When you’re on the hunt for a budget-friendly rifle scope that doesn’t skimp on quality, the options can be overwhelming. The 9 best rifle scopes under $100 provide a balance of clarity, durability, and precise aiming.
With models like the UTG 3-9X32 BugBuster and Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm, you’ll find scopes that excel in magnification and weather resistance.
But what sets these scopes apart, and how do you decide which one’s right for your needs? Let’s explore the features and benefits that make these scopes top picks for shooters on a budget.
Top 9 Best Rifle Scopes Under $100 on the Market 2024
Note: The following advice comes from my personal perspective. What works for me might not work for you, but hopefully it sparks some ideas!
1. UTG 3-9X32 1 BugBuster Scope
If you’re a budget-conscious shooter looking for a reliable and feature-packed scope, the UTG 3-9X32 1 BugBuster Scope offers exceptional value with its shockproof, fogproof, and rainproof design. Built on the True Strength Platform, this scope features a completely sealed, nitrogen-filled tube, ensuring durability and longevity.
The 32mm objective lens, coupled with a 3-9x magnification range, provides a clear sight picture, while the Mil-dot reticle aids in precise range estimation. The premium zero lockable and resettable turrets enhance accuracy. Additionally, the adjustable objective allows for parallax correction from 3 yards to infinity, making it versatile for various shooting scenarios.
The dual red/green illumination and emerald-coated optics deliver top-notch clarity and performance, even in low-light conditions.
Best For: Budget-conscious shooters looking for a reliable, durable, and versatile scope with advanced features.
Pros:
Shockproof, fogproof, and rainproof design ensures durability in various weather conditions.
Mil-dot reticle aids in precise range estimation and comes with premium zero lockable and resettable turrets for enhanced accuracy.
Dual red/green illumination and emerald-coated optics provide excellent clarity and performance in low-light conditions.
Cons:
Eye relief may be a concern for some users.
Included instructions for mil-dots might require additional clarification for beginners.
Performance comparison with higher-end scopes may reveal limitations in advanced features.
The Simmons Truplex .22 MAG 3-9x32mm Riflescope is perfect for budget-conscious hunters who need reliable performance in all weather conditions. This scope features a waterproof and fog-proof design, making it suitable for various hunting environments. It offers a magnification range of 3-9x with a 32mm objective lens, ideal for close to mid-range shooting. Weighing just 9.6 ounces, it’s lightweight and easy to handle, with an eye relief of 3.75 inches and a field of view of 31.4 feet at 100 yards.
The Truplex reticle enhances target acquisition, while users appreciate the scope’s clear optics and ease of adjustment. Although the mounting system has received mixed reviews, the Simmons Truplex .22 MAG performs exceptionally well on small caliber rifles. Overall, it delivers great value for the price.
Best For: Budget-conscious hunters and beginners looking for a reliable and easy-to-handle riflescope for close to mid-range shooting.
Pros:
Clear optics and accurate shooting experience
Waterproof and fog-proof design for all-weather use
Lightweight and easy to handle
Cons:
Mixed feedback on the mounting system
Some users faced issues with included mounts
Requires better rings and rail mounts for optimal performance
For budget-conscious hunters seeking reliability and versatility, the Bushnell Banner 4-12x40mm Riflescope offers exceptional clarity and performance with its Dusk & Dawn multi-coated lenses. This scope excels in various hunting scenarios, providing clear visibility even in low-light conditions.
It’s designed to be both waterproof and fog-proof, ensuring durability and consistent performance in the field. Users appreciate the adjustable objective and quick adjust rear dial, which enhance accuracy and ease of use across different shooting distances.
The scope’s versatility makes it suitable for both small and large hunting rifles. Compared to higher-end models, it delivers impressive value for its price, earning high marks for clarity, brightness, and overall functionality.
For those on a budget, it’s a solid investment.
Best For: Budget-conscious hunters seeking a versatile and reliable riflescope for various hunting scenarios.
Pros:
Exceptional clarity and performance with Dusk & Dawn multi-coated lenses.
