Looking for the Best AR Scopes Under $500? you have to the right place. building an AR on a tight budget but unsure of the optic to use? Cheap optics can come in a wide variety, with some producers skimping on craftsmanship, materials, and overall longevity. The good news is that whether you intend to use your rifle for leisure shooting, hunting, or home defense, there are lots of high-quality optics that can meet your demands without breaking the bank.
We’ve put up a list of our finest AR scopes under $500 that range from red dot home defense scopes to long-range scopes specifically designed with hunters in mind to help you eliminate the guesswork. However, let’s first clear up a few crucial points.
An Overview of “Budget” Optics
It’s crucial to explain our selection process for the scopes on this list before we get down to the nitty-gritty. Unless you are a professional competition shooter whose career depends on having access to the finest of the best, not everyone can afford to equip their AR-15 rifles with a top-notch optic, and for the vast majority of shooters, that’s not an issue.
There is always a moment of diminishing returns where investing more money won’t result in appreciable gains in output or quality.
While there are several lenses available for $100 or less, the majority of them are either knockoffs or subpar quality, so you don’t want to go too far in the opposite direction.
Additionally, it’s important to consider where you purchase your scope, keeping in mind the proverb “If it seems too good to be true, it generally is.” It’s quite unlikely that the Trijicon ACOG or EOTech being offered for $250 in the local classifieds is authentic, and even if it is, there is almost surely a problem.
Additionally, purchasing from eBay or other dubious re-sellers increases the likelihood of coming across fake goods or subpar optics that are being sold to unwary customers as a “discount.”
Optics Planet or even Amazon are trustworthy merchants with excellent customer support that we advise sticking with; just make sure to check the seller’s feedback ratings or buy from approved re-sellers.
Selecting the Appropriate Scope
While we’ve done our best to sort the good from the bad when it comes to inexpensive AR scopes, ultimately deciding which optic is best for your rifle will depend on your intended use.
Although more costly scopes might be more adaptable, budget optics that attempt to accomplish everything frequently fall short, therefore we advise choosing a scope that is designed for a particular use.
The good news is that budget-level optics’ general quality has significantly improved recently, which frequently reduces quality differences to levels that can be difficult to detect even when compared side by side with a much more expensive optic.
Every scope in our list is strong, dependable, and provides excellent optical clarity because of increased access to materials and quick technological improvements.
Fix-Power Range
The highest quality fixed-power scope only gives one level of magnification, and for AR-15 scopes, it usually means a lower-powered optic intended for close-to-mid-range shooting.
These scopes are more accurate than a red dot, especially at medium ranges, but they can be more difficult to immediately lock onto a target, making them more suitable for hunting or leisure shooting than for self-defense.
You can get a surprising lot of value out of a fixed-power scope because they typically have a simple design and few functions.
Range of Variable Power
Variable-power scopes provide a larger range of magnification levels, enabling the user to move between close-range and long-range targets. They are a popular choice for hunters and competitive shooters.
Throw levers and quick-focus eyepieces make this process even easier, but because of the more complicated design of these scopes, you will probably have to give up some optical clarity or features in comparison to a fixed-power scope or red dot sight at the same price.
Let’s look at the scopes that cut our list now that everything has been sorted out.
7 Best AR Scopes Under 500$
1) Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope
The Argos BTR from Athlon Optics is a superb workhorse AR scope that costs less than $500 and has capabilities that are uncommon at this price point.
Features
With any level of magnification, the first focal plane design and side parallax adjustment knob enables exact holdover adjustments. The etched, lighted mil-dot reticle is small enough to avoid obstructing targets at a distance while still enhancing vision in poor light.
For the price, the Argos BTR offers good optical clarity with strong contrast, no discernible distortion, and sharp focus.
With a heat-treated single-tube construction that is waterproof and shockproof, the scope itself feels incredibly well-made.
