Rifles are used in activities like hunting or shooting. To improve focus and ensure accuracy though, you will need to consider getting a 500-yard scope along with your rifle. There are several products that offer this feature on the market that makes finding the best ones quite a difficulty.
So how do you know a very good one by just looking at it for the first time? There are a few points that if duly noted, will help you chose the best 500-yard scope for your rifle.
We will look at those important features that separate the best from the rest and help you reach an easier conclusion when you decide to purchase one.
Reading through the reviews and guidelines that come after this, we hope to fully help you understand your top 500-yard scope and make informed decisions. Please note that we have both beginners and experts in mind when addressing this with our sole aim of making it easier for you to know the high-quality 500-yard scope.
Before we delve into our review, let us first take a look at the most important features to consider. There are several features but we will only be looking at the most important ones.
Optical Power
This is a very important feature to consider when you want to purchase a 500-yard scope. A scope’s magnification level will determine just how useful that scope will be. Each task has its required optical magnification.
So, keep in mind that a lower magnification around 4-6x will allow faster and more intuitive shooting and allows better tracking of a target. All magnification below 10 is suited for shooting that is below 500 yards. Magnification of 2-12 is best suited for shooting at a 500-yard range.
Scope Length
The scope length adds to the general weight of the rifle. A heavier scope length makes it difficult to mount while a lighter one makes it easier.
If you cannot handle a heavy gun (especially beginners) or you don’t want to waste time mounting a scope, then it is better you consider buying a rifle with a lighter scope length.
Objective Lens
The efficiency of an objective lens is dependent on the condition surrounding you at the time of use. A larger objective lens is much better if you are considering exit pupil alone. In low light conditions, however, brightness and clarity improve if you have a lower magnification.
A small objective lens (below 28mm) is efficient for close range hunting and much better for low powered scopes. A medium objective lens (30-44mm) has more realistic usable exit pupils for low light hunting, it provides a low-profile mount and enables a sufficient and comfortable cheek and weld method.
A high objective lens (50mm upwards) meanwhile are more efficient for long range shooting, they have an improved image quality in low light conditions and have the ability to use higher magnifications longer as available light diminishes.
Reticles
The reticle’s importance is also associated with what you want to use the rifle for. The Mildot Reticle has the ability to determine a target’s range as long as the target’s size is known, and it makes faster and more intuitive adjustments for wind and elevation.
The Duplex Reticle are best suited for most hunting and target shooting applications. A BDC Reticle allows for accurate shooting over different target ranges without having to make adjustments to the scope’s elevation setting
Parallax
Low magnification scopes are parallax free at distances below 100 and cannot correct any error in parallax above that range.
Higher magnification scopes should be well equipped with a parallax knob to ensure error in parallax at long distances.
Durability
The materials used in the manufacture of a scope determines just how durable it can be. A good rifle scope will have to be shockproof, waterproof and fog proof so as to enable you to use it regardless of the weather condition.
After going through the features to consider when buying a 500-yard scope for your rifle, let us now turn our attention at some of the top scopes presently out there in the market.
Top Products Available on the Market Today
Listed below are some of the high-quality scopes currently available on the market. We have gone through their features and reviewed all their pros and cons so you can make the best decision when you come to purchase a 500-yard rifle scope.
NcStar Zombie Stryke Rifle Scope
Price: Approx. $1000
Magnification: 4x
Material: Powder coated aluminum
Length: 14.7 inches
Specific features: Fully multi-coated lenses, a 32 mm objective lens, biohazard reticle illuminate in red or green w/multiple brightness setting, integrated slant cut sun shade
Best use: Rifle
Description: The NcStar Zombie Stryke Rifle Scope comes with fully multi-coated lenses and an objective lens of 32mm that ensures that ensures that the scopes show high-quality images. The powder coated aluminum used in its production has made it be very durable and can be used in different weather conditions.
This scope also comes with a Lowered BDC Turret height, for lower mounting height for the optional 34 mm Micro Dot mount and optic. The new version comes with a Blue & Green Color Illuminated reticle, with multiple brightness settings for each color.
This compact fixed power rifle scope features three inches of eye relief to keep your face safe from recoil, a built-in sun shade and a dual-illuminated reticle that you can switch from red to green and back as need to suit the lighting – and the multiple brightness settings will keep you defending your fortified turf morning, noon and night.
It has a 100-500 yard Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) which is calibrated for M193 55 g FMJ Mil-Spec ammo. The integrated quick-release mount that comes with this scope allows you to saddle it up, so you’ll be ready to make your stand.
PROS:
Very quick locking release mount.
Biohazard reticle with multiple brightness settings.
Has a quick focus eyepiece.
The AR15 1 ½ scope height gives room for low profile rear BIUS.
Specific features: Adjustable reticle illumination, range finder reticle with markings, a sealed, nitrogen charged scope tube, 1/4 MOA/click windage and elevation adjustment dials
Best use: Long range shooting
Description: The Monstrum Tactical AO Rifle Scope has a 3-9x magnification that makes it perfect for shooting targets within 300 yards and above. Its adjustable reticle illumination has 5 brightness levels in both green and yellow colors. This allows for a better reticle visibility at night and even in low light environments.
