Ever tried to hit a target way out there, maybe 500 yards, and felt like your scope just wasn’t cutting it? It’s frustrating when you know your rifle can do the job, but your glass seems to be holding you back. Choosing the perfect scope for that distance is a big deal. You need clear vision, reliable adjustments, and the right features to make those longer shots count.
Picking the wrong scope means missed opportunities and wasted time at the range. You worry about whether the magnification is right, if the reticle will work in dim light, or if the turrets will track true when you need them most. It feels like a maze of technical terms and price tags!
Don’t let scope confusion keep you from reaching out to 500 yards confidently. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to look for. We will explore the must-have features and reveal the top contenders that deliver performance without breaking the bank. Get ready to ditch the guesswork and zero in on the best scope for your needs.
Top 500 Yard Scope Recommendations
- BUCKMASTERS 3-9X50MM RIFLE SCOPE - The SIG SAUER Buckmasters 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope is a dependable & versatile optic choice for hunters looking to enhance their accuracy and effectiveness in the field; Featuring the high-performance 3x optical system with low-dispersion glass, this shooting scope delivers sharp & clear images across all magnification levels
- BUCKMASTERS BDC RETICLE - This rifle scope comes equipped with a unique Buckmasters Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) reticle, complete with holdover dots that extend up to a distance of 500 yards; Avid hunters know the upgraded game hunting comes with upgraded equipment
- GREAT CONSTRUCTION -The Buckmasters hunting rifle scope has extra durable construction with a single-piece, 1-inch main tube; For those who appreciate the convenience, it also features an integrated thread in the throw lever which allows for quick magnification changes
- WEATHER RESISTANT - Dependable waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof performance and high-performance optical system with low dispersion glass of the Buckmasters scope makes your hunting season non-stop whatever weather is on the way; See the target with a reliable magnification of 3-9X50mm
- SIG SAUER - In our world-class facilities, we build the toughest, most precise rifles, pistols, optics, suppressors, ammunition, airguns, holsters, and various accessories, while offering the finest guns training - all as a fully integrated system
- Upgrade Precision Multi-coated Lens: It uses cutting-edge glass and lens coatings. Precision multi-coated optics are the distinguishing feature of the CVLIFE scope line, multi-coated lenses offer clear view for easy target acquisition
- AO Adjustment: The adjustable objective lens allows for elimination of parallax, and range estimation. Fast-focus eyepieces with diopter adjustment, suitable for people with different eyesight
- Illuminated Type of the Riflescope: green and red adjustable lighting can be changed quickly. Reticle etched on the glass of the scope provides excellent backing support for complex reticle design and offers great durability and accuracy
- The rifle scope can provide high-definition aiming at 6-24 times magnification, suitable for close to mid range shooting. Objective diameter: 50 mm, field of view: 28 ft @ 100 yards, click value: 1/8 inch @ 100 yards
- Comes with 6-24x50 AO scope, lens caps, scope rings, wrench, CR2032 battery, lens cloth
- SCOPE WITH RED LASER: In addition to the wide 2.5x to 10x magnification range and red laser, Pinty's rangefinder rifle scope boasts both green and red reticle illumination with 5 level brightness adjustment, giving you optimal vision day and night
- RUGGED CONSTRUCTION: The lenses are carefully ground and multi-coated to remain scratch-resistant and crystal clear; the hermetically-sealed nitrogen-filled tube provides water, fog, and shock-proof performance protecting your optics from condensation; the lightweight durable aluminum alloy and anodized finish give superior toughness and corrosion resistance
- USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN: The windage and elevation can be easily fine-tuned at 1/4 MOA per click; the protective lens covers quickly flip up and down as needed; our scope is ready whenever you are thanks to the included lithium batteries that are easily replaceable to keep your aiming true
- WIDE APPLICATION: This 4 MOA rifle scope's integrated riser mount fits any firearm with a standard 20mm Picatinny or Weaver rail, including handguns, long guns, carbines, shotguns, and more
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: Pinty backs this rifle scope with our usual strong warranty and friendly 24/7 customer service, ensuring easy setup and satisfied use in the woods or on the range!
