During college, I worked in a gun shop. I heard (and saw) a ton of strange things while scrambling to earn rent and not blow my entire check in the used section. Of the things I heard, I remember one particularly wealthy and eclectic regular who claimed he would spend significantly more on a scope than he would the hunting rifle he bought it for. As the person responsible for writing up his lengthy sales tickets, I can confirm that he pretty much lived by this rule. However, I realize that’s not feasible for most folks (myself included).
The days of new $300 rifles are long gone. A handful of rifles, like Ruger’s American, will run you around $500, and that’s considered “budget” now. Even if you were to adopt a generous 1:1 ratio of scope-to-rifle price, you’re looking at a $1000 setup, and not everyone can afford (or needs) that.
I imagine the majority of hunters don’t need the glass and reticles of scopes that inhabit the premium category. Luckily, if you just need a scope that can help you point and shoot during the last minutes of legal shooting light, there are plenty of solid “budget” options. And the best rifle scopes under $500 will help you do this—and more.
Jump to: The best scopes under $500 we recommend
Testing the Best Scopes Under $500
For this review, I tested nine scopes under $500. These prices do not necessarily reflect MSRP, which means you might see them listed for more than $500 in some places. I realize that retailer loyalty doesn’t matter when it comes to price; everyone has a different budget, and any savvy shopper will price-check before pulling the trigger.
I tried to include a variety of scopes in this “budget” category. Scopes in this review resemble classic hunting scopes. Others are tailored toward precision shooting, while a few fall somewhere in between. Whether you’re hunting your grandfather’s ladder stand or spot and stalking out West, you should find at least one scope in this review that fits your needs.
I judged each scope’s performance on four categories: optical performance, controls, versatility, and value. For every category, each scope received a score from 1-5, with 5 being the highest.
Optical Performance
To judge each scope’s optical performance, I went to the range and tested their lowlight and resolution capabilities. I observed a white steel target with a black center dot at 300 yards for the lowlight portion of the test. I then scored each scope’s ability to distinguish that dot in fading light. For the resolution, I observed a campaign sign at 100 yards and noted each scope’s ability to distinguish between the smallest letters in bright and lowlight settings. I also assessed each scope for edge-to-edge clarity and color fidelity.
Controls
Scopes received a score based on their controls, which included turret clicks, magnification adjustments, reticle tracking, and/or illumination. I noted how each scope’s turrets and focus controls turned and whether they were responsive and/or mushy.
Versatility
Because scopes represent significant investments (even under $500), I also considered the versatility of each scope. That is, how easily each scope could be used for multiple hunting and shooting applications or switched from rifle to rifle. I also included mounting in this category and considered whether or not a scope offered liberal mounting options and/or would require extra/special rings.
Value
The value category considers each scope’s price in relation to the three previous categories. I also factored in included accessories like flip-up lens covers, sun shades, throw levers, and, most importantly, warranty.
Jump to: How to Choose the Best Rifle Scope Under $500
The best scopes under $500 we recommend
*Estimated Price on 07/03/2024
Field notes from the MeatEater Crew
Best Lightweight
Score: 15/20
Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×40 CDS
Score: 15/20
Optical Performance: 3
Controls: 3
Versatility: 5
Value: 4
Price: $499
Specifications
- Weight: 13.1 oz.
- Focal Plane: Second
- Illuminated Reticle: No
- Tube: 1 in.
- Fully Transferable Lifetime Warranty
- Price: $499
Pros
- Excellent Warranty
- Lightweight
- Solid glass
Cons
- Mediocre resolution
- Fixed Parallax
As the lightest and one of the brightest scopes in the test, the Leupold VX-3HD would make an excellent option for a lightweight hunting rifle. The CDS (Custom Dial System) allows you to utilize a custom turret, which is tuned for very specific ballistic information you’ll need. All CDS scopes include the option to redeem one free turret, which Leupold will send you. Though, every additional turret will run you $80. It’s a useful feature if you have a specific load and rifle setup in mind.
It also features Leupold’s ZeroLock system, which keeps the exposed elevation turret from straying. It’s simple and smooth to operate, and it locks definitively in place. It’s a nifty feature that allows you to make quick adjustments without the worry of bumping it in the field. The windage turret, however, feels like an afterthought. Big woods hunters will appreciate the included throw lever, which makes quick magnification adjustments seamless, especially for shots in the timber.
At $500, the VX-3HD provides decent resolution and great lowlight performance. The 1-inch tube and 40mm objective lens make it a highly versatile scope for everything from the best .22 LR rifles to lightweight western rigs. A parallax adjustment probably would have made this scope a real contender. Still, its utility, optical performance, and Leupold’s fully transferable lifetime warranty make it one of the best rifle scopes under $500.
