Looking for a 500 yards scope? A Leupold Scope for 500 yards brings to the table reliability, durability, and performance.
In this article, we look at the best 500 yards Leupold scopes, their features, pros, cons, and the different considerations when choosing one.
Let’s go.
Best Leupold Scope for 500 Yards
1) Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Riflescope
Shooting at 500 yards requires a decent scope like the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm Riflescope. Leupold Mark series scope is one of the best choices for this range and hits the target effectively regardless of the time of day. Thanks to its unmatched precision and accuracy, this scope is favored by many hunters.
It is constructed with a large 35mm main tube that is robust. An aircraft-grade aluminum promises long-lasting use even when exposed to demanding conditions. Besides, it is waterproof and fog-proof for use in all weather conditions. It has premium quality glass and coatings that deliver bright and clear images no matter the lighting condition.
You will appreciate the Twilight Max HD Light Management System in the scope that adds thirty minutes of shooting light while reducing glare to provide the brightest and clearest pictures. Scratch-resistant lenses well protect the glass quality for perfect performance at all times.
Additionally, the scope has a lightweight and compact design and an integrated power lever to facilitate seamless magnification changes. Also, a fast-focus eyepiece enables a quick focusing of the reticle.
Features
- 35mm main tube
- A fast-focus eyepiece
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
- Lightweight and compact design
- Constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum
- 5:1 zoom ratio
- Integrated throw lever
- Seven brightness settings
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
Pros
- Versatile 5-25x magnification for midrange and long-distance shots
- Features the Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System for unmatched light transmission
- Ergonomically designed
- 100% waterproof and fog proof
- Versatile 5:1 zoom ratio
- ZeroLock system to eliminate accidental dial movements
Cons
- No Adjustable Objective
- Not Illuminated
- No Guard-ion Lens Coating
2) Leupold VX-6HD 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope
This Leupold VX-6HD 2-12x42mm Riflescope hosts incredible features that guarantee precision when shooting even in low light conditions such as dusk to dawn.
Not only does the scope give you a wide field of view, but it also has a long-range magnification, these features are essential for quick target acquisition.
It has a Zero lock windage adjustment that prevents accidental adjustments and guarantees an accurate return to zero. There is also a reversible throw lever that is ambidextrous and very effective for fast magnification changes.
With the Twilight Max HD Light Management System, Leupold VX-6HD promises optimal light transmission and glare reduction delivering superior clarity and resolution.
Moreover, the scope is sealed and purged with gas for waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof performance. This promises the protection of its internal components in all environmental conditions.
A 30mm main tube provides resilience and permits a wider range of windage and elevation adjustment. You will love that the scope is made of solid aircraft-grade aluminum, you can trust the scope to face tough conditions and remain brand new. The lens is covered by a Guard-Ion rain shedding coating that is robust, resistant to scratch, and sheds dirt, water, and fingerprints.
Features
- 6:1 powerful zoom ratio
- A long eye relief
- Guard-Ion rain shedding coating
- Durable construction
- Motion sensor technology
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- ZeroLock windage adjustment
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
- 30mm main tube
- FireDot Duplex reticle
- Reversible throw lever for fast magnification variations
- 3.8 inches of eye relief
Pros
- Rugged and lightweight body
- Multiple (8) brightness settings
- 100% waterproof and fog proof
- A wide range of shooting applications
- Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System for unmatched light transmission
- 30mm main tube for strength and windage and elevation adjustment
- Scratch-resistant and durable guard-Ion rain shedding coating to sheds dirt, water, and fingerprints.
- MST (Motion Sensor Technology) deactivates illumination when inactive ( after 5 minutes of inactivity)
Cons
- No Adjustable Objective
- No Side Focus
3) Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope
Made with versatility in mind, the Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Riflescope is perfect for mid to long-range distances. With a variable 3-18x magnification, the scope is ideal for close to long-range scenarios.
