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Top 8 Best Scopes for 500 Yards of 2024
When you’re aiming for precision shooting at 500 yards, selecting the right scope can make all the difference. These eight top scopes, including models from Vortex Optics, Leupold, and Zeiss, offer not just clarity and brightness, but also durability and advanced features like parallax adjustment.
You’ll find scopes with varying magnification powers, reticle types, and lens coatings, tailored to different shooting needs. So, if you’re serious about hitting that distant target with accuracy and ease, exploring what each of these scopes has to offer will be essential. Let’s start with the Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical.
Top 8 Best Scopes for 500 Yards on the Market 2024
Note: The following advice comes from my personal perspective. What works for me might not work for you, but hopefully it sparks some ideas!
1. Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescopes
For precision shooters frequently seeking exceptional clarity and performance, the Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescope offers a robust package with features like a glass-etched reticle and extra-low dispersion glass. This scope, with its 6-24x50 magnification, guarantees that you can maintain accuracy at various ranges.
It includes fully multi-coated lenses, which greatly enhance light transmission and reduce glare, guaranteeing a crisp, clear view. The precision-glide erector system ensures smooth magnification changes, while exposed turrets and a side parallax knob provide easy adjustments on the field.
Constructed from a shockproof single-piece 30mm tube, the scope is both waterproof and fogproof, thanks to its o-ring seals and nitrogen purging. The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and precise reticle focusing.
Best For: Precision shooters seeking exceptional clarity and performance at various ranges.
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2. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen I First Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen I First Focal Plane Riflescope, with its precise EBR-2C reticle and durable one-piece 30mm aluminum tube, is perfect for serious hunters seeking exceptional clarity and performance.
This scope offers magnification from 6-24x50, making it ideal for long-range shooting. The XD glass guarantees sharp, high-resolution images, while the fiber optic turret indicator and CRS zero stop provide quick, reliable adjustments.
Users appreciate the generous eye relief and crisp turret clicks, although some note a small exit pupil at maximum magnification. Despite minor cons, the Viper PST Gen I remains a top choice, backed by Vortex’s unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty.
Whether you’re load testing a Savage 110 338 Lapua or targeting game, this scope won’t disappoint.
Best For: Serious hunters and long-range shooters seeking exceptional clarity and performance in a durable riflescope.
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3. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm M1C3 FFP Riflescope
With its exceptional image clarity and robust build, the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm M1C3 FFP Riflescope is perfect for precision shooters seeking top-tier performance in long-range hunting.
Boasting waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof features, this riflescope is designed to withstand harsh conditions.
The Front Focal Plane (FFP) allows for accurate range estimation, while the M1C3 turrets with Zero Lock guarantee precise adjustments.
The Twilight Max HD Light Management system enhances low-light visibility, making it effective during dawn and dusk hunts.
Made from durable aluminum, this scope offers a 5-25x magnification paired with a 50mm objective lens diameter.
Highly praised by users for its clear glass and superior build quality, it stands as a dependable option for serious hunters.
Best For: Precision shooters and serious hunters seeking top-tier performance in long-range hunting scenarios.
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4. Bushnell Banner 6-18x50mm Riflescope
Hunters and target shooters seeking a reliable scope for low-light conditions will find the Bushnell Banner 6-18x50mm Dusk & Dawn Hunting Riflescope an excellent choice. This scope features Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses, ensuring exceptional clarity and brightness even in challenging lighting conditions.
Ideal for long-range varmint, silhouette, and target shooting, it’s fully multi-coated for bright, high-contrast images. Built to withstand the elements, the scope boasts argon purged fog-proofing and IPX7 waterproof construction, allowing submersion in water.
Users appreciate its accuracy, ease of use, and light-gathering capabilities, though some note its bulkiness after extended use. Overall, it’s a cost-effective option praised for holding zero and offering reliable performance at various distances.
Best For: Hunters and target shooters looking for a reliable scope with exceptional clarity and brightness in low-light conditions.