The objective lens AO or D that comes with it gives it the ability the focus on target to be sharper thus eliminating the error of parallax and range estimation. With an aircraft grade 6061 aluminum scope body, quality is guaranteed for this scope. The nitrogen charged tube makes it resistant to water and fog.
It also has a range finder reticle with markings that makes it easier for you to estimate range or compensate for bullet drop.
The scope also has a 1/4 MOA/click windage and elevation adjustment dials with locking turrets. Its 1-inch diameter tube requires a mount with a 1-inch diameter scope rings. The scope also comes with one CR2032 battery and a set of the lens cap.
PROS:
You can adjust the focus in certain conditions like higher elevation or wind condition.
The aircraft grade 6061 body makes it light and easy to carry.
The objective lens AO or D has eliminated parallax and allowed sharper focus.
It is resistant to water and fog, so it can be used in extreme weather conditions.
The adjustable reticle illumination makes it easy to see the target even in low light conditions.
CONS:
The elevation turret does not fit into the housing correctly.
It doesn’t hold zero.
Windage adjustment is susceptible to easy breaking.
Related: You can purchase the Monstrum Tactical LED Flashlight for use with pistols, rifles, or shotguns and it mounts easily to any Weaver or Picatinny rail.
Specific features: Zero-Reset Turrets-Positive click reticle adjustments, BDC 600 reticle, 100-yard parallax setting, 1/4-MOA hand-turn tactical-style, fully multicoated optical system
Best use: Hunting
Description: The Nikon P-223 Rifle Scope comes with a BDC 600 reticle which offers shooters a unique and open circle aiming points and hash marks within a range of 100-600 yards. The BDC 600 is also specifically designed for the trajectory of the .223 Rem /5.56 NATO round with 55-grain polymer tip bullet.
The reticle is adjustable and has zero reset turrets which allow you to zero in quicker and maintain your setting even with a repeated coil. In addition to that, it comes with a 1/4-MOA Hand-turn Tactical-Style.
The aluminum honeycomb used in its manufacture makes it very strong and with a nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed, the scope is water and fog proof.
Its generous and consistent Eye Relief helps safely keep your eyebrows against heavy recoiling cartridges, lightweight rifles, and severe shooting angles. The 100-yard parallax setting aids in eliminating error due to parallax to ensure precise shooting.
PROS:
It has up to 98% light transmission which makes pictures very clear even in poor lighting
It has a precise adjustment knobs and its zero reset is very easy to use.
It also has a 100-yard parallax correction ability.
Its spot on ballistic match program makes it possible for you to set up the perfect shot.
It has a BDC 600 reticle designed specifically for AR-15 model rifles loaded with the popular 5.56 NATO / .223 Remington bullet.
CONS:
Its Maximum zoom limit of 9x may not be enough for very long range shots.
No wrench included in the kit.
The scope tends to scatters shots.
Related: Along with the Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Rifle Scope, you can buy the Nikon P-Series Riflescope Picatinny Mount that has a reversible 2-piece mount and provides extreme mounting flexibility.
Specific features: A mil-dot reticle with markings, adjustable reticle illumination with 5 brightness, a nitrogen-charged tube for resistance to water and fog, includes set of lens covers.
Best use: Target shooting
Description: The Monstrum Tactical AO Rifle Scope with a magnification of 3-12x is perfect for targeting out to 500 yards and beyond. Its adjustable reticle illumination has 5 brightness levels in both the green and red color which allows for a better reticle visibility at night or in low light conditions.
Its objective lens D or AO allows a sharp focus on the target, eliminating the error of parallax. Its Mildot reticle allows you to estimate your range or compensate for your bullet drop.
Made from an aircraft grade 6061 aluminum, the Monstrum Tactical AO rifle scope is light in weight and has a very durable performance. It is resistant to water and fog due to its nitrogen sealed scope. It also has 1/4 MOA/clicks windage and elevation adjustment dials with locking turrets.
The kit comes with a pair of Monstrum Tactical Offset Reversible 30 mm diameter Scope Rings, one 3V CR2032 battery, a set of lens covers and a rings mount to any flat top Picatinny rail equipped rifle
PROS:
Adjustable objective lens D or OA.
It is resistant to water and fog, making it perfect for any weather.
Made out of aircraft grade 6061 aluminum making it light in weight.
It allows you to estimate your range with its Mildot reticle.
It has a 1/4 MOA/clicks windage and elevation adjustment dials with locking turrets.
Specific features: Locking quick release mount and a more compact qr lever, lowered bdc turret height, blue & green color illuminated reticle, 100-500 yard bullet drop compensator
Best use: Hunting
Description: The NcStar Rifle Scope is a riflescope with a 32mm objective lens and fully multi-coated lenses.
It has certain improvement embedded within it such as a locking quick release mount and a more compact QR lever, a scope centerline height raised to AR 1 ½ to allow more room for low profile rear BIUS, a lowered BDC turret height that allows lower mounting height and a blue and green color illuminated reticle.