The scope is additionally constructed using a twin bias spring erector system that thwarts unintended adjustments and ensures an accurate return to zero every time. It comes with the Twilight Max Light Management system that reduces glare and provides an extra 30 minutes of shooting light when in low-light situations.
In addition, it has a 30mm main tube that provides resilience and ensures a greater range of windage and elevation changes. It has a robust aircraft-grade aluminum build that makes it long-lasting. Still, on durability, it is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof for reliability in all conditions.
There is a generous eye box and long eye relief that helps in the rapid acquisition of the target. Another feature of the Leupold VX-6HD is an ambidextrous reversible throw lever that allows swift magnification adjustments so that you don’t miss a shot.
It is worth noting that there is a Guard-Ion rain shedding coating that is highly robust and resistant to scratch, water, and dirt.
Features
- Easy to use
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Reversible throw lever
- Durable construction for long-lasting use
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
- Massive 50mm objective lens
- Variable 3-18x magnification
- Guard-Ion Rain Shedding coating
- Long eye relief and generous eye box
Pros
- This is a ”do it all scope”, from backcountry hunting to brush and timber applications
- 100% waterproof and fog proof
- Zero Lock Windage Adjustment to prevent accidental adjustments
- Side focus parallax adjustment ensures there is fast and easy parallax focusing
- Powerful 6:1 zoom ratio for edge-to-edge crystal images
Cons
- No adjustable objective
4) Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Rifle Scope
Another incredible scope from Leupold designed for 500 yards is the VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Riflescope. With it, obtaining targets will be a breeze as it is bestowed with impressive features not seen anywhere else.
To begin with, the scope has the Twilight Light Management System that reduces glare and allows optimal light transmission in all lighting situations. The scope is perfect for hunting as it has a generous eye relief that will enable you to sight targets with edge-to-edge brightness and clarity easily.
In addition, it has a two-turn CDS ZeroLock 2 dial adjustment system that gives you the confidence to land long-range shots, with holdover being the least of your concern.
This model is also waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. This connotes that it withstands recoil and doesn’t disappoint regardless of environmental conditions.
Speaking of durable scopes, the VX-5HD is not left behind. It is built of aircraft-grade aluminum that is solid and robust. A durable, scratch-resistant Guard-Ion rain shedding coating provides protection and sheds water, dirt, and fingerprints.
Features
- 30mm main tube
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Long eye relief and generous eye box
- Twilight Light Management System
- Guard-Ion rain shedding coating
- Easy windage and elevation adjustments
- Completely waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
- 3.8 inches of eye relief
Pros
- A super-wide field of view
- Unmatched light transmission
- 100% waterproof and fog proof
- Quick target acquisition
- Guard-ion coating to shed dirt and water
Cons
- No adjustable Objective
- No Side Focus
- Not illuminated
5) Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14×50 Rifle Scope
If you are looking for a versatile riflescope that will get the job done at a 500-yards distance, you need to give the VX-3HD 4.5-14x50mm Riflescope a try. You will love its compact and straightforward make that guarantees utmost performance.
One of the major highlights of this scope is it uses the Twilight Max Light Management System, which helps it adapt to poorly lit settings. This ensures a brighter and clearer image of your target in all lighting conditions.
Thanks to its maximum magnification of 14x, the scope enables you to perform a long-range shooting from 500 yards and above, and as a result, you have a clearer picture.
If you are worried about construction, you need to remember that the scope is solid as it has aircraft-grade aluminum construction. This implies it will not wear down easily, even with incessant use. It is nonetheless waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof for use in varying environmental conditions.
Better yet, the scope has a Diamond Coat II-Ion coating on the lenses that deliver optimal light transmission. The scope performs well in the toughest conditions making it a favorite among many hunters and shooters.
