Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Disclosure: Products are selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases from a link. How we select gear.
The AR-15 rifle is one of the most popular rifles in America. The popularity of the best ar scopes under 500 comes from its versatility and ease of use, not to mention the number of accessories you can find for it. 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.
The purpose of this blog post was to find and review top AR scopesthat are best suited for an AR rifle at less than or around 500 dollars. This content surfaces some great options.
Table of Contents
If you are in a hurry to purchase the best AR scopes under 500, and you want to make the best decision, here are our top 3 picks:
Top 3 Best AR Scopes Under 500
So if you’re looking to upgrade your sights or just need new ones altogether! These would be perfect for any hunter or gun enthusiast who needs something reliable.
7 Best AR Scopes Under 500 (Ranked And Reviewed)
The Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope is the perfect scope for hunters and target shooters who need a variable zoom rifle scope 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 light transmission will not be hindered by scratches or smudges. The reticle is illuminated by fiber-optic technology, which will not be affected by inclement weather.
Positive
- Fully coated lenses
- Light transmission in low-light environments
- Fiber optic illuminated reticle
- Simple to mount and change
- Selective XPL covering
Negatives
- High price
2. Burris 4.5-14x42mm Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Riflescope
The Burris 4.5-14x42mm Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Riflescope is the perfect scope for those who are looking to get a quality optic at an affordable price. This riflescope has been designed with hunters in mind, but it is also great for tactical use. It features a 42mm objective lens and high magnification that will allow you to see your target clearly from long distances. The Ballistic Plex reticle lets you range targets easily and precisely by using holdover points out to 800 yards.The Burris Fullfield II is available in a variety of colors and reticle options, so you can find the one that suits your needs best.
Positive
- Conservative and basic plan
- Matte dark and sans scratch appearance
- Adaptable to coordinate with any projectile weight or type
- Shockproof and waterproof
Negatives
- Weighty and bulky
3. Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm Drop Zone-223 Riflescope
Bushnell AR Optics Drop Zone-223 Riflescope is a great optic for the AR. This riflescope offers an excellent level of magnification, allowing users to accurately take shots at ranges up to 600 yards. The scope’s reticle also provides aiming points out to 400 meters and beyond, which makes it perfect for shooting coyotes in open country or varmints on the farm.s a riflescope, it has an eye relief of 16.25 inches and is only 12.75 inches in length when fully 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 to be used during daytime shooting conditions as well as nighttime hunting situations.
It also includes three levels of brightness so you can customize your personal preferences without sacrificing performance in low light conditions. This product is perfect for those looking for an easy way to protect their valuables at home or in the office.The Viking Mini-Viking Security Safe is a small, simple and secure safe that features a durable design to protect your valuables. The product has been tested to the UL Standard for fire resistance, watertightness, and durability. It comes with two live locking bolts for added security.
Positive
- Eye relief
- Magnification options
- Zero-reset Turrets
Negatives
- No parallax adjustment
- Not fit for high caliber weapons
4. Vortex Strike Eagle
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. It is perfect for any situation because of its range of magnifications and the clarity it provides at all ranges.The Vortex Strike Eagle provides a clear sight picture and accurate reticle out to the farthest ranges.
This is due in part to its TRUGLO/Maritime Tactical Illumination Reticle, which has an illuminated horseshoe with center dot that illuminates green for daytime use or red at night. The scope also features multi-coated lenses that reduce glare while providing high contrast images. It includes ARD (Anti Reflection Device) coated lens surfaces on the eyepiece end of the scope for maximum light transmission efficiency and minimal stray reflections when aiming at targets from any angle under virtually all lighting conditions.
Positive
- Clear, high-quality optics
- Lenses are coated to reduce glare
- Provides outstanding color fidelity
Negatives
- Sighting issues
5. Nikon M-Tactical .223 4-16X42SF Matte BDC600 Riflescope
The Nikon M-Tactical .223 4-16X42SF Matte BDC600 Riflescope is a high quality optic that is designed to withstand the toughest of environmental conditions. This scope has been tested in temperatures ranging from -22 degrees Fahrenheit all the way up to 122 degrees, and it passed with flying colors! The optical system on this rifle scope features fully 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 deliver maximum brightness and clarity. Plus, they’re fully multi coated so light transmission won’t be an issue.
Positive
- Focus parallax adjustment
- Crystal clear image
- Max usefulness for its speedy center eye piece
- BDC 600 for open circle pointing focuses
Negatives
- Extra mounting rail or mount adapter
- Foggy pictures infrequently
6. SWFA SS 10x42M Tactical Riflescope
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, which are designed by professional shooters and have proven themselves 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
- Focus parallax adjustment knob
- Fog proof and waterproof performance
Negatives
- Somewhat massive
7. Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Riflescope
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
- Hard core aluminum body
Negatives
- Bit heavy
FAQs
Who are AR Optics Under $500 Best suited for?
AR optics under $500 are a great investment for anyone who is interested in the latest technology. The best AR optics under 500 will provide you with an experience that is immersive and incredibly realistic. There are many companies that offer these products, but not all of them offer quality at this price point. Lucid Optics S-Series is the first AR optics. These optics are designed to be used with any red dot sight and they have a wide field of view that makes it easy to pick up your target quickly. The lenses are fully multi coated which helps reduce glare from sunlight or overhead lighting, giving you a clear picture every time you shoot.
What to Expect from the AR Scope Under $500?
The AR scope under $500 is a relatively new development in the world of firearms. It has become more and more popular as prices have come down, which means that there are many different types out on the market to choose from. One of the best features about this type of scope is its versatility. It can be used for hunting, long- range shooting, or even aiming at targets.
Conclusion
We are hoping that you’ll be able to pick the right one for your needs, be it one with a bullet drop compensator reticle or not. The main matter is that it is high quality and fits your budget. It should be easy to mount and operate and can offer you with bright and clear images in all shooting conditions. The top-notch scope should also give you a waterproof and shockproof performance for all weather use.
Our Research Process
Our curated list of products has been provided to you by our experienced team of researchers and writers at Ballachy who have tested and scrutinized product recommendations on the market. Our experience in the field, in-depth research and hands-on approach has allowed us to objectively analyse products for years and continuously providing value for buyers who are looking to get accurate and unbiased reviews. If you would like to know more about our research methods, we welcome you to visit our page here detailing how our recommendations are done. Furthermore, as we are always looking keep our guides updated and welcome any feedback from readers regarding different experiences or recommendations to adjust our list. If you consider that we have missed on some important recommendations, please let us know here, so we can add-on any valuable feedback.
Author Profile
- Gabriel Tackett
- 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.