What Kind of Scope Do I Need for 500 Yards? Let’s look at the best scope for 100-500 yards recommendations.
For you to enjoy your hunting or tactical shooting experience, you need to have a scope that is not only accurate but also easy to use.
Shooting at 100 yards isn’t far, however, you will still need the right scope for you to have the right scoreboard.
On the other hand, a 500 yards mark is relatively far, but with a flexible scope, 500 yards isn’t too far.
Finding a scope that does a tremendous job while shooting at both short and long-range is worth the investment.
You won’t have to own multiple scopes for you to shoot at different ranges.
With multiple riflescopes present in the market today here is a top list of the best riflescopes for 100-500 yards.
Best Scope for 100-500 Yards-Top Picks
1) Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR II 8-40x50mm Rifle Scope
Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR II tops among the best quality scopes for short to medium-range shooting which is available at a relatively affordable price. This scope has been made to provide the extreme precision required when shooting at varying ranges. The scope features 8-40x magnification, which is one of the largest magnifications in the whole Burris lineup. The versatile magnification setting enables you to shoot extremely long-range targets as well as mid to close-range targets. With a 50mm objective lens, the scope collects adequate light needed to produce bright target views. The high-grade optical glass provides excellent light transmission which results in the production of bright and clear target images, especially under low-light conditions. With 11 brightness settings plus a convenient battery saver, you get to use the scope in different environments regardless of the lighting conditions. A triple internal spring-tension system allows the scope to hold zero through shock, recoil, and vibrations. For all-weather reliability, the scope is nitrogen-filled to prevent internal fogging when it is cold or rainy. Features
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2) Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescope
Available in different sizes
Vortex Optics Crossfire is an ideal scope for shooting 100-500 yards. The scope produces clear and high-quality target views regardless of the lighting conditions. This scope has been designed to attain maximum light transmission thanks to the large objective lens and the fully multicoated optics which produce bright and clear target views regardless of the lighting conditions. A customized dead-hold BDC reticle with a dot design eliminates all guesswork on windage and holdover corrections. This makes it suitable for varying distances shooting where estimating holdover might be of concern. The scope also comes with an SFP reticle that maintains its size even at varying magnification ranges and with generous and consistent eye relief, your eyes will be safe from heavy recoil rifles. This scope is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum which ensures great performance and durability. On matters of all-weather reliability, the scope is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed to make it fully waterproof and fog proof. Features
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3) Athlon Optics Helos BTR 8-34×56 First Focal Plane Riflescope
This is one of the best Riflescopes for 100-500 yards. Athlon Optics Helos BTR is preferred by most shooters because of its ability to provide high-definition visuals even at distances up to 500 yards. The image clarity and quality of this scope are rather impressive compared with other scopes within the same price range. The optics are fully multi-coated for effective light transmission needed to produce bright and clear target views regardless of the lighting conditions. The scope also features an illuminated reticle that provides greater visibility when hunting at dusk or dawn. With this scope, there is no need to stop or pause when the rain starts to pour. The scope is argon purged which makes it fully waterproof and fog proof as well. It also has a shockproof mechanism system which gives your crucial recoil resistance. With its 8-34x magnification, it will be very easy for you to traverse a dense forest or a wide-open space as well. Features
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4) Steiner GS3 2-10x 42mm Riflescope
One of the features that make Steiner Optics GS3 one of the best Riflescopes for 100-500 yards is the versatile magnification range as well as the multiple layers of anti-reflective coatings which reduce glare and provide maximum light transmission needed to produce bright and clear target views even under low light conditions. This scope has been made of high-quality materials which makes it perform well under different terrains. The durability of the Steiner Optics GS3 riflescope is one you can trust for heavy-duty performance on the field. One unique feature of the scope is the color adjustment transmission which amplifies contrast in the peak human vision sensitivity range, enabling the hunter to spot his target in any environment. The scope is O-ring sealed and nitrogen filled ensuring all-weather reliability. The hydrophobic lens coating sheds off any dirt, water, dust, or fingerprints for easy cleaning and clear views. Features
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5) Nightforce NXS 5.5-22×56 mm Riflescope
Nightforce NXS is another good scope for less than 500 yards. Most hunters and tactical shooters trust this scope not only because it’s reliable and durable, but also because of its great performance either during daytime or nighttime. The brightness of this scope is remarkable and its setup ensures that you will never miss the target ever. The scope features a wide magnification setting of between 5.5and 22 times, making it suitable for short to long-range shooting distances. Furthermore, the quality of the optics works hand in hand with the 56 mm objective lens to ensure that you get optimum light transmitted for bright and clear target views. Tracking the target is also made easier. An illuminated MOAR reticle provides better target visibility during low-light conditions. When it comes to all-weather reliability, this scope is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged. Features
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6) Nikon Black FX1000
