7 Best Vortex Scopes For 500 Yards (Review & Buying Guide)

Are you searching for the best Vortex scope for 500 yards? You are in the right place!

It takes the best scope to shoot effectively at long distances. This spotlight is on the best Vortex scopes for 500 yards that will cater to your needs when aiming at this distance. The scopes are designed with A-grade optics, rugged build quality, and plenty of adjustments to make target acquisition precise and accurate.

The 500 yards range is a balance of not too far or too near. Shooting at this distance poses some difficulty and is not as easy as it may seem. Successful shooting at this mark calls for a versatile scope that will help you get a perfect shot of the target.

Vortex is a renowned optics manufacturer that has maintained a solid reputation over the years. To help you find an ideal scope, we have compiled the best Vortex scopes that guarantee success at 500 yards. This will save you the hassle that comes with selecting from a litany of options on the market.

Factors To Consider When Buying the Best Vortex Scopes for 500 Yards

So What Makes the Best Vortex Scope for 500 Yards?

Adjustments

You need to make more adjustments to achieve an accurate shot at 500 yards. The best Vortex scopes for 500 yards should have a wide range of adjustments, such as windage and elevation, to get a perfect shot.

A good scope should also be seamless to sight in and adjust for parallax, as hitting the target requires the scope to be properly sighted in.

Parallax Adjustment

Scopes with parallax adjustment are essential for long-range shooting, as they help eliminate parallax error at various distances. Having a parallax-free sight picture ensures your reticle remains on target regardless of your eye position.

Lens Quality & Optics Quality

Ensure your scope has a high-quality lens. The wrong lens system can lead to severe eye strain and irritation. Fully multi-coated optics are the best, as they guarantee great performance in all conditions. The lens should also be scratch-resistant and anti-reflective to provide stunning images.

High-quality lenses and coatings are essential for long-range shooting. Superior optics ensure excellent light transmission, clarity, and minimal distortion, allowing you to spot targets and read wind conditions effectively at extended ranges.

Durability

The next parameter to consider when selecting the best Vortex scopes for 500 yards is durability. Ensure the scope you’re eyeing is crafted from robust materials. This ensures it will not disintegrate even when encountering challenging conditions.

Other inclusions like waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof attributes are essential as they also affect the scope’s performance.

Eye Relief

The last thing you want is to end up with a black eye when taking down your target. Sufficient eye relief protects your brows from recoil and kickback after discharging a shot.

Magnification

Making a scope purchase decision is impossible without looking at its magnification. The zoom is paramount as it determines how well you shoot long distances. A scope with at least 9x maximum magnification will suffice at 500 yards. You can still go below this, but doing so will diminish accuracy. Higher magnification allows you to clearly see and engage targets at long distances, enabling precise shot placement.

Large Objective Lens

A larger objective lens (typically 50mm or above) helps gather more light, enhancing brightness and visibility, especially in low-light conditions. This is crucial for maintaining a clear sight picture at longer distances.

Here are the best Vortex scopes for 500 yards:

Best Vortex Scopes for 500 Yards

1) Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Riflescope

 

 

 

Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm is the best Vortex scope for 500 yards. It is made with reliability and effective performance, so you shouldn’t hesitate to win it.

This scope is housed in a lightweight yet rugged aluminum body that is made to last many years. It is perfect for any occasion, designed to withstand challenging weather conditions and recoil.

Cementing the scope’s durability is the matte anodized exterior that minimizes glare, thus concealing the shooter’s position. This construction also keeps corrosion at bay, ensuring the scope performs faultlessly always.

Target acquisition has never been easier. Thanks to the fast-focus eyepiece, the reticle stays in sharp focus, always enabling you to easily and quickly get a hold of the target.

Additionally, the generous 4-16x magnification is super easy to adjust using the magnification ring incorporated in the scope’s design. Exposed turrets deliver unsurpassed tracking performance.

Further, the advanced optical system that is fully multi-coated amplifies the light transmission rates leading to brighter and clearer images from dusk to dawn. The reticle is etched on glass for reliability and durability.

Features

• Precision glide erector system
• 30mm tube
• Hard anodized construction
• A fast-focus eyepiece
• Tube Diameter: 30 mm
• Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
• Exit Pupil: 2.75 – 11 mm
• Weight: 23.1 oz
• Length: 14 in
• Magnification rib for smooth transitions
• Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
• Glass-etched reticle

Pros

• Great performance in low light
• Outstanding turrets
• Glass-etched Reticle
• Quick and easy reticle focusing
• Waterproof and fog proof performance
• Clear at all magnification ranges
• Hard Anodized Finish
• Rugged construction for recoil and impact

Cons

• Non-Illuminated

 

2) Vortex Viper HS 4-16x44mm Riflescope

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another enigma that ranks highly as one of the best Vortex scopes for 500 yards is the Viper HS 4-16x44mm riflescope. This scope delivers like a beast, from the long eye relief and versatile zoom to the advanced optical system.

The images produced by this device are one of a kind thanks to the extra-low dispersion glass that has multiple layers of coating to increase light gathering.

