Looking for an affordable optic to help you hit your targets? These rifle scopes will get the job done, and each will do it for $500 or less.
FYI, Prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing.
1. Vortex Optics - Diamondback Tactical (6-24x50) First Focal Plane Riflescope
Highlight: Extra-low dispersion glass and fully multi-coated lenses transmit a crisp, bright sight picture.
Helpful review: "Starting from the outside, scope is of sturdy build and turrets are well mounted and tight when twisted, while also being strong enough to not be twisted by bumping into things or moving around in a case. Using the magnification is very easy and it maintains clarity through 4-15x magnification. At 16x you will experience a dip in clarity but this is to be expected with any scope when maxed out, and even then it will still beat any stock or budget aftermarket scope you could find. The reticule is extremely crisp and defined, even so much so that at at 4x magnification it is hard to see the numbers on the hold over and wind correction marks. This is mainly because it is a first focal plane scope so the reticle zooms in when you zoom in, meaning it's outstanding and HD when you start to use higher magnifications rather than too large and in the way. Secondly is the fact that when I zeroed this scope and store it in a soft cover it retains it's zero to this day. I drove all the way from Texas to Wyoming, switching it between vehicles multiple times, mounting it on ATV's, riding back country trials up in the Big Horn National Forrest on the side of Cloud Peak, and it never bumped off its zero even after a solid week of that. If you are looking for a high quality scope that doesn't break the bank this is it." — Chase
Trending review: "Worth every sent and I feel like this is one of the best deals on optics out there. I can do with this the exact same thing I did with scopes 3 times the price. Quality of glass is not as good as higher end optics... so do your research and understand the difference. I’m not taking a picture and bottom line, the Bullet hits in the same place at extended range. 800 to 1000 yards is not an issue. You may be or the weapon but the optic is solid. Also holds zero... I have had zero issues. MRAD is fantastic and reliable once you’ve run it out to range. If you use the turrets they work like there supposed to and I’ve had no issues returning to zero after dialing them in at range. Zero sets a little lower then zero... doesn’t line up exactly between the turret and the housing. It’s really a tiny thing as it makes no difference once you understand how it lines up... mine is just a hair lower. I use ballistic wraps on my turrets so it’s a real non-issue for me." — CT
Reassuring review: "This is my second Vortex Diamondback Tactical FFP scope. I have the 4-16x44 for my deer rifle and have been so impressed with it, that I ordered the 6-24x50 for a long range .308 build. The glass is as clear as any I've ever seen for under $2000. The side focus is easy to use, with its clear range labels. The reticle is great for long distance shooting. It is so easy to use that I rarely dial in my windage or range. I just hold over with the reticle. The only negative I've noticed is there is a very small amount of play between the "clicks" on the windage and elevation turrets. These are 1/4 MOA clicks, so any play between clicks amounts to an imperceivable effect. Overall, I have not found another scope with the quality and features of the Vortex Diamondback Tactical anywhere close to its price. I have two now, and would not hesitate to buy another." — Dave
Most-discussed review: "Like the headline states, it's a Vortex, you can't go wrong. I have this very scope on a few rifles and I love it. The only thing you have to decide on is reticle option, the basically standard MOA format, or the MRAD, it's all preference. I find calculations easier on the MRAD, but it's the same scope as the MOA, so accuracy and quality are sublime. My only gripe is that the image gets a little distorted at max magnification, but it's liveable, especially at it's price point." — John Knox
Favorite review: "I had serious doubts about the quality of this scope given the price point, but it surpassed my expectations. The thing that worried me was that their wasn't very much parallax adjustment past 300 yards. In fact none. I went to our spot and dialed in a target at 347 yards. The adjustment was already out to infinity at this short distance. The picture was clear and crisp. Went to 400, 600 and then 850 yards. Still a clear picture on infinity setting. Glass was clear to the edges, big eye box. Even bobbing my head gave no parallax deviations. Tracked perfectly and returns to zero, spot on! Turrets are not mushy like others have said. They are just close ratioed, but concise feelable clicks. Using the Burris XTR Signature rings with 20 MOA inserts added gives me plenty of adjustment to go out beyond the 1000 yard mark. Not worried about not having a zero stop as one full revolution (15 MOA) gets you already out past 600 yards, so doubt you will get confused as to where you are at. Buy once, cry once! This scope is as good as or better than competing scopes costing up to twice the price." — FX
Updated review: "For the price of this scope it is very well made. I put mine on a Savage .308 Model 12 and it seems quite accurate. All functions of the scope worked flawlessly. Glass is exceptionally clear for the price point. I was able to zero in, in about 6 shots after using a bore sight then moved my mil markers to zero with one screw for each turret (elevation and windage). Was pinging 200 yard plates every shot by the end of my hour on the range. Going out to the long distance range this weekend to see how far I can stretch its legs." — Trevor Howl
Get it from Amazon now: $399.99 & FREE Returns
2. Burris - Fullfield II Hunting Scope
Highlight: The simple, integrated eyepiece and power ring has no-slip grip for quick adjustment.
