Best AR Rifle Scopes Under 500
A Comprehensive Guide
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The AR-15 rifle is one of the most popular rifles in America. The popularity comes from its versatility and ease of use, not to mention the number of accessories you can find for it. The purpose of this blog post is to find and review top-notch or the best AR Rifle scopes under 500 dollars that are best suited for an AR rifle. This content surfaces some great options if you’re looking to upgrade your sights or just need new ones altogether.
One accessory that is a must-have for any AR-15 owner is a quality scope. However, AR rifles are a favorite among gun addicts and hunters alike. Many AR rifles come with scopes, but they don’t always have the best scopes.
Table of Contents
If you are in a hurry to purchase the best AR rifle scopes under 500, and you want to make the best decision, here are our top 3 picks:
Top 3 Best AR Rifle Scopes Under 500
$183.19
$0
0 new
from 173.99
in stock
6 Best AR Rifle Scopes Under 500 (Ranked And Reviewed)
$429.99
$0
08 10 2023
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08 10 2023
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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from $
Specifications
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Max Magnification:
4
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Objective Lens Diameter:
50 Millimeters
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Item Weight:
0.45 Kilograms
The Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope is the perfect scope for hunters and target shooters who need a variable zoom riflescope with an illuminated reticle. This riflescope features a 50mm objective lens, which can be used to get accurate shots in low-light environments. The lenses are fully coated so that scratches or smudges will not hinder light transmission.The reticle is illuminated by fiber-optic technology, which will not be affected by inclement weather.
Positive
- Fully coated lenses
- Fiber optic illuminated reticle
- Simple to mount and change
Negatives
- High price
2. Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Riflescope
$0
$0
08 10 2023
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Specifications
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Max Magnification:
14
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Item Weight:
25.2 Pounds
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Material:
Aluminum
The Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope is a high-quality scope that provides shooters with the perfect balance of features and price. It can be mounted on rifles, shotguns, or crossbows. The scope has a Mil-dot reticle in the first focal plane, which means it will maintain its accuracy when you zoom in to take long shots. The lens coating reduces glare and increases light transmission for better clarity. Even if you are not an avid shooter, this is one of the best scopes on the market.
Positive
- First central plane reticle
- Wide amplification from 4-14x
- Nitrogen-cleansed and O-ring fixed
- Waterproof and shockproof
Negatives
- Heavy
3. Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm Drop Zone-223 Riflescope
$183.19
$0
08 10 2023
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
3 new
from $173.99
$269.99
$0
08 10 2023
×
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
new
from $
Specifications
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Max Magnification:
4
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Objective Lens Diameter:
24 Millimeters
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Item Weight:
1.6 Pounds
Bushnell AR Optics Drop Zone-223 Riflescope is an excellent optic for AR. This riflescope offers an exceptional level of magnification, allowing users to take shots at ranges up to 600 yards accurately. The scope’s reticle also provides aiming points out to 400 meters and beyond, making it perfect for shooting coyotes in open country or varmints on the farm. It has an eye relief of 16.25 inches and is only 12.75 inches in length when entirely collapsed, making this scope the perfect accessory for any AR-platform rifle or carbine where size and weight are at a premium. The Drop Zone-223 features an illuminated reticle with two settings: red or green illumination during daytime shooting conditions and nighttime hunting situations. It also includes three brightness levels so you can customize your personal preferences without sacrificing performance in low light conditions.
Positive
- Better eye relief
- Excellent magnification options
- Zero-reset turrets
Negatives
- No parallax adjustment
- Not fit for high caliber weapons
4. Vortex Strike Eagle: 1-6x 24mm SFP Riflescope
$399.99
$0
08 10 2023
×
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
new
from $
$399.99
$0
08 10 2023
×
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
new
from $
$0
$0
08 10 2023
×
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
new
from $
Specifications
-
Max Magnification:
6
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Objective Lens Diameter:
24 Millimeters
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Material:
Aluminum
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Item Weight:
1.2 Pounds
The Vortex Strike Eagle is a highly versatile riflescope with features that are tailored for tactical applications. This scope has 1x low magnification, 6x high magnification, and 24mm objective lens diameter. With reticles ranging from one to six power and clear sight pictures, the Vortex Strike Eagle is perfect for any shooting circumstance. The scope also features multi-coated lenses that reduce glare while providing high contrast images. The ARD-coated lenses improve the quality of your aiming under virtually all lighting conditions.
