The Best 50mm Rifle Scopes in 2022

Installing your very own rifle scope can greatly enhance your accuracy and aim and it may even improve your overall performance. As such, regardless of whether a professional or a beginner, people have been purchasing scopes for these reasons. To get the best 50mm rifle scope for your needs, you must take note and consider a lot of factors like budget, construction, features, and the like.

With all the variants, this may all be really confusing for beginners and professionals alike. However, you don’t have to worry. This article will run down the basics of rifle scopes, from the different types, the pros and cons, a buying guide and some reviews of the best models in the market.

Best 50mm Scope Reviews of 2021

Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope

What I like most about the Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical rifle scope is its fully multi-coated lens and extra-low dispersion glass which provides for excellent light transmission. Not only that, these components have anti-glare properties and offer great clarity and color fidelity. As such, the Diamondback rifle scope is suitable for use in low-light transmissions as it can still give clear and bright images.

The Diamondback Tactical rifle scope comes with the EBR-2C MOA reticle. Located in the first focal plane, this reticle effectively determines ranges, moving target leads, holdovers, and windage corrections. With its variable magnification, it can cater hunting conditions no matter the range.

Another thing I like about this rifle scope is its adjustability. With its precision-glide erector system, you can zoom in/out without any hitches. The scope’s tactical turrets are also exposed which makes it easier to adjust them.

The Diamondback Tactical rifle scope is also durable. It’s made from aircraft-grade aluminum and has a sturdy anodized finish.

The only downside to this product is that it could have a better field of view. Nonetheless, many were still pleased with its performance.

Overall, the Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical rifle scope is a great choice with its features and qualities. For one, it’s favorable for those who are tend to hunt during low-light conditions with its high-quality optics and lenses. It’s also suitable for beginners since its features are easy to use.

Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24×50 SFP Riflescope

The Viper HST rifle scope features a durable 30mm tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum for a shockproof performance. The tube is also O-ring sealed and even purged with argon, making it both water and fog proof.

What I like the most the most about the Viper HST rifle scope is its versatility. Being a combination of Vortex’ strongest lines, it can easily adapt to any situation. Its advanced optics system consists of fully multi-coated lens and extra-low dispersion lens which provides for excellent light transmission and resolution.

Moreover, the rifle scope comes with a 4x zoom that you can adjust with the MAG-view fiber optic. You can easily adjust the image using the side parallax setting of 50 yards.

The Viper HST rifle scope also features the VMR-1 MOA reticle. This second focal plane reticle is efficient to use especially for moving targets and objects. It’s also useful for accurate holds in extended ranges.

Another thing I like about the rifle scope is the ease in adjustability. With the customizable rotational stop, you can easily return to zero after collecting elevation. The Precision-Force Spring and the Precision-Glide Erector systems also make it easier for you to make magnification and other adjustments.

The only downside to this product is that it’s somewhat heavy and bulky, weighing at 22.6 oz and measuring at 15.5 inches. Nonetheless, many users liked its performance.

The Viper HST rifle scope is an excellent choice for those looking for a quality and reliable 50mm rifle scope. With its features, you won’t be disappointed.

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12×50 AO SFP Riflescope

The Crossfire II AO rifle scope features a single-piece tube constructed out of aircraft-grade aluminum which provides a shockproof performance. The hard-anodized finish protects the scope from any scratches, corrosion and other elements. The scope’s joints also have tight O-ring seals to prevent any water and moisture from coming in, while the whole scope is purged with nitrogen to prevent any fogging.

I like this rifle scope because of its lenses and optics system. Its fully multi-coated lens provides excellent light transmission and produces clear and crisp images. The scope’s eye-box also makes for comfortable shooting in any situation. Its adjustable objective system makes it easy to adjust the objective lens and the parallax.

Other features of the Crossfire II AO rifle scope are also easy to adjust. Maximum windage and elevation adjustments are up to 50 MOA with 15 MOA per turn. With this, you can precisely and accurately fine-tune the adjustments.

The Crossfire II AO rifle scope features the simple BDC reticle. Along with its variable magnification of 4x to 12x, you can easily aim and shoot your targets. This reticle is also very simple, making it perfect for beginners and those new to using scopes.

The only downside to this product is that its heavy, weighing at 20.6 oz. Nevertheless, many users are still impressed with its performance.

The Crossfire II AO rifle scope is a great choice for those looking for a low-priced 50mm scope. With its features, it can suit a variety of hunting needs and conditions. Plus, its simple BDC reticle is easy to use for both beginners and experts alike.

Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24×50 SFP Rifescope

Made out 6061T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, the Argos BRT rifle scope boasts durability and strength. This one-piece tube construction is also made to withstand various conditions and elements, seeing as it’s water-, shock-, and fog-proof.

The Athlon Optics Argos BTR rifle scope has great magnification levels, ranging from 6x-24x. With these flexible levels, the rifle scope can suit all kinds of hunting conditions and situations. Moreover, it would also be easy for beginners to use and navigate the scope.

The Argos BTR rifle high quality scopes also provide excellent light transmission with its fully multi-coated optics. With this, you can get enough light for hunting in low-light conditions.

Another thing I like about the Argos BTR rifle scope is its APMR MIL reticle. First, it’s illuminated which makes it easy to read in any light condition. It even comes with its own brightness knob with 11 settings to choose from.

The APMR MIL reticle is also etched into glass, making it more durable compared to wired ones. The reticle is also located in the first focal plane, which makes it suitable to use for long-distance shooting. With this, the user wouldn’t have to make any adjusting to suit his/her situation.

The only cons to this scope with a low price is that it loses some clarity once it reaches past the 20x magnification level. However, it’s all clear and crisp in the 4x to 20x levels.

The Athlon Optics Argos rifle scope is great choice for those looking for quality rifle scopes on a budget.

Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm Riflescope

The Bushnell Engage rifle scope comes in a sleek one-piece tube construction made from aircraft-grade aluminum. Everything on the scope from its turrets to its optics is coated with their patent Exo barrier. This coating repels any water, moisture, oil, fog, dust, debris, and the like. Plus, the scope is further purged with Nitrogen to prevent any fog build-ups.

What I like about the high end Engage rifle scope is its image quality. With its fully multi-coated optics, the scope provides 90% of light transmission. Hence, you’ll get high-resolution images with great color and details. It also makes it possible for the user to use the scope during low-light conditions.

Moreover, the Engage rifle scope comes with a variable magnification of 6x-24x. With this, you can easily adjust and respond to any kind of hunting condition.

Another thing I like about the scope is its Deploy MOA reticle. The reticle itself features vertical and horizontal crosshairs to properly sight and shoot their targets.

The Engage rifle scope is also easy to adjust with its .24 MOA marks. One turret rotation yields a 15 MOA correction, allowing you to fine tune your adjustments. You can also easily reset the scope back to zero if you need by just unscrewing the top disk.

The only downside to this scope is that it has a rather short eye relief of 3.6 inches. Other users might find this a hassle. Nevertheless, many are pleased with the Bushnell Engage riflescope’s performance.

The Bushnell Engage rifle scope is a great choice for those looking for excellent and reliable scopes for their guns. With its features, it can cater to a variety of needs and concerns.

Simmons 6.5-20x50mm Whitetail Classic Riflescope

The Simmons Whitetail Classic rifle scope comes in a sleek and stylish look with its BlackGranite texturing. Not only that, the scope also boasts a durable construction, allowing you to use it in any weather condition or situation. This is due to the scope being water-, shock, and fog-proof.

What I like most about the rifle scope is its adjustability features. It has a ¼ MOA click adjustment value, allowing you to fine-tune your adjustments. There is also the fact that its turrets are finger adjustable.

The high quality scope is also very accommodating to deer hunters. it comes 6 deer hunting configurations for a more deer hunting experience. These adjustments will also prove useful to short- and long-range hunters and shooters. With its large field of view, users can easily sight and shoot their targets.

Another thing I like about this product is that it provides clear and crisp images. Sporting fully multi-coated optics, the Whitetail Classic rifle scope enables 90% light transmission. This translates to high-resolution images while maintaining color fidelity. Increased lighting is also beneficial for those who tend to hunt in low-light conditions as it can produce brighter images.

The only downside to this rifle scope is its wired reticle. Compared to etched reticle types, wired reticle tend to be more fragile. Hence, users should take care and exercise the necessary precautions. Nevertheless, many were impressed with this rifle scope’s performance.

The Simmons Whitetail Classic rifle scope is a great choice for those looking for a 50mm rifle scope.

Nikon ProStaff 3-9×50 Black Matte Riflescope

What I like most about the Nikon ProStaff rifle scope is its ability to provide high-resolution images. Armed with fully multi-coated lens and a 50mm objective lens, the rifle scope transmits about 98% of light. As such, it’s useful and beneficial for those who hunt in low-light conditions. With the rifle scope’s fast-focusing eyepiece, you can quickly sight and shoot your targets.