Waterproof and fog-proof design ensures durability in various conditions.
Adjustable objective and quick adjust rear dial enhance accuracy and ease of use.
Cons:
May not have the advanced features of higher-end scopes.
Slightly heavier compared to some other models in its price range.
Limited availability of certain customization options.
Ideal for hunters needing reliable performance in low light, the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Hunting Riflescope offers exceptional clarity with its Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses. This riflescope features a one-piece tube design, making it suitable for various hunting applications, including big-game, varmint, .22 rimfire, slug, black powder, and turkey hunting.
With an extended 6 inches of eye relief, you can comfortably aim without straining. The fully multi-coated lenses guarantee high-contrast images, and the argon purging provides reliable fog-proofing. Additionally, its IPX7 waterproof construction assures durability in harsh weather conditions.
Weighing only 13 ounces, this scope balances well on your rifle, offering a magnification range of 3x to 9x with a 40mm objective lens, making it an excellent choice for any shooter.
Best For: Hunters who need reliable performance and exceptional clarity in low-light conditions.
Pros:
Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses for enhanced clarity and brightness
Extended 6 inches of eye relief for comfortable aiming
IPX7 waterproof construction ensures durability in harsh conditions
Cons:
Weighs 13 ounces, which may be considered heavy by some users
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly rifle scope with long eye relief and versatile magnification, the NcStar 2-7X32 Pistol Scope/Blue Lens/Ring (SPB2732B) Black could be your ideal match.
This scope offers magnification ranging from 2X to 7X, providing you with flexibility for various shooting conditions. Its long eye relief of 8.7 to 10.7 inches makes it suitable for extended mounting options, enhancing comfort and accuracy.
The multi-coated lenses guarantee clear visibility, while the non-illuminated reticle maintains simplicity. Weighing just 11.6 ounces, this compact scope includes one-inch aluminum Weaver-style rings and lens caps.
Users have praised its performance on both pistols and medium-recoil rifles, making it a versatile and reliable choice for shooters seeking affordability without compromising quality.
Best For: Shooters seeking an affordable, versatile scope with good eye relief for both pistols and medium-recoil rifles.
Pros:
Long eye relief for comfortable extended mounting
Multi-coated lenses for clear visibility
Lightweight and compact design
Cons:
Mixed reviews on clarity at different magnifications
Not suitable for low-light conditions due to non-illuminated reticle
Requires additional adapter for better stability on some setups
The Feyachi Falcon 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope, with its Dead-Hold BDC reticle and rugged construction, is perfect for budget-conscious shooters seeking reliable performance. Constructed from one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum, it’s designed to withstand the elements with its waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof capabilities.
The scope offers long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, ensuring quick target acquisition. Additionally, the fast-focus eyepiece enhances usability, allowing you to adjust swiftly in the field.
Weighing just 1.4 pounds, this scope includes lens covers, a cleaning cloth, and detailed instructions. Reviews highlight its clear sight picture, smooth adjustments, and durable build, making it suitable for hunting and shooting at various ranges.
Despite some mixed feedback, its competitive pricing and reliable performance make it a solid choice.
Best For: Budget-conscious shooters seeking a reliable and durable rifle scope for hunting and shooting at various ranges.
Pros:
Clear sight picture and smooth adjustments.
Durable, waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof construction.
Competitive pricing and good value for the quality offered.
Cons:
Some reports of issues with holding zero and crosshairs integrity.
Mixed reviews on lens covers and focus adjustment.
For budget-conscious hunters and tactical shooters, the Edenberg 3-9x40 Rifle Scope offers stunning HD clarity and reliable performance without breaking the bank. This versatile scope features a 3-9x magnification range and a 40mm objective lens, guaranteeing you have a clear view in various light conditions.
The duplex crosshair reticle aids in precise aiming, while the 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustments allow for fine-tuning. The scope’s waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction ensures durability in harsh environments.
Additionally, the fast-focus eyepiece and multi-coated optics enhance your shooting experience. Weighing just 12.2 ounces and featuring a one-inch tube filled with dry nitrogen, this scope offers 3.9 inches of eye relief and 60 MOA of maximum adjustment, making it a reliable choice for any shooter.
