The 5 Best Rifle Scopes for Deer Hunting Under $500 in 2022
It’s almost that time of year again. In my neck of the woods we had our first evening in the low 70s high 60s recently and it got me thinking about the brisk mornings of deer season.
I love shooting my .30-06, perhaps the most of any of my firearms. It’s abundantly clear that choosing a proper scope for your hunting rifle is paramount to your success in the field.
Having a dependable, good quality scope is not only essential to putting more meat in the freezer, it helps the hunter make an ethical kill which helps you preserve meat quality.
It is also a safer way to hunt as it gives the shooter a clearer picture of what is around and behind the game they’re seeking. Having knowledge of your scope is crucial, and knowing how to make proper adjustments is key to producing the outcomes you’re looking for.
There are quite a few things to consider when investing in a scope for your hunting rifle.
DISTANCE AND DAYLIGHT
I hunt ground where I would encounter no more than a 100 yard shot, and typically encounter 50-60 yard shots; so I have set my scope properly for that distance.
Many western hunters will take much longer shots, perhaps 300-500 yard shots. Hunters who take a shorter shot will typically use a .30-06 or the most popular deer cartridge in America, the 30-30.
Western Hunters may be using a .270 Win or .25-06 to zip a shot across a mountain valley. Each application carries with it major implications with which scope is right for you.
The other major consideration is your hunting light. If you hunt after the sun has risen or before it sets and don’t push the daylight to its maximum, then distance will be your primary concern. But if you like to take the earliest shot possible to get the deer butchered before midnight, then you’ll want to take account of this as much if not more than distance.
In this you’ll be considering your power or magnification, and your objective diameter or size of image radius as seen in the scope. The higher the power, the greater the magnification is to the naked eye, and most scopes sold today have veritable power.
The objective diameter is the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters. So the larger the objective diameter, ensures greater periphery around your target. The larger the objective diameter the more light is let into the scope as well, making it more effective in lower light.
So a 4 x 32, which may be a great >100 yard scope for a 30-30, would have a power of 4x the naked eye and an objective diameter of 32 mm. Whereas many standard scopes today for .270 Win or .30-06 are 3.5-10 x 50, meaning their power would be adjustable from 3.5x the naked eye, to as much as 10x the naked eye; with the objective diameter at 50 mm. The later of these two will not only zoom further for a longer shot, but will allow for more low-light shooting as it lets in 18 mm more light than the 4 x 32.
Tube diameter is something to consider if you hunt in greatly varying conditions. So if you’re an expedition hunter or you travel to varying locations to hunt, you may want to give a little time to tube diameter which is the size of the middle of the scope.
It does not let more light in with greater size, because light is regulated by the exit pupil on the objective end. It’s primarily useful for making a greater range of conditional adjustments such as for wind and elevation. So this is not something to stress over unless you hunt in climates that vary much greater than a more localized hunter.
As always, consider weight. Larger scopes offer greater magnification but also weigh more. If you prefer to stalk lightly or are a retiree looking for an enjoyable time, you may want to consider the lightest scope that serves your distance and low-light needs.
LOOKING THROUGH THE GLASS
Visibility is paramount when selecting your scope. You want a scope that’s not just comfortable when dialing in a target, you want a scope that is comfortable when spending the better part of 10 hours glassing your field. There are many options for obtaining the best in-scope imagery and we’ll run down some options here.
Ultra-low-dispersion glass or commonly called ED glass is what makes your scope deliver a clear and vivid picture to your eye. The glass narrows the wavelengths of visible light to a single focal point, which produces sharper definition and more robust visible color.
This is huge to superior accuracy, as we all know vision is a must in acquiring a target. This is also commonly called HD glass, as it produces a higher definition image to the shooter. Scopes that are equipped with ED glass are not cheap, and can rarely be acquired for less than $500.
Most manufacturers today apply a special coating on the lenses, usually magnesium fluoride, which helps reduce the reflection of light on the glass. Anytime light hits glass as much as 5% can be reflected back causing glare and loss of light in the exit pupil. By coating the glass, light reflection can be reduced to as much as 1/20th to 1/10th of what it would be on uncoated glass.
The reticle or “crosshairs” as they are commonly referred to, is another consideration when looking through the glass. These days you have choices between traditional intersecting lines, one dot, multiple dots, or bars.