Best for Hunting
Score: 13/20
Maven CRS.1 3-12×40
Score: 13/20
Optical Performance: 3
Controls: 3
Versatility: 4
Value: 3
Price: $375
Specifications
- Weight: 14.18 oz.
- Focal Plane: Second
- Illuminated Reticle: No
- Tube: 1 in.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Price: $375
Pros
- Good lowlight viewing
- Lightweight
- Crisp, sharp image
Cons
- Would benefit from a parallax adjustment
For $375, Maven’s CRS.1 offers a ton of value. It’s a no frills rifle scope with Maven’s CSHR reticle, which is essentially a duplex with a few holdover marks. At 14.18 oz., it makes an excellent and versatile, lightweight hunting scope. The CRS.1 would make a great companion to a big woods deer rifle or lightweight backcountry setup.
The Maven CRS.1 didn’t hang with the larger objective lenses in the test (after all, it was one of two 40mm in test), but it did provide decent low-light viewing as such. This scope provides a sharp, clear image with good coloring and decent resolution. Maven’s DTC business model makes this a great bang-for-your-buck scope, and the Japanese glass beats out others in this price range. Maven even runs occasional flash sales that make this great buy an even better one.
In the box, you get a neoprene cover and lens cloth. Maven isn’t winning the accessory category, but that’s because they don’t need to. The scope’s solid performance and aesthetics are convincing enough.
Inside 50 yards the focus is a tad blurry. A parallax adjustment might solve this, but Maven’s CRS.2 adds that feature and a 44mm lens for about $125 more. Still, if you’re on a strict budget, the CRS.1’s value and excellent lifetime warranty make it one of the best hunting scopes.
Best Precision:
Score: 11/20
Vortex Venom 3-15×44
Score: 11/20
Optical Performance: 3
Controls: 3
Versatility: 2
Value: 3
Price: $449
Specifications
- Weight: 28.8 oz.
- Focal Plane: First
- Illuminated Reticle: No
- Tube: 34mm
- Vortex VIP Warranty
- Price: $449
Pros
- Includes throw lever
- Tactile, responsive turrets
- Good lowlight performance
- Generous eye relief
- RevStop zero stop
Cons
- Heaviest scope in test
- EBR-7C reticle a bit busy for most hunters
For a sub-$500 precision scope, the Vortex Venom offers good glass and a useful FFP reticle. While it leans more into precision applications than hunting, the Venom’s EBR-7C reticle (available in MOA and MRAD options) offers plenty of clear subtensions for quick, precise holdovers and adjustments. Even though it’s a bit busy, the reticle still does a good job of drawing your eye to the center dot at lower magnifications. For these reasons, it probably best fits western hunters who need to make precise adjustments in the field and on a budget.
Glass in the Venom is good. It performed well in the test, scoring near the top in the lowlight portion, but it wasn’t mind-blowing. Its color, clarity, and resolution were good, but not exceptional. It’s worth noting that this particular scope is made in China, whereas Vortex’s premium scopes (Razor) typically come from Japan, so it’s not surprising for this price range.
The Venom’s weight also contributed to its lower versatility score. It’s a few ounces shy of two pounds, which makes it a brick. While they’re not uncommon, you’ll need 34mm rings for this scope if you don’t already have some.
Controls on the Venom stood out during the test. The turrets were responsive and demonstrated crisp, tactile clicks. The RevStop zero stop added to the Venom’s value, especially for a scope that runs just shy of $500. It demonstrated precise tracking and return to zero after making adjustments from 100 to 300 yards, but the number of references also make it easy for quick holdovers. Precision shooters on a budget should find a ton of value in this scope, especially considering Vortex’s VIP warranty.
Best Value
Score: 14/20
Athlon Argos HMR 4-20×50
Score: 14/20
Optical Performance: 4
Controls: 3
Versatility: 3
Value: 4
Price: $339
Specifications
- Weight: 21 oz.
- Focal Plane: Second
- Illuminated Reticle: Yes
- Tube: 1 in.
- Transferable Lifetime Warranty
- Price: $339
Pros
- Great value
- Surprising lowlight performance
- Versatile scope
- Capped, tactile turrets
Cons
- Some might find the reticle too bold
The Athlon Argos HMR was the surprise of the test. It scored near the top in lowlight performance and provided good resolution. Opposed to the majority of 30mm scopes in the test, the HMR’s 1-inch tube, parallax adjustment, and 4-20x makes this one of the best rifle scopes under $500 for hunters who want extra zoom without the crowded view of a Christmas tree reticle or oversized, exposed turrets.
