Ever looked across a long field and wondered if your scope could truly hit the mark at 500 yards? That distance is a sweet spot for many shooters, but getting there accurately can feel like a real challenge. Choosing the perfect scope for this range is tough. You worry about clarity, magnification, and whether the scope can handle the distance without losing focus or breaking the bank.
Many shooters face frustration when their current scope just can’t deliver crisp details or reliable adjustments past 300 yards. You need glass that performs when the target is far away. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what features matter most when you aim for that 500-yard sweet spot.
By the end of this post, you will know precisely what to look for in terms of reticles, turrets, and glass quality. Get ready to stop guessing and start selecting a scope that guarantees confidence on your next long-range outing. Let’s dive into finding the best glass for your 500-yard adventures!
Top Scope For 500 Yard Recommendations
- 【Enhanced BDC Reticle】The 4x32 rifle scope features an advanced BDC reticle designed for quick, precise aiming at 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 yards. No need to adjust the elevation turret—simply lock onto your target for effortless accuracy.
- 【Comfortable Long Eye Relief】With 3.9 inches of eye relief, this scope provides a comfortable shooting experience, even during extended sessions. The high-definition optics and fully multi-coated lenses deliver clear, edge-to-edge vision and enhanced low-light performance.
- 【Compact and Lightweight Design】At just 7.5 inches long and 10.8 ounces, this scope is lightweight and portable without compromising on performance. It features 1/4 MOA elevation and windage turrets for precise adjustments, making it ideal for medium to long-range shooting.
- 【Durable, Shockproof, and Waterproof】Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, this 4x scope is both strong and lightweight, maintaining zero after 500 rounds of .22lr. It also features an O-ring seal, fog resistance, and waterproof construction for reliable performance in all conditions.
- 【Easy Installation】This 4x32 compact scope includes 20mm Picatinny rails, providing a secure and stable mounting option for easy setup.
- Multi Purpose: You can use this LED flashlight for night watching， Which allows you to better observe animals without disturbing them. Comes with everything needed.
- Zoom design: Our green LED flashlight can zoom by extending and retracting the front end. By extending and retracting the front of the product body, a circular floodlight is selected for large-area illumination. Alternatively, use a high beam spotlight for remote observation.
- Dual mode remote pressure switch: This new remote switch has two modes, instant on and constant on. Different modes can be switched to make you more proficient.
- 1 Mode LED Flashlights, 500 Lumens, Run for 6-8 hours - Ideal for Outdoors light. Portable：The flashlight is made of durable aluminum alloy material. WHAT IN PACKAGE: 1x Red light flashlight,1 x battery , 1 x Charger, 1x pressure switch, Come with scope mount,picatinny rail mount.
- Warm Tips : Pls feel free contact us if you have any doubts about our Rechargeable flashlight.
- Enhanced BDC Reticle for Precise Targeting: The CVLIFE 4x32 rifle scope features a specialized BDC reticle designed for quick and accurate aiming at distances of 200, 300, 400, and 500 yards. No need to adjust the elevation turret – just lock onto your target effortlessly
- Comfortable Long Eye Relief: With a generous 3.9 inches of eye relief, this scope ensures comfortable and extended shooting sessions. Equipped with high-definition optics and fully multi-coated lenses, it offers edge-to-edge clarity and improved low-light visibility for a crisp view
- Compact and Lightweight Design: Measuring only 7.5 inches in length and weighing just 10.8 ounces, this scope is remarkably portable while preserving the essential attributes needed for accurate and efficient targeting. Its 1/4 MOA elevation and windage turrets provide precise adjustments for medium to long-range targeting
- Rugged Shockproof and Waterproof Construction: Crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, this 4x scope is both sturdy and lightweight, still holding zero after 500 rounds of .22lr through it. Equipped with an O-ring seal, fog resistance, and waterproof capabilities, it ensures long-lasting durability
- Easy to Install: This 4x32 compact scope comes with 20 mm picatinny rails included, offering a solid and stable mounting capability
- Multipurpose: You can use this LED flashlight for night observation, as animals are not sensitive to green light, making it less likely to be detected. Installation: It is easy to install onto standard Picatinny tracks, and you can use it with confidence.