- [10-40X56 Rifle Scope]The high power 308 second focal plane rifle scope with 10X-40X magnification and 56mm objective lens support you to reach long-range targets with ease.
- [Quick Aim]Mil dot reticle with 11 red brightness, it provides bright and vivid pictures in all lighting,estimate the distance and lock the target quickly to ensure accurate aiming.
- [Multicoated-Lenses]Fully multicoated scratch resistance lenses that increase light transmission with multiple layers of anti-reflective coatings.
- [Side Focus 10 YDS-Infinity]Side focus parallax adjustment knob that ranges from 10 Yards to infinity providing improved accuracy at longer distances. long range distance precision shooting 1000 yards hunting optic rifle scope
- [Stable Performance]The rifle scope housing is sealed, and nitrogen purged for fogproof and waterproof performance in the most adverse weather. Its 34mm monotube construction shock rated to 1000G/s!
- The Crossfire HD 1.5-5x32 Scout Second Focal Plane riflescope has an HD Optical System that uses select glass elements to deliver sharp resolution, reduces chromatic aberration, and provides excellent color fidelity with edge-to-edge clarity.
- Fully multi-coated lenses feature anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces to enhance light transmission and improve clarity in low-light conditions.
- Pairs the trusted holdover and windage guidance of the Dead-Hold BDC with an illuminated floating center dot for fast, precise aiming in low light. Designed for use at varying distances where holdover estimation matters.
- The fast focus eyepiece quickly adjusts your reticle focus for rapid target acquisition, whether you're in timber or at the range.
- Built from aircraft-grade aluminum with a low-glare matte black anodized finish; waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof for lasting field performance.
- Adjustable 6-24x magnification with integrated throw lever for smooth adjustments
- Newly designed first focal plane reticle for faster range estimation and holdover correction with 6 levels of illumination. Available in MOA or MIL reticle versions.
- Improved adjustment turrets with 1/8 MOA/click windage and adjustment knobs with an easy-to-use zero stop mechanism. Set zero stop at your designated elevation setting and return to zero effortlessly at any time.
- The package also includes: a set of Monstrum Next Level Series high profile 30mm scope rings with an integrated level bubble, a detachable aluminum sunshade for reducing glare, a set of bikini lens covers for protecting your scope lenses when not in use.
- All Monstrum products are backed by a lifetime guarantee
- High performance long range rifle scope with 6-36x magnification for mid to long distance shooting out to 500+ yards
- Functionally designed first focal plane MOA reticle, with easy-to-read ranging information that remains constant regardless of magnification, for faster range estimation and holdover correction
- Precision 1/4 MOA/click windage and elevation adjustments with easy-to-use zero stop mechanism for the elevation turret. Set zero stop at your designated elevation setting and return to zero effortlessly at any time.
- Inline dial controlled reticle illumination with multiple brightness intensities
- Package also includes set of high profile picatinny scope rings, a detachable sunshade, a set of spring loaded flip-up lens covers, and one CR2032 3V battery
The Essential Buying Guide for Your 500-Yard Scope
Choosing the right scope for shooting accurately at 500 yards is a big deal. This distance requires a scope that is both powerful and clear. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at scopes, certain features make a big difference for long-range shooting.
Magnification Power
- True Magnification: For 500 yards, you need enough zoom. Look for scopes that start around 4x or 6x and go up to 16x, 20x, or even higher. More magnification helps you see the target clearly at that distance.
- Exit Pupil: This is the circle of light that reaches your eye. Bigger is usually better, especially in low light. A larger exit pupil means a brighter picture.
Turret System and Adjustments
- Click Value: Turrets let you adjust where the bullet hits. Look for 1/4 MOA (Minute of Angle) or, even better for long range, 0.1 Mil adjustments. These small clicks help you dial in your shot precisely.
- Tracking: The turrets must track reliably. When you turn the dial, the reticle must move the exact amount it promises. Poor tracking ruins long-range accuracy.
Reticle Choice
- Mil vs. MOA: Decide if you want a Mil-dot or MOA reticle. Both work well, but you must match your reticle to your turret adjustments for easy holdovers (aiming above the target).
- Illumination: A lighted reticle helps you see the crosshairs against dark targets or in dim light.