It has an integrated slant cut sunshade that reduces the sun’s reflection. Made out of an anodized aluminum, this rifle scope is light and easy to carry. It also has a quick focus eyepiece, making it faster to aim at your target.
PROS:
It has a quick eye focus.
A more compact QR lever and a locking quick release mount.
100-500 yard Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) calibrated for M193 55gr. FMJ Mil-Spec ammo.
Blue & Green Color Illuminated reticle, with multiple brightness settings for each color.
Specific features: Fully coated lens, adjustment at 1/2 MOA per click, red/green/blue triple illumination with range estimating mil-dot reticle, parallax adjustable from 10 yards to infinity
Best use: Range shooting
Description: The UUQ AOL Rifle Scope has a green, red and blue illuminated Mildot reticle and 5 levels adjustable reticle brightness for each color. It also comes with a quick tactical lock and zeroing adjustment windage and elevation and the highest quality multicoated lenses with advantage to provide maximum light transmission.
Its Mil-dot range estimating reticle increases its optimal aiming and shooting performance and an adjustable rheostat for brightness control.
It has a completely sealed and nitrogen filled tube making it shockproof, fog proof and rainproof. Its adjustment is at 1/2 MOA per click. It is perfect for regular hunting and range shooting as its parallax error can be adjustable from 10 yards.
PROS:
Triple Bonus with Mid-Profile Scope Rings.
Perfect for any weather as it is shockproof, fog proof and waterproof.
It has a triple illumination with range estimating Mildot reticle.
It is quick at zero locking and resetting targets for windage and elevation.
CONS:
It doesn’t come with a manual.
It was represented to include a CR2032 battery for the lighted reticle but instead included no battery at all.
Related: You can purchase the Mizugiwa Cantilever Weaver Scope Mount as it has a built in weaver style rails which are very handy fitting flashlights and lasers.
Specific features: Integral sunshade and integral quick release mount, illuminated red & green P4 Mil Dot reticle, nitrogen filled, shockproof, fog proof, and water resistant
Best use: Long range shooting
Description: The Ultimate Arms Gear Rifle Scope has a magnification between 2.5-10 and an objective diameter of 40mm. it has an illuminated red & green P4 Mil Dot rangefinder reticle with 11 different settings (1 black, 5 red and 5 green).
It also has a Full Windage and Elevation Adjustments on both the scope and the removable red dot aiming the laser. This scope is nitrogen filled, fully coated, shockproof, fog proof, and water resistant and has lenses that are multi-coated and will provide a sharp, bright field of view- 27.3 Feet @ 100 yards, an eye relief of 2.9 inches, an exit pupil of 8 mm.
It is constructed primarily of fully coated premium aircraft grade anodized aluminum and has an Integral sunshade and integral quick release 7/8″ Weaver-Picatinny rail base mount. This package includes the scope, removable red dot laser, a “QD” Quick Detach Weaver-Picatinny Mounting Base, a lithium CR-2032 3V battery as well as a lens cleaning kit.
PROS:
It can be used in any weather as it is waterproof, shockproof and fog proof.
It has an illuminated red & green P4 Mil Dot rangefinder reticle with 11 different settings.
It has windage and elevation adjustments that are 1/2 MOA Adjustments.
It has an integral sunshade and integral quick release 7/8″ weaver-Picatinny rail base mount.
Specific features: Glass rangefinder reticle, lever controlled reticle illumination in both red and green, includes set of 1 inch offset reversible scope rings, nitrogen charged tube
Best use: Hunting
Description: The Monstrum Tactical Rifle Scope provides a very clear target with its magnification between 1-4 and a 20mm diameter. It has a glass rangefinder reticle for on-the-fly range estimation and long-distance targeting. It is made of Aircraft grade aluminum and a nitrogen charged tube that makes it resistant to water and fog.
Its reticle rangefinder can be viewed in red and green illumination and in multiple brightness intensities, or it can be viewed in black without illumination, for a suitable sight picture regardless of lighting or environment. The package also includes a set of 1 inch offset reversible scope rings for optimum scope placement.
With rings constructed from aerospace aluminum, the rings are both light in weight and very durable. The rings mount to any flat top Picatinny rail equipped rifle.
PROS:
It has a glass rangefinder reticle for on-the-fly range estimation and long-distance
Includes set of 1 inch offset reversible scope rings for optimum scope placement.
The rings mount to any flat top Picatinny rail equipped rifle.
CONS:
Illumination knob gets loose easily.
It has a miserable 4x zoom quality.
No flat surface on the scope to place scope mounting level.
We have reached the end of our list for 500-yard scopes currently in the market. With this review, you now have an idea on what features to look for to when you want to buy a 500-yard scope.Keep in mind that the quality of scope you buy will determine just how much you will enjoy using your rifle.
The scopes are basically designed to help improve your shooting skills. So, choosing a less efficient scope will be of little use to you and more of a problem. Take this advice into consideration so you can enjoy your hunting and shooting expeditions.
We know you have a hunting experience you would love to share with us, so why don’t you drop it in our comment box. We are eager to hear from you.
