Engaging a target at 500 yards requires more than just a steady hand and good fundamentals; it demands a riflescope capable of translating your skill into a precise shot. This distance separates casual plinking from serious precision shooting, where factors like optical clarity, reliable turrets, and a suitable reticle become paramount. The right scope is your most critical link to the target, turning a challenging shot into a confident one.
With a vast array of options on the market, selecting the best scope for 500 yards can feel overwhelming. This guide simplifies that process by presenting eight top-tier optics, each with unique strengths to suit different shooting disciplines and budgets. From long-range hunting to competitive target shooting, we have analyzed scopes that deliver the performance and features you need to succeed at this extended range.
Top Scopes for 500-Yard Precision
- Nightforce SHV 5-20x56mm ZeroSet .250 MOA Scope
- Burris Veracity PH 4-20×50 FFP Riflescope
- Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP Riflescope
- Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm FireDot Twilight Hunter
- Sig Sauer Whiskey5 5-25x52mm Riflescope
- Athlon Optics Ares BTR Gen2 4.5-27×50 FFP IR MOA
- Primary Arms SLx 4-16x44mm FFP Scope – ACSS-HUD-DMR
- Trijicon Tenmile 4.5-30×56 Riflescope
Nightforce SHV 5-20x56mm ZeroSet .250 MOA Non-Illuminated Moar Scope
The Nightforce SHV 5-20x56mm stands as a robust and powerful optic built for demanding applications. Its generous 56mm objective lens gathers ample light, making it effective during dawn and dusk, while the 5-20x magnification range is perfectly suited for identifying and engaging targets at 500 yards and beyond. This scope performs beautifully on everything from varmints to big game, offering the clarity and precision needed for tight groups on paper.
Key features include a full 80 MOA of elevation adjustment for significant holdovers and the innovative ZeroSet technology. This allows you to quickly return to your initial zero setting with a simple pull and turn of the turret, no matter how many elevation adjustments you have made in the field. The side parallax adjustment ensures a crisp, parallax-free sight picture, and the package includes protective rubber lens covers and a cleaning cloth.
Burris Veracity PH First Focal Plane Riflescope
The Burris Veracity PH represents a significant step forward in user-friendly long-range shooting. Its redesigned optical system with ED glass provides a bright, high-resolution image, while the illuminated Rapid Cross MOA reticle in the first focal plane ensures accurate holdovers at any magnification level. This setup effectively eliminates the challenge of complex bullet drop compensation.
What truly sets this scope apart is the industry-shattering PĒK technology. Housed in a compact and lighter chassis, this system features a click-less digital elevation turret and an integrated heads-up display (HUD). You can simply range your target, match the HUD distance, and the scope provides a precise aiming point. Ballistic data is managed via Bluetooth through the BurrisConnect App, streamlining the entire shooting process.
Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP Riflescope
A favorite in the precision shooting community, the Vortex Viper PST Gen II is a feature-packed scope that delivers exceptional performance for its class. The 5-25x magnification and 50mm objective lens offer versatility for both mid-range and long-distance targets, while the first focal plane EBR-2C reticle ensures consistent subtensions. The glass is remarkably clear, providing a bright and sharp sight picture even at higher magnifications.
This model is built with a rugged one-piece tube that is argon purged and O-ring sealed for waterproof and fogproof performance. It includes an illuminated reticle, a side-focus parallax adjustment, and highly tactile, precise turrets that give both audible and tactile clicks. The Viper PST Gen II is a solid choice for competitive shooters and serious long-range enthusiasts who need reliable, repeatable adjustments.
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm FireDot Twilight Hunter
For the hunter who operates in low-light conditions, the Leupold VX-5HD is an outstanding option. Its Twilight Max Light Management System delivers exceptional brightness and clarity at dawn and dusk, giving you critical extra minutes of shooting light. The 3-15x magnification range is ideal for a 500-yard shot on game, offering a wide field of view at lower power and plenty of magnification for a precise aim point.
This scope is incredibly user-friendly, featuring the FireDot illuminated reticle that highlights the center aim point for fast target acquisition. It also includes Leupold’s Custom Dial System (CDS), allowing you to order a turret customized to your specific load and environmental data for quick and easy dialing. Built with the proprietary Advanced Ballistic Calculator, it is a lightweight and rugged scope designed for the backcountry.
Sig Sauer Whiskey5 5-25x52mm Riflescope
Sig Sauer brings its renowned engineering to the long-range market with the Whiskey5 5-25x52mm. This scope offers a high-magnification range perfect for discerning fine details on a target at 500 yards. The 52mm objective lens provides a large exit pupil for a bright image, and the HD glass elements ensure color fidelity and resolution across the entire zoom range.
It features a first focal plane reticle, so the holdover points remain accurate at any magnification setting. The turrets are designed for precision, offering crisp, tactile clicks for reliable windage and elevation adjustments. With a robust construction that is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof, the Whiskey5 is built to handle the recoil of large-caliber rifles and the rigors of field use.
Athlon Optics Ares BTR Gen2 4.5-27×50 APLR3 FFP IR MOA
The Athlon Ares BTR Gen2 is a competition-ready scope that offers impressive features at an accessible price point. With a vast 4.5-27x magnification range, it provides the flexibility for close-in shots and extreme long-range precision. The first focal plane illuminated reticle (APLR3) is complex yet intuitive, packed with useful information for wind holds and moving targets.
