plane reticle. This reticle stays true across the 5-25x magnification range and aids in range estimation. The scope has a fast-focus eyepiece for simple reticle focusing and a high-speed power selector with a built-in throw lever for rapid magnification adjustment.
The Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope is also designed with a Twilight Max HD Light Management System that makes it operable in all lighting conditions.
Features
- 5-25x magnification range
- First focal plane reticle
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- Scratch resistant lenses
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 35mm tube diameter
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Precision side focus
- High-speed power selector
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Good eye relief
- Large turrets
- Phenomenal optical clarity
- Scratch-Resistant
- Fast focus eyepiece
Cons
- No BDC dial
2) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope
Carrying the renowned Vortex name, the Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope is an excellent optic for long-range hunting and shooting. It is built with ease of use in mind and with an array of other features to enhance your accuracy and efficiency with your favorite rifle.
The optical performance of this scope is a force to reckon with. It has a large 50mm objective that works in tandem with fully multi-coated lenses to optimize performance in low light and enhance optical clarity. On top of that, the scope employs XD lens elements to increase resolution and color fidelity.
Construction-wise, the scope is built in a 30mm tube, which maximizes internal adjustment, strength, and rigidity. The aircraft-grade aluminum body has a highly durable hard anodized finish that is scratchproof and non-reflective.
Furthermore, this rifle scope is built waterproof and fog proof for use season after season. It also brings a first focal plane reticle that is glass etched and illuminated.
Features
- Precision-force spring system
- 5-25x magnification power
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Front focal plane reticle
- Precision-glide erector system
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- 30mm main tube
- Glass-etched reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Hard anodized finish
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Great magnification range
- Rapid Zero Return (RZR)
- Solid and sturdy construction
- Clear glass and Fully Multi-Coated optics
- Fast Focus Eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing
- Glass-Etched Illuminated Reticle
- Hard Anodized Finish
Cons
- Quite heavy at 31.2 oz
3) Vortex Viper PA 6.5-20x50mm Rifle Scope
Vortex Viper PA 6.5-20x50mm is good for precision shooting at medium, long, and extremely long distances. It has an adjustable 6.5-20x magnification and a large 50mm objective lens, making the zoom range useful in every setting.
To complement the broad magnification range, this rifle scope has a 30mm tube, providing ample room for adjustments and reticle travel. The tube is made from aircraft-grade aluminum for strength and rigidity. It is also waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.
Optically, this rifle scope is outfitted with extra-low dispersion glass, which increases resolution and color fidelity. The lenses also feature proprietary coatings to boost light transmission and prevent glare.
Moreover, the Vortex Viper PA 6.5-20x50mm rifle scope is built with capped reset turrets to allow easy re-indexing of the turret. It also features a side focus for easy parallax adjustment.
Features
- 30mm main tube
- Side focus
- Precision glide erector
- 5-20x variable magnification
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Hard anodized finish
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- Second focal plane reticle
- XR fully multi-coated lenses
Pros
- Lightweight
- Crisp clear glass
- Capped Reset Turrets for quick re-indexing
- Easy to use
- Sturdy and rigid construction
- MAG-Bar for rapid and easy magnification changes
- Fast Focus Eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing.
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
4) NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope
Another best scope for 500 yards in our list is NightForce SHV 5-20x56mm Rifle Scope. It provides exceptional performance at medium to extended ranges, all thanks to the 5x to 20x zoom.
This rifle scope is very easy to use. It has a ZeroSet function that is standard. It allows a rapid and easy return to zero even after countless elevation adjustments. In addition, it has a European-style fast-focus eyepiece for quick and easy diopter adjustment.
Another impressive thing about the scope is it’s built compact and lightweight for convenient carrying in the field. Furthermore, it has an ultra-sturdy aircraft-grade aluminum housing that is fully waterproof and weatherproof.
Features
- Second focal plane MOAR reticle
- 1 MOA elevation and windage marking
- 30mm main tube
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- European style fast focus eyepiece
- Variable 5-20x magnification
- 25 MOA impact point correction
- Waterproof and weatherproof
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Outstanding precision
- Quality built
- Good glass
- Ideal magnification range for hunters
Cons
- Quite expensive
5) Primary Arms 6-30x56mm Rifle Scope
Primary Arms 6-30x56mm Rifle Scope is designed to meet professional users’ exact needs and demands. It employs high-end glass elements and advanced features, making it ideal for long-range hunting and shooting.
This rifle scope is made with unmatched craftsmanship, durability, and optical clarity. It is tough enough to weather any abuse and withstand wear and tear. Furthermore, it is completely waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof for uninterrupted performance in the field.
