Want to stretch your shots out to 400, 500, or even 700 yards, but don’t have a $2,000 optics budget? The good news is today’s scopes deliver serious long-range features, crisp glass, and real reliability—all under $500. Here are the best long range hunting scopes under $500 for 2025, including proven picks for deer, elk, coyotes, and open-country game.
Quick Picks: Top Long Range Scopes Under $500
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Best Overall:
Vortex Viper HS 4-16×44
– Bright glass, easy dialing, and proven durability for big game. -
Best BDC Reticle:
Burris Fullfield IV 4-16×50
– Holds true at max zoom, with simple BDC for 500+ yard shots. -
Best FFP (First Focal Plane):
Monstrum G3 6-24×50 FFP
– Affordable, real FFP with tactical turrets for dialing distance. -
Best for Low Light:
Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 FFP
– Illuminated reticle and great light transmission for dusk/dawn. -
Best Lightweight:
Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 6-18×50
– Lighter than most at this zoom, but still tough for hunting.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Long Range Hunting Scope Under $500
You don’t need a “tacticool” tank or max magnification. The best affordable long-range scopes balance features with hunting-friendly weight and real tracking:
- Magnification: 4-16x or 6-24x is ideal for 500–700 yards. Don’t go higher unless you really shoot past 700 regularly—big glass means more weight.
- Turrets: Exposed or capped turrets with audible, repeatable clicks let you dial elevation for distance. Zero stop is a plus, but not required at this price.
- BDC or FFP Reticles: FFP reticles keep your holdover marks accurate at any zoom. Simple BDCs are faster for hunting, less fuss in the field.
- Glass Quality: Look for fully multi-coated lenses, HD glass, and good edge clarity—especially at max zoom.
- Durability: Must be shockproof, fogproof, and weatherproof. Every pick below is proven on .308, 6.5CM, .30-06, or similar.
- Weight: Most are 17–24 oz—light enough for real hunting, not just benchrest.
Full Reviews: Best Long Range Hunting Scopes Under $500
Vortex Viper HS 4-16×44
Who it’s for: The serious deer, elk, or antelope hunter who wants reliable, easy dialing without blowing the budget.
- Key Benefits:
- 4-16x zoom—perfect for hunting open fields, ridges, or plains
- Dead-Hold BDC or V-Plex reticle options
- Exposed elevation turret for fast, positive adjustments
- Clear, crisp glass with minimal edge distortion
- Fully shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof
- Pros:
- Tracks true for repeatable long-range shots
- Lifetime VIP warranty from Vortex
- Perfect size and weight for most rifles
- Cons:
- No true zero stop (but holds zero reliably)
- Reticle not illuminated (still very visible in normal light)
Final Verdict: The best “all-around” long-range hunting scope for under $500. Check today’s price
Burris Fullfield IV 4-16×50
Who it’s for: Hunters who want a clear, bright BDC reticle and easy holdovers for shots out to 600+ yards.
- Key Benefits:
- 4-16x with big 50mm objective for great low-light
- Ballistic E3 BDC reticle—simple dots for range and wind
- Positive, tactile turrets
- Burris Forever Warranty
- Pros:
- Bright, clear glass at max zoom
- Rugged build for hard hunts
- Excellent value for money
- Cons:
- No illumination
- Reticle a bit thick at 16x for some shooters
Final Verdict: Best BDC scope under $500—just range, dial, and shoot. Check price
Monstrum G3 6-24×50 FFP
Who it’s for: Shooters wanting affordable first focal plane, high zoom, and tactical turrets for max-range hunting or target shooting.
- Key Benefits:
- 6-24x zoom—spot and shoot at serious distance
- FFP MOA reticle—accurate holdovers at any power
- Locking tactical turrets for easy adjustments
- Reticle illumination for dusk/dawn shots
- Pros:
- Unbeatable value for FFP at this price
- Tracks reliably for hunting or steel
- Easy to learn, easy to use
- Cons:
- Heavier (over 24 oz)—best for big rifles or bench
- Glass not as bright as Vortex/Burris
Final Verdict: The budget FFP king for long range under $300. See price
Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 FFP
Who it’s for: Dawn/dusk or predator hunters needing illumination and true holdover marks out to 500+.
- Key Benefits:
- 4-14x FFP—reticle scales with zoom for precise shots
- ACSS HUD DMR reticle with BDC and wind holds
- Illuminated reticle for night or dark woods
- Rugged, proven build—reliable in rough weather
- Pros:
- Superb for coyote or hog hunting
- Easy to range and shoot, even for beginners
- Excellent customer service/warranty
- Cons:
- Lower max zoom than 16x/24x scopes
- Illumination not daylight-bright (but perfect for low light)
Final Verdict: Best illuminated long-range scope under $300. Check today’s deal
Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 6-18×50
Who it’s for: Hunters who want a lighter, simple, high-zoom scope for long fields or open country.
- Key Benefits:
- 6-18x zoom, but still only 18 oz—great for mountain or stalk hunting
- Dusk & Dawn coatings for real low-light performance
- Multi-X reticle for easy target acquisition
- Shockproof and waterproof
- Pros:
- Lightest in class for this zoom
- Perfect for .308, .270, 6.5CM, or .223
- Easy to use, no fuss in the field
- Cons:
- No side parallax adjustment
- Not FFP (but glass is clear at all powers)
Final Verdict: The lightweight high-zoom champ under $200. See price
Comparison Table: Best Long Range Hunting Scopes Under $500
| Name | Magnification | FFP? | Weight | Reticle | Best For | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Viper HS 4-16×44 | 4-16x | No | 20.4 oz | Dead-Hold BDC | All-around big game | View |
| Burris Fullfield IV 4-16×50 | 4-16x | No | 22 oz | Ballistic E3 BDC | Easy BDC, low light | View |
| Monstrum G3 6-24×50 | 6-24x | Yes | 24 oz | FFP MOA | Extreme range, FFP | View |
| Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 | 4-14x | Yes | 17 oz | ACSS DMR/BDC | Illuminated, predator | View |
| Bushnell Banner 6-18×50 | 6-18x | No | 18 oz | Multi-X | Lightweight, fields | View |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 4-16x or 6-24x zoom enough for long range hunting?
Yes—4-16x covers almost any ethical hunting shot. 6-24x helps at 700+, but isn’t always needed for deer or elk.
Are these scopes tough enough for real hunting rifles?
Absolutely! Every scope here is proven on .308, .30-06, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270, and more. They’re all shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof.
Should I go FFP or SFP for under $500?
FFP is great if you want to hold for wind/elevation at any zoom. SFP is simpler and perfect for classic “set and shoot” hunting.
What’s the best value for most hunters?
The Vortex Viper HS 4-16×44 is hard to beat for tracking, glass, and warranty—plus it fits almost any big game rifle.
Can I use these scopes for coyotes or varmints?
Yes—most picks here have enough zoom and field of view for predators, too.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Every scope here is a proven performer—clear, tough, and ready for real-world long-range hunting. Pick what fits your rifle and style, mount up, and go farther this season without blowing your budget!
Ready for more tags and farther shots? Check today’s prices, pick your new scope, and hit the range with confidence!