Duplex or multiplex reticles are popular and feature thick lines for added visibility in low-light, but also become much finer at the intersection of the crosshair which provides better focus through dense cover and a more precise shot.
For those western hunters seeking long range terrain, you should absolutely consider a MIL or MOA scope. These scopes add dots or marks moving away from the center intersection on each of the four lines of your reticle. This allows the hunter to account for distance, wind, and elevation without having to adjust the scope itself.
This is not going to happen overnight if you’re new to it, but once you learn your scope and put in the practice it takes to be able to hit a target off crosshair, you can bring that skill into the field and give yourself that much greater of a chance to nab a great deer.
If you are a scope expert already, then you will likely go in depth on focal planes and customized turrets for your specific ballistic needs. For the purpose of this article we will be sticking to more of the basic scope details, to ensure we put the foundation on before the roof.
With that said, in considering distance as a major factor we must take an account of parallax adjustment. Parallax adjustment is needed when focusing on a target with 10x or greater power, so a very long shot indeed.
Long-range focused scopes usually come equipped with a parallax adjustment on the objective, whereas scopes without adjustable objectives typically build in a set compensation for parallax at 100 to 150 yards. If you are a hunter who takes long shots, getting a scope with an adjustable objective is going to pay off.
With that tip I present my picks for The 5 Best Rifle Scopes for Deer Hunting Under $500 in 2022!
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Leupold is a classic heavyweight in the optics industry. The LEUPOLD VX FREEDOM series is perhaps the best scout scope series on the market.
If you hunt from a blind or stalk your hunts regularly this is the ideal scope for achieving high performance with a sleek, lightweight design.
Leupold boasts a great reputation for clear glass and great definition through the lens, the VX FREEDOM series is no exception.
Fogproof, waterproof, and shockproof with a lifetime guarantee; the VX FREEDOM is ideal for the rugged ridge reaper. At less than 13 oz it feels like it’s not even on your weapon, and at just over a foot long with no side focus dial, it is virtually unnoticeable until you need to use it.
The CDS Elevation dial seals the deal to this being the premier scout scope for all you hooved hunting needs. If you take shots north of 150 yards, the CDS Elevation dial allows you to simplify windage and range adjustment into a simple caliber specific system.
I prefer the 3-9X40mm version because it is lightweight while still offering the 40mm objective diameter for greater field of vision through the scope. I also recommend the duplex reticle for hunting, which is great for quick acquisition of a target about the size of heart shot on a deer.
The durability, dimensions and quality of this scope makes it my favorite for stalking and ridge running, and my recommendation for those “scout” style hunting trips.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Reticle- Duplex recommended (others available)
3-9 times magnification
40MM objective diameter for larger zoomed picture
Twilight Management System adds up to 10 minutes of shooting light and reduces glare
Constructed from 6061-T6 Aircraft quality aluminium and tested to withstand the harshest recoil
100% waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof with a lifetime guarantee
3:1 zoom ratio, which is highly versatile
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 5- 25 x 56 mm
“THE LONG RANGER”
If you are looking for the perfect long range hunting scope without breaking the bank, then you must consider the Vortex STRIKE EAGLE series.
Vortex has become one of the biggest names in hunting optics and the STRIKE EAGLE series delivers for hunters who hunt vast territory.
The locking turrets ensure you won’t knock the sight out of range accidentally when traversing harsh terrain. The MOA sights are the standard for long-range competitive shooters and see wide use among military sharpshooters.
This scope ranges from 5 to 25 magnification and offers a 5’2” field of view, zoomed to 25 at 100 yards while offering a 24 foot view zoomed out to 5 at 100 yards. The holdover dots and illuminated reticle offer in-scope wind adjustment and easier low-light vision.
Aside from reticle adjustment, the scope boasts parallax adjustment in addition to the windage and elevation turrets. This allows the VORTEX STRIKE EAGLE to be accurate beyond any range from which you’d care to take a kill shot on a deer or elk. If you park yourself on a mountainside and scan an area encompassing dozens of acres this scope is the best for its price tag.
The scope is nitrogen purged and sealed with O-rings to ensure fogproof and waterproof protection. The scope comes with a shockproof rating as well, allowing it to handle heavy calibers and take a beating through rugged terrain.
The RevStop Zero system allows for ease of setting and adjusting, while providing locked in performance preventing accidental adjustments. The XD Optical glass provides the final touch on this excellent scope. It’s high clarity and low color aberration are accompanied by anti-reflective coating on all the air-to-glass surfaces. This not only reduces glare in direct light, but helps tremendously in low light.