The turrets are capped and resettable to zero after sighting, making your life easier. The fact that the windage and elevation settings are fully adjustable results in stunning images making your shooting experience unforgettable.

Nevertheless, the scope continues the tradition of Vortex manufacturing some of the most durable scopes on the market. It is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum and is fully waterproof and fogproof for surviving unforgiving weather conditions.

The side focus feature takes care of parallax errors, giving you peak precision throughout your hunting trip. The precision force spring system optimizes repeatability and ease of adjustment.

Features

• Hard anodized finish
• Armortek covered lenses
• 100% waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
• Capped reset turrets
• Side focus
• Fully multi-coated glass
• Singe-piece tube built from aluminum
• Precision glide erector system
• Dead-Hold BDC reticle

Pros

• Very sharp and clear
• Fast Focus Eyepiece
• Durable construction
• Hard Anodized finish
• Waterproof,Fogproof and Shockproof
• XR Fully Multi-Coated optics
• Precision-Force Spring and Precision-Glide Erector Systems

Cons

• Non-Illuminated

 

3) Vortex Viper PA 6.5-20x50mm Riflescope

 

 

 

The next candidate is the Vortex Viper PA 6.5-20x50mm Riflescope, which boasts many features that surpass competitors. The first notable quirk is the 30mm tube crafted from high-grade aluminum. This makes it extremely sturdy and hence performs unwaveringly even in rugged terrain.

Argon purging inside the scope makes it completely fog proof while O-ring seals make it waterproof. You will not have to worry about moisture sneaking inside and causing malfunction.

The Mil-dot reticle is handy for the rarely acquired accuracy requisite for successfully taking down the intended object.

Fully multi-coated lenses counter issues linked to reflections and glare. The coating also heightens light transmission resulting in brighter and clearer images. The 50mm objective lens does a fantastic job collecting light, further improving the image quality.

This advanced scope nonetheless features capped turrets that maintain zero without any problems after resetting. The turrets are fully adjustable by hand, and the caps protect from external elements.

Features

• Fast-focusing mechanism and a MAG-Bar
• Proprietary coating on the lens system
• Extra-low dispersion (XD) glass
• 30mm tube made of premium materials
• Mag-Bar for smooth power changes
• 50mm objective lens
• Capped turrets
• Completely waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof

Pros

• XR Fully Multi-Coated optics
• Rapid and easy magnification changes
• Hard Anodized finish for glare and durability
• Quick and easy adjustments
• Aircraft Grade Aluminum construction
• Capped Reset Turrets for quick and toolless  turrets re-indexing
• Water/fog and shockproof

Cons

• Non-Illuminated

 

4) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm FFP Riflescope

 

 

You need the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm Riflescope to excel at whichever activity you’re undertaking at 500 yards. The scope has fully multi-coated lenses and extra-low dispersion glass.

These inclusions deliver the best images ever viewed on an optic because they are brilliantly clear, sharp, and color accurate. The reticle is found on the second focal plane and stays true to the zoomed image.

The reticle is illuminated for clear visibility in weak light. This makes the scope flexible to use at any time of the day.

When it comes to construction, the scope uses aircraft-grade aluminum, which is the standard material for Vortex scopes. It is waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof for unfailing performance even when conditions are unbearable and unforgiving.

Furthermore, Armortek treatment protects the lenses from elements that may scratch them or wear them down. The precision glide erector system allows the zoom mechanism to utilize special components and ensure smooth functioning at all times.

The precision force spring system ensures zero repeatability of the turrets and facilitates ease of adjustments.

Features

• Hard anodized finish
• Tactical-style turrets
• Quick focus eyepiece
• Illuminated reticle for low-light visibility
• Lenses are fully multi-coated
• Armortek-treated lens system
• 3.4 inches of eye relief

Pros

• Hard Anodized finish
• Excellent glass
• Fast Focus Eyepiece
• Built-In Accuracy Features and a Radius Bar
• Precision-Force Spring and Precision-Glide Erector Systems
• Fully Multi-Coated optics
• Generous eye box
• Aircraft Grade Aluminum construction

Cons

• None

 

5) Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56mm Riflescope

 

 

 

Next on our best Vortex Scope for 500 yards, list is the Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56mm. The scope is a good way to start or revamp your 500-yard shooting as it is loaded with features not found in other scopes.

The Strike Eagle has HD lenses that ensure high resolution, color accuracy, and maximum brightness with no chromatic aberration. The lenses have a full multi-coating with anti-reflective properties for exceptional image rendition in all lighting situations.

The next parameter that sets this scope apart is its durability. The single-piece tube is made from quality aluminum and is shockproof and weatherproof. The scope excels in various unforgiving conditions due to its precision engineering.

The tube has a hard anodized finish that minimizes reflection and glare and keeps corrosion and scratches at bay.

Another feature of the unit is the side parallax knob that facilitates smooth parallax error compensation, enabling you to adjust the image sharpness based on the shooting distance.

The turrets are exposed and have a low profile allowing seamless changing of the settings. The RevStop zero system provides a hard return to the initial zero without hassle.