The Nikon ProStaff rifle scope features a variable magnification, ranging from 3x to 9x. With this, users have the flexibility and versatility to respond to any situation.

Another thing I like about this product is the ease in adjusting. It comes with a spring-loaded adjustment knob to allow for simple field adjustments. It also has ¼ MOA clicks, allowing you to fine-tune your alterations.

The ProStaff rifle scope features the simple BDC reticle. With this, users can easily do holdovers, making it perfect for medium- to long-range shooters. The simplicity of the reticle’s design also makes it suitable for beginners to use and learn on.

Moreover, the scope offers a generous eye relief of 3.6 inches. It allows provides a parallax setting starting from 100 yards to infinity. Compared to other rifle scopes, the ProStaff is lightweight, weighing only 13.7 ounces.

The only thing I didn’t like about the product is that it didn’t have a sunshade to reduce glares. Nevertheless, users can easily buy this an add-on.

The Nikon ProStaff rifle scope is a great product to consider for those looking for effective and reliable scopes for their firearms.

Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x50mm Riflescope

What I like most about the rifle scope is its optics system. With fully multi-coated optics, the scope provides for a 90% light transmission. As such, it can be reliable to use even in low-light conditions. This also means clearer and brighter images for the user.

The scope offers a variable magnification, ranging from 6x to 24x. This provides the flexibility and versatility the user needs to respond to any type of situation. With this, it can cater to both short- and long-ranges.

Moreover, the Conquest V4 rifle scope comes with the Z-MOA 1 reticle. This second focal plane reticle changes as you adjust the magnification level. As such, you can keep an eye on your target while adjusting to get the perfect shot.

Another thing I like about the rifle scope is that it’s easy to adjust and manipulate. The Conquest V4 rifle scope features a ballistic elevation turret as well as a standard capped windage turret. You can adjust the scope at most at 230 cm for elevation and at 175 mm for windage. These turrets also come with ¼ MOA clicks, allowing you to fine-tune your adjustments if need be.

The only downside to this product is that it’s quite heavy, weighing 690 grams. While it may be lighter compared to some models, some users might be put off its weight. Nonetheless, many still praised the product for its performance.

If you are looking for some great rifle scopes, then the Zeiss Conquest V4 rifle scope. With its features, it can cater and accommodate various needs.

What is a 50mm Rifle Scope?

Regardless of their difference, rifle scopes are basically an optical shooting device that you attach onto your firearm. It’s like a big telescope that you can use to magnify and see faraway targets or objects. The integrated reticle makes it easier to shoot at your targets since it indicates where your bullet would land.

The most basic components of a rifle scope are: a its body/ tube, objective lens, reticles, turrets, and an eyepiece. Scopes also have various features such as the magnification levels, range, eye relief, type of reticle, and the like. Choosing the right combinations will result into a high-quality scope.

Scopes are quite popular among beginners and professionals alike due to the numerous benefits they bring. With these attached, users will have an easier time sighting and shooting their targets. Beginners, especially, will benefit from this feature. Of course, this doesn’t mean that they are exempted from learning the basics using their iron sights.

40mm vs. 50mm Rifle Scope

Both figures pertain to the size of the rifle scope’s objective lens. Objective lens is the component that is mainly responsible for generating clear and bright pictures. The lens gather light and transmit it to the ocular lens for viewing and magnifying.

The difference between these two sizes is basically the amount of light it can gather. The 50mm rifle scope obviously can gather more light, considering that it’s bigger.

You can’t exactly tell the differences during daylight settings as there is plenty of light to go around. You can really feel the distinction at night or in low-light conditions.

A 50mm rifle scope can transmit 55% more light compared to a 40mm rifle scope. As such, when you are comparing your images at night, you will get a brighter and clearer picture with the former. The 50mm rifle scope will also give a 1 power higher magnification compared to the 40mm.

What Makes a Great 50mm Rifle Scope?

Scopes are made from various components. As such, to get the best, you need to choose the right combination of components.

The two most important components you need to consider is the objective lens and the scope’s reticles.

The objective lens is the large lens you see in the front of the device. This component is responsible for collecting and transmitting light into the ocular lens. With this, you can clearly see and magnify your target.

However, bigger objective lenses do not automatically mean better. You’ll still have to consider a lot of other factors.

On the other hand, there is the reticle which helps hones the user’s aim and accuracy. The reticle has many variants which can be classified into first and second focal plane types. The former is in front of magnifying lenses and will also adjust according to the changes in magnification. The latter is found behind the magnifying lenses and regardless of the changes in magnification, these reticles will retain its size.