If I had to select one thing, it would be that the scope’s eye relief isn’t quite as accommodating as some of the other scopes on this list, but you do get a somewhat bigger field of view, which some shooters might even like.
Additionally, the scope does lose some clarity when magnified to its utmost, but this is also true of many more expensive long-range scopes.
You can choose between the MIL and MOA reticle options for this scope, both of which are more than capable of making the shot at any range you’re likely to be using an AR-15. Your decision should primarily come down to personal preference.
2) Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Scope
If you’re searching for a tough red dot sight for home protection or other close-range applications, the Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic) comes in just under the price restriction for this list, but it’s worth every penny.
Features
The transparent rear lens cap allows you to grab the rifle in an emergency and accurately aim with both eyes open; hopefully, you’ll never need this feature, but it’s a small detail that demonstrates the care that Aimpoint puts into their designs, even at a budget price point. The PRO’s 2 MOA red dot offers a clear image and allows for enhanced speed on target even under stressful circumstances.
It’s also important to note that the PRO’s lower illumination settings work with night vision.
For those who need the ultimate durability in all weather circumstances, the Aimpoint PRO is made to last. Its argon-purged housing is not only shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof, but it is also rated for total submersion up to 150 feet.
This optic has very outstanding 30,000 hours of battery life, which, for those who don’t want to do the math, translates to three years.
Aimpoint’s QPR2 mount, which is included with the PRO, provides a rock-solid return to zero without running the risk of breaking or deforming your Picatinny rail.
The accompanying spacer, which can be removed or modified to set absolute co-witness with your iron sights for that extra measure of peace of mind, is another excellent touch.
3) Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 SFP Riflescope
The Vortex Strike Eagle is another great all-purpose scope created expressly with the ballistic profile of the AR-15 in mind. Its adaptable 6x zoom range makes it a desirable choice for anyone who cannot afford to buy numerous niche-use lenses.
Features
The second focal plane design ensures that the reticle keeps its appearance over the full magnification range. The etched, lighted reticle has a handy horseshoe for quick, combat-effective shots at close and medium ranges and a finer crosshair for longer-range shooting.
The Strike Eagle is made to last, with a design that is waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof. For further security, the scope is covered by Vortex’s standard lifetime warranty.
Impressive glass craftsmanship allows this scope to compete favorably with expensive models that cost at least twice as much. The eye box may be a little snug, but as long as you develop the habit of exercising a reliable cheek weld, it won’t be a problem.
A very little fisheye effect may be visible through the lens up close, but in my experience, this fully vanished after around 20 feet, at which point it seemed like real 1x at the low end.
The newest Strike Eagles have a throw lever for quick, smooth magnification adjustments out of the box, which is a very welcome addition to a scope that already offers good value for the money. The older Strike Eagles did not have this feature.
4) Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope
The Primary Arms SLX is another excellent scope for under $500 from a business that has already established itself as one of the leading suppliers of high-quality optics at low costs.
Features
The scope has a first focal plane ACSS Orion reticle that is patented and maintains true throughout the whole magnification range. The reticle’s design is interesting in and of itself.
A scope that is specifically designed to remove the element of the guesswork from hunting, even while firing at moving targets, has built-in bullet drop compensation markings, rapid ranging and windage hold markings calibrated for coyote and deer-sized targets, and 2.5, 5, and 10 mph wind holds.
The SLX competes with scopes that cost two times as much thanks to its superb clarity, multicoated optics, high magnification, and parallax control, with just slight eye comfort difficulties at the maximum zoom levels.
Notably, even at the lowest magnification, there is no fisheye distortion, and the.25 MOA click adjustments match the reticle to make range adjustments and sighting easy at all magnification settings.
Even while some people might find the reticle overly busy for general use, anyone who is designing their AR-15 with hunting in mind will undoubtedly value the crisp crosshair, reliable BDC, and other high-quality features this scope has to offer.
