Top 8 Best Hunting Scopes Under $500 Available In 2024 – The Ultimate Buying Guide

With so many hunting scopes on the market today, you would agree that finding the best hunting scope under $500 is difficult. However, choosing hunting scopes can be very easy if you know what to look for and where to find them.

Whether you are a novice or an expert hunter looking to upgrade your hunting scope, in this review, you will find the best hunting scope under $500 available in 2024.

Top 8 Best Hunting Scopes Under $500 2024

Pinty Green Laser Sight

The Pinty Green Laser Sight Hunting Scope is not only affordable, but it’s also very reliable. This hunting scope is made predominantly of aerospace-grade 

aluminum alloy. So, regardless of the weather condition, you can’t go wrong with this hunting scope. Not only that, but the hunting scope also comes with excellent features that will deliver precise value to you. This scope combines a mil-dot riflescope, a red laser sight, and a red dot sight. As a result of its optimum light transmission and high optical clarity, you can enjoy using it any time of the day.

Besides, this hunting scope has a great magnification from 4times up to 12times. And if you want a scope with crystal clear vision, this scope is a good deal. Here’s why; it comes with green and red illuminations, 5 brightness adjustments, and a red dot sight with 4 different reticle patterns.

Interestingly, the Pinty Green Laser Sight Hunting Scope has one compact red laser sight and Allen keys for rail mounting and sight adjustment. Thanks to its turret-mounted side focus parallax adjustment, you can fine-tune images without any hassle. The scope also features a Picatinny rail, so you can easily attach your hunting accessories.

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CVLIFE 4-16×44

The CVLIFE 4-16×44 Tactical Hunting Scope is definitely what you will love to have in your hunting bag. Apart from the classy rifle appearance, many other things will fascinate you about this hunting scope. To start with is the unique locking system that prevents accidental movement. You can also adjust the windage/elevation easily while using. 

Another cool thing about this hunting scope is that it is excellent for hunting and a dab hand in shooting. As if that’s not enough, this scope is completed with a fully coated optical lens that reflects crystal clear images. With the coated lens, you will get high-contrast images in bright colors. Fair enough, it comes in one-piece tube construction, so you can easily carry it.

Besides, you’ll enjoy the protective sunshade designed to encourage use in any light condition. The scope body is made of high-strength aluminum alloy so that it can stand the test of time. And the fact that it comes with free 20 mm rail mounts makes it very easy to install. This scope will fit all lightning conditions because of its red and green reticle illumination design, which functions perfectly under diverse environments. 

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Beileshi Rifle Scope 4×32

Another impressive hunting scope with exceptional features is the Beileshi 4x32LJ Black Hunting Scope. It is a high-quality scope that comes with green multi-layer coated lenses. You can hit your target fast with accuracy through the high light transmission and resolution. Not only is this tactical scope fast, but you can also adjust the brightness. 

This scope is ideal for quick moving and aiming animals. With its 4times magnification powers and 32mm lens, you can capture 100 yards field of view just like the best long range rifle scope under 500. For accurate shooting, you will like the fiber optic sight. Asides from this, it comes with a clear, fully coated prism lens for you to experience the best clarity and outstanding light transmission.

It is also worth noting that this hunting scope is made with a green multi-layer coated lens. This will enable you to shoot your target fast and precisely with high resolution. And you can also adjust the level of brightness in three different ways to enhance more clarity. Like much other best hunting scope under 500 on this list, it is shockproof, recoil proof, fog resistant. And at 0.62 pounds, you won’t need any physical strength while carrying up and down.  

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Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm

The Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Hunting Scope is one of the best hunting scopes that offer high-quality features at an affordable price. Owing to its fully coated optics, you can get a brighter and high-contrast image. Unlike your traditional hunting scope, its proprietary true zero windage and elevation adjustment system stays locked to zero even when you are using it when the condition is not favorable. Besides, the presence of ¼-MOA sure-grip audible-click windage and elevation adjustment in it makes it very easy for you to adjust. 