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5. Athlon Optics Midas TAC HD 6-24x50 F1 Scope
For precision shooters seeking unparalleled image clarity and reliable performance, the Athlon Optics Midas TAC HD 6-24x50 F1 with its first focal plane reticle and HD glass is an outstanding choice.
This scope features advanced fully multi-coated optics, guaranteeing superior light transmission and vivid image quality.
The precision zero stop system allows for easy and accurate adjustments, while the waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof design guarantees durability in various conditions.
Weighing just 1.6 pounds and constructed from a robust 30mm aluminum tube, this scope is both lightweight and sturdy.
Users have praised its clear and sharp image quality, effortless zeroing, and exceptional value for money, making it a reliable option for those aiming to achieve high precision at 500 yards.
Best For: Precision shooters seeking superior image clarity and reliable performance in various conditions.
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6. Bushnell Match PRO 6-24X50 RIFLESCOPE
The Match PRO 6-24X50 RIFLESCOPE, featuring a First Focal Plane reticle and parallax adjustment down to 10 yards, is perfect for precision shooters seeking accurate holdovers and close target engagement.
Manufactured by Bushnell, a leading optics maker based in the USA, this scope offers a range of features that make it a standout choice. The 10-MIL turrets allow for fast counting and dialing, while the 18 MIL travel for windage and elevation enables precise zeroing and adjustments.
The tool-less turret reset simplifies adjustments, and the Deploy MIL Reticle provides reliable elevation and windage holds. With solid construction, matte black finish, and clear, distortion-free glass, this scope is a robust and valuable option for both competition and recreational shooting.
Best For: Precision shooters and competition participants like NRL22 competitors who demand accurate holdovers and close target engagement.
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7. NIGHTFORCE NXS 5.5-22x56mm F2 Scope
Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56mm F2 is perfect for those seeking unparalleled clarity and precision in long-range shooting. Designed with a 56mm objective lens, this scope guarantees maximum clarity, making it ideal for hitting targets up to 500 yards and beyond.
The wide magnification range of 5.5-22x allows for precision accuracy at various distances, while the second focal plane (F2/SFP) maintains consistent reticle size. With a 30mm body tube diameter and a click value of .250 MOA, adjustments are both precise and reliable.
The scope features an internal adjustment range of 100 MOA for elevation and 60 MOA for windage, coupled with a parallax adjustment from 50 yards to infinity. Included accessories like rubber lens covers, a cleaning fob, and a sunshade enhance its usability.
Best For: Long-range shooters seeking maximum clarity and precision with a versatile magnification range.
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8. Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x50mm Riflescope
If you’re a hunter seeking unparalleled clarity and precision, the Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x50mm Riflescope with its illuminated ZMOA-1 reticle is your ideal companion.
This scope, crafted from durable aluminum, boasts a 30mm main tube and a second focal plane reticle, guaranteeing robust performance under various conditions.
Weighing just 2 pounds, it’s both waterproof and fogproof, ensuring reliability in diverse environments.
The adjustable .25 MOA turret and zero stop feature enhance accuracy and ease of use, while the exceptional glass quality and light-gathering capability guarantee superior low-light performance.
With an average rating of 4.6 stars from satisfied customers, this scope is praised for its clarity, ruggedness, and overall functionality, making it a worthy investment for serious hunters.
Best For: Hunters seeking exceptional clarity, precision, and reliability in various conditions.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing Scopes for 500 Yards
When selecting a scope for 500 yards, you need to take into account several key factors to guarantee excellent performance.
Pay attention to the magnification power range, as it determines how well you can see distant targets.
The reticle type selection impacts your aiming precision.
Consider the lens coating quality, which improves light transmission and clarity.
Additionally, don’t underestimate the importance of parallax adjustment for accuracy and the eye relief distance for comfort during extended shooting sessions.