Best For: Budget-conscious hunters and tactical shooters looking for a reliable and durable rifle scope with clear optics and versatile performance.
Pros:
Stunning HD clarity with multi-coated optics
Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction
Versatile 3-9x magnification and 40mm objective lens
Hunters looking for a budget-friendly rifle scope with versatile magnification will appreciate the Mil-Dot Rifle Scope 3-9x32 AO with 22 Dovetail Rings. This scope offers an adjustable objective, ensuring precise aiming at various distances.
The 32mm objective lens delivers bright and clear visibility, and the 3-9x magnification allows you to view targets at different ranges. Featuring a durable black finish that resists rust and corrosion, the scope also includes a 1-inch mono-tube body and a Mil-Dot wire reticle.
The fully-coated, parallax-adjustable lens enhances accuracy, while the finger-adjustable windage and elevation provide 1/4 MOA click value. With a field of view ranging from 36.7ft to 12.6ft at 100 yards, this scope is a reliable choice for any shooter.
Best For: Hunters looking for a budget-friendly rifle scope with versatile magnification and durable construction.
Pros:
Adjustable objective for precise aiming at various distances.
32mm objective lens for bright and clear visibility.
Durable black finish that resists rust and corrosion.
Cons:
Not equipped with night vision capabilities.
Eye relief may vary significantly between 3x and 9x magnifications.
Looking for a budget-friendly scope with reliable features like fully coated lenses and a Mil-Dot reticle? The BSA Optics Tactical Weapon Scope (TW-312X40W1PMTB) by Gamo could be exactly what you need.
This scope offers a 3-12X40 magnification range, making it versatile for various tactical applications. Constructed from durable aluminum and equipped with a Weaver mount, it guarantees a solid fit on your rifle. Key features include a 1/4 MOA adjustment, 4-inch eye relief, and an adjustable objective, accommodating precise targeting.
Fogproof and waterproof, this scope is designed for durability in diverse conditions. Though it lacks night vision, its fully coated lenses provide clear visibility. With a one-year manufacturer warranty from Daisy Outdoor Products, you can trust its reliability.
Best For: Budget-conscious shooters and tactical enthusiasts looking for a versatile and durable scope with essential features.
Pros:
Fully coated lenses for clear visibility
3-12X40 magnification range suitable for various tactical applications
Waterproof and fogproof for use in diverse conditions
Cons:
No night vision capability
Limited to a one-year manufacturer warranty
Best Sellers Rank indicates it may not be a popular choice
Factors to Consider When Choosing Rifle Scopes Under $100
When selecting a rifle scope under $100, you need to take into account several critical factors to guarantee you’re getting the best value.
Pay attention to magnification and clarity, as these will directly impact your shooting accuracy and target acquisition.
Additionally, assess the durability and build quality, eye relief, adjustment features, and weather resistance to make certain the scope can perform reliably in various conditions.
Magnification and Clarity
Considering rifle scopes under $100, you should focus on magnification and clarity to guarantee peak performance for your shooting needs. First, select a scope with an appropriate magnification range, such as 3-9x or 4-12x, to ensure versatility for different distances. This allows you to adjust the magnification depending on the target’s range, enhancing your precision and accuracy.
Clarity is critical for a clear view of your target. Opt for scopes with fully-coated or multi-coated lenses, which help produce sharp and bright images even in low-light conditions. This coating reduces glare and improves light transmission, essential for early morning or late evening hunts.
High resolution in a scope is essential for distinguishing fine details at various magnifications. A scope with high resolution will enhance target visibility, making it easier to identify and aim accurately.
Consider scopes with sufficient eye relief, typically around 3-4 inches, to ensure comfortable shooting and prevent eye strain. Adequate eye relief also protects you from recoil.
Lastly, the quality of the reticle is crucial for precise aiming. Choose scopes with reliable reticles like Mil-Dot or Duplex, as they facilitate accurate range estimation and improve your shooting accuracy in diverse scenarios.
