Best AR-15 Rifle Scopes Under 500: Get The Best Deal For Less Money

The best AR-15 scopes offer Many choices, which I’ll try and narrow down in this article.

The AR-15 is a great weapon and has become more popular worldwide due to its versatility. However, many describe it as a close to a mid-range weapon, and because of this, we will review scopes that work best in that 100 – 600 yard range.

We will also look at scopes and optics that offer quality and value while staying under $500. But, again, there is a large selection of scopes, and you don’t have to break the bank to find a good, quality scope that will work well for you.

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Considerations Before Purchasing

There are a few features to consider before purchasing an AR-15. This list does not include everything, but it highlights some primary features.

• Magnification
• Reticle
• Durability
• FFP vs SFP

Magnification

You will not need a scope with a lot of magnification for close to medium shooting, but you will stand a better chance of hitting your target than if you use a red dot, so you want some magnification. Also, keep in mind that you will have a wider field of view with a lower magnification, which works to the AR’s quick, versatile strengths.

The AR is more of a tactical gun, so you want to move in tight quarters and acquire your targets quickly. If you are doing a lot of daily shooting, you probably don’t need those high teen scopes.

One final note on magnification. If you are hunting and expect many moving targets at a closer range, a red dot or true 1x magnification really may be more beneficial.

Reticle

Your choice of reticles boils down to what you are using your gun for and your personal preference. Most people will probably use what they are used to using. So the one tip I will offer is to learn your calculations. Today’s reticles will do a lot of work for you, especially high-end reticles, but understanding how they work and knowing the specifications will make you that much more accurate.

You have four basic reticle choices.

• Mil-Dot – This reticle has a cross line with a small dot but is a bit more complex than other types and requires some calculation.
• Duplex – This type has a cross line that is thinner towards the intersection, which means you’ll be able to see your target more clearly.
• Illuminated – This reticle is good for low light conditions, especially during the night or evening, and in dense forests.
• BDC – This reticle is often used for long-range shooting.

Two of the most common reticles used are the Duplex and the Mil-Dot.

• The Duplex is often used on ARs used for stationary shooting.
• The Mil-Dot is often found on guns that need to move fast and acquire their target quickly.

Durability

Your AR-15 will take a pounding, and if hunting, you will be using it in adverse conditions. So make sure your scope can handle the recoil and rain!

Durability is often skimmed over in many guides, but it is essential. A nitrogen-purged tube with sealed rings to prevent moisture and fogging is a must-have on those early morning hunts. You don’t want to have to deal with a blurry target in those dawn hours.

The construction of the optic is also important. Less separate parts mean less room for points of failure. One-piece, aluminum scopes are typical and will go a long way in absorbing and shrugging off repeated recoil.

If you are going to sink a lot of money into an expensive scope, ask these questions. Any solid manufacturer will have the documented.

1. How are your seals tested – to what depth and under what pressures?
2. How many impacts are guaranteed on your scope and how many times can I plan to shoot my gun before the scope is potentially impacted?
3. Finally, what are the temperature ranges under which it has been tested?

FFP vs SFP

Variable power scopes are becoming more and more common, so I want to mention FFP vs. SFP scopes.

• The FFP scope refers to a reticle on the First Focal Plane. The size of the reticle stays consistent with the size of the target no matter the magnification.
• The SFP scope refers to a reticle on the Second Focal Plane. The reticle remains a constant size no matter what magnification level you use.

An FFP scope will allow more accurate shots at a more extended range, but it will also be more expensive.

Best AR-15 Rifle Scopes Under 500 Reviews

There are so many choices! Even your preferences have sub-choices now. Below is a list of some of the best scopes with the qualities and features often found in more expensive scopes for under $500.

Nikon P-Tactical .223

Weight: 16.9 ounces

Objective lens diameter: 40 mm

Reticle: BDC reticle

Specific features: BDC 600 reticle, One-inch body tube, instant zero resets turrets, Elevated windage, elevation turrets, Generous consistent Eye relief, multicoated optical systems.

Best use: Shooting, Hunting

The Nikon P.Tactical 223 Scope may be what you are looking for if you are a long-range hunter. The extended eye relief and the variable zoom scope make this scope adjust to many ranges comfortably.

This may not be the best optic for close-range use or if you are moving quickly in close quarters. The reticle can be challenging to see in tight quarters or dense cover, but this particular reticle is perfect for targeting longer ranges.

This is an impressive scope for this price. The scope comes with a 40mm objective lens and fully coated lenses, allowing for a notable light transmission rate of 98%. The Nikon is also easy to use with easily accessible and adjustable turrets and a zero-reset feature that will enable you to aim and shoot.

If all of these features are not enough, you also have the patented BDC reticle and Bullet Drop Compensator that easily allow you to adjust for different ranges.