The crisp turrets turned definitively and without any mush or slop. While the 4-20x provides a wide range of magnification, there are not unlimited mounting options, thanks to the large bell objective lens (all that zoom comes with a price). The illuminated reticle is useful in all settings and doesn’t have a bloom effect on the higher adjustments. Overall, the Argos HMR’s versatility makes it a worthy consideration.
For hunters who prefer a few more references, the HMR also comes with a BDC 600A MOA or Mildot reticle, but even those are fairly minimal. The price isn’t a steal, but it certainly reflects this scope’s utility and value.
Best Crossover
Score: 14/20
Sig Whiskey 4 5-20×50
Score: 14/20
Optical Performance: 3
Controls: 4
Versatility: 4
Value: 3
Price: $449
Specifications
- Weight: 24.7 oz.
- Focal Plane: First
- Illuminated Reticle: Yes
- Tube: 30mm
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Price: $449
Pros
- Responsive turrets
- Illuminated reticle brightest in test
- Included flip-up lens covers
- Good tracking
- Zero stop
Cons
- Okay resolution
- Some stickiness in magnification wheel
- Most expensive scope in test
Buttery controls, decent glass, and the nifty zero stop made Sig Sauer’s Whiskey 4 the best crossover scope in the test. The exposed elevation turret turns with positivity, and the zero stop allows for swift adjustments in field. Tracking on the Whiskey 4 was also some of the best in the test, which provided an accurate return to zero, and the capped, low-profile windage turret makes sense for a crossover scope. I also appreciated the streamlined throw lever and included lens covers that lay flat.
The FFP MOA Milling Hunter reticle provides plenty of references without overcrowding the scope’s view. It also boasted the brightest illuminated reticle in the test and didn’t produce a distracting starburst effect.
For the lowlight portion of the test, the Whiskey 4 scored near the top and exhibited minimal edge blurring in low light. The resolution was decent, but it didn’t wow, especially considering this was the most expensive scope in the test. Still, it’s optical performance fared near the top, and it was one of the few scopes with a parallax adjustment in the test.
Best Budget
Score: 12/20
Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40
Score: 12/20
Optical Performance: 2
Controls: 3
Versatility: 3
Value: 4
Price: $260
Specifications
- Weight: 14.6 oz.
- SFocal Plane: Second
- Illuminated Reticle: No
- Tube: 1 in.
- Vortex VIP Warranty
- Price: $260
Pros
- Simple hunting scope
- Excellent warranty
- Lightweight
- Useful, Deadhold reticle
Cons
- Underwhelming lowlight performance
For a lightweight and affordable hunting scope, the Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40 offers a lot of value. As one of the few 40mm scopes in the test, it didn’t excel in the lowlight portion, but it did provide decent resolution and color fidelity. The controls also proved decent, as the stubby turrets tracked with precision and minimal mush.
The Diamondback’s $260 price tag makes it an appealing option for most hunters, especially those on a budget. Even if you’re strapped for cash, you’re better off saving for the Diamondback, as it’s head and shoulders above anything you’ll find for cheaper. The utility and excellent warranty are well worth it.
I’ve owned several Diamondbacks, and they’ve all been versatile, rugged scopes. A few seasons ago, I had a tow rope break, which dropped my gun—scope first—on the base of a tree. Other than a scuff mark, it looked fine. I took it to the range, re-zeroed it, and it still works great. Even if something does happen to your scope, Vortex’s VIP warranty has it covered.
Score: 10/20
Hawke Vantage 30 WA FD IR 3-12×56
Score: 10/20
Optical Performance: 2
Controls: 2
Versatility: 3
Value: 3
Price: $279
Specifications
- Weight: 22.8 oz.
- Focal Plane: Second
- Illuminated Reticle: Yes
- Tube: 30mm
- Lifetime Warranty
- Price: $279
Pros
- Accessible price
- Both red and green illumination
- Great Warranty
- Generous MOA adjustments
Cons
- Mediocre optical performance
- Noticeable flares
At first glance, the Hawke Vantage seems to pack the promise of a simple hunting scope with a lot of zoom and light. Yet, its optical performance didn’t stand out in the test, as it scored near the bottom in the lowlight portion compared to the other 50mm scopes. It also exhibited multiple flares and some debris in its tube.