Aside from that, you should also consider the scope’s durability. Choose scopes made from aircraft-grade aluminum and those that come with the necessary certifications. Your scope should also be weatherproof and shockproof, so it won’t easily damage when used roughly.

What Magnification Do You Need?

There are two types of magnification – the fixed type and the variable model. As in their name, the former is set to a specific magnification setting and cannot be adjusted. Whereas, the latter allows for adjustments. This section will focus and discuss more about the second type of scope magnification.

Variable scope magnification come in various settings, giving you that kind of flexibility not found in fixed models. Again, what you’ll get depends on what type of game are you hunting or your intended use.

If you are mainly hunting big or dangerous game under 200 yards, then a low-magnification scope is ideal. Try checking out 1x-4x magnification levels.

If you tend to go for big-game hunting, then it’s best to pick a higher magnification. You can choose between 3x-9x scopes or 2x-10x scopes. With these ranges, you get more flexibility to accommodate different situations.

High-magnification scopes are useful for those who are varmint hunters. Ideal range would be 6x-24x scopes.

Factors to Consider when Buying a 50mm Scope

A scope is a great add-on for your rifles and other firearms. With it, you get the benefits of enhanced vision and accuracy, among other benefits. As such, regardless of whether a beginner or professional, it will be of great help.

However, with all the styles and types to choose from, it might be difficult to choose. This can be confusing especially for beginners.

But you don’t have to worry. This section will list down all the features and factors you need to consider when looking for one.

Magnification Levels

When it comes to magnification, you must choose between two types: fixed magnification and variable magnification.

The first type gives only a limited of range of magnification and cannot also be adjusted to adapt to different situations. However, these types tend to be more durable since they have fewer moving parts.

On the other hand, variable magnification scopes give you the versatility and flexibility to respond to new situations. You can choose from a variety of ranges, from 4x up to 20x. However, they are a bit fragile since they contain a lot of moving parts.

Lens Coatings

Lens coatings do not only enhance the scope’s durability but also improve light transmission. With the right coating, you will get lesser glares and fogging.

There are four types of coatings available in the market. The first type is the coated lens which only has a single chemical coating on the objective lens. This type is mainly used to just reduce the glares in your scope.

The second type is the fully coated lens wherein there are two single coatings on each lens. Often, these coatings differ on each both the objective and ocular lens to provide different benefits.

The most common type is the multi-coated lens which features multiple coatings on the objective lens. With this, it can address and mitigate various problems when it comes to sighting and durability.

Last but not the least, the popular fully multi-coated lens. This features multiple coatings on all the lenses found on the scope. With this, it can fully support the scope and enhance its performance.

Reticle Types

Also called as crosshairs, reticles refer to the dots, lines, and hash marks used for sighting and aiming. There are different reticle types available which can suit a variety of needs.

If you are more of a beginner, it’s best to stick with the standard duplex reticles. These types are easy to use and understand and is suitable for most hunting situations. If you are more of a long-range or tactical shooter, then you might want to consider the “Christmas tree” type of reticles.

Aside from that, you also must consider the placement of your reticle. You can choose either between first or second focal plane scopes. The former tends to favor long-range shooters since they just maintain the same perspective throughout different magnifications. On the other hand, the target becomes larger as you zoom in but the reticle will stay the same size.

You also have the option to choose an illuminated reticle, especially if you hunt more during dusk or dawn.

What Size Rings for 50mm Scope?

To attach the scope onto your rifle, you would first need to acquire a mount ring. A mount ring serves as the bridge between your scope and rifle.

A good mount ring should firmly attach your scope while at the same time, not put too much pressure on it. it should also fit snugly into your gun, otherwise, the scope might fall off. Of course, they should also be sturdy and last long.

Mount rings come in different sizes as they are made to fit a certain scope. Make sure you get the right size, otherwise, your scope might just fall off. These rings also come in singles or in sets.

For a 50mm scope, the size of your mounting ring will depend on the size of rifle’s tube and its objective bell. What size you’ll get will also depend on the clearance height you and sometimes, even on the brand and type of rifle you have.

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Conclusion

Finding the best 50mm rifle scope is no easy task, considering the myriad of options and types available in the market. However, with all these tips and tricks we have laid down, we hope that we were able to help you find the perfect scope for you.

Nevertheless, remember that these are all just tips. In the end of the day, it’s your choice that will prevail. Consider and balance out all the pros and cons and features each rifle scope it brings. It may not have everything you need, but it should have enough for it to meet your needs.

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