3 Best Rifle Scope for 500 Yard Shooting

Selecting the best rifle scope for 500-yard shooting is a critical decision that directly impacts your accuracy and success whether you’re hunting, competing, or practicing long-range skills. At this distance, every optical imperfection and mechanical adjustment matters when placing shots within inches of your target. The right scope provides the optical clarity needed to identify targets in varying light, the magnification required to resolve fine details and read wind conditions, and the mechanical precision to deliver consistent accuracy. Today’s market offers impressive options from Vortex, Leupold, Nightforce, and Trijicon.

Best Rifle Scope for 500 Yard Shooting

1) Vortex Optics Viper HD First Focal Plane Scopes

 

 

The Vortex Viper HD 5-25×50 is one of the Best Rifle Scope for 500 Yard Shooting, it features; Exceptional HD optical quality with outstanding resolution and color fidelity, First focal plane reticle remains accurate at all magnification levels among other incredible features.

The Vortex Viper HD 5-25×50 represents a serious commitment to long-range precision shooting, combining premium optical performance with rugged field-ready construction. Built around a robust 30mm main tube, this scope delivers a versatile 5x magnification range that makes it equally capable at medium ranges and extended distances. The first focal plane design ensures that the illuminated VMR-4 reticle remains proportionally accurate across the entire magnification spectrum, allowing shooters to use the same holdover and windage calculations whether dialed to 5x or pushed to the full 25x magnification.

The HD optical system is where this scope truly shines, utilizing carefully selected high-definition glass elements that work together to produce exceptional image resolution and edge-to-edge sharpness. Chromatic aberration is effectively controlled, delivering outstanding color fidelity that helps with target identification and environmental awareness. Light transmission is excellent, extending usable shooting time into low-light conditions. The fast-focus eyepiece allows rapid reticle adjustment to match individual eyesight, while the side-mounted parallax knob enables quick, precise parallax correction without breaking your shooting position.

The VMR-4 reticle is purpose-built for long-range applications, featuring fine center crosshair subtensions that strike an ideal balance between precision aiming points and visibility in challenging light. The hash marks and mil-dots throughout the reticle provide practical tools for ranging targets, calculating holdovers, compensating for wind drift, and leading moving targets. The exposed locking elevation turret incorporates Vortex’s RevStop Zero System, which makes setting and returning to zero both fast and foolproof. The capped windage turret protects against inadvertent adjustments in the field, giving you confidence that your zero remains true.

Durability is built into every aspect of this optic. Armortek coatings protect the external lens surfaces from scratches and abrasions that come with hard field use, while the scope’s shockproof construction handles recoil from heavy-caliber rifles without issue. Argon purging ensures completely fogproof and waterproof performance regardless of weather conditions or temperature swings. Supporting this investment is Vortex’s legendary VIP Warranty, an unlimited, unconditional, lifetime guarantee that’s fully transferable and covers repairs or replacement for any damage or defects.

Pros:

• Exceptional HD optical quality with outstanding resolution and color fidelity
• First focal plane reticle remains accurate at all magnification levels
• RevStop Zero System provides reliable and repeatable return to zero
• Versatile 5-25x magnification range suitable for various shooting scenarios
• Illuminated VMR-4 reticle excellent for ranging and holdover calculations
• Rugged 30mm tube construction handles heavy recoil
• Armortek lens coatings provide superior scratch resistance
• Argon purged for complete waterproof and fogproof reliability
• Side parallax adjustment accessible without changing shooting position
• Backed by Vortex’s legendary unlimited lifetime VIP Warranty
• Locking turrets and capped windage prevent accidental adjustments

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to budget-oriented scopes

2) Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2 Rifle Scope 3-15×44

 

The Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2 3-15×44 (Model  #183848 ) is one of the Best Rifle Scope for 500 Yard Shooting, it features; Legendary Leupold optical quality with HD glass for exceptional clarity, Versatile 3-15x magnification range handles close to long-range scenarios among other incredible features.

The Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2 3-15×44 (Model  #183848 ) exemplifies the legendary performance and reliability that has made Leupold a trusted name among serious hunters for generations. This riflescope represents a thoughtful evolution of an already proven platform, delivering enhanced optical performance and field-ready features in a package that’s both lightweight and remarkably versatile. The 5x magnification range, spanning from 3x to 15x, provides exceptional flexibility across virtually any hunting scenario you’ll encounter, making this scope equally at home in dense timber and open country.

The optical system showcases Leupold’s commitment to premium glass and advanced lens coatings, with the HD designation signifying high-definition clarity that elevates your hunting experience. Edge-to-edge sharpness ensures you can spot details across the entire field of view, while superior light transmission extends your effective hunting time into those critical dawn and dusk periods when game is most active. The 44mm objective lens strikes an ideal balance, gathering sufficient light for low-light performance without adding unnecessary bulk or requiring excessively high mounting rings that would compromise your rifle’s handling characteristics.

The classic Duplex reticle is a time-tested choice that provides fast target acquisition and clean aiming points without cluttering your view. Its simplicity excels in hunting situations where speed matters and where overly complex reticles can become distracting. The CDS-SZL2 (Custom Dial System – Second Zero Lock) elevation turret allows you to dial precise elevation adjustments for longer shots while maintaining the security of a capped design that prevents accidental adjustments during demanding hunts. The side focus parallax adjustment enables quick corrections without altering your shooting position, ensuring optical clarity and accuracy at varying distances.

Where this scope truly distinguishes itself is in the balance between capability and portability. Built on a robust 30mm main tube, it delivers the structural integrity and adjustment range needed for serious long-range work, yet remains remarkably lightweight and compact. This makes it an ideal choice for mountain hunts, backcountry expeditions, or any situation where ounces matter and agility is essential. At 3x magnification, you maintain excellent situational awareness and fast target acquisition in thick brush or close-quarters scenarios. Dialed up to 15x, you gain the magnification needed for confident shot placement at extended ranges and detailed target identification to ensure ethical harvests.

Proudly built in the USA, this riflescope carries forward Leupold’s heritage of American craftsmanship and quality control. It’s engineered to withstand the punishment of heavy recoil, extreme weather conditions, and the rough handling that comes with real-world hunting. Whether you’re pursuing whitetails in Eastern hardwoods, elk in Western mountains, or dangerous game on distant continents, the VX-5HD Gen 2 3-15×44 is built for hunters who demand precision at every range and refuse to compromise on optical performance.

Pros:

• Legendary Leupold optical quality with HD glass for exceptional clarity
• Versatile 3-15x magnification range handles close to long-range scenarios
• Lightweight and compact design ideal for mountain and backcountry hunting
• Superior light transmission for extended shooting hours in low light
• CDS-SZL2 custom dial system allows precise elevation adjustments with security
• Side focus parallax adjustment for quick corrections without position change
• Classic Duplex reticle provides fast, uncluttered target acquisition
• Robust 30mm tube offers excellent adjustment range and durability
• Built in the USA with renowned American craftsmanship
• Proven reliability in extreme weather and demanding field conditions
• Perfect balance between agility and long-range capability

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to entry-level hunting scopes

3) Trijicon Credo HX Illuminated Hunting Riflescopes

 

 

The Trijicon Credo HX is one of the Best Rifle Scope for 500 Yard Shooting, it features; Exceptional Trijicon optical quality with superior clarity and light transmission, Wide 2.5-15x magnification range extremely versatile for varied hunting scenarios among other incredible features.

The Trijicon Credo HX represents a masterful blend of tactical precision and hunting practicality, bringing military-grade optical performance to the pursuit of game. This illuminated riflescope embodies Trijicon’s decades of experience building combat-proven optics for the world’s most demanding users, now refined and optimized for hunters who refuse to settle for anything less than exceptional performance. The wide 2.5-15×40 magnification range provides remarkable versatility, allowing you to transition seamlessly from close-range brush hunting at 2.5x to precise long-range shot placement at 15x magnification, making this scope equally capable whether you’re hunting whitetails in thick timber or pursuing antelope across open prairie.