The heavy-duty construction is complemented by high-quality Japanese glass that enhances optical clarity.
Besides that, this rifle scope has an ACSS Athena BPR Mil reticle in the first focal plane. The reticle provides precise range estimation and a comprehensive holdover field for extreme long-distance shooting.
Features
- Heavy-duty 34mm body tube
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- Durable hard coat anodized finish
- Front focal plane reticle
- 6-30x total magnification
- Tactile and audible 0.1 MIL click adjustments
- High-quality optical glass
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Clear and bright optics
- Easy to use
- Illuminated reticle
Cons
- No locking turrets
6) Trijicon AccuPoint TR-23 5-20x50mm Rifle Scope
Our sixth pick for the best scope for 500 yards is Trijicon AccuPoint TR-23 5-20x50mm. This rifle scope has a purpose-driven design, making it easy for all users, even beginners.
Built in a 30mm tube, the scope guarantees unmatched strength and rigidity. The generous windage and elevation adjustment enables maximum total travel for precision shooting in different environments. Over and above that, this scope has a ruggedized construction to withstand extreme conditions and last for a long.
Optically, the scope has phenomenal optical quality across the 5-20x zoom. This is thanks to the top-tier glass elements and the fully multi-coated lenses that ensure high optical clarity.
Furthermore, this rifle scope has a second focal plane reticle illuminated to ensure easy low-light visibility. It also boasts multiple adjuster and knurling types to suit various applications.
Features
- Easy focus eyepiece
- 30mm tube diameter
- Fiber optics and tritium illumination
- Second focal plane reticle
- 5-20x total magnification
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 40 MOA adjustment range
- Adjustable parallax
- Waterproof and fog proof
Pros
- Battery-free illumination
- Long eye relief
- Ease of use
- Holds zero well
- Solid construction
Cons
- None
7) Burris Xtreme Tactical 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope
Burris Xtreme Tactical 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope marks our last recommendation of the best scope for 500 yards. This high-powered rifle scope for long-distance hunting and shooting will enhance shooting precision.
The scope features index-matched Hi-Lume multi-coating for optimal light transmission in low-light settings. The coatings alleviate glare in bright light and prevent internal light loss through reflection. This results in the production of bright and crisp image views across the whole zoom range.
The optical performance of this rifle scope is outstanding, as well as the build quality. It is engineered and crafted with a one-piece tube rigid enough to handle repetitive use and harsh recoil. On top of that, the scope is filled with nitrogen gas and sealed to outlast elements.
Last, the Burris Xtreme Tactical 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope has a triple internal spring tension system that holds zero well, regardless of recoil or vibrations.
Features
- 34mm single-piece main tube
- Ergonomic side focus
- 5-25x zoom range
- Zero click stop adjustment knobs
- Adjustable parallax
- First focal plane reticle
- Waterproof and fog proof
- High-grade optical glass
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Versatile
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- Short battery life
See Also
What Magnification Do You Need?
Hitting a target at a distance of 500 yards is thrilling, to say the least, but it is not easy. You need a rifle scope with magnification to look closer at the target and know where to place the shot.
Following the rule of 3x magnification power for every 100 yards you shoot, you will require a variable power scope with more than 15x maximum magnification. The higher the magnification the scope has, the longer you can shoot accurately.
How To Choose a Scope for 500 Yards
Here are the key things you need to consider when purchasing a scope for 500 yards.
Objective Lens
Long-range shooting out to 500 yards requires a scope with a large objective lens. This is the part in a scope responsible for drawing light inside the optics.
For the best scope for 500 yards, we recommend getting a model with between 42mm and 50mm objective lenses. The larger the objective lens, the more light the scope collects, and the brighter the image views will appear.
Glass Quality
The next thing to consider is lens quality. You must have a clear view of the target to place a clear shot at a distance out to 500 yards.
To maximise resolution and detail, get a scope with high-quality glass elements like ED or UHD. On top of that, the scope you choose to buy should have solid lens coatings to amplify light transmission.
Durability
Invest in a scope that is made with durability in mind. It will weather the abuse and rough handling you subject to and last for a long time. With excellent build quality also comes reliable and uninterrupted performance in all environments.
Weight
The other important thing to take into consideration is weight. Generally, the weight of a scope is determined by the type of glass and material used in the construction. We recommend settling for the lightest scope possible for the best scope for 500 yards. This is irrespective of the kind of shooting you plan to use it for.
Final Words
Hopefully, you have found this article on the best scope for 500 yards to have all the information you need to make the right purchase. All the scopes mentioned above will let you easily track your target, guaranteeing more accurate aiming. So, take a look at the features that make each model a good purchase and choose accordingly.
See Also