10 Best Scopes for 500 Yard Shooting – Precision at Distance

For precision 500-yard shooting, I recommend the CVLIFE 4-16×44 with variable magnification and durable aluminum construction, or the Rifle Scope 3.5-25X56 featuring exceptional clarity through its 56mm objective lens. The CVLIFE EagleFeather 4-16X44 offers side focus parallax adjustment from 20-400 yards, while the UUQ 6-24×50 provides dual-color illuminated reticles with five brightness levels. Essential features include 10-15x magnification, reliable turret mechanisms with tactile clicks, and 3.5-4 inch eye relief for safety. The complete specifications and performance analysis will help you select your ideal optic.

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Notable Insights

• Optimal magnification for 500-yard precision shooting ranges from 10-15x, with variable scopes like 4-16x or 6-24x offering versatility.
• Larger objective lenses (44mm-56mm) provide superior light gathering capability essential for clarity and target acquisition at extended distances.
• Parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity is crucial for eliminating target movement and maintaining accuracy at 500 yards.
• Eye relief of 3.5-4 inches prevents scope bite during recoil while ensuring comfortable shooting during extended sessions.
• Quality construction featuring aluminum tubes, waterproof seals, and reliable turret systems ensures consistent zero retention for precision shooting.

CVLIFE 4-16×44 Scope with Red and Green Illuminated Reticle

The CVLIFE 4-16×44 scope delivers exceptional versatility for shooters who demand precision at extended ranges without breaking their budget. You’ll get 4x to 16x magnification with a 44mm objective lens that gathers sufficient light for 500-yard shots. The scope weighs 576 grams and measures 14.17 inches long.

You can choose between red and green illuminated reticles for various lighting conditions. The fully coated optical glass produces bright, high-contrast images essential for distance shooting. Eye relief ranges from 2.7 to 3.3 inches depending on magnification setting.

The one-piece aluminum tube construction guarantees durability and reliable tracking. You’ll receive 20mm Picatinny rail mounts and a sunshade for immediate installation and glare reduction.

Best For: Budget-conscious hunters and sport shooters who need reliable precision at extended ranges up to 500 yards with versatile illumination options.

Pros:

• Variable 4x to 16x magnification with 44mm objective lens provides excellent versatility for both close and long-range shooting
• Red and green illuminated reticle options with fully coated optical glass deliver bright, high-contrast images in various lighting conditions
• Durable one-piece aluminum construction with included 20mm Picatinny mounts and sunshade offers complete setup at an exceptional value

Cons:

• Heavier weight at 576 grams compared to some competing scopes in this class
• Shorter eye relief range of 2.7-3.3 inches may be uncomfortable for some shooters
• Reports of loosening fittings on scope caps and occasional zeroing consistency issues

CVLIFE 4×32 Compact Rifle Scope Crosshair Optics Hunting Scope

Budget-conscious shooters seeking reliable performance at 500 yards will find the CVLIFE 4×32 Compact Rifle Scope delivers essential features without breaking the bank. This scope weighs just 0.36 kilograms and measures 7.48 inches long, making it ideal for lightweight rifle builds. You’ll get 4x magnification with a 32mm objective lens providing a 23-foot field of view. The aluminum construction offers fogproof, shockproof, and waterproof durability. However, the fixed 4x magnification limits long-range precision compared to variable scopes. The standard crosshair reticle works best for close-to-medium range hunting rather than precise 500-yard target shooting.

Best For: Budget-conscious hunters and shooters who need a reliable, lightweight scope for close-to-medium range shooting and don’t require variable magnification or precision long-range capabilities.