Nikon is one of the reputable companies when it comes to an optical device and we love that the brand extended its excellent optics in Nikon Black FX1000. This optic is crystal clear and its maximum magnification power is high enough to give you a great view of your target from 100 yards out. This riflescope has a reticle designed to optimize the sight picture and provide the tools necessary for ranging, holdover and windage corrections. Designed for comfort, the scope features a side parallax knob that allows adjustment without a change of shooting positions. Moreover, a constant and generous eye relief keeps you safe from heavy recoil rifles while still providing you with a good sight picture from various shooting positions. For all-weather reliability, the scope is O-ring sealed to lock out any moisture and nitrogen purged for total reliability against thermal shock. The shockproof construction shrugs off heavy recoil and rugged use. The scope also features a quick focus eyepiece for quick target acquisition. The scope is extremely durable, yet fine and easy to use as well. Features
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7) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x56mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-5HD as one of the Best Riflescopes for 100-500 Yards is designed with strength and stability. Adjust to 3x when you need to engage targets at a closer distance and change to 15x when you want to shoot targets at 500 yards. An illuminated reticle makes this scope suitable for lowlight shooting conditions while a motion sensor technology deactivates the scope automatically after every 5 minutes of inactivity. A guard ion hydrophobic lens coating makes the lens extremely durable, and scratch and dirt-proof. The optics are coated to enhance light transmission which results in the production of bright and crisp clear target views under any lighting condition. The scope is also fully waterproof and fog proof with a Twilight Max Light Management system that adds up to at least 30 minutes of shooting light and offers the best glare reduction even under broad daylight. It also features a Pop-Up resettable zero windage adjustment and free CDS-ZeroLock2 elevation dial that simplifies longer shots by doing away with the need for holdover or ballistic calculations. Features
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Read Also : 5 Best Vortex Scopes for 500 Yards
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Scope for 100-500 Yards
Picking up the right scope for 100-500 yards can be quite intimidating and confusing especially when you are buying one for the very first time.
Here are some of the important factors to consider which should help you narrow down your choices.
- Optics quality
If the quality of the lens is mediocre, you will not be able to utilize the full power of the scope’s magnification.
While evaluating the quality of the lens in any scope isn’t easy, it is better if you would opt for models from reputable brands. Only then will you be assured that the lens quality you get will be of great service to you.
- Magnification power
The other important feature to consider when buying any scope is its magnification power. A scope for less than 500 yards is primarily intended for medium-range shooting.
As such, it would be best to get a scope that allows you to magnify targets within the range clearly. This will also depend on the target that you want to shoot.
If the object is large, a scope with low magnification will do. On the other hand, if the target is small, the suitable scope will be one with high magnification.
- Durability
Purchasing a riflescope is considered an investment. This means that you have to make sure that the scope you choose is something you will enjoy using for many years to come.
Check the material used in making that scope as well as the quality of every tube and make. Make sure that the scope is fully waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.
It should also be able to withstand all weather elements without compromising on its performance.
- Eye relief
If you are going to use the scope on a heavy recoil rifle, the rule to observe is the more powerful the recoil of the rifle, the longer the eye relief you will need.
This will keep your eyebrow safe from the heavy recoil as well as provide you with a good sight picture for various shooting positions. The ideal rifle scope should have an eye relief of at least 3 inches.
- Scope protection
The performance of any scope depends on the proper functioning of the optics as well other internal components. Elements such as dust and dirt particles, heat, vibration, and moisture can have a negative effect on the optimum function of these parts.
It is therefore important to look for a scope with a coating that sheds off such elements. The scope should also be waterproof and fog proof to ensure all-weather reliability.
Best Scope for 100-500 Yards FAQs
- What makes a great scope for 100-500 yards?
Any good scope must have good-quality optics. With high-quality optics, you get bright and clear target views.
The scope should also have the ideal magnification depending on the target that you are shooting. Furthermore, weatherproofing is also important to ensure all-weather reliability.
- Why do I need a scope for 100-500 yards?
A good quality scope provides better shot accuracy for different ranges. Scopes within this range tend to have lower magnification power which minimizes unnecessary movement of the reticle brought about by the shooter’s movements.
- Which one is better, fixed or variable zoom scope
The answer to which zoom scope works best greatly depends on a personal shooting preference.
If the shooting activity you intend to engage in involves shooting at a constant distance all the time, a fixed zoom scope will be ideal.
On the other hand, if you are going to be shooting at different distances, a variable zoom scope will be better.
Advantages
- Versatile and customizable. You get to use the scopes in different shooting activities and with many adjustments present, you can customize them to what you would love.
- Wide range of shooting.
- Most of these riflescopes are designed to be compatible with different rifles.
- The mounting and adjustment knobs are simple to use, making them ideal for tactical shooting/ hunting beginners as well.
- Durable construction to withstand all sorts of harsh treatment.
Conclusion
Anybody who loves hunting/tactical shooting knows the importance of having a scope. There are many riflescopes that are advertised as being good for less than 500 yards shot.
We have reviewed the best scope for 100-500 yards recommendations. Take time and choose the best scope depending on your needs.
With any one of the scopes reviewed above, you will be able to make shots under 500 yards more easily.
See Also: Best Riflescopes for 600-800 Yards