Hunting is an exciting and challenging outdoor activity that requires the right equipment to be successful. One of the most critical pieces of equipment for any hunter is a high-quality hunting scope. A hunting scope is a specialized optic that helps hunters aim accurately at their targets from long distances.

When it comes to long-range hunting scopes, there are many options available on the market. However, finding the best hunting scope for long-range under $500 can be a daunting task.

There are several critical factors that hunters should consider when choosing a hunting scope, including magnification, objective lens size, reticle type, and durability.

Magnification is the degree to which the scope can make the target appear closer. Objective lens size refers to the diameter of the front lens of the scope, which determines the amount of light that enters the scope. Reticle type is the pattern of lines or dots that help hunters aim at their targets.

Finally, durability is essential for any hunting scope, as it needs to withstand harsh outdoor conditions.

We spent hours researching and testing various long-range hunting scopes under $500 to identify the best ones that meet the needs of hunters.

Best Hunting Scopes for Long Range Under $500

We understand how important it is to have a reliable and accurate hunting scope when you’re out in the field. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best hunting scopes for long-range under $500. Our team of experts has extensively researched and tested these scopes to ensure they meet our high standards for quality and performance. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting, we’re confident that one of these scopes will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Monstrum G3 10-40×56 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope with Illuminated MOA Reticle and Parallax Adjustment Black

If you are looking for a high-performance hunting scope for long-range shooting without breaking the bank, the Monstrum G3 is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The first focal plane MOA reticle is functionally designed, making it easy to read and estimate range, regardless of magnification.
• The parallax adjustment dial allows for a sharper focus of the target image and eliminates parallax, making it easier to estimate the range.
• The package includes high-profile picatinny scope rings, a detachable sunshade, spring-loaded flip-up lens covers, and a CR2032 3V battery.

Cons

• The illumination dial is inline controlled, which can make it difficult to adjust in low light conditions.
• The scope is quite heavy, which may be a concern for hunters who need to carry their equipment for long distances.
• The reticle may be too busy for some users, particularly those who prefer a simpler design.

We were impressed with the Monstrum G3’s performance in the field. The first focal plane MOA reticle is easy to read and estimate range and the parallax adjustment dial makes it easier to focus on the target. The scope is also built to last, with a durable aluminum construction that can withstand the rigors of hunting.

The inclusion of high-profile Picatinny scope rings, a detachable sunshade, spring-loaded flip-up lens covers, and a CR2032 3V battery make this package an excellent value. However, the inline controlled reticle illumination can be challenging to adjust in low light conditions.

Additionally, the scope’s weight may be a concern for hunters who need to carry their equipment for long distances. Finally, the reticle may be too busy for some users, particularly those who prefer a simpler design.

We believe that the Monstrum G3 is an excellent choice for hunters who need a high-performance scope for long-range shooting at an affordable price point.

Bushnell Trophy Quick Acquisition 1-6×24 Riflescope

If you’re looking for a lightweight, compact, and rugged riflescope that can help you make quick shots with your lever gun, shotgun, or other short to mid-range setup, then the Bushnell Trophy Quick Acquisition 1-6×24 Riflescope with illuminated Dot Drop reticle might be the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• The illuminated 1/2 MOA floating dot helps aid those fast shots, but it also has opportunities for longer shots with the aid of the integrated 2 MOA-spaced hold points on the reticle.
• The Trophy Quick Acquisition riflescope is made of one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum for ruggedness while also being lightweight so you can field it all day without being overly fatigued.
• The capped turrets not only protect your zero from getting bumped, they also help keep the optic from getting snagged in the brush.

Cons

• The illumination settings might not be bright enough in low-light conditions.
• Some users might find the eye relief to be a bit short.
• The reticle might be a bit too busy for some users.

We’ve been using the Bushnell Trophy Quick Acquisition 1-6×24 Riflescope for a while now, and we’re impressed with its performance.

The illuminated Dot Drop reticle is easy to acquire and helps us make quick shots in the brush, while the 2 MOA-spaced hold points on the reticle allow us to take longer shots with ease. The riflescope is also lightweight and compact, which makes it perfect for smaller platforms like lever rifles or shotguns.

One thing to keep in mind is that the illumination settings might not be bright enough in low-light conditions, so you might need to adjust the brightness manually.

Also, some users might find the eye relief to be a bit short, so you might need to experiment with the positioning of the riflescope to find the sweet spot. Finally, the reticle might be a bit too busy for some users, so you might need to spend some time getting used to it.

We think the Bushnell Trophy Quick Acquisition 1-6×24 Riflescope is a great choice for short to medium-range hunters who need a lightweight, compact, and rugged riflescope that can help them make quick shots. If you’re in the market for a riflescope that won’t break the bank, then you should check this one out.

Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope

If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable hunting riflescope, the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope is a great choice.