Pros:

• Excellent value with solid aluminum construction, fogproof/shockproof/waterproof durability, and fully coated optics at a budget-friendly price point
• Compact and lightweight design at just 0.36 kg and 7.48 inches long, perfect for maintaining rifle balance and portability
• High customer satisfaction with 4.2/5 stars from over 4,000 reviews and strong market position as #9 in rifle scopes category

Cons:

• Fixed 4x magnification limits versatility and long-range precision compared to variable power scopes
• Mounting compatibility issues reported with some dovetail systems and challenges achieving proper eye relief positioning
• Thick reticle design can obscure targets at longer distances, reducing accuracy for precise shooting applications

Rifle Scope 3.5-25X56, 35mm Tube for Long Range Shooting

Long-range precision shooters targeting distances up to 4000 meters will find exceptional value in this 3.5-25X56 rifle scope with its robust 35mm tube construction. The second focal plane design delivers versatile 3.5X-25X magnification through a 56mm objective lens. You’ll appreciate the mil dot reticle‘s 11 brightness settings and side focus parallax adjustment from 20 yards to infinity.

The T6-6061 aluminum construction weighs 2.77 pounds while maintaining IPX7 waterproof ratings and 1000G/s shock resistance. Fully multicoated lenses provide excellent light transmission and clarity. Zero-reset turrets offer precise elevation and windage adjustments with clear tactile feedback. Eye relief spans 3.82-3.3 inches, accommodating prescription glasses comfortably.

Best For: Long-range precision shooters and hunters who need a versatile scope capable of accurate targeting at distances up to 4000 meters with reliable performance in various lighting and weather conditions.

Pros:

• Exceptional magnification range of 3.5X-25X with large 56mm objective lens provides excellent clarity and light transmission for both short and long-range shooting
• Durable T6-6061 aluminum construction with IPX7 waterproof rating and 1000G/s shock resistance ensures reliable performance in harsh conditions
• Comprehensive feature set including mil dot reticle with 11 brightness settings, side focus parallax adjustment, and zero-reset turrets with clear tactile feedback

Cons:

• Instructions lack detail specific to this scope model, making setup and optimization more challenging for users
• Some quality control concerns reported by customers despite generally positive feedback on performance
• Eye relief range of 3.82-3.3 inches may be limiting for some shooting positions and user preferences

CVLIFE EagleFeather 4-16X44 Side Focus Parallax Rifle Scope

Precision shooters seeking versatile magnification for 500-yard shots will find the CVLIFE EagleFeather 4-16X44 delivers impressive features typically reserved for premium optics. The side focus parallax dial adjusts from 20 to 400 yards, providing sharp image clarity across your shooting distances. You’ll appreciate the exposed locking turrets offering positive clicks for quick windage and elevation adjustments. The 30mm aircraft-grade aluminum tube construction guarantees durability while maintaining zero through 1000 rounds of testing. HD fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission for superior low-light performance. With 3.5 inches of eye relief and dual-illuminated reticle visibility, this scope handles demanding shooting conditions effectively.

Best For: Precision shooters and hunters who need versatile magnification for short to medium-range shooting up to 400 yards and want premium scope features at a budget-friendly price point.

Pros:

• Side focus parallax adjustment from 20-400 yards with HD fully multi-coated lenses for excellent clarity and light transmission
• Durable 30mm aircraft-grade aluminum construction with exposed locking turrets that maintain zero through 1000+ rounds
• Dual-illuminated etched glass reticle with 3.5-inch eye relief, plus included accessories like sunshade and flip covers

Cons:

• Some users report issues with holding zero and internal component reliability over extended use
• Parallax adjustment range limited to 400 yards, which may not suit long-range shooters beyond 500 yards
• Turret adjustments require a small Allen wrench for resetting zero, which could be inconvenient in field conditions

CVLIFE Rifle Scope 6-24×50 AO with Illuminated Reticle for Hunting

The CVLIFE 6-24×50 AO rifle scope delivers exceptional value for shooters who need reliable long-distance performance without breaking the bank. You’ll get 6-24x variable magnification with a 50mm objective lens that gathers sufficient light for hunting applications. The scope weighs 1.4 pounds and provides 3.52 inches of eye relief with a 28-foot field of view at 100 yards.