Helpful review: "I have had a Fullfield II on my Remington 700 6.5 Creedmoor for many seasons now and it still performs perfectly. Never lost zero or fogged once, even after bouncing around while using a climbing tree stand. The glass is definitely better than anything else in it's price range, and probably on par with a lot of more expensive scopes. I honestly think this is the best possible scope you can buy short of a Leupold VX-3 which costs twice as much. I like these scopes so much I bought a couple extra for future rifles." — Lance J. Hale
Trending review: "I love shooting, but have poor vision. When I bought my Remington model 700 I put a powerful scope on it that said it was "Shockproof." It fell to pieces after 12 such shocks. I have shot well over 200 rounds with the Burris, and it is as steady as a rock. Even after I put it in the case, and travel over hill and dale, when I pull the gun out of the case, the scope is still on the mark. Burris built a good scope and they deserve the credit. It stands up to the shock of the .308 bolt action, and even at full magnification my poor eyes can see the target. I used it in a 200 yard bench match and it made me look like a pro ! some credit goes to the Remington model 700 !!! this is a great scope for the money." — Michael A. Levero
Reassuring review: "6.5 - 20 X 50mm: Excellent hunting scope. Very bold reticle on outside edges; medium wire thickness in middle section with MOA hash marks placed for 100-, 200-, 300-, 400-, 500-, & 600-yard distances. Reticle has exceptional contrast with foliage, much easier to see when compared with thin etched reticles. Similar to "Heavy" Duplex reticle from Leupold back in the day. Dark gray dull anodizing on outside of scope; similar to finish on most AR's. Parallax and magnification adjustments feel smooth and take moderate torque to change position. Cons: Entire eyepiece turns when increasing/decreasing magnification. This will affect the scope cap position release tab when zoomed up or down. Pros: Fewer leak paths for nitrogen to escape. Turrets are low profile with sealed threaded caps. Low profile translates to smaller protrusions to catch on clothing, brush, etc. Glass is normal for medium quality scope. Clarity remains through entire magnification range. Scope is holding zero well with AR10. Evidence is very small groups at 100 yds (1/4”). Burris "Forever" warranty. Scope states "Made in the Philippines". Not paid by Burris or anyone to provide highly positive review." — P.N.
Most-discussed review: "I was expecting a decent scope, but this is really nice glass. Made in the Philippines as many of the good name brand scopes are now, better than China. I have a decent Nikon scope and the Burris is every bit as good and was $100 less expensive. Sure, there are better scopes out there, but for the money, I doubt you could find another as good as this Burris. This one went on an AR with a heavy target barrel and performs nicely on this setup. I plan on getting another for my Swiss K31 as soon as I chase down a decent scope mount for it. I'm not about to drill holes in my classic for a scope mount." — Ryan S.