Features
- Variable 4.5-14x magnification
- Massive 50mm objective lens
- Duplex reticle
- Diamond Coat II-Ion coating on the lens
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Highly durable construction
- Simple and compact design
Pros
- Lockable eyepiece to lock in the best focus setting
- Features Leupold’s Elite Optical System for dawn-to-dusk performance
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Waterproof and fog proof and shockproof
- ZeroLock system to prevent accidental dials
Cons
- No Side Focus
- Not Illuminated
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Leupold Scope for 500 yards
Magnification
Magnification is a crucial factor to look at before buying aLeupold scope for 500 yards. This is because it is where the ability of long-range shooting depends on. The maximum magnification should be equal to or be more than 10x. A scope with a maximum magnification choice of 9x can be reliable but will not be too accurate compared to an option with higher magnification.
Lens quality
The lens quality determines how bright and clear the target images are. Therefore, ensure you check the quality of the optics if you want to be certain about viewing the best quality pictures through the scope. Fully multi-coated optics are superior to multi-coated optics. Some scopes also come with unique coatings that contribute to maximizing light transmission.
Durability
A good scope should last many years. Getting a high-quality model eradicates the need to change the scope after one or two years. There are many ways to make riflescopes very robust with the recent technology.
Some materials go through heat treatments to enhance their strength. Most Leupold scopes use aircraft-grade aluminum for outstanding strength and durability. So, ensure you choose a highly durable scope. The scope also needs to resist water, fog, dust, snow, shock, scratches, fingerprints, and recoil.
Adjustments
An essential part of any scope is the turrets. Ensure they are easy and quick to adjust without any tools. The markings should be clear and user-friendly. Look at the parallax adjustment also. There are many things to fret about on the field, but the accuracy of your scope should not be one of them.
Eye relief
Any scope cartridge used for the 500-yard range is bound to have some amount of kickback. Ensure that the eye relief is adequate to prevent any injury to your eyes. Even if recoil is not an issue, longer eye relief is always better because it helps with strain.
Lens size
A bigger lens means clearer images but also results in a heavier scope. High-quality scopes offer to deliver optimal light transmission no matter the lighting situation because they have a reliable objective lens.
Why Leupold Scopes for 500 Yards
Versatile
The scopes are made to work with various types of rifle scopes, meaning there will be no compatibility issues. The fact that they are ideal for various weather conditions also makes them versatile.
Durability
They are made of aircraft-grade aluminum that is known for longevity. Besides, they have waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof capabilities.
Easy to adjust turrets
This allows you to make quick adjustments when the situation demands without changing your shooting position.
Leupold Scope for 500 yards FAQs
Are scopes for 500 yards enough for long-range target shooting?
Yes. Scopes for 500 yards are ideal for target shooting at long-distance shooting as they have a fast-focus eyepiece. This helps you in the fast acquisition of the target. It secures precision without compromising accuracy at short range. You may require scopes with high magnification.
Is more magnification better?
High magnification is paramount when shooting distance targets. For example, if you use a 10x magnification to shoot a target 500 yards away, it will appear only 50 yards away when you look through the scope. This makes it easier to see and aim. Excessive magnification is, however, a thing.
For instance, using a 25x magnification on a target that is 500 yards away will make it look like it’s 20-yards away. Even though that seems like a good thing, it is hard to make accurate adjustments. In addition, the slightest movement of the rifle can lead to dramatic movement of the target, which is a huge hindrance to aiming.
Are Leupold scopes any good?
Leupold optics rank among the best in the industry. They are considered mid-level in terms of price. Many passionate hunters and shooters favor the scopes as they are of high-quality and top-of-the-line yet come at a price that is easy on the wallet.
Choosing Leupold Reticles
When choosing a Leupold scope for hunting or shooting, it is important to get the right reticle for the job. A reticle that is accurate and easy to use will make your hunting/shooting expedition more rewarding.
Here is how you can choose a Leupold reticle depending on your hunting or shooting needs.