Positive
- Clear, high-quality optics
- Lenses are coated to reduce glare
- Provide outstanding color fidelity
Negatives
- Sighting issues
5. Nikon M-Tactical .223 4-16X42SF Matte BDC600 Riflescope
$0
$0
08 10 2023
×
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
new
from $
Specifications
-
Material:
Terry
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Item Weight:
1 Ounce
The Nikon M-Tactical .223 4-16X42SF Matte BDC600 Riflescope high-quality optic is designed to withstand the most challenging environmental conditions. This scope has been tested in temperatures ranging from -22 degrees Fahrenheit up to 122 degrees, and it passed with flying colors. The optical system on this riflescope features multi-coated lenses for maximum brightness and clarity, which will help you get that perfect shot every time.
This scope is designed with a side focus parallax adjustment to help you get the most accurate shot possible, even when shooting at ranges of 620 yards or more. The optics on this riflescope are made up of high-quality glass that delivers maximum brightness and clarity. Plus, they’re fully multi-coated so that light transmission won’t be an issue.
Positive
- Focus parallax adjustment
- Crystal clear image
- Max usefulness for its speedy center eyepiece
- BDC 600 for open circle pointing focuses
Negatives
- Extra mounting rail
- Foggy pictures
6. SWFA SS 10x42M Tactical Riflescope
$0
$0
08 10 2023
×
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
new
from $
Specifications
-
Max Magnification:
16
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Item Weight:
600 grams
The SWFA SS 10x42M Tactical Riflescope is the perfect tactical riflescope for your AR-15, hunting rifle, or any other long-range shooting. The scope has an ergonomic design that is easy to grip and adjust with gloves on. It also features a side focus parallax adjustment knob for precision at long distances. This model includes one of our premium reticles designed by professional shooters and has proven itself in competition worldwide. The SWFA SS scopes are designed and manufactured by shooters, so you can be confident that this product will meet all of your needs, whether it’s a hunting rifle.
Positive
- Durable aluminum housing
- Optical quality glass lenses for crisp viewing
- Fog proof and waterproof performance
Negatives
- Somewhat massive
FAQs
For whom AR Optics Under $500 Best suited?
AR optics under $500 are an excellent investment for anyone interested in the latest technology on a budget. These scopes provide you accuracy and success in hunting your desired game.
What to Expect from the AR Scope Under $500?
The AR scope under $500 is a relatively new development in the world of firearms. One of the best features of this type of scope is its versatility. It can be used for hunting, long-range shooting, or even aiming at targets.
Should I put a scope or red dot on my AR Rifle?
If you plan to shoot close-range (between 0-50 yards) or will only be using your gun for home defense, then get a red dot. It is lighter, faster, and easier to use. If you are shooting long-range shots (over 100+ yards), then get a magnified scope. These are designed for longer-range shots.
Conclusion
It is difficult to find an AR scope under $500 that has good reviews and specifications. Typically, the scopes priced under $500 are not as high quality as those that cost more. Reflecting on the qualities of the different scopes, we have mentioned some of the best scopes under $500 that are worth paying for. We hope you’re feeling more confident in your buying decision. Just keep in mind some of the features we discussed, such as eye relief and magnification, when picking out which one is right for you.
Author Profile
- Gabriel Tackett is an experienced shooter and hunter for over 15 years with a degree in Engineering from the University of Minnesota. He is also a certified National Rifle Association (NRA) officer for 10 years And his passion lies in teaching others how to safely enjoy the hobby by recommending the best practices & products in the gun industry.
