Wouldn’t it be nice to find one that suits your weapon without hampering your budget? How about buying the best rifle scope under $100 which can archive your goal?
Do you know how to select the right scope to balance with your rifle? In many ways, picking out one is harder than actually choosing a rifle.
Whether you are hunting for sport or a hunter in general, it is safe to assume the rifle scope plays a significant role in the process as it allows you to zoom in on your prey and helps you make the best shot.
Forget about wasting big chunks of money; now is the time to get the best budget scope. A penny saved is a penny earned.
10 Best Rifle Scopes Under $100
 View on Amazon | Magnification: 3x-9x Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm Tube Size: 1 inch Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA Parallax: 3-∞ yards |
 View on Amazon | Magnification: 2.5x-10x Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm Reticle Type: Mil-dot Tube Size: 1.57 inches Eye Relief: 4’’@2.5x - 3’’@10x Click Value: 1/4inch@100 yards |
 View on Amazon | Magnification: 6x-18x Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm Reticle Type: Multi-X Tube Size: 1 inch Eye Relief: 3.5 inches Adjustment Range: 40inches@100 yards Parallax: Adjustable |
 View on Amazon | Magnification: 1x Objective Lens Diameter: 25 mm Reticle: 3 MOA Dot Eye Relief: Unlimited Adjustment Range: 70+ MOA Parallax: 50 Waterproof: Yes |
 View on Amazon | Magnification: 3x-12x Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm Tube Size: 1 inch Reticle: 30/30 IR Cross Eye Relief: 2.7 inches Click Value: 1/4 MOA Parallax: 100 yards Waterproof: Yes |
 View on Amazon | Magnification: 6x-24x Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm Tube Size: 1 inch Reticle: Rangefinder Eye Relief: 3.52 inches Click Value: 1/8 inch @ 100 yards Reticle Color: Red & Green |
 View on Amazon | Magnification: 3x-9x Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm Reticle: Truplex Eye Relief: 3.75 inches Click Value: 1/4 MOA Parallax: Adjsutable Waterproof: Yes |
 View on Amazon | Magnification: 3x-9x Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm Reticle: Rangefinder Eye Relief: 3.8 inches Tube Size: 1 inch Range: 400+ yards Parallax: Adjsutable Waterproof: Yes |
 View on Amazon | Magnification: 3x-9x Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm Reticle: Truplex Eye Relief: 3.75 inches Click Value: 0.25@100 yards Adjustable Range: 60@100 yards Waterproof: Yes |
 View on Amazon | Magnification: 4x-16x Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm Tube Size: 30 mm Reticle: Mil dot Eye Relief: 3.6~4.1 inches Click Value: 1/4@100 yards Adjustable Range: ±30@100 yards Waterproof: Yes |
Are Rifle Scopes Under $100 Any Good?
The hunting rifle scope comes in all grades and ranges. Most of you are wondering whether any scope under $100 will be able to handle the job or not. It might not be as fancy as the high-end extremely pricey products, but it is impressive in its way.
How do you measure the quality of a scope? It is judged on performance, firmness, and aiming capability. Why go for something over-the-top expensive when you can get all those features under $100 only.
At such a low price, many companies have come up with a variety of features that might even make you question your existence. How is this possible, you may ask?
There are plenty of options to choose from, although it is essential to separate the valuable from the worthless.
The cheaper alternatives might succeed in giving you almost the same level of performance, but it’s essential to avoid the absolutely useless rifle scopes over the perfectly equipped ones.
If you want to buy a more expensive one, you can check our review on the best scopes under $300.
Well, your objective is to find the best gear for your rifle. To sum up, to take your rifle game up a notch and elevate your precision to the next level, perhaps $100 is just enough.
10 Best Cheap Rifle Scope Under $100 Reviewed
It’s an overwhelming task to search for the best cheap rifle scopes. You certainly do not want to fall prey to the wrong purchase. Always remember, haste makes waste.
However, sometimes even after spending a fair amount of time on the internet and other means of knowing about your desired product, you might fail to make the right purchase.
That is where this article comes into play. There are several scopes in the market, but thinking all will be equal or good might have disastrous outcomes.
To ensure you with the best buy-in, we have done all the necessary research on your behalf.
This article will help you exterminate the overwhelming process and comes up with the best hunting rifle scope reviews.
Here is everything you need to know.
1. UTG 3-9X32 1 BugBuster
This particular scope is a popular choice among many; the most important reason might be that it’s loaded with features that are common in deluxe scopes which cost thousands of dollars. You might still find yourself wondering, but let us be clear about something, the features are astonishing.
UTG has introduced its rifle scope with the TS platform. This particular feature includes Smart Spherical Structure (SSS) which ensures a flexible and firm tube to maintain perfect accommodation during recoils.
