There are many scopes out there, and here are the 6 best scope for AR-15 under $500 based on field report, eye relief, magnification and low light performance.
Let's check them out.
Best AR Scope Under $500
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Primary Arms SLX 3X Prism - Best 3X Prism
Why Use A Prism Scope? The best part about the PA 3X prism is its short compact size and its reticle clarity. It works well for people with astigmatism like a ACOG scope but cheaper. In addition, no battery is required to power this thing.
Glass Etched Reticle Clarity - Illuminated reticle works well for shooters with astigmatism
ACSS Reticle - It features the famous ACSS reticle for pinpoint accurate aiming as well as lead calculation for moving targets
Various Height - Different height mounts included
Fine Turret Adjustment - 0.25 MOA/Click, that's 50% more refined adjustment than other products
AutoLive - Motion sensor activates reticle illumination under low light if needed
NV Compatible - This optic has 3 different NV-compatible settings
- Magnification: 3X
- Objective Lens: 24mm
- Reticle Type: ACSS Raptor
- Eye Relief: 2.7"
- Turret : 0.25 / click
- Weight: 9.95 oz
See more Prism optics here
Athlon Optics Argo 6-24X50 FFP - Best Long Range Option On A Budget
Athlon Optics along with Vortex Crossfire rifle scopes are excellent under $500 rifle scopes for AR15 with good quality. The ARGOS BTR 6-24X50 are voted the top choices by many shooters for beginner budget.
FFP For A Good Price - Reticle scale stays relative to magnification power for accurate ranging and wind correction
Solid Build - Heat treated single tube construction with shockproof and waterproof performance
0.25 MOA/Click - Fine turret adjustment for zeroing
APLR2 FFP IR MOA - This reticle features holdover reference point for wind correction and moving target with 1 MOA subtension
Zero Stop Turret - Zero index point makes resetting the turret so much easier without getting lost in the turret rotations
MIL or MOA - Pick between MIL or MOA reticle system based on user preference
Shoot Up to 500 Yards - 6X enables 500 yards shot on the lowest power setting. 24X enables better target identification
- Magnification: 6-24X
- Objective Lens: 50mm
- Tube Size: 30mm (Get mounts here)
- Reticle Type: APLR2 FFP IR MOA
- Focal Plane: FFP
- Eye Relief: 3.3"
- Turret : 0.25 MOA / click
- Weight: 30.3 oz
Primary Arms 1-6X SLX ACSS Raptor - Best For Beginner
Why Use This Scope? - As optics technology has significantly improved. While you can spend a money on a 1-4X in the past, you can get a very high quality Primary Arms 1-6X scope with more magnification and capability today.
1-6X Magnification Range - The Primary Arms is the best affordable 1-6X option for anyone starting new or experienced.
Crisp Sight Picture - Great light transmission & lens coating provide clear image even under dusk and dawn lighting condition.
ACSS Raptor Reticle - Calibrated 5.56 BDC reticle combined with vertical auto ranging scale to quickly estimate known target size distance & moving target holdover to hit targets accurately
Capped Tactical Turret - Once zeroed the elevation and windage turrets are protected from unexpected adjustments. To adjust - remove caps and dial turrets without any tool.
- Magnification: 1-6X
- Objective Lens: 24mm
- Focal Plane: SFP
- Tube Size: 30mm
- Reticle Type: ACSS
- Turret : 0.5 / click
- Length: 10.0 inches
- Weight: 16.9 oz
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Vortex Viper PST 1-4X24 TMCQ - Best For Beginner
Why we picked this one - The Vortex Viper PST 1-4X24 is a quality optic that has been around for a long time, and it's one of the best entry-level 1-4X SFP rifle scope without a big price tag.
Entry To LPVO - Before you get into a true 1-6X or 1-10X LPVO. This 1-4X will teach you many things about shooting without getting too expensive
Fast Dail Tactical Turrets - The user can re-zero the scope with set the return to zero index to prevent getting lost in the turret turns
Illuminated TMCQ reticle - The TMCQ MOA reticle is optimized for close-up and mid-range shooting for effectively range estimation, holdovers and moving target leads.
- Magnification: 1-4X
- Objective Lens: 24mm
- Tube Size: 30mm
- Eye Relief: 4"
- Reticle Type: TMCQ MOA
- Turret : 0.5 MOA / Click
- Length: 9.7 inches
- Weight: 16 oz
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Vortex Gen 2 Spitfire 5X - Best Compact Size
Why Buy the New Spitfire Gen 2? - The Spitfire Gen 2 is a brand new 2021 model hybrid sight between a red dot sight and a magnified prism sight in a compact package. No magnifier needed.
Compact Size - Much lighter, compact, and snag-free than the original Spitfire 3X prism sight with very clear sight picture quality
Piggyback A Red Dot - Add a 1X red dot on top of the scope to transition from magnified view to 1X sight picture. Only available for the 5X model.
Big Eye Box - Get behind the sight fast with a lot of room to shift the eye inside the eye box without seeing scope shadow
650 Yards Enabled - Shoot up to 650 yards with holdover points at 5X magnification using illuminated AR-BDC4 reticle with 5.56 calibrated wind dot.
Use Aimpoint Micro Mounts - Use any aftermarket Aimpoint Micro mounts you like with various height options
Features:
- Magnification: 5X
- Objective Lens: 25mm
- Eye Relief: 2.7"
- Reticle Type: AR BDC 4
- Turret : 1 MOA / Click
- Length: 3.6 inches
- Weight: 10.3 oz
Vortex Micro 3X Magnifier - Extend Red Dot Range To 3X
Why Use The Vortex Micro 3X? - Turn a 1X power red dot or holographic sight into a 3X mid-range optic without any mod.
Fast Sight Transition - Transition between 1X and 3X in no time!
Better Target ID - Just flip the 3X magnifier right in front of the red dot for long-distance target ID and aim.
Better Zero - Zero 1 or 2 MOA size red dot reticle to a greater degree precision +/- 0.2 MOA on 3X than 1X.
Quick Detach - Remove the magnifier off the top receiver at any time without tool or affecting the red dot setup