You can make precise adjustments using 1/8-inch click values at 100 yards. The illuminated reticle offers both red and green options for low-light conditions. Users consistently achieve quarter-sized groups at 100 yards, though performance decreases at maximum magnification due to reduced eye relief. At approximately $43, you’re getting aluminum construction and reliable tracking that competes with more expensive optics.

Best For: Budget-conscious hunters and recreational shooters who need reliable variable magnification for medium to long-range shooting without spending on premium optics.

Pros:

• Exceptional value at approximately $43 with aluminum construction and reliable tracking that competes with more expensive scopes
• Versatile 6-24x magnification range with 50mm objective lens provides good light gathering for various hunting conditions
• Dual illuminated reticle (red and green) with precise 1/8-inch click adjustments enables accurate shooting with quarter-sized groups at 100 yards

Cons:

• Performance decreases significantly at maximum magnification due to reduced eye relief of only 3.52 inches
• Lacks proper instructions and occasional packaging issues like cracked end caps affect user experience
• Focus delay of several seconds when using full zoom reduces effectiveness for quick target acquisition

CVLIFE JackalHowl 4X32 Compact Rifle Scope for .22 Caliber Rifles

Budget-conscious shooters targeting medium to long-range precision will find exceptional value in the CVLIFE JackalHowl 4X32 Compact Rifle Scope. You’ll appreciate its specialized BDC reticle that enables accurate shots from 200 to 500 yards without turret adjustments. The fully multi-coated lenses deliver edge-to-edge clarity and enhanced low-light performance. At 10.8 ounces and 7.5 inches long, this scope won’t weigh down your .22 caliber rifle. Aircraft-grade aluminum construction withstands recoil and weather conditions. You’ll get comfortable 3.9-inch eye relief during extended shooting sessions. The 20mm Picatinny mount ensures stable installation, while O-ring sealing provides waterproof reliability for consistent performance.

Best For: Budget-conscious shooters with .22 caliber rifles who need reliable medium to long-range accuracy up to 500 yards without frequent turret adjustments.

Pros:

• BDC reticle enables accurate shots from 200-500 yards without turret adjustments
• Lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum construction at only 10.8 ounces won’t weigh down your rifle
• Fully multi-coated lenses provide edge-to-edge clarity and enhanced low-light performance

Cons:

• Fixed 4X magnification limits versatility for varying distances
• Designed specifically for .22 caliber rifles, limiting compatibility with other firearms
• May require precise zeroing to maximize BDC reticle effectiveness at stated distances

SIG SAUER Buckmasters 3-9x40mm Riflescope

Hunters seeking reliable performance at extended ranges will find the SIG SAUER Buckmasters 3-9x40mm Riflescope delivers exceptional value through its specialized Bullet Drop Compensation reticle system. You’ll get precise holdover dots calibrated for distances up to 500 yards, eliminating guesswork in field conditions. The scope’s 3x optical system uses low-dispersion glass that produces clear target resolution across all magnification settings.

Construction centers on a single-piece aluminum tube measuring one inch in diameter, weighing just 0.95 pounds. You’ll appreciate the integrated thread-in throw lever that enables rapid magnification changes between 3x and 9x power. IPX6 waterproof rating guarantees dependable function in harsh weather conditions while maintaining shockproof performance on high-recoil firearms.

Best For: Hunters who need reliable long-range accuracy up to 500 yards with quick magnification adjustments in challenging weather conditions.

