The AR is a widely used rifle among avid shooters and hunters. You need to equip it with a quality scope to bring out its full power. A good scope makes it easy to see what the naked eye can’t. Better yet, you get a clear view of your target. With the many difficult things to do, choosing an AR scope shouldn’t, particularly because this post is meant to point you in the right direction. if you are choosing their following scopes are the best AR scopes under $500.you can never go wrong with the scopes here. A guide also follows to ensure you get the best of the best.
What makes a great AR scope under $500?
A great scope should deliver excellent light transmission since this feature makes it simple to employ the scope for tactical operations and hunting in low light. It helps in giving you a good vision of the target even while you are hunting in low light or at dawn or twilight.
Your scope should be constructed from high-quality materials and have a compact design regardless of whether you select the first or second focal plane. This enables use for an extended period in challenging shooting environments.
The AR scope should also offer shockproofness, waterproofness, and fog resistance. The scope’s ability to withstand shock makes it compatible with powerful AR-15 rifles. The scope’s fog- and waterproof lens guarantees excellent performance. This function enables this scope to operate without any problems in foggy and rainy conditions.
Here are the best AR scopes under $500 you can find on the market today.
BEST AR SCOPES UNDER $500
1) Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24x50mm FFP Riflescope
Athlon Argos BTR 6-24x50mm is feature-rich; no wonder it tops our list of the best AR scopes under $500. The 6-24x magnification capability guarantees applicability to a range of shooting applications. Since accuracy is a bone of contention for scopes, an APLR2 FFP IR MOA design is incorporated into the scope. A CR2032 battery powers this first focal plane reticle.
Even in low light, high-quality glass produces brilliant and perfectly clear images. The lenses are protected by Athlon using the XPL coating. This coating enables use in adverse weather conditions by keeping dirt and oil at bay.
The scope is waterproof, fog-proof, shockproof, and long-lasting because it is made of 6061-T6 aluminum. It will not let you down even when the conditions prove tough.
Moreover, the scope has a Precision Zero Stop System that enables you to lock down your zero position and dial back to it with a crisp and precise stop exactly at your zero mark.
Features
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Lenses have XPL coating
- 6061-t6 aluminum design
- Precision Zero Stop
- APLR2 IR MOA reticle
- It runs on a CR2032 battery.
- 3 inches of eye relief
Pros
- Reputable construction
- Pinpoint accuracy
- Quality reticle
- Decent light transmission
Cons
- A bit hazy at maximum magnification
2)Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm SFP riflescope
Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm comes second as the Best AR Scopes Under $500 packed with impressive features that make it worth paying attention to. Firstly, the 6x magnification, mentioned in the product name, makes the target visible and allows both-eyes-open shooting.
Since the entire scope is constructed from a single tube, alignment and strength are improved. Aircraft-grade aluminum construction makes it robust. Since it is also shockproof, it can withstand some rigorous abuse.
The scope is not only long-lasting but also waterproof and fog-proof. To protect it against outdoor elements, it features an O-ring inside. Additionally, the nitrogen gas purging prevents the lens from becoming hazy, which is crucial for shooting at dawn.
The Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm shines when it comes to accuracy. A horseshoe reticle is etched into the second focal plane, implying it retains the same size as you magnify.
Further, the reticle offers 11 illumination settings that can be used to customize the reticle at night. A CR2032 battery is located in the illumination turret’s cap and powers the illumination. The battery should last for a very long period,
Luckily, an extra battery can be kept in the windage cap in case the original dies. The reticle is also in the glass itself, so you’ll still have it even if the battery kicks the bucket.
It is quite simple to take off the elevation and windage caps. With this scope, hunters can manually adjust the windage turrets without grabbing a tool, which is different from some models.
Turning the turrets causes audible clicking noises because they are textured and tactile.
Features
- Singe-piece design
- Second focal plane
- Eleven illumination settings
- Textured and tactile turrets
- O-ring sealed and purged with nitrogen
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Fully multi-coated optics
Pros
- Clear glass
- Top-notch construction
- Decent eye relief
- Reticle illumination
Cons
- Weight
3)Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Riflescope
Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm fits the bill of an FFP scope that serves you well. With a 24 ounces weight, the scope is a perfect companion for marksmen who walk for long distances.