This scope is an absolute must if you hunt mountains and foothills, or if you're hunting big land in the plains. I recommend the 5-25 x 56 mm, the 56 mm objective diameter allows for a much larger picture than scopes designed for shorter range shots.
The VORTEX STRIKE EAGLE gets my rating for best long range scope of 2022.
FEATURES & SPECS:
XD Optical System - Provides high resolution and is equipped with anti-reflective coating
RevStop Zero System offers easy to set turret adjustments with tactical grade locking turrets
Constructed from aircraft grade aluminium on a 34mm tube
Waterproof, Fogproof, Shockproof making it durable in all climates and able to absorb hard knocks and recoil
Illuminated MOA reticle is high performance and comes with a throw lever that can be installed for quick adjustments
14.6” long and weighs 30.4oz
Simmons Truplex 8-Point
“THE BUDGET SCOPE”
The SIMMONS 8 POINT TRUPLEX RETICLE is a great budget scope. If you are looking to get an aftermarket scope that will not cost you much, Simmons makes a great starter scope.
This scope gives you the bells and whistles of a higher grade scope, just in a slightly more limited capacity.
I am not referring to performance so much as range of capability. This scope will outperform the average hunter’s basic needs any day, and if you’re hunting within 100 yards it is more than adequate.
The scope boasts a windage and elevation adjustment, with TrueZero(™) locking turrets. The scope also comes equipped with Simmons’ QTA(™) Quick Target Acquisition eyepiece. This makes this scope versatile for stalking your territory and a big reason why it won my budget scope selection.
The SIMMONS 8 POINT also is equipped with the waterproof, fog-proof and recoil-proof rating which makes it durable enough to handle the rain, snow, as well as the wear and tear of taking multiple shots with a high caliber rifle.
I recommend the 3-9X40MM due to the versatility of that magnification and objective diameter. It is ideal for hunting almost anywhere in the eastern woodlands or the prairie lands of the midwest.
The Truplex reticle is standard and adequate, a place where this scope saved costs and passed it on to you; however the high contrast design aids in lower light target acquisition.
All in all, this scope is a great ‘first aftermarket’ scope for beginners and young adults. It’s also a great, low sacrifice budget scope for the seasonal hunter who doesn’t want to spend a lot of hard earned money.
FEATURES & SPECS:
TRUEZERO windage and elevation adjustment
OTA (Quick Target Acquisition) eye piece
Coated optics for high contrast target imagery
Truplex reticle provides fast target zone alignment
¼ SUREGRIP MOA windage and elevation turrets
Waterproof, Fogproof, and Recoilproof
23.6 ft at 3 magnification at 100 yards/ 7.9ft at 9x magnification at 100 yards
8.6oz - so just over half a pound!
Bushnell Engage 4-16 x 44 mm
“LUXURY ALL SEASON”
Bushnell is a giant of the optics industry and produces some of the most consistently high quality scopes on the market. The BUSHNELL ENGAGE series is my favorite of their scopes. It is highly durable and rated for an element you can encounter.
The flip-up eye cover and objective lens cover add that extra level of protection to an already well built scope. The anti-water and anti-fog EXO coating prevents dust and debris build up as well.
This scope is built for the short to mid range hunter and provides the kind of durability which makes it double as an amazing scout rifle. The nitrogen purged lens ensures fog free performance every time, and the scope boasts locking turrets with tool free lock-in and release.
The side dial is a parallax adjustment which adds to the dynamics of the ENGAGE’s accuracy. The ultra-wide anti-reflective coating provides a clear picture even in the morning sun. The scope is 14” and weighs 20.1oz, which is ideal for stand hunters.
This scope offers ample opportunities to dial in your accuracy from 100 yards or closer, allowing you to make perfect shot placement and preserving the meat quality.
The 4-16 magnification offers the second highest rating for this scope, so you can look and choose the option you prefer. I prefer the 4-16 x 44 mm due to its size of image relative to its length and weight. The 44 mm objective is plenty large enough to stretch out to 100-125 yards, while the 4-16 magnification range is more than ample for acquiring a target inside of 125 yards.
The image shows approximately 28 feet at 4x magnification and 7 feet at 16x magnification, which gives a greater field of view when looking through the scope. The 33 mm tube construction allows for a lightweight and non invasive scope while providing superior performance.