This scope is manufactured with premium components, including HD glass for superior light transmission and edge-to-edge clarity. The turrets are zero-stop equipped, allowing for a quick return to zero, and offer crisp, tactile clicks. The Ares BTR Gen2 is argon purged for waterproof and fogproof performance, making it a reliable and highly capable optic for PRS competitors and precision shooters.
Primary Arms SLx 4-16x44mm FFP Rifle Scope – ACSS-HUD-DMR
Primary Arms has built its reputation on innovative reticle design, and the SLx 4-16x44mm with the ACSS-HUD-DMR reticle is a prime example. This first focal plane scope is designed to simplify engaging targets at varying distances. The reticle incorporates automatic range estimation, moving target leads, and bullet drop compensation all in one, making it incredibly efficient for tactical and DMR-style shooting.
The 4-16x magnification is a practical range for 500-yard engagements, and the 44mm objective lens offers a good balance of size and performance. Built to withstand heavy use, it is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof. For shooters who want a “do-it-all” reticle that speeds up engagement times without complex calculations, this scope presents an outstanding value.
Trijicon Tenmile 4.5-30×56 Riflescope
The Trijicon Tenmile is a premium long-range scope built for uncompromising accuracy and durability. Its 4.5-30x magnification range and large 56mm objective lens provide exceptional optical performance, allowing you to spot your shots and see mirage clearly at 500 yards and well beyond. The HD glass and fully multi-coated lenses maximize light transmission and minimize glare for a brilliant sight picture.
This scope features Trijicon’s locking windage and elevation turrets with a zero reset function, ensuring your settings stay put and can be quickly returned to baseline. The ergonomic side parallax knob offers fine adjustments for a perfectly clear image. Engineered to military standards for shock and environmental resistance, the Tenmile is a top-tier choice for professionals and dedicated long-range shooters who demand the highest level of performance.
Buying Guide: How to Choose The Best Scope For 500 Yards
When I’m looking at a target half a kilometer away, I know my scope isn’t just an accessory; it’s the critical link between my intention and the impact. Choosing the right one for 500 yards in 2025 means balancing performance with budget, and it all starts with magnification. For this distance, I find a variable scope in the 4-16x or 5-25x range to be the sweet spot. It gives me the flexibility for quick shots at lower power and the precise aiming I need when I crank it up. More magnification isn’t always better, as it can amplify heat mirage and reduce field of view.
The next thing I always check is the turrets. For consistent hits at 500 yards, I need turrets that are precise, repeatable, and tactile. I look for a solid, audible click with each adjustment, so I know exactly how much I’m moving the point of impact. A zero-stop feature is also high on my list. It lets me return to my original zero quickly after making long-range adjustments, which is a huge time-saver, especially during a competition or when hunting light is fading.
Objective lens size and glass quality are what separate a good scope from a great one. A larger objective lens, like 50mm or 56mm, gathers more light, providing a brighter image, particularly during dawn or dusk. However, the quality of the glass coatings is even more important. Fully multi-coated lenses drastically reduce glare and increase light transmission. When I look through high-quality glass, the image is sharp and clear from edge to edge, with minimal color fringing, which is essential for making out fine details on a small target far away.
Finally, I consider the reticle. For precision shooting at 500 yards, a First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle is my go-to. With an FFP reticle, the subtensions (like the hash marks for holdover) remain accurate at any magnification level. This means my holdovers are correct whether I’m at 5x or 25x. I pair this with a reticle that has clear, uncluttered markings for windage and elevation. Durability is the final box to tick; I need a scope that can handle recoil and the elements, so I always look for robust construction that is both fog-proof and waterproof.
FAQ
Is a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope necessary for 500 yards?
While not absolutely mandatory, a First Focal Plane scope makes shooting at varying distances much easier and more efficient. Because the reticle’s size changes with the magnification, the holdover points (the hash marks) are always accurate. This means if you’re using a reticle to compensate for bullet drop at 500 yards, your calculations are correct no matter what power you’re on. For a tactical or competitive setting where speed and adaptability are key, FFP is a significant advantage.
What magnification range is best for shooting at 500 yards?
For most shooters, a variable power scope in the 4-16x to 6-24x range is ideal for 500 yards. This gives you a wide field of view on the lower end for acquiring targets and observing your surroundings, and plenty of magnification on the high end for precise shot placement. I find that going beyond 25x often introduces more mirage and image distortion than it’s worth for this distance.
How important is parallax adjustment at this range?
Very important. Parallax error occurs when the target image is not perfectly focused on the reticle plane, causing your point of aim to shift if you move your head. At 500 yards, this small error can mean a complete miss. A scope with a side parallax adjustment knob allows you to focus precisely on your target, eliminating this error and improving your accuracy significantly.
Can I use a hunting scope for precision shooting at 500 yards?
Many modern hunting scopes are more than capable of handling 500-yard shots, especially if they have the features we’ve discussed. The main difference often lies in the turrets. Precision shooting scopes typically have larger, more exposed tactical turrets for easy adjustments, while hunting scopes might have lower-profile, capped turrets to prevent accidental bumps. If you plan on dialing for elevation often, a scope with tactical-style turrets is better. If you’ll mostly be using holdovers, a good hunting scope can work perfectly. This is a key consideration when you are choosing the best scope for 500 yards in 2025.
What is a zero-stop and do I need one?
A zero-stop is a feature that allows you to quickly return your elevation turret to your precise zero setting (usually for 100 yards) after you’ve made adjustments for longer shots. You simply dial up for your 500-yard shot, and then when you turn it back down, it stops exactly at your zero. I consider it an essential feature because it prevents you from undershooting your zero and having to re-count clicks, which saves time and prevents errors, especially under pressure.