[Top 6] Best Scope For AR-15 Under $500
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
As the content creator of badassoptic.com, My background in the firearms industry and shooting sports gives me the experience to recommend tried and true products and keep away subpar ones.