Magnification Power Range
To choose the perfect scope for 500-yard shooting, you need to take into account a magnification power range of 6-24x for excellent target clarity and precision. A magnification power of 6-24x is commonly recommended because it allows for clear target identification and aids in precise shot placement. Higher magnification settings enable you to see your target more clearly at longer distances, enhancing accuracy and precision, which is vital when shooting at 500 yards.
On the lower end, a 6x magnification provides a wider field of view, which is beneficial for situational awareness and tracking moving targets. This versatility ensures that you can adapt to various shooting scenarios and environmental conditions without compromising on performance.
Moreover, the ability to adjust between these magnification levels smoothly is essential for maintaining clarity, image quality, and light transmission. When selecting a scope, it’s important to balance the magnification power with these factors to guarantee effective long-range shooting.
Reticle Type Selection
Selecting the right reticle type for a 500-yard scope is essential for achieving precise and accurate shots. When aiming for long-range precision, consider a first focal plane (FFP) reticle, which guarantees that your holdovers and sub-tensions scale correctly with magnification. This feature is vital for maintaining accuracy as you adjust the zoom.
Reticles with MIL or MOA markings offer significant advantages by enabling quick and precise windage and elevation adjustments. These markings facilitate the process of making necessary corrections for bullet drop and wind drift at extended distances. An illuminated reticle can further enhance visibility in low-light conditions, improving target acquisition and aiming accuracy during dawn or dusk.
For those who prefer a simpler sight picture, a basic crosshair reticle can be effective, especially for beginners. This type minimizes clutter, allowing for a clearer view of the target.
Additionally, consider reticles featuring windage and elevation holds, hash marks, or subtensions, which assist in estimating range and compensating for bullet drop. These features are particularly beneficial when precision is paramount at the 500-yard mark, ensuring that you make informed and accurate adjustments for each shot.
Lens Coating Quality
High-quality lens coatings are essential for enhancing visibility and performance in 500-yard scopes. When choosing a scope, look for fully multi-coated or HD coatings, which greatly improve light transmission and reduce glare, resulting in clearer and brighter images. These coatings also provide protection against scratches, dirt, and water, thereby increasing the durability and longevity of your scope.
Anti-reflective coatings minimize reflections and improve contrast, a vital factor in long-range shooting where every detail matters. The improved contrast ensures that you can identify and focus on your target with greater precision.
Hydrophobic coatings are another valuable addition, as they repel water and keep the lenses clear, ensuring consistent performance in various weather conditions.
Advanced coatings, such as extra-low dispersion (ED) coatings, play an important role in reducing chromatic aberration. This reduction ensures color accuracy and sharpness across the field of view, which is particularly important for distinguishing subtle details at long distances.
Investing in a scope with high-quality lens coatings will provide you with a clear, sharp, and reliable sight picture, making precision shooting at 500 yards not only feasible but also more enjoyable and effective.
Parallax Adjustment Importance
While high-quality lens coatings enhance visibility, parallax adjustment is equally important for maintaining precision at 500 yards. Parallax error occurs when the reticle and the target aren’t in the same focal plane, leading to inaccuracies in your shot.
Scopes with adjustable parallax allow you to fine-tune the focus at different distances, effectively eliminating this error and ensuring that your reticle remains precisely aligned with your target.
At 500 yards, even minor misalignments can have a substantial impact on shot placement. Proper parallax adjustment is essential for achieving the accuracy and consistency needed for long-range shooting. By understanding and utilizing this feature, you enhance your ability to make precise shots, as it guarantees that the image you see through the scope is in perfect focus with the reticle.
When choosing a scope for 500 yards, prioritize models that offer adjustable parallax settings. This feature allows for top-notch performance across varying distances, giving you the flexibility to adapt to different shooting conditions.
Eye Relief Distance
When choosing a scope for 500 yards, always consider the eye relief distance to guarantee comfort and safety during shooting. Eye relief is the space between your eye and the scope’s eyepiece where you can see the full field of view without any shadowing.