Low-Light Hunting
If you plan to use the scope primarily for hunting, make sure that it has a reticle that stays visible even in low-light settings. It is best to choose a scope with either a Duplex, Hunt-Plex, or FireDot reticle. To optimize your hunting, look for a scope that has an illuminated reticle.
Long-Range Hunting
For long-range hunting, choose a scope whose reticle accounts for bullet drop. The Boone and Crockett (BDC) reticle is one of the best reticles for long-range hunting. It is perfect for hunting at varying ranges where there is a concern about holdover estimations. The other reticles that are ideal for long-range hunting are Wind-Plex and TMOA reticles.
Tactical or PRS Shooter
For tactical shooting, MOA and MIL are the best reticles. Any Leupold scope with an FFP PR2-MOA or PR2-MIL reticle is designed to give you exceptional speed and precision at long distances. These reticles have the added advantage of not cluttering for greater accuracy.
Alternatively, you can choose an AR Ballistic reticle which also provides superb long-range accuracy.
Choosing Scope Mounts
As one of the most vital rifle accessories, scope mounts form a key link between the firearm and the optic. It is therefore important to choose the right scope mounts.
Leupold offers a wide selection of scope mounts to meet the needs of every user out there. All their scopes mounts are built using steel or aluminum stand-up rough handling. They are also tolerance tested to deliver reliable performance. Here are the various Leupold scope mounts that you can choose from.
Standard (STD) Mounts
These are traditional hunting-style mounts that come in 1-piece and 2-piece steel bases with windage adjustment features. At the front of the mount is a dovetail pivot which allows the rear windage adjustment to hold the base in place while bore sighting. Standard mounts are ideal for standard calibers not more than .300 Win Mag.
Dual Dovetail (DD) Mounts
Here is another traditional hunting-style mount. Just like the standard mounts, it comes in steel 1-piece and 2-piece bases but with an addition of dovetail features both at the front and back of the mount.
Dual dovetail mounts come in different heights for greater versatility. They make a good option for use with standard to magnum calibers.
Quick Release Mount (QR)
Quick-release 1-piece and 2-piece steel bases accept QR rings and are widely used with muzzle loaders and big game rifles. They are known to be very easy to mount and detach. Plus, they let you remove a scope from your firearm and replace it with another optic, all while maintaining zero.
Cross Slot Mounts
Leupold Cross Slot mounts come in a wide range of series which include the QRW2, PRW2, LRW and Open Range all with 1-piece and 2-piece bases.
All these mounts are Weaver-style rings but they are flexible enough to be used on both Weaver and Picatinny rails. They make the best scope mounts for use with standard to magnum calibers.
SFP or FFP
When it comes to choosing between a first focal plane or second focal plane scope, be activity-specific then look for the scope that suits your needs best. It is best to get an FFP scope if you plan to use it primarily for long-range shooting and hunting.
On the other hand, choose an SFP scope if you going to engage targets at different ranges, especially at close quarters. With it, you will have the benefit of seeing the reticle clearly even on the lowest magnification power.
Understanding Magnification and Zoom Range
To choose the ideal magnification power, you should first determine what you intend to use the scope and how far you will be shooting. A variable power scope with a 3:1 zoom ratio is your ideal option for hunting and shooting at close to medium ranges. However, a scope with a bigger zoom ratio like 6:1 will align best with your long-range hunting and shooting needs.
Leupold Optical Systems
Leupold scopes are known to offer superb low-light performance. All their scopes fall under these 3 different optical systems; professional-grade optical system, elite optical system, and advanced optical system. At the highest level is the professional-grade system which delivers unmatched optical performance 24/7.
Scopes with Elite optical system are a step down from the professional-grade system and they are mainly used for hunting. The third level is the advanced optical system. Scopes with this optical system are the cheapest but they still offer quality optical performance.
Conclusion
A 500-yard shot can be very fulfilling and fruitful if you have the right scope. Remember that your scope needs optimal magnification, eye relief, and clarity for superior performance. From the models explained above, we hope that you find one that suits your budget and intent.
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