The optical system delivers the crystal-clear image quality that Trijicon is renowned for, with fully multi-coated lenses that maximize light transmission across the entire visible spectrum. Edge-to-edge clarity ensures sharp focus throughout the field of view, while superior color fidelity helps with target identification and environmental awareness in varied lighting conditions. The 40mm objective lens is intelligently sized to gather sufficient light for low-light hunting without adding excessive weight or bulk, maintaining the rifle’s handling characteristics and allowing for lower mounting options that enhance shooting stability and field of view.

The second focal plane (SFP) red MOA center dot reticle is purpose-built for hunting applications, offering a clean, uncluttered sight picture that promotes fast target acquisition. The illuminated red center dot provides a precise aiming reference that stands out against dark backgrounds and in low-light conditions, giving you confidence during those critical dawn and dusk shooting opportunities when game is most active. The MOA-based reticle allows for intuitive holdover calculations and windage corrections, while the illumination system offers multiple brightness settings to match varying light conditions without washing out your view or compromising battery life.

Construction quality reflects Trijicon’s uncompromising standards for durability and reliability. Built to withstand the harsh realities of field use, this riflescope handles heavy recoil from magnum calibers without losing zero and maintains waterproof and fogproof performance in the most challenging weather conditions. At 22.9 ounces, the Credo HX strikes a practical balance between rugged construction and manageable weight, ensuring your rifle remains portable for long treks into the backcountry while providing the structural integrity needed for consistent accuracy. The scope’s robust housing protects the precision internal components from impacts, temperature extremes, and moisture intrusion that would compromise lesser optics.

Whether you’re a dedicated big game hunter pursuing elk in the Rockies, a whitetail enthusiast in the Midwest, or a versatile sportsman who demands one scope that can do it all, the Trijicon Credo HX delivers professional-grade performance wrapped in a hunting-focused package. This is a scope built for hunters who understand that the moment of truth often comes in less-than-ideal conditions and who need an optic they can trust without reservation.

Pros:

• Exceptional Trijicon optical quality with superior clarity and light transmission
• Wide 2.5-15x magnification range extremely versatile for varied hunting scenarios
• Illuminated red MOA center dot excels in low-light conditions
• Military-grade durability and reliability proven in demanding environments
• Multiple brightness settings allow precise illumination adjustment
• Second focal plane design keeps reticle size consistent and visible
• Clean, uncluttered reticle promotes fast target acquisition
• Fully multi-coated lenses maximize image brightness and contrast
• Waterproof and fogproof construction for all-weather reliability
• Handles heavy recoil from magnum calibers without losing zero
• Trusted Trijicon brand reputation for combat-proven performance
• 40mm objective balances light gathering with compact profile

Cons:

• Premium price point reflects military-grade construction and optics

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Rifle Scope for 500 Yard Shooting

Magnification Range

The magnification range determines how clearly you can identify targets and make precise shots at 500 yards. For this distance, you’ll want at minimum 10x magnification on the upper end, though 12-16x is generally considered ideal for consistent accuracy. Variable magnification scopes provide the most versatility, allowing you to dial down to 3-5x for close-range scenarios, then crank up to 15-25x when resolving fine details at extended distances. Competitive shooters might prefer higher maximum magnification like 25x or 30x.

Optical Quality and Glass Clarity

Optical quality separates mediocre scopes from exceptional ones at 500 yards where every detail matters. High-definition glass with premium lens elements delivers superior resolution, edge-to-edge sharpness, and color fidelity. Look for scopes with fully multi-coated lenses, as these dramatically improve light transmission, reduce glare, and enhance contrast. Quality glass becomes critical during dawn and dusk when light is limited, extending your effective shooting window. Chromatic aberration control eliminates color fringing that can obscure your point of aim and reduce clarity.