Favorite review: "I installed a Burris 3-9 x 40mm Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Rifle Scope on my Savage 30-06 to replace my aged Simmons 3X9 scope. I just finished hunting first season riffle with it and successfully shot a 6X6 Elk at 260 yards kneeling. Following the instructions it was easy to mount and zero. The mill dots are fantastic and work well. In my case I just used the 3rd mill dot (300 yards for a 30-06) and the round hit exactly where I expected. The scopes low light/first light capabilities are good too. This is an awesome scope for the money." — Tompkins
Updated review: "I own 12 or so of the Burris models mounted on centerfire rifles, and a couple on rimfire, and they are perfect. I haven't had to send any back. They function perfectly. My friends have also purchased them, and one friend uses them on a 375 h&h magnum and a 8mm rem mag and they hold perfect. I'll buy Burris for its quality and cost savings every time. Forever warranty - how can anyone top that? I had Leupold on all my guns for over 35 years, at time of purchase they didn't have the fast focus ring on back of scope. I got older and need this feature, so to upgrade my old to new Leupold scopes with this feature would have cost me approximately $10,800.00. I did this with Burris for less than $3,000.00. Also, I sold my old Leupolds and paid for half of the cost of replacing them. No more leupolds for me. I'm 71 years old and can't use these Burris scopes enough to wear them out in the time I have left on this earth. Burris is top quality for my money." — David fields
Get it from Amazon now: $179.99 & FREE Returns
3. Vortex Optics - Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescope
Highlight: A solid one-piece tube with a hard anodized finish creates a shockproof and durable scope while helping camouflage the shooter's position.
Helpful review: "People have always told me you got to spend as much money on the scope as the rifle. I'm not sure if that is true, because this particular scope was cheaper than my rifle, but still is more money than I thought I'd ever spend on a scope. But I'm here to tell you we all know quality when we feel it and this scope is quality. So let's get to what matters. This scope can be made accurate. Like anything it takes time and patience. I am using this scope on my .308, so a decent size round. My plan was to get in the 300-400 yard range. Much further than that and I can't see anything moving anyways, so what's the point. That's just my 2 cents and another story. After adjustments and about 10 rounds, we felt comfortable that it was accurate easily out to 350 yards. I'd say that's a win in my book. I recommend using loctite on everything to keep it in place and like any scope, try to keep it from getting banged and bumped as much as possible." — J.B. Johnson
Trending review: "Always a pleasure to have great glass at a great price. I have a pair of high power binoculars from Vortex that I have been using for 3 years now and they are by far the best I have ever used. I tried all the other Big name and BIG price tag optics and honestly I think the Vortex optics are better and I have picked Vortex over the others every time so far. See for yourself and go to a sporting goods store that has all the optics that you think might be better, and ask to compare them - but tell them you want to do it at a window so you can really compare them. This is what I did 3 years ago and I had never even heard of Vortex at the time the clerk just included it, the price was a 100 to 300 less then the binoculars that I had entered the store to buy that day but I was ready to pay the money to get the best. I was really happy the leave with the best and that extra cash still in my pocket. Never a regret." — PJ Thomas
Reassuring review: "I put this on a rifle that I just had rebored to 35 Whelen that I will use as an elk and bear gun. I wanted a new, higher power scope to replace an old 3-9x40mm Redfield scope I had. The scope has very sharp, crisp optics and at full 12x power it is perfectly clear and sharp at the edges. This scope is very lightweight. I like the turret controls which are very easy to set and have positive clicks. There is also a way to reset the dials back to zero if desired. I think the Dead-Hold BDC reticle will be very helpful for elk hunting. I shot a total 21 shots of 35 Whelen ammo (200, 225, and 250 gr., all of which pack a pretty solid punch) with this scope during sight-in and just having some shooting fun. It held zero very well. This is a quality scope and is sold at a good price on Amazon. I have used Leupold scopes in the past and wanted to try this Vortex scope out, and IMHO, I think the optics quality is equivalent to the Leupold." — Spyderman
Most-discussed review: "I placed the scope on my CVA Optima Elite 35 Whelen-it handles the recoil fine and is extremely clear. I read tons of reviews and all the good reviews do it justice for sure. Do not hesitate to buy this product. It took me 7 shots to zero (without a bench) and 3 of those shots I pulled on. I bagged a deer with it last weekend at 120 yards. This scope far exceeded my expectations and I'm considering purchasing another for my Browning 30-06 BAR. I hear the warranty can't be beat and the glass is truly exceptional for the $!! Do not hesitate to buy this scope!! This has made my CVA my favorite deer gun. I can see with this scope just fine before dawn and 30 min. after sunset! I called them before my purchase to ask if it would be a good choice for this rifle-their service was excellent! I can't say enough about this product-I am sold on Vortex Optics for life!!" — Jessica Willis