Pros

• The Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses provide clear and bright images, even in low light conditions.
• With an extended 6 inches of eye relief, this scope is comfortable to use and suitable for hunters who wear glasses.
• The argon-purged fog-proofing and IPX7 waterproof construction make this scope durable and able to withstand various weather conditions.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the adjustment wheels could be better.
• The lines on the ends of the crosshairs are curved instead of straight, which may take some getting used to.
• The scope may be too big for some rifles, such as .22 rifles.

We recently used the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope on a hunting trip and were impressed with its performance.

The DDB multi-coated lenses provided clear and bright images, even in low light conditions, which was especially helpful during dusk and dawn. The extended eye relief made it comfortable to use, even with glasses, and the scope was durable and able to withstand various weather conditions.

One downside we noticed was that the adjustment wheels could be better, but we were still able to make the necessary adjustments. Additionally, the lines on the ends of the crosshairs are curved instead of straight, which may take some getting used to. Lastly, the scope may be too big for some rifles, such as .22 rifles.

We recommend the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope for hunters looking for a reliable and affordable option.

UUQ 6-24×50 AO Rifle Scope

If you’re looking for an affordable hunting scope for long-range shooting, the UUQ 6-24×50 AO Rifle Scope is a solid choice.

Pros

• The adjustable magnification allows for clear observation of hunting targets at different distances.
• The anti-reflective coating on all glass surfaces increases light transmission and provides excellent transparency.
• The dual-color illumination and AO adjustment provide clear long-range shooting with excellent optical performance.

Cons

• The scope may not fit on smaller guns due to its size.
• Some users have reported difficulty zeroing the scope.
• The instructions that come with the scope are not very clear.

We’ve used the UUQ 6-24×50 AO Rifle Scope for high-powered, long-range shooting and found it to be a reliable and accurate scope. The adjustable magnification is a great feature, allowing us to observe targets at different distances with clarity. The anti-reflective coating on all glass surfaces provides excellent transparency, and the fully multi-coated glass ensures a clear image.

The dual-color illumination and AO adjustment are also great features that provide clear long-range shooting with excellent optical performance.

The five levels of red and green brightness make it easy to adjust to different lighting conditions. The adjustable objective lens (AO) can be moved with the parallax adjustment knob at the end of the rifle scope, which eliminates parallax and range estimation.

The body of the UUQ rifle scope is made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, which is earthquake-resistant and suitable for hunting.

The floating design of the rifle scope provides excellent waterproof and fog-proof performance, with O-ring seals and nitrogen filling to ensure the scope can be used in any environment.

The UUQ 6-24×50 AO Rifle Scope is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable hunting scope for long-range shooting. The outstanding customer support and two-year manufacturer warranty make it a risk-free purchase.

CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50 AOE Red and Green Illuminated Gun Scope with Free Mount

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hunting scope with great optics, the CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope might be the one for you.

Pros

• The 6-24x magnification range is perfect for long-range shots.
• The red and green illuminated reticle makes it easy to see in low-light conditions.
• The price is unbeatable for a scope of this quality.

Cons

• The included mount is not very sturdy and may need to be replaced.
• The eye relief is a bit short, which can be uncomfortable for some shooters.
• The turrets can be a bit difficult to adjust.

We recently had the opportunity to test out the CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope and were impressed with its performance. The 6-24x magnification range allowed us to take accurate shots at long distances, and the illuminated reticle made it easy to see in low-light conditions.

One downside to this scope is the included mount, which is not very sturdy and may need to be replaced. However, once we replaced the mount, we had no issues with the scope staying in place.

Another potential issue is the short eye relief, which can be uncomfortable for some shooters. However, we found that with a bit of adjustment, we were able to find a comfortable position.

Finally, the turrets can be a bit difficult to adjust, but with a bit of practice, we were able to get them dialed in.

We would highly recommend the CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope to anyone looking for a budget-friendly option for long-range shooting.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best hunting scope for a long-range under $500, there are a few key features to consider. By carefully evaluating these features, you can find a scope that meets your needs and fits your budget.

First, consider the magnification range of the scope. A higher magnification can help you see targets at longer distances, but it can also make it more difficult to acquire and track targets.

Look for a scope with a magnification range that suits your hunting style and the types of game you plan to hunt.

Next, consider the objective lens diameter. A larger diameter can help gather more light, which can improve image clarity and brightness in low-light conditions. However, a larger objective lens can also add weight and bulk to the scope. Consider your priorities and choose a diameter that works for you.

Another important feature to consider is the reticle type. Different reticles offer different advantages and disadvantages, depending on your hunting needs.

For example, a crosshair reticle may be simple and easy to use, but it may not offer the precision needed for long-range shots. A mil-dot reticle, on the other hand, can help you estimate range and adjust for bullet drop, but it may be more complex to use.

Finally, consider the overall quality and durability of the scope. Look for a scope that is made from high-quality materials and is built to withstand the rigors of hunting. Consider features like waterproofing, shock resistance, and fog proofing to ensure that your scope will perform well in any conditions.

In summary, when choosing the best hunting scope for a long-range under $500, consider the magnification range, objective lens diameter, reticle type, and overall quality and durability of the scope. By carefully evaluating these features, you can find a scope that meets your needs and fits your budget.