The EBR-7C reticle takes care of windage, holdover, and range estimation. The reticle is etched with a laser and secured with two layers of glass to optimize durability and reliability. You can select between MOA or MRAD to suit your needs.

Features

• FFP reticle that is illuminated
• Constructed from a solid block of aluminum
• Exposed, low-profile turrets
• Lenses are fully multi-coated
• RevStop zero system
• HD lens boosts the quality of the image
• 34mm tube diameter
• Side parallax adjustment

Pros

• Outstanding HD optics
• Quick and easy reticle focusing
• Maximized internal adjustment and strength
• Locking turrets with a quick reset system
• High strength and durable construction
• Reticle illumination
• Integrated locking mechanism to prevent accidental adjustments

Cons

• None

 

6) Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm Riflescope

 

 

 

Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm Riflescope is so good that it made the cut on this list. Vortex designed this scope with a 30mm tube that enhances strength and provides ample windage and elevation travel room. The tube is built from robust aluminum and is 100% weatherproof. This makes the scope excel in all weather conditions.

The turrets are repeatable and are made for dialing. The eye relief is long, and the eyebox is comfortable, enabling you to reach your target in a split second and with utmost accuracy.

The optical system is brilliant. XR fully multi-coated lenses guarantee maximum light collection for brightness and clarity. The glass has XD elements that improve resolution and color accuracy leading to crisp images.

The lenses also feature Armortek treatment to prevent scratches and dirt from damaging them.

The CRS Zero Stop provides a solid and accurate return to zero after making adjustments, while the side focus eliminates parallax errors that could impede accuracy. Parallax can cause any scope to be off the target, so the feature takes care of this.

The precision glide erector system ensures zoom transitions are secure, so you never miss a shot.

Features

• Precision force spring system
• Fast focus eyepiece
• Exposed turrets with a tactical design
• Aircraft-grade aluminum is the construction material
• Fully weatherproof
• XR full multi-coating
• Side focus
• MAG-View fiber optic

Pros

• The cleaned-out design makes it easy to use
• Highly robust
• Hard Anodized Finish
• The glass is super clear
• Exposed Tactical-Style Turrets
• CRS Zero Stop

Cons

• Non-Illuminated

 

7) Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x50mm Riflescope

 

 

 

Finally, on our best Vortex scope for 500 yards list, is the Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x50mm. This riflescope will greatly improve your performance when aiming at targets inside 500 yards. The scope’s design includes the RevStop Zero System that provides a solid return to zero after making adjustments to the turrets.

The elevation turret has a locking design to provide unwanted movements while providing accurate and fast adjustments. The sizeable windage turret is capped and also provides easy and precise windage adjustments. The caps protect it from exterior harm.

The scope is built like a barnacle, with aircraft-grade aluminum being the primary construction material. O-ring seals and argon purging on the inside of the scope makes the scope 100% waterproof and fogproof for unchanging performance in harsh weather. The rugged construction means the unit is shockproof.

The optical system is excellent. Optically indexed lenses maximize edge-to-edge sharpness and image brightness. The fully multi-coated lenses are also a plus to the exceptional image delivery by allowing plenty of light to enter the scope.

The illuminated center dot gives you a precise aim of the target when the light begins to fade. The Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x50mm riflescope is what you need to revamp your shooting experience.

Features

• Armortek treated lenses
• HD glass
• O-ring sealed and argon purged
• Optically indexed lenses
• Illuminated center dot
• 30mm tube
• Daylight bright illuminated center for precision
• RevStop Zero mechanism

Pros

• Waterproof and fog proof
• Ultra-hard, scratch-resistant lens coating
• Excellent craftsmanship
• Remarkable image delivery
• Solid and tactile clicks
• Matte Anodized finish
• Index-matched lenses to correct color

Cons

• 36 hours battery life could be better

 

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FAQs on Best Vortex Scope For 500 Yards

1) Why is a scope essential when shooting at 500 yards?

Taking shots at far-away targets is no easy feat. A riflescope for 500 yards helps in target acquisition and helps you range accurately and at a quicker rate. It is valuable when taking down targets on the move at 500 yards.

2) Is there anything like too much magnification?

Yes. Having too much magnification is a common mistake among shooters and hunters. This can reduce the field of view affecting your aim. Too much power also minimizes brightness and resolution leading to a blurrier image.

3)What magnification do I need for shooting at 500 yards?

Generally, for shooting at 500 yards, a scope with a magnification range of 10x to 20x is recommended. This allows you to see targets clearly at long distances without sacrificing your field of view.

4)Which reticle is best for long-range shooting?

Many shooters prefer either a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) or an MOA (Minute of Angle) reticle for long-range shooting. These reticles help compensate for bullet drop and windage, making it easier to adjust for varying distances and environmental conditions.

Conclusion

The benefits of selecting the right scope for 500 yards cannot be overstated. With the appropriate model, achieving long-range precision is an easy feat. After going through this best Vortex scope for 500 yards review, we are certain you are better positioned to make an informed decision. The scopes above are, without a doubt, the best on the market. You can never go wrong with any of them.

 

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