- Zoom design: Our green LED flashlight can zoom by extending and retracting the front end. By extending and retracting the front of the product body, a circular floodlight is selected for large-area illumination. Alternatively, use a high beam spotlight for remote observation.
- Dual mode remote pressure switch: This new remote switch has two modes, instant on and constant on. Different modes can be switched to make you more proficient.
- 1 Mode LED Flashlights, 500 Lumens, Run for 6-8 hours - Ideal for Outdoors light. Portable：The flashlight is made of durable aluminum alloy material. WHAT IN PACKAGE: 1x Green light flashlight, 1 x Charger, 1x pressure switch, Come with scope mount,picatinny rail mount.
- Warm Tips : Pls feel free contact us if you have any doubts about our Rechargeable flashlight.
- Green Flashlights for hunting, Adjustable beam floodlight spotlight; Single one mode when connect with pressure switch, brightest 2000 Lumen 1000 Yards mount at weapon for hunting or tactical uses; 5 modes when use with tail cap: 3 brightness levels: brightest, bright, low with strobe and SOS mode, best as an EDC handheld flash light which is USB-C Rechargeable , power Indicator
- USB-C Rechargeable green light tactical flashlights with standard USB type A output port charge the Cell Phone , emergency for your smartphone or device for emergency use or in the field, great for emergency kits or outdoor adventures, hunting, camping, hiking, backpacking
- Zoomable Focusable Adjustable Beam Hunting Light top extreme range hunting rifle light : 500+ yard animal identification, 1000+ yard eye shine detection; High powered Green LEDs have a highly effective range spotlighting hogs on a night hunt, green led adjustable focus zoom beam can be adjusted to be a wide floodlight or tight (long range) light beam for the desired distance of each hunting landscape
- Single 1 mode or 5 modes selectable, Adjustable 3 Brightness 2000-1000-500 LM with SOS and strobe mode: Scan on a lower power for the reflection of eyes and then turn the light up on full power brightest setting for shooting; For light-shy game, dim the light just enough to see the reflection of the animals eyes. this enables you to keep the animal in the center of the optics. when scanning game, turn the predator Light intensity only to identify your target and shoot
- Low Battery Indicator - The low power indicator will illuminate red and warn you when the power are getting low, hog Light is designed to be optic mountable or to be handheld
- Compatible with MR12 12-O'Clock Mini Reflex Mount and Offset Micro Dot Mount
- Etched Reticle, perfect answer for astigmatism and works without illumination
- 13 Illumination settings; Highest settings are Daylight Bright (Up to 29,000 Hours on medium setting)
- AutoLive motion-sensing on/off battery saving technology
- Wide Field of View (21.0 ft @ 100 yds) & Eye Relief: 2.7"
- Fully Upgraded Optical System
- Integrated Magnification Throw Lever
- ACSS Aurora 5.56 Yard Reticle
- Magnification: 1x – 6x (Min – Max) , Focal Plane: SFP
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm , Exit Pupil: 10.6mm – 3.8mm , Eye Relief: 4 in.
- 1-8x magnification ACSS Raptor Yards M8 reticle for close range and out to 800 yard engagements
- First focal plane (FFP) reticles stay true at every magnification
- Premium grade Japanese ED glass with enhanced clarity and light transmission
- Ultra-Wide field of View
- Easy to swap dovetail throw lever
Choosing the Best Scope for 500 Yards: Your Complete Buying Guide
Hitting targets at 500 yards is exciting! To do it right, you need the perfect rifle scope. This guide helps you pick the best glass for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a 500-yard scope, certain features really matter. These details help you see clearly and make accurate shots.
Magnification Power
- You need enough zoom. Look for scopes offering a range like 4-16x or 6-24x. This lets you clearly see your target at 500 yards and adjust your aim.
- Lower magnification is good for when you are setting up or tracking moving targets. Higher zoom helps you see small details far away.
Objective Lens Diameter
This is the big lens at the front. A bigger number means more light enters the scope. For longer distances, aim for a 40mm to 56mm objective lens. This keeps your view bright, even in lower light conditions like dawn or dusk.