Favorite review: "Great scope with very clear optics. I compared this scope to my others and it is much clearer without the usual blur that occurs on some scopes when zooming in. My friends have also said they like the clearness and how the scope seems to pull in the light at dusk making for better shots. My friends as well as myself are very impressed with this scope compared to other scopes that we have owned. The warranty gives piece of mind knowing that has a no questions asked lifetime warranty that covers everything. I don't expect to have to use the warranty but it is there just in case. This is not my first scope as I have had a rifle and hunted with both iron sights and scopes ever since I was 5 years old as well as serving 20 years in the Army." — Nabours Family
Updated review: "I've owned three of these scopes and I can't say enough good things about them. Excellent low light characteristics, exceptional clarity in any condition, minimal fogging even during heavy Alaska rain, durable as hell, accurate, turret adjustments are tight and crisp, what more can a hunter ask for? Their warranty is also every bit as good as they claim. 2 years ago, my rifle fell from 5 ft. and landed on a concrete floor, pushing the elevation turret into the tube of the scope. I contacted Vortex, they sent me a prepaid box to ship the scope in. I also sent a letter describing the damage. Vortex had my fully repaired optic back in my hands( in south central Alaska) in under two weeks...at no charge!" — Jake Klein
Get it from Amazon now: $269.99 & FREE Returns
4. Bushnell - Engage Riflescope
Highlight: The 0.18-MOA-thick crosshairs are easy to see without obstructing the target picture, and there are hash marks at every 1 MOA for accurate elevation holdover. The hash marks below zero are 2-MOA wide to aid in accurate windage holds.
Helpful review: "Great scope might be too pricey for some but for the money you get a great scope. Crosshairs may be thin for some and hard to see they work just great for me and are clear and visible. The glass is also super clean and clear. Parallax adjustment is seems shallower than stated which is great makes for a good companion to a good 22 rifle or airgun. Also seems to be rather lightweight for the quality expected it to be heavier. Would definitely buy this item again or recommend to friends." — Matt
Trending review: "Upon purchasing the Bushnell Engage (Multi-X reticle) 3x9x40 (illuminated) reticle, I found the specifications to be very good: Lightweight, aluminum body, clear edge to edge clarity, illuminated center dot is excellent (Bright), Multi-X crosshair provides target acquisition easily as it tapers toward center. Expansive F.O.V., and eye-relief is more than adequate. The windage and elevation adjustments are good to 500 yards; maybe a bit more. Zoom ring is snug, yet moves smoothly. If one is hunting, this is all any hunter needs. I cannot see any negatives with this Bushnell scope. Not yet field tested, but we believe the components are assuredly top line. The only drawback, when I received the Bushnell scope on arrival, the ocular end scope cover was broken. This did not deter me from having a replacement sent by Amazon." — Synoptic12
Reassuring review: "Currently running this on my Ruger American predator in .223, this setup is great. Shooting sub MOA for under 600 bucks with Hornady ammo. I’ve been putting the hurt in coyotes, bobcats and foxes last season. Can’t wait for this upcoming winter great scope." — Mark
Most-discussed review: "This scope blew my mind! I own a Leupold vx-iii 3.5-10x50 and comparing them side by side, this Bushnell has a much crisper image. Turrets work great with a nice click. Side parallax is easy to adjust and makes focusing a breeze. I read some reviews that said the crosshairs were too fine and easy to lose but I didn't lose them even at 300 yards looking into the brush across a field. At this price I was honestly amazed. I had my doubts but not any more. Great scope for a hunting or target rifle." — James Brewer
Favorite review: "For the price it’s amazing! I was completely shocked trying it out on the first time using it. I took a shot in the dark with this since I tend to stick with vortex and Burris scopes. This one was ordered for a cheaper build and it stood up to the task. It’s very clear, the turrets have a crisp click, it’s easy to zero the turrets after you set them. It came with nice lens covers. I guess you can say I’m all around shocked. So far it holds its zero but I’ll update if I have any issues." — Jonathan
Updated review: "The Bushnell Engage 6x18 50mm Riflescope is an affordable option when it comes to reliability. I placed my scope on my new Remington 700 PCR and the gun paired with the scope works wonders on the range!!! Sight picture is crystal clear and does not fog up at all. 18 power zoom enhances magnification and allows the shooter to place Sub-MOA 3 RND Groups at 100 Yards. Would definitely recommend buying." — Bill Lu
Get it from Amazon now: $397.79 & FREE Returns
5. Sightmark Wraith - HD Digital Night Vision Riflescope
Highlight: 5 weapon profiles to save zeroes for different firearms and calibers.