It has been designed for use in water, fog, and shockproof conditions and is built of durable aluminum. This rifle scope will get the job done even in demanding hunting expeditions.
Fully multi-coated lenses quality the SLX 4-14x44mm as a top-notch scope. This leads to great clarity and resolution. A novice can easily use this scope because it is also highly user-friendly.
Additionally useful to you are wind holds and quick ranging. The side-mounted parallax adjustment knob allows for fine-tuning of adjustments.
A fast focus eyepiece enables sharp reticle focusing for quick acquisition of the target. The ACSS R-Grid 2B reticle offers six brightness settings to suit various environments.
Features
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- First focal plane reticle
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Side parallax adjustment
- Exposed, zero-resettable tactical turrets
- Six brightness levels
- Multi-coated to optimize light transmission
Pros
- Exceptional glass quality
- Long-lasting build
- Lens cover and cloth included
- Three-year warranty
- True targeting across the entire magnification range
Cons
- Weight
4)Vortex Optics Viper 6.5-20x50mm PA SFP Riflescope
Another contender from the famous Vortex is the Viper 6.5-20x50mm Riflescope. The scope is made to elevate the accuracy of your AR while staying elegant while at it.
This optic is built by vortex using a solid piece of aircraft-grade aluminum to guarantee stability and strength. The 30mm single-piece tube it comes with optimizes alignment for better precision and outstanding visual performance. Are you looking to hunt in foggy or rainy weather? Worry not. The Viper 6.5-20x50mm is O-ring sealed and purged with argon gas for utmost weather reliability. A hard anodized finish prevents abrasion and corrosion for long-lasting use.
The Extra-low dispersion glass’s increased resolution and color accuracy produces a crisp, sharp, clear image.
Besides that, you can utilize the XR completely multi-coated proprietary coatings to their fullest potential. By providing various anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass interfaces, this helps to maximize light transmission. A scratch-, oil-, and dirt-resistant ultra-hard coating is included on the premium exterior lenses.
Another major attribute of the scope is hinged with a respectable Mil-Dot MOA reticle. It is incredibly helpful for estimating range, windage, and bullet drop and is a great option for shooters who need to be able to hit targets at a distance. When shooting at various distances, where holdover and wind drift estimation may be an issue, the Dead-Hold BDC reticle is another option.
Added to the design are capped reset turrets whose adjustments are tool-free and finger-adjustable. Re-indexing to zero is a breeze after sighting in.
Features
- XR fully multi-coated lenses
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Side focus adjustment
- Hard anodized finish
- Armortek coating on the lenses
- Two reticle options
- Capped reset turrets
Pros
- Toolless turret adjustments
- Solid constitution
- All-weather reliability
- Unmatched clarity
Cons
- Ideal for long ranges
5)Burris Signature HD 3-15x44mm Riflescope
Burris Signature HD 3-15x44mm outshines competitors when it comes to versatility and accuracy. An intuitive Plex reticle is built into the Signature HD rifle scope. Hunting enthusiasts who desire to push the capabilities of their weapons will find this simplicity beneficial. Also, the scope includes locking turrets for accurate tracking and holding zero after sighting in.
The scope is designed to withstand anything thrown at it. This is thanks to its waterproof and shockproof construction. A rugged housing means the scope will endure abuse and retain zero after multiple rounds.
Since scopes are in the business of making the target image clearer and brighter, the Signature HD 3-15x44mm boasts fully multi-coated lenses that minimize glare and boost light transmission. Crystal-clear images result from this.
As if that’s not enough, a fast focus eyepiece enables simple reticle focus, while a wide field of view makes target acquisition a piece of cake. This scope’s reasonable weight of 20ounce makes it easy to transport without dragging down performance.
Features
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Simple Plex reticle
- Versatile 3-15x magnification
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Matte black finish
- Exposed turrets
- Fast focus eyepiece
Pros
- Well-designed build
- Decent turrets
- Good glass quality
- Zero stop
Cons
- Issues with sighting in
6)Swampfox Arrowhead 1-10x24mm Riflescope
Swampfox is making strides in the optics world. The Arrowhead 1-10x24mm is one of their scopes that exemplify quality and performance. The scope features a 1-10x magnification, making it ideal for short to medium distances. The magnification changes are a breeze with the throw lever included.