The deploy MOA reticle is designed for precision in-scope adjusting and will bag you more deer when used in that mid to short range scenario, while the click value of each adjustment to the turrets yields you a .25 MOA.
The BUSHNELL ENGAGE is a high quality scope that would be a worthy mount to any rifle you own.
FEATURES & SPECS:
DEPLOY MOA reticle
Easy side mounted Parallax adjustment
14 inches in length
20.1oz in weight
EXO Anti-fog, waterproof coating which also repels debris and dust from the lens
1-MOA windage and elevation hashmarks on the reticle
Tooless lock and release locking turrets
Nitrogen purged fog proof lenses
Waterproof construction makes this scope capable in all conditions
Anti-reflection band coating helps block out glare and ensure sharper image
Nikon Prostaff P5
“BEST ALL AROUND”
Another manufacturer with a reputation for high quality, Nikon delivers with the PROSTAFF P5.
This scope delivers the quality of nitrogen purged glass, the sleek aircraft rated aluminium one-inch main tube makes this scope non-invasive and lightweight.
Nikon is one of the major manufacturers of optical glass as well, ensuring that the more materials in the scope are constructed in-house.
The spring loaded instant zero-reset turrets ensure the turrets stay locked in, backed by the shockproof rating. The side dial for parallax adjustment allows for greater accuracy adjustment without having to physically move, which is huge for bagging that close range target. The O rings seal moisture from the body of the scope, and the shock proofing absorbs the harshest wear and tear. The zoom ratio is 4X, projects an exit pupil of 3.5-14mm, and the objective diameter is 42mm.
The PROSTAFF P5 is an excellent quality scope at an amazing price point. This scope gives you the standard of performance that equals any other on this list, and at a mid-range cost to boot.
The BDC reticle is designed to provide a hunter with the ability to hold on ranges beyond what most hunters think possible. The BDC design essentially provides smaller target eyes while leaving the traditional close range crosshair unhindered.
It’s because of the PROSTAFF P5’s durability and versatile long and short range applications that it received my “best all-around” spot for 2020. From bells and whistles to the reasonable price tag this scope is the best of all hunting-optic worlds.
Part of obtaining my best all-around ranking includes my most recommended ranking. The PROSTAFF P5 is my preferred scope on this list due to its exceptional construction, middle of the pack dollar value and great range versatility.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Spring Loaded Instant Zero-Reset Turrets with Aluminium Turret Caps
One-Inch Main tube allowing for lightweight design
Aircraft-grade Aluminium
4X zoom ratio with an exit pupil of 3.5 - 14mm
Waterproof, Shockproof, Nitrogen Purged for anti-fog
BDC Reticle allows for long and short range target acquisition
Side Focus Parallax Adjustment
Optical glass constructed by Nikon’s more than 100 year old glass company
“Maybe stalking the woods is as vital to the human condition as playing music or putting words to paper. Maybe hunting has as much of a claim on our civilized selves as anything else. After all, the earliest forms of representational art reflect hunters and prey. While the arts were making us spiritually viable, hunting did the heavy lifting of not only keeping us alive, but inspiring us. To abhor hunting is to hate the place from which you came, which is akin to hating yourself in some distant, abstract way.”
― Steven Rinella
DIALING IN
Once you settle on the scope that is right for you, you will want to mount it on your rifle and dial it in to the range you hunt.
If you are beginning with hunting optics you might want to ask a friend or gun professional about the best methods for sighting, and how to read a scope while looking through it for adjustments while acquiring your target.
Once you dial the scope in to your preferred range, you’ll be ready to do a little target practice to ensure the weapon is playing the tune in the key you want.
Never go out in the field with a weapon you’ve not discharged, and it’s best to discharge it within a month of using it in the field to ensure the weapon is functioning properly.
My recommendation is to practice your shot from multiple vantage points. Take shots sitting with the barrel supported, take shots standing and only supporting the barrel with your arm. Be ready to take a shot in any scenario you could encounter.
Any scope on this list will provide you with more than enough accuracy to fill your freezer with venison this fall, while not breaking your hunting budget for the year.
Remember you can’t get your prize buck if you’re not out in the field.
Get out there! And, remain Rugged!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ryan Smith is an avid angler and outdoorsman based in central Kentucky.
Ryan spends between 60 and 110 days fishing each year.
He is a carpenter by trade. Rugged by nature.
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