Important Materials and Durability
A scope must handle the recoil of your rifle and the bumps of the field. Quality materials matter a lot.
Lens Quality
- Glass Coatings: Good scopes use fully multi-coated lenses. Coatings reduce glare and increase light transmission. This means a clearer, brighter image, which is vital at 500 yards where details get fuzzy.
- Glass Type: Premium scopes use ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass. This glass corrects color fringing and improves sharpness across the entire field of view.
Housing Construction
- Tube Material: Most good scopes use aircraft-grade aluminum. This material is strong but lightweight.
- Sealing: The scope must be nitrogen or argon purged and O-ring sealed. This keeps moisture, fog, and dust out, ensuring the scope stays clear when temperatures change rapidly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one scope better than another?
Quality Boosters
- First Focal Plane (FFP): In an FFP scope, the reticle size changes with the magnification. This means your range estimations using the reticle are accurate at any power setting. This is a big plus for 500-yard shooters.
- Eye Relief: This is the safe distance between your eye and the scope. Good eye relief prevents the scope from hitting you under heavy recoil.
Quality Reducers
- Parallax Adjustment: If your scope lacks an adjustable objective or side focus, parallax error occurs at 500 yards. Parallax error makes the crosshairs appear to move relative to the target, causing misses.
- Internal Lenses: Cheaply made internal lens systems cause image distortion, especially around the edges of the view.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the scope affects your choice.
Hunting vs. Target Shooting
- Hunting: If you hunt at 500 yards, you need a rugged scope that can handle fast movement and varying light conditions. Weight might be a concern if you carry your rifle far.
- Target Shooting: For pure target work, you can choose a heavier scope with very precise, exposed turrets for fast dialing between shots.
Ease of Use
Test the focus and magnification rings. They should move smoothly but hold their position firmly. If the focus wheel is stiff or too loose, it will slow down your ability to make quick, accurate shots at distance.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About 500-Yard Scopes
Q: Do I really need a scope that goes higher than 16x for 500 yards?
A: Not always. Many skilled shooters manage 500 yards with 14x or 16x magnification. However, higher magnification (like 20x or 25x) makes seeing small target details much easier.
Q: What is the difference between MOA and Mil-dot turrets?
A: MOA (Minute of Angle) is based on inches and degrees. Mil-dot (Milliradian) is based on metric units. Both let you adjust for bullet drop and wind, but you must choose one system and stick with it for consistent shooting.
Q: Is a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope worth the extra cost?
A: Yes, for 500 yards, FFP is usually worth it. It keeps your reticle subtensions accurate at all magnification levels, which simplifies ranging and holdovers.
Q: What is “eye relief,” and why is it important for long range?
A: Eye relief is the safe distance your eye must be from the eyepiece. At 500 yards, you use powerful rifles that kick hard. Good eye relief prevents the scope from hitting your brow bone.
Q: Can I use a cheaper scope if I only shoot at 500 yards occasionally?
A: You can try, but cheap scopes often fail at tracking adjustments or have blurry glass. For reliable hits at 500 yards, investing in quality glass and turrets saves frustration.
Q: What does “fog proof” mean for a scope?
A: Fog proof means the inside of the scope will not fog up when you move from a warm car into cold air. This is done by filling the tube with dry gas like nitrogen.
Q: Should I get a scope with an illuminated reticle?
A: It is highly recommended. At 500 yards, your target might be dark, or you might be shooting near sunset. An illuminated reticle helps you see the aim point clearly.
Q: How important is the scope’s mounting system?
A: Very important. The scope mount connects the scope to the rifle. A weak mount allows the scope to shift under recoil, ruining your accuracy even if the scope itself is perfect.
Q: What is parallax, and how do I check for it?
A: Parallax is an optical illusion where the crosshairs appear to move when you move your eye slightly. You check for it by looking through the scope and seeing if the reticle stays perfectly still on the target when you shift your head slightly.
Q: Do I need a scope with a very large objective lens (like 56mm)?
A: A larger objective lens (the front lens) gathers more light. While helpful in deep woods, for bright daytime shooting at 500 yards, a 44mm or 50mm lens usually provides enough light and keeps the scope lighter.