Top 3 Best Mil Dot Scopes Under $500 (What is Your Pick?)

Recreational shooting is only rewarding when you have a great mil dot scope with you! 

Some people are still wondering: “How can I opt for the best one from a wide variety of mil dot scopes under $500?”

But, there is no need to worry!

We’re here to share with you our selected models from the biggest names in the business.

WAIT! There are two important things we want to tell you before recommending the best products to choose from.

(Disclaimer: Though these products usually are under $500, there are price fluctuations. The real, current price is the one found on the Amazon page.)

What is Mil Dot Scope?

Before you start to check out our list of the best mil dot scopes under $500, you need to know what a mil is first.

A mil has nothing to do with military, as some of you may think. It is a unit for circular measurement.

One SI derived unit of angle is equal to the length of 3.6 inches at 100 yards. Also, it is one of the most favorite choices when it comes to scopes. All talented shooters and well-trained hunters and snipers love it.

How to Choose The Right Mil Dot Scope Under $500?

You might find an affordable mil dot scope model ideal. But it does not mean that it suits everyone.

To narrow down the 3 best choices, take these different factors into consideration!

Your Budgets And Personal Needs

A large number of mil dot scopes under $500 are available to fulfill the demand of modern shooting sports. But they also make it difficult for you to choose the one to go with.

Fortunately, there are not many differences between the below $500 models and the high-end ones. That’s why you should pay more attention to the durability, the solid performance, or the user-friendly features to opt for a suitable product.

Durability

Is this mil dot scope acceptable or disappointing?

It depends on its overall durability. Make sure that it is made from the highest quality materials. That way, you can take advantage of its long-lasting performance.

Performance

Do you want to buy a mil dot scope that fails your performance standard? No one will say yes.

To save you from regretting, find a model  coming with great features like weatherproof coatings and heavy-duty endurance.

Ease of Use

Whether you are professional or not, you should choose an easy-to-use mil dot scope. Ease-to-operate and ease-to install are also necessary.

Best Mil Dot Scopes Under $500 are BOOMING in 2021

Our recommendations on the best 3 mil dot scope designs in 2019 are all under $500.

However, since your best bet actually depends on your individual requirements, there is no fixed answer of the best one.

One thing for sure: They all will satisfy you!

#1: Nikon ProStaff 4-12x40 Riflescope w/ MILDOT Reticle 6732 

With a 40mm objective lens and magnification from 4-12 power, the Nikon Prostaff is truly compelling to all beginners.

But is it the only feature that contributes to this mil dot scope’s great consistency and optimal use?

Apart from the powerful fixed magnification level, a quick focus eyepiece also makes it a no-nonsense. Thanks to this feature, you can instantly zoom in and out with ease.

Various layers of anti-reflective compounds with fully multi coated optics  also play irreplaceable role in improve your performance. They ensure clear images and optimal light transmission - up to 98%.

Like other models by Nikon, the Prostaff Mil Dot Scope 6732 also has the spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets. It is meant for the easy setting maintenance.

As a plus, the Nikon ProStaff Riflescope with MIL DOT Reticle 6732 comes with Spot On. It is one of the most known Ballistics Match Technology features of Nikon.

Thanks to this excellent feature, one can precisely explore all of the aiming spots on the reticle of their scopes at 100 yardages. That’s why it fits short-range shooting perfectly.

What makes the Nikon ProStaff Riflescope with MIL DOT Reticle 6732 even more and more popular?

It might be the O-rings sealed and nitrogen filled feature, which protects this mil dot scope from water and fog.  

Pros:

• Easy elevation adjustments;
• Optimal light transmission;
• Technology advances like Spring-Loaded Instant Zero-Reset Turrets and Spot On Ballistic program;
• Fog proof, shockproof, and waterproof;

Cons:

• Higher price than the previous model;

#2: Vortex Optics Viper PA Second Focal Plane Riflescopes

Can you get the exceptional quality without spending over $1,000 on the latest rifle scopes? Absolutely yes if you choose this rifle scope by Vortex Optics.

Let me show you why!

