Shooting and hunting at 500 yards isn’t just about magnification—it’s about clarity, tracking, reliable turrets, and an optic that performs when it counts. Whether you’re hunting mule deer in the West, pronghorn on the prairie, or stretching your whitetail game in farm country, the right scope gives you an honest advantage. Here are the best hunting rifle scopes for 500 yards in 2025, what to look for, and why these models rise above the rest.
Quick Picks: Top Long-Range Scopes for 500-Yard Shots
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Best Overall:
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL
– Incredible glass, rock-solid tracking, and true “hunt anywhere” versatility. -
Best for Open Country:
Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×50
– Massive zoom, advanced reticle, and made for big spaces. -
Best Premium Value:
Meopta Optika6 3-18×50 FFP
– European glass, first focal plane reticle, and a price that’s hard to beat. -
Best for All-Weather:
Burris Veracity 4-20×50
– Rugged, waterproof, and designed for real hunting abuse. -
Best Classic Performer:
Nightforce SHV 4-14×50
– Bombproof, ultra-precise, and used by serious hunters everywhere.
Buyer’s Guide: What Makes a Great 500-Yard Hunting Scope?
Not every “long-range” scope is right for hunting. Here’s what you need for real-world 500-yard shots:
- Magnification: 12x is plenty for hunting, but 15x–22x makes target ID and shot placement easier at distance. Too much magnification can hurt low-light and field of view—balance matters.
- Glass Quality: HD or ED glass with advanced coatings means you see bullet impacts, game movement, and antler tips even in tough light.
- Turrets: Zero stop or zero lock elevation turrets are a must for dialing distance, with repeatable clicks that always return to zero.
- Reticle: BDC, MOA, or mil-based reticles are best for holding over or dialing, and illuminated options help in dark backgrounds or early/late light.
- Tracking & Reliability: All picks below track true, hold zero, and are built to survive real hunting—rain, cold, recoil, and all.
- Weight: 20–28 oz is typical. Lighter scopes balance better; heavier models often give more features or bigger objectives.
Full Reviews: Best Scopes for 500-Yard Hunting
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL
Who it’s for: The hunter who wants unbeatable clarity, flawless tracking, and a “no guess” dialing system for 500 yards and beyond.
- Key Benefits:
- 3-15x power: crystal clear from woods to big fields
- CDS-ZL turret: custom dial to your exact ballistics—dial for 500 yards in seconds
- Twilight Max HD glass: see the target at dawn, dusk, or bright midday
- Zero lock and return-to-zero—no accidental adjustments
- Fully waterproof, fogproof, shockproof
- Pros:
- Lightweight—great for mountain and open country hunts
- American-made, lifetime warranty
- Works for any game—deer, elk, antelope, more
- Cons:
- Not a true “tactical” turret, but perfect for hunting use
- Higher price, but buy-it-for-life quality
Final Verdict: The single most trusted “hunt anywhere, shoot far” scope in North America. Check today’s price
Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×50
Who it’s for: Western hunters, open-country shooters, and anyone who needs max zoom and advanced reticle options.
- Key Benefits:
- 4.5-22x50mm—stretch out for target ID, then dial back for close shots
- Zero stop turret with elevation lock—perfect for dialing to 500+ yards
- HD glass and XR Plus coatings for bright, sharp images
- First focal plane reticle—holdover marks accurate at all powers
- Light for its size—great on modern hunting rifles
- Pros:
- Lifetime VIP warranty
- Side parallax adjustment—crisp at every distance
- Edge-to-edge clarity, even at 22x
- Cons:
- Big scope—may feel top-heavy on light rifles
- Expensive, but loaded with features
Final Verdict: The best “big country” hunting scope for 500+ yard shots. See today’s deal
Meopta Optika6 3-18×50 FFP
Who it’s for: Hunters who want European glass, serious dialing features, and a first focal plane reticle at a realistic price.
