Looking for the best rifle scopes for deer hunting under $500? Read on as we look at the best on the market
Whether you are new in hunting or you are looking to advance your deer hunting scope, the market offers a wide range of reliable scopes to choose from.
These scopes are available at varying prices to suit the needs of different hunters. While investing in a deer hunting scope doesn’t have to cost a fortune, here are some of the best riflescopes for deer hunting under $500.
Best Scopes for Deer Hunting under $500
1) CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope
You don’t have to spend a fortune to own a top-quality deer hunting scope. Available at a relatively affordable price, CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e is an all-purpose riflescope suitable for hunting deer as well. Made of high-strength aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope is not only durable but also lightweight and easy to carry around. With a black matte finish, this scope camouflages the shooter’s position when hunting. The versatile 2.5-10x magnification power provides as much power range as you’ll need to get extremely accurate for your distances while the large 40mm objective lens collects optimum light needed to produce bright target views. This riflescope also features a bullet drop compensator that allows simple and quick adjustment of the reticle for shooting targets at specific distances. The multi-layer coating on the lens surfaces sheds off dirt and dust while making the lens scratch-proof. Additionally, the coating also enhances the light transmission needed to produce bright and clear target views even when hunting at dawn or dusk. This scope from CV-LIFE is well worth the price and worth buying as well. This definitely is one of the best rifle scopes for deer hunting under $500. Features
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2) Vortex Optics Crossfire II SFP Riflescope
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When it comes to deer hunting scopes, made of aircraft-grade aluminum, Vortex Crossfire II riflescopes will handle all hunting situations. The scopes are lightweight yet durable and sturdy enough to withstand the harsh hunting environment. The lenses are multi-coated to enhance light transmission and deliver bright and clear target views. A fast focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing for quick target acquisition while the capped reset turrets are finger adjustable with MOA clicks that can be reset to zero after sighting in. With a long eye relief plus an ultra-forgiving eye box, the scopes provide a comfortable view of the target while keeping your eyes safe from heavy recoil rifles. For use in all weather conditions, the scopes are fully waterproof and fog proof. Features
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3) UTG 3-9×32 1” Bugbuster Scope
Advance your deer hunting skills using this reliable and high-performing Bugbuster scope from UTG. Built on a true strength platform, this riflescope is rugged and sturdy enough to withstand any outdoor environment it’s subjected to. It is fully waterproof and fog proof to deliver all-weather reliability and the sturdy aluminum construction makes it shockproof as well. The 3x magnification is perfect for shooting close and medium-range, but not long-range. This scope provides pretty good views, especially in low light conditions, thanks to its illuminated reticle. If you prefer to hunt at dawn or dusk, the multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission to deliver bright and clear target views. Furthermore, the adjustable objective enables you to eliminate parallax from 3 yards to infinity while the generous eye relief keeps your eyes safe from heavy recoil rifles. The matte finish will camouflage your shooting position and help you get hold of your target with ease. Features
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4) Vortex Optics Strike Eagle SFP Riflescope
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Every hunter can trust Vortex to provide a scope that’s perfect for all their deer hunting needs and hunting style. The Vortex Strike Eagle riflescope offers reliable performance at a price that’s relatively affordable to everyone. Speed and versatility are what define this riflescope. A true 1x on the low end adapts to a wide range of hunting scenarios, both close and long-range. Featuring a new BDC3 illuminated reticle, you get to focus on the target faster and shoot even in total darkness. A fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing for quick target acquisition. Furthermore, the scope features anti-reflective coatings on all air to glass surfaces, to enhance light transmission and deliver bright and clear target images. For all-weather reliability, the scope is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed. The one-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum construction makes the scope shockproof and impact resistant. It is a good scope for hunting beginners and professionals alike. Features
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5) Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Riflescope
This simple scope from Simmons is the perfect example of what any deer hunter will look for in a scope. With a 3-9x zoom power, this scope will help you take down deer within comfortable ranges which don’t require superior, long-range ballistics. Every hunter will certainly appreciate the robustness of the scopes’ 30mm tube as well as the zero-reset and tactical turrets. Its lenses are fully coated to enhance light transmission and deliver bright and crisp clear target images. The same lenses also feature a hydro shield coating that helps maintain a clear sight picture, regardless of the weather condition while keeping the lenses free of dirt, fingerprints, and oil. A SureGrip rubber surface on this scope simplifies adjustments while on the field and with generous eye relief, your eyes are kept that safe from rifles with heavy recoil. For all-weather reliability, the scope is fully waterproof and fog proof. It is also super lightweight and portable and has a parallax elimination from 50 yards to infinity making it one of the best rifle scopes for deer hunting under $500. Features
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6) Bushnell 3-9X 40mm Banner Dusk and Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope
If you prefer to hunt down deer during low light conditions such as dusk or dawn, this riflescope from Bushnell is your best option. For closer range situations and daylight shots, this 3-9×40 scope got you covered. The scope features stunning HD quality and a wide field of view as well. A fast-focus eyepiece lets you quickly adjust the reticle to your eye while fully multi-coated lenses deliver bright and clear target views even under low light conditions. The resettable windage and elevation turrets are capped to protect them from the harsh hunting environment. The scope also comes with generous eye relief and it is 100% waterproof and fog proof to ensure worry-free all-weather reliability. This riflescope is durably made to deliver a lifetime of reliable performance. Features
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7) Vortex Diamondback Tactical FFP Riflescope
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Lastly on this best rifle scopes for deer hunting under $500 list is the Vortex Diamondback Tactical FFP Riflescope. This scope delivers an impressive array of features and performance at a relatively inexpensive cost. The FFP, glass-etched reticle keeps sub tensions accurate throughout the 4x zoom while the fully multi-coated lenses deliver bright, clear target images full of color contrast. The one-piece 30mm main tube is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum which makes the scope shockproof and impact resistant as well. For a reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance, this scope is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed. It is quite easy to mount it on any rifle and easy to use as well. Features
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Criteria for Choosing the Best Rifle Scopes for Deer Hunting under $500
With the market offering a wide range of deer hunting scopes to choose from, here are some of the important factors to consider when buying a deer hunting scope.