Helpful review: "This is a relatively new product with few reviews available. A day/night optic at this price point is an obvious value and it works well. However, it is most suitable for shooting from a stable platform over a wide open area at distances between 100 and 300 yards. If you want it for any other shooting solution, self defense for example, this may not be the best way to go. I am not a hunter and hoped to employ this optic for self defense and found it unsuitable for my specific application. I returned it without problem. I think it does exactly what it say it does and if that is what you want, you should consider this optic. If you want to solve different problems, again as with self defense, this may not be the best solution. Again, the device is a great value but for what it does. Perhaps a more skilled shooter than myself could more easily and quickly adapt this for different situations. I have no negative criticisms of the device, but I did not realize how specifically it should be employed." — JustAnotherGuy
Trending review: "Needed a good night scope that i could also use in daylight. The Wraith does it both and well. The one shot zero is convenient and the fact you can program several different guns on this scope is great as well. The zoom is good until the higher range and then everything gets pixelated bad, night time is even worse. The IR light that comes with it is mediocre at best. Spend the money if you can and upgrade to a better light you will be glad you did. The other downfall is battery life. Get some rechargeable batteries and you will be good to go. The customer service for Sightmark is amazing and this scope comes with a limited lifetime warranty. There are a few other small things I've found that are lacking. Using the arrow pad while looking through the scope can be tricky as you cant always feel a positive click. While using at night you will loose your natural night vision as its bright even with the brightness turned all the way down. Its normal but sucks. The record function is nice but this version doesn't have sound. The new 4K version Sightmark is releasing will though. Regardless it is still nice." — Alex
Reassuring review: "I have spent ridiculous dollars on NV and this scope would have saved me $1200 if I got into it a few years later. SightMark is good. My first one was a Photon XT 4.6x42mm and it did suck. Wouldn't hold zero at all but I believed in the brand enough to order a 6.5x50 XT and that one does hold zero. So I use the first one as a spotter and I'm ok at that. The 6.5 XT dot looks like 6" at 180 yards so I upgraded to this Wraith HD. So now I wish I never got into NV because this Wraith HD is the real deal. I'd buy it again and I just may be doing that if this one keeps kickin butt." — FS
Most-discussed review: "Went out on a limb and spent the cash for a medium NV scope This thing has a lot of options and could be quite confusing. Read the instructions manual and before installing it on my rifle, I did a functional test. Glad I did because this is a heavy item once installed on your rifle. I countered the back weight by putting on a (legally) stamped suppressor. Weight is balanced, but still heavy. Out of the box in daylight mode, it rang the steel target at 100 yards. Made 2 adjustments and dead on. Night vision mode has green and white/black modes. IFR light on side is only good in total pitch black setting." — T.L.