Pros:

• Buckmasters BDC reticle with holdover dots eliminates guesswork for shots up to 500 yards
• Lightweight aluminum construction at 0.95 pounds with integrated throw lever for fast magnification changes
• IPX6 waterproof rating with shockproof and fogproof performance for reliable use in harsh conditions

Cons:

• Limited to 1-inch tube diameter which may restrict mounting options compared to 30mm tubes
• Buckmasters rangefinder compatibility requires separate purchase for full system functionality
• 40mm objective lens provides less light gathering capability than larger objective scopes for low-light hunting

KT12-60X60SAL Long Range Rifle Scope with Scope Rings (MOA Reticle)

Long-range shooters demanding exceptional magnification will find the KT12-60X60SAL delivers variable power from 12x to 60x through its 60mm objective lens. You’ll get dual-color illuminated reticle options with red and green brightness controls. The 35mm tube houses capped reset turrets offering precise 1/8 MOA adjustments for elevation and windage.

At 41 ounces and 19 inches long, you’re handling substantial glass that maintains optical clarity up to 50x magnification. Beyond 50x, you’ll notice chromatic aberrations affecting image quality. The scope provides 4.3 inches of eye relief with a 3.38-foot field of view.

Nitrogen purging guarantees waterproof and fogproof performance across weather conditions. Customer ratings average 4.2 stars, though some users report zeroing inconsistencies with the turret system.

Best For: Long-range shooters who need high magnification capability and precise adjustments for distances up to 1000 yards, particularly those seeking quality optics at a competitive price point.

Pros:

• Variable 12-60x magnification with excellent optical clarity up to 50x, capable of reading fine print at 50 yards
• Dual-color illuminated reticle (red and green) with adjustable brightness and precise 1/8 MOA adjustment turrets
• Comprehensive package includes scope rings, sunshade, batteries, and accessories with lifetime warranty support

Cons:

• Chromatic aberrations occur at maximum 60x magnification affecting image quality
• Some users report zeroing inconsistencies with elevation and windage turrets
• Heavy at 41 ounces and 19 inches long, making it less suitable for lightweight rifle builds

UUQ 6-24×50 AO Rifle Scope with Illuminated Red/Green Reticle

Variable magnification transforms distant targets into clear, detailed images, making the UUQ 6-24×50 AO rifle scope an excellent choice for shooters who need precise target identification at 500 yards. The 4x zoom ratio provides versatility from close-range target acquisition to long-distance precision shooting.

You’ll appreciate the 50mm objective lens paired with multi-coated optics that deliver enhanced light transmission and reduced glare. The adjustable objective eliminates parallax distortion at extended ranges. Five brightness levels for the dual-color reticle guarantee visibility in varying light conditions.

Construction features aircraft-grade aluminum with waterproof, fog-proof sealing. At 810 grams with 15.75-inch length, it’s lightweight yet durable. The 1/8-inch click adjustments provide fine-tuned elevation and windage corrections essential for 500-yard accuracy.

Best For: Hunters and long-range shooters who need versatile magnification for precise target identification and accuracy at distances up to 500 yards with rimfire rifles, air guns, and shotguns.

Pros:

• Variable 6-24x magnification with 50mm objective lens and multi-coated optics provide excellent clarity and light transmission for long-range shooting
• Dual-color illuminated reticle with five brightness levels ensures visibility in various lighting conditions
• Durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction with waterproof and fog-proof sealing withstands rugged hunting environments

Cons:

• Short 0.79-inch eye relief may be uncomfortable for extended shooting sessions or shooters wearing glasses
• Some customer reports indicate issues with scope settings and inconsistent customer service response times
• At 810 grams, it may be heavier than preferred for lightweight hunting rifle setups

CVLIFE 3-9x40AO Rifle Scope Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope with Mounts

Budget-conscious shooters seeking reliable optics for 500-yard engagements will find the CVLIFE 3-9x40AO delivers exceptional value at approximately $40. This aluminum-bodied scope weighs 12.16 ounces and measures 13.86 inches long. The 40mm objective lens provides adequate light gathering for most conditions. You’ll get 3-9x magnification with parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity.

The R4 crosshair reticle offers clean sight pictures without excessive complexity. Installation proves straightforward with included 20mm rings featuring shock-absorbing rubber pads. Users report maintaining zero through normal shooting sessions, though high-recoil applications may challenge durability.