Related: Most buyers also opted for this Burris AR-P.E.P.R. Quick Detach Mount, which will make your gear a bit updated for different shooting disciplines. It’s easy to switch to iron sights, change optics, and keep the zero.

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UTG 3-12×44 30mm Compact Scope

Weight: 20.5 ounces

Objective lens diameters: 30 mm

Reticle: Mil-dot, full 36-color EZ Tap reticle

Specific features: 36-color EZ Tap reticle, 30-Millimeter tube built on True Strength Platform, emerald coated lenses, a front sunshade with flip-open lens caps, illumination even under heavy recoil,  individual retainers, zero locking, and zero resetting turrets

Best use: Patrol, Shooting

The UTG 3-12×44 300 Compact Scope offers a lot of scope for the money. With features like zero reset and locking, IE Illumination, emerald coated lenses, high-quality lens caps, and a side-wheel adjustable turret, you really can’t go wrong with this scope at this price point.

Durability stands out for this scope with its “True Strength Platform.” This platform is also completely sealed and 100% nitrogen-filled, making it shock, fog, and rainproof!

Multi-colored reticles that are easy to adjust make this a versatile scope.

Related: Although the battery will last up to 3 years, we advise you have the Duracell Aimpoint Battery package always in your backpack, just in case.

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Burris Fullfield II Rifle Scope

Weight: 15 ounces

Objective lens diameter: 56 mm

Reticle: Ballistic Plex reticle

Specific features: Long eye relief, ultra-clear and bright, ballistic plex long-range confidence

Best use: Hunting, Target Shooting

The Burris Fullfield II Rifle Scope has outstanding optical performance and is lightweight. It’s perfectly suited for mounting on most rifles and maintains the rifle’s balance. With up to 5 inches of eye relief, this scope stands out in its category.

Burris is a recognizable brand, and they did not compromise on the design of this scope when it comes to quality and durability.

This scope also features index-matched Hi Lume multicoated lenses, which will provide excellent resolution and brightness in low light conditions, with perfect clarity. In addition, the Ballistic Plex reticle is calibrated for more extended range aiming and shooting, so you’ll also be able to take longer shots with confidence.

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Bushnell Banner Dusk and Dawn

Weight: 13 ounces

Objective lens diameter: 40 mm

Reticle: Multi X Reticle

Specific features: Quality optics with stunning HD clarity, Beautiful design, and durability, Low light rifle scope with 3 to 9x magnification, 40-millimeter objective lens, multicoated lenses, Multi X reticle, Fast focus eyepiece

Best use: Hunting, Target shooting

The Bushnell Banner Dusk and Dawn price point will ask you what is sacrificed to obtain this price. While there are a few sacrifices (no parallax adjustment, holdover points for windage and elevation, etc.), what you do get is a very well-made, versatile scope.

The “Dusk and Dawn Brightness” lenses are what set this scope apart from others in this price range. They are specially coated to allow for excellent clarity and brightness, and the fast-focus eyepiece combined with the lenses is one of the biggest highlights of this scope.

Another standout feature is the six inches of relief at the scope’s lowest magnification. Again, you won’t find this much eye relief in many other scopes.

With the high-quality, multicoated lenses that allow for enhanced brightness in low light situations, Dusk and Dawn is a time of day this scope shines. This is an excellent scope for hunters looking to save a little cash.

Related: This scope is frequently bought with Leupold Alumina Flip Back Lens Cover Kit for maximum protection.

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Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Rifle Scope

Weight: 18 ounces

Objective lens diameter: 24 mm

Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC

Specific features: Fully multicoated lenses, Fast focus eyepiece, fog proof, shockproof, waterproof, rugged anodized finish, fully multicoated, illuminated reticle, unlimited lifetime warranty

Best use: Tactical shooting uses, hunting

The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Rifle Scope is the best overall scope in this group. This scope is very versatile. The Vortex is an optimal scope for tactical shooting hunting. Vortex is also a quality brand that you can trust. With this scope, you will have clear optics that perform well in various situations and conditions.

Manufactured from a single-piece aluminum tube, this scope is resistant to moisture, water, and fog (nitrogen gas will prevent internal fogging), so it’s safe to use in all weather conditions. In addition, of course, this scope is shockproof will withstand most any recoil your AR-15 throws at it.

Related: We advise you to check out Vortex Cantilever Ring Mount and Vortex Switchview SV-4 Throw Lever. If you want to have a piece of complete equipment designed and manufactured by the Vortex brand, these two products are usually bought with this riflescope.

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Wrapping It Up

These five scopes will serve you well. They all have solid reviews and come at a reasonable price. In some cases, you will find features found in more expensive scopes.

If you are looking for a reasonably priced, quality scope, then give any of these five a look.

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