No doubt, you will enjoy this hunting scope with 3.9times magnification. And its QTA eyepiece makes target acquisition more fun and enjoyable than before. Apart from the fact that this hunting scope is waterproof, recoil-proof, and resistant to fog, its black matte finish also gives it the strength to withstand the time’s test. Besides its outstanding performance, this scope is elementary to mount on the rifle. You’ll like the delivery as it can cover about 100yards. Lastly, it features a duplex reticle that supports the clarity and visibility of the target.

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UTG 4X32 1″ Crossbow Scope

If you are looking for a hunting scope built intentionally with durability in mind, then the UTG SCP-M4CR5WQ Hunting Scope will make a great pick. Look! This scope was built on a robust true strength platform with a smart spherical structure. Based on this stable platform, you can achieve a more precise and accurate hunting target. This scope is the best 308 scope under 500 because of its robust structure.

With the UTG SCP-M4CR5WQ Hunting Scope, you can easily adjust the elevation while the scope is at work. Additionally, this scope features a 5-step red/green illuminated reticle designed crossbows. The scope is also equipped with 5 horizontal lines calibrated for aiming up to the 50-yard distance. What’s more, it has a side wheel with dual illumination control for versatility and uses in different light conditions. 

Due to its precision broadband lens coating, you can count on clean and clear images with brilliant field view. Also, you can open the lens cap off this hunting scope completely. And the presence of the patented lock in it means you can mount this hunting scope without any hitch. Overall, it comes with a built-intact edge integral sunshade. 

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MidTen Combo 12×50

You cannot easily come by top-notch quality scope in the market, but this high-quality scope stands out for its versatility. The MidTen Combo 12×50 Hunting Scope is a matte finish rainproof scope featuring a multi-coated lens that offers high light transmission.

Interestingly, this scope comes in a tubeless design with a 33mm reflex lens aperture that provides you with a wide field of view. You can also adjust its magnification up to 12mm, so you can target an object up to 100 yards.  Furthermore, its dual illumination is made with 5 brightness levels, a range finding reticle, 4 sizes of dots, and detachable green laser sight that reaches over 300m. All these work in synergy to provide you with excellent and accurate results at all times. Mounting this scope is very easy because of its 20mm built-in rail. 

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Bestsight DIY Digital Night

A few of the available hunting scopes on the market fit perfectly for both day and night hunting. This wonderful invention from Bestsight is specially designed for you to switch the rear camera for day/night use. It comes with a camera lens of 3MP. It provides you with better, broader, and clearer images of the field of view.

Specifically, it comes with a Night vision IR light that allows you to focus on a fixed distance target. This Hunter scope is not only easy to use but also very easy and quick to assemble. Even in complete darkness, you can have an excellent visual experience. Asides from hunting, it is great for surveillance and exploring the cave.

Moreover, the Bestsight DIY Hunting Scope also has multiple digital features. You will enjoy its 5.0 inches display screen, 360-degree adjustable camera, and 5W extended sliding infrared flashlight.  

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Vortex Optics Crossfire II

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II Hunting Scope is another best hunting scope under $500 on the market today. It is compact. And even though it weighs 1.5 pounds, however, you won’t be weighed down while using it. It features a patented V-Brite reticle with battery-powered electronics that illuminate the center of the scope during extra-low light conditions, enabling you to use it for night vision and day hunting. You will enjoy the long eye relief that will help you target the right image. 

This Vortex Hunting Scope will pass for the best low light scope under $500 because of its adaptive feature. Also, this premium hunting scope has an ultra-forgiving eye box that helps you quickly get your target’s sight. For a bright and clear view, it comes with anti-reflective and fully multi-coated lenses. 

What’s more, its reset turrets are adjustable with MOA clicks and can even be reset to zero. Not only is this scope robust, but it is also durable and shockproof

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Buying Guide To The Best Hunting Scope Under $500 – Factors To Consider Before Buying a Hunting Scope

For you to pick the best hunting scope that will meet your needs, there are certain factors you should consider. Your choice of scope will depend on how you use the hunting scope and when you use the hunting scope. While some are good for day hunting, some are good for night hunting, and some combine the two.

Examined below are basic and advanced features of hunting scope that will help you in the selection process. These factors will determine the price of the scope. You should consider the following in an ideal hunting scope.