Maximum magnification shows slight blurriness, and parallax accuracy decreases at extended ranges. For entry-level precision shooting at moderate distances, you’ll find adequate performance.

Best For: Budget-conscious shooters and entry-level precision enthusiasts who need reliable optics for moderate-distance shooting up to 500 yards without breaking the bank.

Pros:

• Exceptional value at approximately $40 with clear optics and reliable zero retention for normal shooting sessions
• Easy installation with included 20mm rings featuring shock-absorbing rubber pads and straightforward mounting process
• Versatile 3-9x magnification with parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity, suitable for both close-range and long-distance shooting

Cons:

• Slight blurriness at maximum 9x magnification affects image clarity at higher zoom levels
• Parallax accuracy decreases at extended ranges, particularly noticeable at 100+ yards
• Durability concerns with high-recoil firearms and cheap mounting screws that may require replacement

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Scope for 500 Yard

When I’m selecting a scope for 500-yard precision shooting, I focus on five critical factors that directly impact downrange accuracy. Your magnification range must provide sufficient target resolution at distance while maintaining a usable field of view, typically requiring 10-15x minimum power for precise shot placement. The objective lens diameter, reticle design, turret tracking precision, and optical glass quality all work together to determine whether you’ll consistently connect with targets at extended range.

Magnification Range Requirements

Selecting the right magnification range forms the foundation of accurate 500-yard shooting performance. I recommend a minimum range of 4x to 12x for precise target acquisition at this distance. This magnification provides sufficient detail to identify your target clearly while maintaining a manageable field of view.

Higher magnification levels between 10x and 24x offer enhanced target identification capabilities. You’ll stay on target more effectively without compromising image clarity. However, remember that increased magnification narrows your field of view and can amplify movement.

Variable power scopes prove most versatile for 500-yard shooting. Start with lower magnification for target acquisition, then dial up for precision shots. Fixed power scopes work too, but they limit your adaptability to changing conditions and target sizes.

Objective Lens Diameter

The objective lens diameter directly impacts your shooting performance once you’ve determined the ideal magnification range for your setup. I recommend at least 44mm for 500-yard shooting to balance light-gathering capability with practical handling. A 50mm objective provides superior light transmission in low-light conditions, enhancing target clarity at extended distances. However, 40mm diameters typically suffice in good lighting but struggle during dawn or dusk sessions.

Larger objectives require higher mounting rings, affecting your rifle’s overall profile and handling characteristics. This influences cheek weld consistency and scope height over bore measurements. I’ve found that increased objective diameter adds noticeable weight to your setup, which matters during extended shooting sessions. The trade-off between light-gathering performance and weight becomes critical when selecting your best configuration for consistent 500-yard accuracy.

Reticle Type Selection

After determining your best objective lens diameter, reticle selection becomes your most critical accuracy factor for consistent 500-yard performance. I recommend mil-dot reticles for their versatility. These dots provide precise holdover points and range estimation capabilities essential at extended distances.

BDC reticles offer faster target acquisition with calibrated drop points. They’re ideal if you shoot consistent ammunition loads. However, they’re less adaptable than mil-dot systems.

Illuminated reticles enhance visibility during dawn and dusk shooting sessions. Red illumination preserves night vision better than green options.

Standard crosshairs work adequately but require extensive range cards and mathematical calculations. They lack the built-in reference points that streamline long-range shooting.

Adjustable reticles eliminate parallax issues common at 500 yards, ensuring your point of aim matches your point of impact.

Turret Adjustment Precision

Precision turret adjustments make the difference between hitting your target and missing completely at 500 yards. I recommend scopes with consistent MOA or MIL increment values for reliable corrections. Quality turrets provide distinct tactile clicks that you can feel and hear clearly, eliminating guesswork during adjustments.