Still, its price and utility make it worth considering. For less than $300, you get an illuminated reticle, an economical footprint, and Hawke’s excellent No-Fault Lifetime Warranty. The low-profile, capped turrets enhance its usefulness as a hunting scope, as you won’t be making any precise adjustments with the simple L4A dot reticle anyway.
The magnification wheel has good knurling and turns smoothly, but this scope would benefit from a parallax adjustment. However, it does offer plenty of eye relief and a wide field of view. Some hunters might desire more reference marks, but other iterations of this scope offer more “precision” options.
Score: 10/20
Riton 3 Primal 3-12×56
Score: 10/20
Optical Performance: 2
Controls: 4
Versatility: 2
Value: 2
Price: $429
Specifications
- Weight: 17.6 oz.
- Focal Plane: Second
- Illuminated Reticle: Yes
- Tube: 30mm
- Lifetime Warranty
- Price: $429
Pros
- Included throw lever
- Precise tracking
- Zero stop
- Plenty included accessories
Cons
- Large footprint
- Mediocre image and lowlight performance
- One of the more expensive “budget” scopes
Controls on Riton’s 3 Primal 3-12×56 were some of the best in the test. However, the scope’s design feels like a juxtaposition. For instance, the oversized turrets, quick throw lever, and overall large footprint scream precision. Yet, the turrets on this model would be more useful were they exposed, and the simple duplex-like reticle lacks super-defined references that would make in-field adjustments quick and precise. In other words, its bulky design overshadows features that would otherwise make it a great crossover scope.
Not to mention, glass in the Riton 3 Primal was underwhelming, which didn’t help its value score. It scored near the bottom of the lowlight test and had noticeable peripheral blurring. Otherwise, the turrets were responsive and had zero mush. It also has a crisp illuminated reticle that doesn’t produce a starburst or dot bloom effect, and the alternating on/off setting makes it easy to return to your last/preferred brightness setting.
In theory, the 3 Primal 3-12×56 should have scored higher in the versatility category, but its size and limited mounting options contributed to its low score. However, for shooters who spend more time at the range than in the field, this scope should pique your interest.
Score: 12/20
Burris Fullfield IV 3-12×56
Score: 12/20
Optical Performance: 3
Controls: 3
Versatility: 3
Value: 3
Price: $339
Specifications
- Weight: 24 oz.
- Focal Plane: Second
- Illuminated Reticle: Yes
- Tube: 30mm
- “Forever” Warranty
- Price: $339
Pros
- Excellent warranty
- Wind hold references
- Streamlined footprint
- Decent glass
Cons
- Max brightness settings distracting
- Slop in magnification wheel
The Burris Fullfield IV didn’t excel at any one thing, but it did perform consistently across the board. Its lowlight performance and resolution performed middle of the pack, though I wouldn’t call them underwhelming, especially for the price. Turrets on the Fullfield IV are tactile, though there’s notable slop in the magnification wheel.
The E3 MOA reticle has useful subtensions and even windholds for 10mph crosswinds. Rather than ultra-precise, the lower hash marks represent general 100-yard drops, according to Burris. However, you’ll still need to perform some ballistic calculations, depending on your cartridge of choice. Hunters who need to make quick, medium-long(ish) range shots should delight in this reticle’s simple utility.
In regards to the reticle, one of the drawbacks was the illumination. It’s bright, but the highest four settings (it has 11 total) produce a significant starburst effect that disrupts the sight picture, rendering them useless.
This scope isn’t exactly lightweight, but it carries itself well. Even as a 30mm with a 56mm objective lens, it offers plenty of mounting options. Burris’ fantastic “Forever” warranty and the accessible price make the Fullfield IV an appealing candidate as one of the best scopes under $500.
How to Choose the Best Rifle Scope Under $500
Rifle scopes over $500 range from good to premium. But even under that amount, there’s a significant divide from one end of the budget spectrum to the other. Obviously, your budget will determine this. After that, you’ll want to consider your hunting/shooting needs and what type of warranty each manufacturer offers. Whether you’re spending $200 or $2000, you’ll want to ensure your investment is covered should something happen to it.
You’ll also want to consider if you need a general scope or something more precise. For instance, are you looking for a scope that you can easily swap between hunting rifles and various cartridges? Or do you need a scope that can maximize your shooting capabilities with ultra-precise references and custom turrets? These questions should inform your buying decisions.
Final Thoughts
The best scopes under $500 might not excel at everything, but some of them can serve multiple tasks well. I realize that $500 might mean “premium” for a lot of hunters and shooters (myself included). The good news is that there are plenty of solid options well below that price that should last you a lifetime.
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