5) Bushnell Optics Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope
Look no further if you’re seeking an incredibly cheap optic for a mid-to-long range AR optic around $500. With clear bullet drop compensation markings calibrated for.223 / 5.56 ammo and turrets with a 0.1 mil click value that is both accurate and comfortable to use, Bushnell’s Drop Zone Reticle scope shines in the 100-500 yard range.
Although this scope may be used at close ranges, it is designed to be sighted in at 100 yards, and because of the BDC markings and the heavy weight of the optic, it is a little less agile and a little slower to acquire targets than I would like for close-range shooting.
However, it would be difficult to find a better deal at this price if you wanted to easily ring steel targets at 500 yards.
Features
The Bushnell Drop Zone Reticle scope offers clear glass, an understandable (though slightly thick) crosshair, and a solid build, making it a top choice for recreational shooters on a short budget despite the narrower 24mm objective lens’ minor negative impact on low-light performance.
6) Burris 4.5-14x42mm Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Riflescope
The Burris Fullfield II, which has its new “Ballistic Plex” reticle with trajectory adjustment markings and cascading dots to easily adjust for wind, is another excellent choice for long-range target shooting and hunting.
Features
The markings on the reticle are helpful without being intrusive or overly cluttered, and the reticle is precise and more than suitable for precision shooting at the upper end of the AR-15’s Effective range.
The glass of the scope is much clearer than you’d anticipate for the price, with outstanding sharpness right up to the edges and a hi-luminosity multi-coating that enhances light transmission while lowering glare. The scope is also threaded for a sunshade, which is strongly advised if you shoot a lot in the middle of the day.
The remainder of the scope is also very well constructed, with a sturdy one-piece nitrogen-purged tube that is waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof. The internal spring-tension system of the scope also enables it to maintain a steady zero even when it experiences some shocks.
The Fullfield II weighs 1.5 pounds, which is on the heavier side, but it is balanced enough that you won’t likely notice it on the majority of AR setups.
7) UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope
The UTG BugBuster offers reliable performance in a small package and is the most affordable AR optic on our list. Not everyone wants to use their AR 15s for home defense, hunting, or competition use. If you simply want to get comfortable with a new rifle or enjoy your time at the range by firing rounds at paper targets.
Features
The BugBuster isn’t cheap, but it doesn’t skimp on essential features. It has clear optics, parallax adjustment, an illuminated mil-dot reticle with range estimation hash marks, and other features that make it a simple but effective option for shooting within 250 yards, though it shines in the 25–100 yard range.
While the scope isn’t as bright or sharp as some of the other options on this list, the BugBuster is more than sufficient for a recreational shooter who simply wants a dependable, high-quality optic for less than $500. It also includes two heavy-duty quick-release rings and a 2-inch sunshade that helps reduce glare or distracting reflections when shooting in the direction of the sun.
Read Also:
7 Best Rimfire Scopes under $200
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6 Best Vortex Scopes for Deer Hunting
6 Best Night Vision Scopes For Hog Hunting
Best AR Scopes Under $500 FAQs
How far can you see with a 4 32×50 scope?
200+ yards in complete darkness.
What magnification do you need to shoot 1000 yards?
10x
The magnification query that is asked most frequently is, “What magnification do I need to shoot at 1000 yards?” The typical response is 10x.
Are red dots better than scopes?
Choose a red dot if you want a small, light package that can shoot swiftly up close. Install a sight on your rifle if you want to hit targets in the distance with pinpoint accuracy. Use a 1-powered variable scope or purchase TWO guns if you wish to combine the two!
Conclusion
Although each of these scopes is of a good caliber, only one is ideal for you. We request you decide the best for your hunting scopes. The remainder of the scope is also very well constructed, with a sturdy one-piece nitrogen-purged tube that is waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof. The internal spring-tension system of the scope also enables it to maintain a steady zero even when it experiences some shocks.
Regardless of your decision, we hope this was useful and wish you luck on your upcoming hunt!