If you want to shoot in the distance from 300 to 700 yards, look no further than this mil dot scope. Its XR coatings greatly enhance its ability to gather light.

Meanwhile, the mil dot reticle helps with the range estimation.

Thanks to the Armortek coating and O-ring seal, it is not prone to moisture even in heavy usage. For this reason, this rifle scope by Vortex Optics is truly famous for its high durability.

Moreover, Vortex Optics has established its own reputable benchmark for the quick and smooth parallax adjustments. The side knob is what hunters on the move should be grateful to.  

In short: the Vortex Optics Viper PA Second Focal Plane Rifle Scopes are solid and performance-oriented. For most shooters, it is all they will ever need.

That’s why it deserves a spot in our selection!

Pros:

• Fully weatherproof;
• Easy magnification adjustments regardless of the weather conditions;
• Durable, easy to use, and solid;
• Argon purged;
• Powerful for long-range shooting and predator hunting;

Cons:

• More expensive than others on the list;
• The reticle moves whenever you fire a shot;

#3: Primary Arms 4-14x44mm FFP Scope with Non-Illuminated Mil-Dot Reticle - PA4-14XFFP

Those looking for the best mil dot scope under $500 will not go wrong with this Primary Arms 4-14x44mm FFP Scope with Non-Illuminated Mil-Dot Reticle.

You may be wondering: “What makes it outstanding?” Let’s see how great it is!

This model by Primary Arms is powerful enough to scope out both close-range shooting and long targets.

Considering the 44mm-large lens and the magnification between 4 and 14, it come as no surprise.

The thing that makes shooters a little bit disappointed with this model is the lack of durability found in any fixed power rifle scope. It is the result of the variable zoom ranging from 4x to 14x.

Fortunately, it makes up for the drawback with its weatherproof coatings and the 3-year warranty. Within its period, all malfunction problems will be fixed for free.

Also, despite the absence of an illuminated reticle, this Primary Arms mil-dot scope will not let you down. Even in the daylight, you can experience the pretty accurate mil-dot reticle shooting.

Pros:

• Reasonable price;
• Easy to adjust;
• Compelling accuracy;
• Audible locking turrets;
• Fog resistant and waterproof;

Cons:

• Less durable than other mil dot scopes on our list;
• The lack of an illuminated reticle.

Who Make These Best Mil Dot Scopes Under $500?

From easy-to-use and affordable mil dot scopes to high-quality models, three prestigious names mentioned on top of our list are Nikon, Vortex Optics, and Primary Arms.

Nikon has long been dedicated to unbeatable quality, high value, and customers’ satisfaction for ages. All mil dot scope lovers know about this US sport optics manufacturer.

Tested and proven by millions of trained shooters, Vortex Optics almost needs no introduction.

Whenever we mention Vortex Optics, the world-class optics will come to our mind right away.

The Vortex Optics mil dot scope listed above is  competitively priced. But considering the excellent experience it will offer, it is well worth buying.

Another America-based company is Primary Arms which has made top-class sensational optics. High quality with low price – that’s what professional shooters can expect!

By the way, I recommend you should bring the best ar15 scopes in hunting. It will help you!

Final Verdict

Want to know the best part? Believe it or not, a mil dot scope under $500 can give you a lot of fun.

How excited you are when competing with other talented shooters depends on the quality of your mil dot scope.

Have you already gone through our review on top 3 best mil dot scopes under $500 for sale in 2019?

It’s high time for you to choose the one to fit  your needs most!

• 1st Choice: Vortex Optics Viper PA Second Focal Plane Rifle Scopes - the best choice for high-quality and solid performance.
• 2nd Choice: Nikon Prostaff Mil Dot Scope 6732. Are you looking for a cheaper alternative? Or are you in search of an easy-to-use model? Nothing is more suitable than this scope by Nikon. 
• 3rd Choice: Primary Arms 4-14x44mm FFP Scope with Non-Illuminated Mil-Dot Reticle. It is great for both close-range shooting and long targets.

Above are our recommendations on the best 3 under $500. Regardless of your final choice, they will never let you down for sure.

Make sure to have an unforgettable experience with all of their excellent features!