The cutting-edge optical design delivers a brighter sight picture, a larger field of view, and superb resolution. The lenses are fully multi-coated to boost the light-gathering power.
There are two reticle options to select from, housed in the second focal plane. These are Guerilla Dot BDC/MOA Long. You can select the one that best suits your condition. There are eleven brightness settings for versatility.
An IPX7 waterproof rating and its fog proofing capability make it ideal for all weather. This is in addition to being shockproof.
Swampfox Arrowhead 1-10x24mm also has a fast focus diopter, an impact-resistant 30mm main tube, and adjustable windage and elevation turrets.
Features
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- Fogproof and shockproof
- Two reticle choices
- 1-10x magnification
- 24mm objective lens
- Fast focus diopter
- Fully multi-coated lenses
Pros
- Reticle illumination
- Seamless magnification adjustments
- Great low-light performance
- Wide field of view
Cons
- Weight
Also Read
- https://outdoorandsurvival.com/portable-griddle-for-camping/
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Factors to Consider When Buying the Best AR Scopes Under $500
Having a glimpse of some considerations will put you in a better position to make a wise purchasing decision. Let’s dive into some of the factors:
1)Glass coating
Most AR scopes under $500 are made with multi-coated lenses. The protective coated lens on the top-rated scopes under this price range serves to protect against grease, scratches, rain, dirt, and other elements. The improved light transmission made possible by the additional coating technology makes it easier to focus on the target when it is dark outside or at sunrise or twilight. The scope’s anti-reflective coating lessens glare. You must take the lens coating into consideration when buying a scope because this feature makes it easier to see the target clearly in all types of lighting and weather.
2)Magnification
The 1x–4x magnification range is sufficient for you if you’re looking for a close-range scope. Most folks utilize this magnification range for target practice and small game hunting. The ideal magnification range for a medium-range target is between 5x and 9x.
The best magnification range for long-range shooting is higher than 9X. Although the AR-15 rifle is not intended for shooting at this distance, the magnification range helps focus on the far-away target.
3)Reticle
The reticles used in AR scopes come in a variety of designs. The reticle type must be selected based on your application. The AR-15 is a semi-automatic rifle; you need to select a reticle with adjustable color and brightness to focus on the target in any lighting. The reticles are often either green, red, or black in color. A rangefinder incorporated into some scopes makes it easier to determine the target’s distance.
4)Eye relief
A common occurrence when aiming and firing a powerful rifle is the gun’s recoil. It could lead to eye or face injury. In this situation, you must keep the proper distance between the scope and your eyes. Most AR-15 scopes have an eye relief distance of 4 inches, which makes it easier to focus on the target from a safe distance.
5)Focal plane
Riflescopes will have either a first or second focal plane reticle. A first focal plane point of impact remains the same regardless of the magnification level. On the other hand, second focal plane reticles have a point of impact that is affected by magnification.
Most budget rifle scopes are first focal plane scopes. Second focal plane scopes tend to be pricier. Thus, you will interact more with the first focal plane scopes for this price point.
FAQs
1)Is more magnification always preferable?
Long-range targets demand greater magnification. For instance, when observed through the scope, a target that is 500 yards away and 10x magnified will appear to be just 50 yards away.
As a result, it will be much easier to see and, as a result, a lot clearer to target. There is such a thing as too much magnification, though. If your target is 500 yards away and you want to use a 25x magnification scope, I t will only seem like the target is 20 yards away. Even though it can seem advantageous, this will make adjusting more difficult. Aiming is also challenging because even the slightest movement of your rifle will cause the target to change significantly.
2)How crucial is brightness?
This depends on what time you are shooting. If you are shooting during the day, you don’t need an illuminated reticle or any other frivolous features that let in more light.
Brightness is crucial, though, whether you’re shooting in low light, at sunrise, or at sunset. It’s difficult enough to hit targets at long ranges, so you have to do everything right to have a shot. But too much light may also be a problem.
Because of this, many scopes include a selection of lighting settings. Everything blurs when there is too much brightness, which prevents you from making the necessary adjustments to complete the image.
Conclusion
Today’s market has plenty of options to select from. Fortunately, a comprehensive guide such as this makes it easier for you to make a wise buying decision when buying Best AR Scopes Under $500. Do not hesitate to grab any of the AR scopes explicated above. They have all the features you need making them the best you can find today.