Durability and Build
For a reliable rifle scope under $100, prioritize those made with durable materials like aluminum or high-quality polymer to guarantee long-lasting performance. These materials aren’t only lightweight but also provide robust resistance against wear and tear, ensuring that your scope can withstand the rigors of regular use.
It’s important to look for rifle scopes that offer shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof features. These attributes make sure that your scope can endure various weather conditions and rough handling without compromising its functionality. Additionally, a one-piece tube design is essential for added strength and stability, greatly reducing the risk of damage or misalignment during use.
When selecting a scope, consider those with scratch-resistant lenses or lens coatings, which help maintain clarity and protect against damage from debris or cleaning. This feature is particularly vital as it ensures that your view remains unobstructed and clear.
Lastly, choose rifle scopes with reliable build quality and construction that can handle the recoil and impact from shooting without losing zero or functionality. A well-built scope will maintain its performance and accuracy over time, providing you with a dependable tool for your shooting needs.
Eye Relief Quality
Ensuring quality eye relief is vital for both comfort and safety when selecting a rifle scope under $100. Eye relief refers to the distance between your eye and the scope where you can still see a full sight picture. This distance is important as it affects how comfortably you can position yourself while shooting and how quickly you can acquire your target.
Typically, an eye relief of around 3-4 inches is standard for most rifle scopes, providing a balance between comfort and functionality. A longer eye relief is particularly beneficial if you’re using a high recoil rifle, as it helps prevent scope eye injuries, which can occur if the scope is too close to your eye when firing.
To ensure a comfortable and safe shooting experience, checking the eye relief specifications of the scope is crucial. Quality eye relief allows you to maintain a natural shooting posture without straining your neck or eyes, ensuring that you can focus on your target with ease and precision.
Therefore, when evaluating rifle scopes under $100, prioritize those that offer adequate eye relief to enhance both your shooting comfort and overall safety.
Adjustment Features
When evaluating rifle scopes under $100, it’s important to focus on adjustment features like windage, elevation, and parallax adjustments to guarantee precise aiming and clear focus at various distances.
These adjustments are essential for fine-tuning your shot and ensuring accuracy. Windage and elevation adjustments allow you to compensate for bullet drop and wind drift, which are essential for hitting your target accurately. Look for scopes that offer finger adjustable turrets, enabling quick and easy adjustments in the field without needing any tools.
Parallax adjustment capabilities are equally significant, especially if you’re shooting at varying distances. Scopes with adjustable objective lenses can help eliminate parallax error, enhancing your accuracy further. This feature ensures that the reticle remains in focus, providing a clear sight picture.
Additionally, considering scopes with multiple reticle options or illumination settings can be advantageous, as they enhance visibility in different lighting conditions, allowing you to adapt to your environment quickly.
Weather Resistance
In your search for rifle scopes under $100, prioritize weather resistance features to guarantee durability and reliable performance in various conditions. Ensuring that your scope is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof is vital for maintaining functionality, regardless of the weather.
Look for scopes with sealed construction and nitrogen-filled tubes; these features prevent internal fogging and maintain clear visibility, essential when hunting or shooting in diverse environments.
Additionally, selecting scopes with multi-coated lenses is advantageous. These coatings repel water, dirt, and oil, enhancing visibility and protecting against weather elements, ensuring a reliable shooting experience.
O-ring seals are another important component to take into account, as they keep moisture and dust out, providing consistent performance in rainy or humid conditions without compromising clarity or functionality.
Moreover, make sure that the rifle scope includes weather-resistant coatings on the exterior. These coatings protect against corrosion, rust, and scratches, greatly extending the lifespan and usability of the scope in harsh outdoor conditions.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing a rifle scope under $100 doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. With options like the UTG 3-9X32 1 BugBuster Scope and the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Hunting Riflescope, you can achieve reliable accuracy and performance.
Consider key factors such as magnification, durability, eye relief, adjustment features, and weather resistance to make sure the scope meets your specific needs. By doing so, you’ll find a cost-effective solution that enhances your shooting experience.