Magnification 

The magnification shows how much closer you can see your target animal while hunting compared to naked eyes. The magnification will magnify the target and bring it closer to you, even if it is very far. What this means is that if you buy a hunting scope with the wrong magnification that your need demands, you will bring less meat home. The more magnification you get, the farther you can see. 

The distance of eye relief

Another vital factor to check is eye relief. Simply put, eye relief refers to the distance between your eyes and the scope ocular lens after proper eye positioning. Buying a scope with less eye relief will hurt your eyes. Imagine hunting with bad eyes. To avoid this, you should aim at getting at least 3.5-4 inches of eye relief in your hunting scope. 

Diameter of Lenses

The lenses, also known as glass, is an essential feature of hunting scopes. Notwithstanding the range of your field of view, your scope lenses should present a clear picture at low and high magnifications. You see, the lens is responsible for your scope’s brightness and clarity. The bigger the diameter of your lens, the clearer and better you see. 

Lens Coating

The coat of your lens is very important. Even though the coating is invisible, it enhances the sight. The coating of the lens determines light transmission, scope’s view, clarity, and brightness. There are four coating types for you: coated, fully coated, multi-coated, and fully multi-coated. The standard option is that you go for fully coated and above. 

Scope Body

A good scope should have a sturdy design. It should be constructed with durable materials. The scope body affects the optics precision, so you might want to pay attention to it. The best hunting scope has a waterproof, shock process, fog-resistant, and recoil resistant body. 

Adjustment Range

The adjustment range depends on your use. Long-range use requires wide adjustment. To fit different use, ensure that your scope has adjustable turrets. 

Reticle

The reticle determines the crosshair you see through the scope. Through the reticle, you can estimate the distance between you and the target. Knowing this will make shooting effortless.  There are three types of reticle. The duplex reticle is the normal one, and the mil-dot article estimates distance and the BDC reticle for long-range estimation of bullet drop. What you use your scope for will determine the type of reticle to choose. 

Focal plane

There are two categories of the focal plane: the front focal plane and the second focal plane. While using your scope, the reticle on the front focal plane will change as magnification increases or decreases. On the other hand, the reticle remains the same size when the scope is on the second plane. 

Other considerations

These factors aren’t conclusive, but they are critical for you to check before buying your hunting scope. The type of weapon you are using will also determine a lot. If you like a light rifle, you might consider the weight of your scope. The purpose of your rifle will determine other factors to consider. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does a hunting scope work?

The goal of a hunting scope is to enhance the target’s magnification and increase the line of sight of the hunter to precisely get the target. The hunting scope has a central tube that holds the magnifying lens for the hunter to look through. The scope is attached to the top of the rifle to target an object. After proper positioning, the hunter shoots the object down. You can check this video to see how it works.

What is the proper hunting scope magnification for various situations?

You should know by now that hunting scope comes with different magnifications. What you are searching for will determine the magnification you should use. For instance, if you are going to hunt at close range, you need low magnification for moving the target. If you are trying to aim at something that is not moving at close range, you can use high magnification. 

What are the windage and elevation adjustments on my hunting scope?

The windage adjustment on a hunting scope allows you to aim point along the horizontal plane. What this means is that you can adjust your scope to the right and left. The elevation adjustment allows you to aim point along the vertical plane. 

How long is the battery life of a hunting scope?

There are a lot of factors that affect the battery life of a hunting scope. The scope may work for a long time because of the temperature during the daytime or nighttime. When the scope is used in cold weather, the battery might decrease faster. 

Will wearing glasses make a difference with the use of hunting scopes?

The use of glasses may alter the view of your hunting scope a bit. You can make a mistake with glasses. You might want to remove glasses to hunt a good game. 

Are all hunting scopes the same?

Not all best hunting scope under $500 are the same. Even the hunting scope of the same brand is not made the same. The same brand other models may be of the same quality, but the performance may be different. It will help if you read different model reviews to see which one works well. 

Conclusion

If not the most paramount, a hunting scope is one of the most important tools you need for hunting seamlessly. Even though we’ve curated the best hunting scopes under 500 for you, however, you still need to ask relevant questions and get yourself acquainted with some essential things about hunting scope before heading for market.