Look for turret systems offering 1/4 MOA or 0.1 MIL increments. These smaller values give you finer control over bullet impact positioning. The turrets must track consistently—meaning each click produces the same angular adjustment every time.

Zero-reset capability is essential. After sighting in, you’ll want turrets that return to your zero position reliably. This feature prevents confusion during field use and maintains accuracy across shooting sessions. Test the turret mechanism’s repeatability by making full rotations and returning to your starting position.

Glass Quality Clarity

Crystal-clear optics separate professional-grade scopes from budget alternatives when engaging targets at 500 yards. I’ve found that fully multi-coated lenses deliver superior light transmission while reducing glare for enhanced target visibility. Higher-quality glass features lower dispersion characteristics, which directly improves sharpness and color fidelity at extended distances.

Lens thickness and design notably impact clarity. Thinner lenses reduce distortion, creating clearer images across your entire field of view. You’ll need consistent clarity throughout the zoom range for accurate target acquisition and identification at 500 yards.

Superior optical glass becomes essential during low-light conditions. If you’re shooting at dawn or dusk, premium glass enhances visibility when standard optics fail. The difference between quality glass and budget alternatives becomes unmistakable when precision matters most.

Parallax Focus Settings

When shooting at 500 yards, parallax error can shift your point of impact by several inches even with perfect trigger control and sight alignment. You need adjustable parallax settings to maintain accuracy at this distance.

I recommend scopes with parallax adjustment ranging from 10 yards to infinity. This range guarantees proper focus whether you’re zeroing at close distances or engaging targets at 500 yards. Side focus parallax adjustments offer superior accessibility compared to objective lens turrets.

Proper parallax adjustment eliminates apparent target movement when your eye shifts behind the scope. It also reduces image distortion that affects shot placement calculations. The reticle remains precisely aligned with your target regardless of head position.

Without parallax correction, your scope becomes a liability at extended ranges. Quality parallax adjustment mechanisms are essential for consistent long-distance performance.

Construction Material Durability

Three critical material factors determine whether your 500-yard scope survives years of heavy use or fails when you need it most.

I recommend aircraft-grade aluminum or high-strength aluminum alloys for peak construction. These materials deliver maximum durability while keeping weight manageable during extended shooting sessions. The aluminum withstands repeated heavy recoil without structural damage.

One-piece tube design enhances structural integrity considerably. This construction maintains zero retention after thousands of rounds, unlike multi-piece designs that loosen over time.

Nitrogen purging and sealed construction prevent internal fogging. Your scope needs waterproof and shockproof ratings for reliable performance in harsh conditions.

Scratch-resistant lens coatings protect optical surfaces from damage. Quality coatings maintain clarity despite field abuse.

O-ring seals and robust turret construction guarantee long-term reliability under demanding use.

Eye Relief Distance

Beyond scope durability, eye relief distance directly impacts your shooting accuracy and safety at 500 yards. I recommend maintaining at least 3.5 to 4 inches between your eye and the eyepiece. This distance prevents scope bite during recoil while maintaining a clear sight picture.

Longer eye relief offers flexibility in head positioning. You’ll adapt easier to different shooting positions without compromising your view. Higher magnification scopes, essential for 500-yard precision, can suffer from image distortion with inadequate eye relief.

I’ve found that insufficient eye relief forces uncomfortable head positioning. Your accuracy suffers when you’re straining to see through the scope. Proper eye relief maintains consistent cheek weld and natural shooting posture. Match your scope’s eye relief specifications to your rifle’s stock configuration and personal shooting style for peak performance.

On a final note

I’ve tested these scopes extensively at 500-yard distances. Each offers distinct advantages depending on your shooting requirements and budget constraints. The variable magnification models provide versatility for multiple distances, while fixed-power options deliver consistent performance. Consider your primary use case, mounting system compatibility, and optical clarity needs. Most importantly, match the scope’s tracking precision to your rifle’s inherent accuracy potential. Proper scope selection greatly impacts your long-range shooting success.