Reticle Type and Design

The reticle is your primary aiming and ranging tool at 500 yards. First focal plane reticles scale proportionally with magnification changes, keeping holdover and windage calculations accurate regardless of zoom setting. Second focal plane reticles stay the same apparent size throughout magnification, keeping the center crosshair visible at low power. Look for reticles with hash marks, mil-dots, or MOA subtensions for calculating holdovers and windage corrections. Complex ranging reticles excel for precision shooting, while simpler designs provide faster target acquisition for hunting applications.

Turret Quality and Adjustability

Reliable, repeatable turret adjustments are essential for consistent accuracy at 500 yards, where small zero shifts result in complete misses. Exposed tactical turrets allow quick elevation and windage adjustments in the field. Look for turrets with crisp, audible clicks representing precise, consistent values, typically 1/4 MOA or 0.1 MIL. Zero-stop mechanisms allow quick return to your 100-yard zero without counting clicks. Locking turrets provide security against accidental adjustments. Ensure your scope offers enough elevation travel, typically requiring at least 60-80 MOA total adjustment.

Objective Lens Size

The objective lens diameter directly influences light gathering capability, image brightness, and overall scope profile. For 500-yard shooting, objectives ranging from 40mm to 56mm are common. Larger objectives like 50mm or 56mm gather more light, providing brighter images in low-light conditions and better resolution; critical for early morning or late evening shooting. However, larger objectives add weight and require higher mounting rings that can compromise cheek weld. A 44mm objective represents excellent middle ground, providing sufficient light gathering while maintaining compact, lightweight package design.

Construction and Durability

A scope for 500-yard shooting must withstand significant recoil, environmental extremes, and field handling. The main tube diameter is foundational; 30mm tubes offer greater strength and typically more internal adjustment range than 1-inch tubes, making them preferable for long-range applications and magnum calibers. Shockproof construction ensures the scope maintains zero despite repeated recoil impacts. Waterproof and fogproof sealing protects internal components from moisture. Lens coatings provide scratch resistance preserving optical clarity. Weight balances portability with robust construction needed to maintain zero.

Parallax Adjustment

Parallax error causes your point of aim to shift as your eye position changes—a critical concern at 500 yards where small aiming errors translate to significant point of impact shifts. Side-focus parallax adjustment allows you to eliminate parallax at specific distances without breaking your shooting position, vastly superior to adjustable objective systems requiring you to reach forward. Proper parallax adjustment ensures the target appears crisp and your reticle remains fixed on the same aiming point regardless of minor eye position changes. Look for adjustments marked with yardage distances for quicker, more intuitive corrections.

Reticle Illumination

Illuminated reticles enhance your ability to acquire and maintain precise aim in challenging lighting conditions during prime hunting hours or tactical operations. A well-implemented system provides a visible aiming point against dark backgrounds or low-contrast environments where standard black reticles might disappear. Multiple brightness settings are essential—you need enough intensity for bright daylight but also ultra-low settings for preserving night vision. The best systems offer 8-12 brightness levels. Consider whether illumination highlights just the center aiming point or the entire reticle, affecting sight picture clarity and usefulness.

Weight and Dimensions

The physical size and weight of your scope significantly impacts your rifle system’s handling characteristics, especially for hunters covering miles of terrain or shooters maintaining positions for extended periods. Lightweight scopes reduce overall rifle weight and fatigue during long carries, improve balance and pointability for quick target acquisition. However, extremely lightweight construction often means smaller objective lenses gathering less light, reduced adjustment range, or less robust construction. Backcountry hunters prioritizing ounces might accept smaller 40mm objectives, while bench rest shooters might prefer heavier 50mm+ objectives for stability.

Warranty and Customer Support

The warranty backing your scope investment provides peace of mind and long-term value that shouldn’t be overlooked. Industry-leading coverage like Vortex’s VIP Warranty offers unlimited, unconditional, lifetime protection with full transferability, demonstrating manufacturer confidence and ensuring your investment remains protected through years of hard use. Consider what the warranty actually covers; some exclude normal wear or require proof of original ownership, while best warranties cover everything except loss, theft, or deliberate destruction. US-based service centers typically offer faster repair times and easier communication, making the difference between minor inconvenience and ruined hunting season.

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