- Key Benefits:
- 3-18x magnification for everything from woods to big canyons
- First focal plane reticle—holdovers work at any zoom
- HD glass, MeoBright coatings for low-light and edge-to-edge clarity
- Side focus, zero stop, illuminated reticle option
- Sub-MOA accuracy and robust build
- Pros:
- Fantastic value for premium features
- Lifetime transferable warranty
- Excellent for hunting, steel, or target
- Cons:
- Heavier than minimalist scopes
- Turrets tall for some “classic” hunters, but perfect for long range
Final Verdict: The best Euro-featured scope under $1,500 for 500-yard hunting. See price
Burris Veracity 4-20×50
Who it’s for: All-weather, all-terrain hunters who want rugged reliability and real long-range performance.
- Key Benefits:
- 4-20x magnification—great for 500+ yards
- Ballistic E1 FFP reticle—easy holdovers, wind dots, and fast ranging
- Zero stop turrets, side focus, built for rough use
- Waterproof, fogproof, and Burris Forever Warranty
- Pros:
- Easy to use for new and experienced hunters
- Bright, crisp, and solid in all weather
- Great for deer, elk, and even varmints
- Cons:
- Heavier than some “mountain” scopes
- Turrets could be lower profile for some hunters
Final Verdict: The rugged, “go anywhere” long-range hunting scope. View price
Nightforce SHV 4-14×50
Who it’s for: Hardcore hunters and shooters who want legendary reliability, bombproof construction, and precise turrets.
- Key Benefits:
- 4-14x zoom—perfect for 500-yard shots, plus woods or field
- MOAR reticle with clear holdover marks
- Rugged, proven build—trusted by pros worldwide
- Zero set elevation and side focus
- Nightforce’s top-notch glass and warranty
- Pros:
- Dead-on tracking and zero retention
- Excellent image quality for price
- Holds up to any hunting abuse
- Cons:
- No illumination (on most models)
- Heavy for traditional rifles, but bulletproof
Final Verdict: For those who want “buy it for life” quality at 500 yards and beyond. See price
Comparison Table: Top 500-Yard Hunting Scopes
| Name | Magnification | Turrets | Reticle | Objective | Weight | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL | 3-15x | CDS-ZL, zero lock | Duplex/BDC | 44mm | 19 oz | View |
| Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×50 | 4.5-22x | Zero stop, exposed | FFP BDC/MOA | 50mm | 21.7 oz | View |
| Meopta Optika6 3-18×50 FFP | 3-18x | Zero stop, side focus | FFP BDC/Illum. | 50mm | 23 oz | View |
| Burris Veracity 4-20×50 | 4-20x | Zero stop, side focus | E1 FFP | 50mm | 25 oz | View |
| Nightforce SHV 4-14×50 | 4-14x | Zero set, side focus | MOAR | 50mm | 26.9 oz | View |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much magnification do I need for 500-yard shots?
12x is enough for hunting, but 15x–18x+ makes target ID easier. Too much zoom can actually make it harder to find your target—balance power with clarity and field of view.
What makes a “500-yard scope” better than a budget model?
Tracking, glass quality, and reliable turrets. You need a scope that dials up and down for real-world distance, then returns to zero every time. Cheap scopes often fail at this—these picks don’t.
Is a first focal plane (FFP) scope best for hunting?
FFP is great for long-range because holdover marks stay accurate at any magnification. Second focal plane (SFP) is easier for some hunters at low power. Both work—just know your reticle.
Should I get an illuminated reticle?
Illumination helps in low light or on dark targets, but isn’t essential for every hunter. Great glass and reticle design matter most.
What caliber should I use for 500-yard hunting?
6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, .270 Win, 7mm Rem Mag, and .300 Win Mag are all capable—pick one you shoot well and can find ammo for.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Every scope on this list is trusted by real hunters, guides, and long-range shooters. Step up to great glass, dial your shots with confidence, and enjoy 500-yard accuracy in the field this season and for years to come.
Ready for more success at long range? Check today’s deals, pick your scope, and enjoy a true 500-yard hunting advantage!