Favorite review: "A small learning curve to use, but a great alternative to the super expensive night vision sights. I initially had difficulties zeroing in the scope. It was not the scopes fault as it worked fine on our AR-15, but when we went to install it on our Remington 243, being relatively novice we did not realize we would need additional mounts. So obviously, the Sightmark bolt action mount was in order. We installed it and still couldn't zero in the scope. We called Sightmark and they suggested getting a 20 MOA mount. That did the trick, installed the 20 MOA along with the bolt action mount and the scope zeroed in perfectly." — R. Raboin
Updated review: "I was hesitant about wanting to purchase this night vision because of how cheap it is compared to other models. But, I am very happy to say that this is a very well made scope and does everything I need it to do. It did take me a few shots to figure out how to sight it in. And it wasn’t until a week later when I figured out that the infrared had three different settings. Lol. It is a little on the heavier side though. So I would suggest a bipod to go with it. No real complaints, and I plan on purchasing another one very soon." — Daniel Kinsey
Get it from Amazon now: $499.97 & FREE Returns
6. Vortex Optics - Viper PST Gen I Second Focal Plane Riflescope
Highlight: The new illuminated BDC3 reticle focuses the shooter's eye to the target faster. Holdovers allow for immediate use out to 650 yards for targets of known distance.
Helpful review: "After years of using strictly Leupold scopes, I decided to try out something different on my .50 Beowulf. I am so glad I did!!
The optics in this Vortex Viper PST are phenomenal and amazingly clear. The build quality is simply light years ahead of Leupold which I would have never believed until actually owning one, not to mention this is one awesome looking scope. The MOA turrets are superb and have a very prominent and sure click every time, they are very firm and I do not fear them moving even with the open turrets being jostled around. For such a small objective the glass quality really allows in a surprising amount of light even on 4X, on 1X this is pretty much a red-dot.
The TCMQ reticle is decent, some might say just a bit busy. I was worried about it at first however after the first flight, I found it easy to lead a running animal with and very quick for precision shots on the move. Everything is crisp and clear and I have learned to gauge drop easily with the hashmarks even on a super heavy 400gr bullet.
After zeroing, I have square tested it many times at 50 and 100 yards and it ALWAYS returns to zero. I have never had a Leupold do this to the precision that the Vortex does. I use this scope on the .50 Beowulf for aerial gunning of invasive species removal out of a helicopter, this scope always delivers, shots are on target and the animal always goes down without wounding. I have this mounted on the Vortex Cantilever 2in offset mount, this is rock-solid on the hard recoiling Beowulf.
Some reviewers comment that the reticle lighting isn't for use in daylight, but I disagree. On level 10 the lighting is more than sufficient to be visible against a bright background and help tremendously in what I do for acquiring a fast moving target and putting rounds down range. Eye-relief on this scope is awesome, and makes even fast split second shots a breeze.
Don't waste money on the HD line unless you have cash to burn. This scope is a much greater value and looking through them side by side you won't be able to tell the difference unless you are suffering from the placebo effect of just dropping cash on the HD 1-6x.
If you aren't one already, this scope will turn you into a lifelong Vortex customer, I know it did for me. (The awesome guarantee that Vortex offers on all its optics helped as well)
A FEW WORDS FROM A FRIEND:
To dive right in: this is a fantastic scope for close to medium range. A motivating factor which led me to purchase this particular optic is the warranty from Vortex.I love the reticle on this rifle, it's very easy to see in low light conditions and you can always engage the illumination when necessary. I keep the illumination on the lowest settings, 1-3. Build seems fairly rugged and the turrets on this optic are simply amazing. Zero stop system is fantastic as well. Note: this is a first focal plane reticle so ranging and other features can only be done on 4x. For the price you are paying, you get a lot of very advanced features on this scope.
Prior to purchasing this optic you need to define your purpose. Mine was to have the ability to engage targets for CQC and also to have the ability to reach out to 200-300 yards. If you do 3 gun competitions or close range hunting up to about 100 yards, this optic would be a fantastic fit.
My only issue that I've had thus far was the zero process. Upon mounting the scope it took a bit to get on the paper, which could have been due to someone tinkering with the turrets prior to shipping. Regardless, I was able to get on the paper and shoot some pretty decent groups at 100 yards. A laser bore sight would've been a huge help.
My next step is to take the rifle that this scope is mounted to and try it at some greater distances with match ammo. I'll certainly update my review after testing it further!
Note: If you're looking for flip up lens covers, I recommend the Butler Creek 02A Objective and Butler Creek Flip-Open Eyepiece Scope Cover, Size 14 (1.605-Inch, 40.8mm)." — David B. Robin
Get it from Amazon now: $359.99 & FREE Returns