Opt for scopes with at least 3 inches of eye relief, especially if you’re using a high-recoil rifle. This distance helps prevent injuries like scope eye and accommodates various shooting positions, ensuring you stay comfortable.
Longer eye relief also impacts how you position your head and eye behind the scope, influencing your field of view and comfort. Proper eye relief ensures a clear sight picture and minimizes the risk of scope bite or discomfort during recoil.
By maintaining an adequate distance, you avoid the unpleasant experience of the scope hitting your face upon firing, which can be both painful and distracting.
In essence, the right eye relief distance not only enhances your shooting comfort but also plays a crucial role in your overall safety and precision. Always prioritize this factor when selecting a scope suited for long-range shooting to guarantee a secure and precise shooting experience.
Turret Adjustment Features
To guarantee accurate and consistent shot placement at 500 yards, look for scopes with precise and repeatable turret adjustments. Turrets that offer consistent, reliable adjustments are essential for maintaining accuracy over long distances.
You’ll want to ponder scopes that feature a zero stop, allowing you to quickly return to your initial zero setting after making necessary elevation and windage adjustments. This feature is important for long-range shooting where multiple adjustments are often required.
Additionally, turrets with audible and tactile clicks can greatly enhance your shooting experience. These clicks enable you to make adjustments without taking your eyes off the target, which is crucial for maintaining focus and accuracy at 500 yards.
Opt for scopes with easily accessible and user-friendly turret designs to make quick and efficient adjustments during your shooting sessions.
Durability and Materials
After making sure your scope has precise turret adjustments, you’ll also want to focus on its durability and materials to handle the rigors of long-range shooting. Start by considering scopes made from durable materials like aluminum or high-quality polymers. These materials can withstand rugged use and provide longevity, guaranteeing your scope performs well under various conditions.
Look for scopes that offer shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof features. These characteristics ensure your scope remains reliable in different environmental situations, from heavy rain to extreme cold. Scopes with sealed o-ring construction and nitrogen purging are particularly effective at preventing internal fogging and moisture damage, maintaining clarity and functionality when you need it most.
Additionally, check for scopes with scratch-resistant coatings on their lenses. These coatings protect against damage and help maintain the clarity of the optics over time, which is vital for precision shooting at 500 yards.
Evaluating the overall build quality and construction of the scope is essential to make sure it can withstand the wear and tear of regular use, providing sustained performance over time. By focusing on these durability and material factors, you’ll ensure your scope remains a reliable tool for long-range accuracy.
Light Transmission Efficiency
Ensuring high light transmission efficiency in your scope is vital for maintaining clear and bright images at 500 yards, especially in low-light conditions. When you’re out hunting early in the morning or late in the evening, a scope with superior light transmission can be the difference between spotting your target or going home empty-handed.
To achieve this, consider scopes that feature high-quality lens coatings and glass. These elements enhance the scope’s ability to gather and transmit light, ensuring that images remain sharp and vibrant.
Additionally, the aperture size plays an important role. Larger apertures allow more light to enter, which is beneficial for image clarity and contrast, particularly at longer distances. High magnifications can often compromise image quality, but scopes with excellent light transmission efficiency maintain visibility, allowing you to accurately identify targets even at 500 yards.
Moreover, superior light transmission doesn’t just improve visibility; it significantly impacts target acquisition and accuracy. In challenging lighting conditions, the quality of your optics can make a substantial difference. Therefore, prioritizing light transmission efficiency when selecting a scope ensures that you’re well-equipped for precision shooting under various lighting scenarios.
Conclusion
Selecting the right scope for 500-yard precision shooting is essential for accuracy and comfort. The scopes listed, including models from Vortex Optics, Leupold, Bushnell, Athlon Optics, Nightforce, and Zeiss, offer various features like high-quality glass, durable construction, and parallax adjustment.
By understanding your specific needs and considering factors such as magnification power, reticle type, and lens coatings, you can choose the perfect scope to enhance your long-distance shooting experience.
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