- Weight
Look for a scope that’s durable but lightweight. Hunting requires you to move from one point to the other. With a lightweight scope, you will have an easy time carrying it wherever you go without feeling like it’s weighing you down. A scope that’s lightweight also makes shooting easier.
- Durable construction.
Ensure that the scope you choose is capable of handling the rough terrain and recoil from your firearm as well as your style of hunting or shooting. It should be in a position to withstand any impact or shock. Nitrogen purging is found in rifle scopes of this price range. It provides fog-proof benefits against condensation and temperature changes. Watertight scopes with O-rings seals guarantee that the internal systems are kept dry even in wet weather conditions.
- Lens quality.
The quality of lenses is what makes or breaks a good scope. It has a direct impact on the clarity of the scope and how well you’ll see through it especially when hunting at dusk or dawn. High-quality lenses enhance your accuracy and improve eye relief. The bigger the lens diameter, the higher the quality. However, the downside of a larger diameter means a heavier scope. The added weight can throw off the balance of your rifle. It can make it feel heavy and uncomfortable.
- Eye relief.
Eye relief refers to the distance between the shooter’s eye and the scope. When hunting with a heavy recoil rifle, eye relief is an important factor to consider. Rifles with heavy recoil can cause injury to the shooter’s eyes if the scope is too close to the eye. A buffer space of at least 3 inches from the eye is recommended so as to prevent eye injury while providing maximum eye relief. Scopes with generous and consistent eye relief also make shooting more comfortable.
- Ease of use.
The other thing to look into when buying a new scope is the ease of adjustments. No one wants a scope that gives them a hard time adjusting before they get started. Look for a scope whose windage and elevation adjustment knobs are easy to adjust and easy to use as well. A scope with simple adjustment knobs is also ideal for hunting beginners.
FAQs
- How do I find a scope that works well in dark?
The primary thing to consider is a scope with an illuminated reticle with different reticle colors. Most of the scopes either have 3 or 5 illumination colors. For you to have clear target views even in the dark, look for a scope with a larger objective lens as well as fully multi-coated lenses.
- What magnification power will I require?
This will depend on where you hunt and the conditions that you’ll face. For closer range situations and daylight shots, a basic 3-9x scope will do. On the other hand, if you are going hunting in wild conditions that make it difficult to get a shot easily, look for a scope with higher magnification power.
- Which important features should I consider if I want a stable scope?
Stability comes with weight, so a slightly heavier scope will work. Additionally, the scope needs to shockproof and shouldn’t shift during recoils. A scope that’s capable of maintaining a target despite the force of recoil will do.
- What should I look for in a deer hunting scope?
The most important factors to look out for in a deer hunting scope are proper magnification, weight, construction, eye relief, objective lens, and ease of adjustment. All these features have been expounded in the section above.
Why We Chose the above Scopes
- Sturdy, durable, and reliable performance.
- Lightweight and easy to carry around.
- Fully waterproof and fog proof for all-weather reliability.
- These scopes are compatible with multiple rifles and they can also be used for tactical shooting and hunting other game, not just deer.
- Impressive features at a relatively affordable price.
Conclusion
Deer hunting needs differ from one hunter to the other. With a multitude of deer hunting scopes available in the market today, it is important that you take your time and go through the different features that each scope has to offer.
This will enable you to find a scope that perfectly suits your hunting needs. All of the hunting scopes listed above are quality and you won’t be disappointed in any one of them.
See Also: Best Leupold Deer Hunting Scopes. What is the Best Leupold Scope for Deer Hunting?