Reticle Type and Illumination
The reticle is the crosshair inside the scope. For 500 yards, you need a reticle that helps you hold over or dial in corrections. Mil-dot or MOA reticles are popular choices. Illumination (a lit-up reticle) helps the crosshairs stand out against dark targets.
Turret Adjustments
Turrets are the knobs on top and side of the scope. They adjust for wind and bullet drop. Look for scopes with “capped” or “locking” turrets to stop accidental bumps from changing your settings. Precise, audible clicks are a sign of good quality.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used determine how long your scope lasts and how well it performs in the field.
Housing Material
Most good scopes use aircraft-grade aluminum. This material is strong but light. It resists bumps and drops well. Ensure the tube is one solid piece for better durability.
Lens Coatings
Lens coatings are thin layers applied to the glass. These coatings boost light transmission and reduce glare. Look for terms like “Fully Multi-Coated” (FMC). Better coatings mean a clearer, brighter picture, which is crucial at 500 yards.
Waterproof and Fogproof Sealing
Your scope must handle the weather. Scopes should be O-ring sealed and nitrogen or argon purged. This stops water from getting inside and prevents the lenses from fogging up when temperatures change quickly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about features; it’s about execution.
Quality Boosters
- Glass Clarity: High-quality glass (like ED or Fluorite elements) makes the image sharper and colors more true.
- Tracking Precision: When you turn the turrets, the point of impact should move exactly where you expect it to. This is very important for long-range shooting.
Quality Reducers
- Parallax Adjustment: Cheap scopes often lack a side focus or parallax adjustment. At 500 yards, parallax error makes your shots miss. A good scope must have this feature.
- Eye Relief: Eye relief is the distance your eye must be from the scope to see the full picture. Short eye relief can cause you to hit your face with the scope (scope bite) under recoil, especially with powerful rifles.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the scope affects your choice.
Target Shooting vs. Hunting
For pure target shooting at 500 yards, you might prioritize higher magnification and very precise turrets. For hunting at this distance, you need a rugged scope that holds zero well and maintains good light transmission for quick target acquisition.
Ease of Use
A scope should feel natural to use. Test the zoom ring—it should move smoothly but firmly. Ensure the adjustments for windage and elevation are easy to see and grip, even when wearing gloves.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About 500-Yard Scopes
Q: What is the minimum magnification I need for 500 yards?
A: You should aim for a scope that offers at least 12x magnification at the top end. Many experienced shooters prefer 16x or higher for precise aiming at that distance.
Q: Is a first focal plane (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP) better for 500 yards?
A: FFP is often preferred for 500 yards because the reticle subtensions (the hash marks) stay accurate at any magnification setting. SFP is usually cheaper but only accurate at one specific magnification.
Q: What does “Eye Box” mean?
A: The eye box is the area behind the scope where your eye can be placed while still seeing the full field of view. A large eye box is easier to use, especially when shooting from awkward positions.
Q: How important is scope mounting quality?
A: Mounting quality is extremely important. A great scope mounted poorly will not hold zero. Always use high-quality, correctly sized rings and a sturdy base.
Q: Should I get a scope with an illuminated reticle?
A: Yes, illumination helps your crosshairs stand out against dark targets or in low light, making aiming faster and more precise at longer ranges.
Q: What is MOA vs. Mil-Dot? Which should I choose?
A: Both are units of measurement for adjustments. Mil-Dot (Milliradian) is generally easier for quick calculations at long range. Choose the one that matches your turret adjustments for easier math.
Q: How large of a scope tube diameter is standard?
A: Most high-quality scopes use a 30mm main tube. This diameter allows for more internal adjustment range for elevation and windage compared to the older 1-inch tubes.
Q: What is “Zero Stop”?
A: A Zero Stop is a feature that lets you quickly return your elevation turret back to your original zero setting after dialing up for a long shot. It is a huge time-saver.
Q: Can I use a cheap scope for 500 yards?
A: You can try, but cheap scopes usually have tracking errors and poor glass clarity. At 500 yards, small errors are greatly magnified, leading to frustrating misses.
Q: How much should I budget for a reliable 500-yard scope?
A: For a scope that reliably tracks and provides clear glass for 500 yards, expect to spend at least $400 to $600. Excellent, top-tier scopes cost much more.