It also includes 2” sunshade, which is made out of aluminum. This feature will ensure a shield that hinders the entrance of light and minimizes the glare for improved shooting. It can hold out against shock and adjust to various weather changes.
If you find yourself worrying about the rain or fog, your scope has it under control. UTG also introduces premium quality resettable turrets that are lockable; it ensures adjustability for both bending and elevation of the scope constantly. The flip-open lens cap is also high quality that won’t tear apart.
Compared to other brands, UTG has a remarkable addition to its scope, and that is RGB illumination.
It ensures you the best hunting by making certain your brightness setting is adjusted during both broad daylight and low light. In the scope, the eye relief is accommodating.
In the case of a beginner or a pro, you can use it at ease. Along with its several features, it adds a parallax-free view from 3 yards up to infinity.
This means no movement of your posture or your eye would hamper the point of aim. Furthermore, it has an exceptional mil-dot reticle of 9 dots in every direction.
That means you can have 21 aiming points, including the inner edges of the duplex crosshairs.
You will be amazed to know that this scope is one of the top picks for Scar 17 rifles.
2. CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e
Talk about a great scope, here it is. For the price, it is a bargain, and you won’t find a better scope within $50, I can most certainly guarantee you that. This scope gives you the most bang for your buck, that’s a given.
Why opt for something that would cost you an arm and a leg when you can have all the best features at a very reasonable price? CVLIFE manufactures its scope with 2.5x-10x. As it is a variable scope, you can vary the magnification from 2.5x to 10x.
It can cover a larger area and has high optical clarity. Also, it contains a 40mm objective diameter. It also comes up with two 20mm scope mounts that attach your scope to the rifle. Thanks to the power of science, scopes with red lasers are on the rise for quite some time now.
This specific product consists of a 5mW red laser that can stretch out to 100 yards. It will help improve your precision as it projects a beam of light on the target. You can adjust your windage and elevation of the laser to ensure accuracy. Is it a scope or a laser? It’s a unique 2-in-1.
On top of that, it provides you with fully multicoated optics with a Kellner eyepiece for correct dioptric adjustments. All glass surfaces in the scope consist of multiple coatings resulting in approximately 90% of light transmission for better and sharper imaging.
Moreover, it’s designed in a certain way to reduce lens reflection, enhance the clarity of your vision, and protect the lenses. CVLIFE adds a mil-dot reticle of both green and red illumination to its scope which can outstretch up to 500 yards.
The reticle comes with 5 intensity level of brightness for optimal visibility in both bright and darker regions. Furthermore, the scope is made out of aircraft aluminum which combines strength and versatility to ensure utmost durability.
3. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Adjustable
There are always complications in finding the right rifle scope that satisfies all the criteria of your requirement. What could be more infuriating than missing your target shot once you fire?
Bushnell has come up with a scope that satiates all your needs and provides you with no more malfunction issues.
They offer you the high-end product at such a low price; it will leave you wanting more. It consists of a large 4x-12x magnification that indicates an enlargement of your target from a minimum magnification of 4x and a maximum of 12x.
You can alter the magnification by zooming in and out. Besides, it has a specification of a 40mm objective lens that means more light entering through the scope. A
s the name suggests, this particular product by Bushnell makes it easier for the hunters to lock into its target, whether it’s night or day.
The “Dust & Dawn” specification is solely introduced for you to tackle any brightness-related situation without having to worry about missing your target.
Be it the glaring sun shining at you or the dimmed moonlight over you; nothing is going to stop you from making a perfect aim.
Moreover, to ensure an optimal view through your lenses, it is multi-coated to give rise to clearer imaging as well as perfect brightness. With that being said, weather conditions can get troublesome while hunting.
To prevent this complication, Bushnell equipped its scope with 100% waterproof and fog-proof attributes. Your visibility through your scope is top-notch at the harshest of weather. It also contains an eye relief of 3.3 inches that ensures your safety during recoils.
Also, to assign more credit to this scope, it consists of a Multi-X reticle that has simple-to-use crosshairs and ensures perfect timing. Additionally, it contains a ¼ minute angle that provides better adjustments for windage and elevation.
Additionally, it has a fast-focus eyepiece that makes certain the rotation of the diopter setting is adjusted to suit your eyes, reticle, and aim. It is 12 inches long in measurement. This might be the best budget spotting scope for target shooting that you have been looking for.
4. Bushnell Red Dot Sight
Most of you are left wondering if it’s a good idea to waste hundreds of dollars on a scope that might turn out to be junk.
To eliminate this issue, Bushnell provides you with high-quality performance and trusted products since 1948. This might be a tool that most certainly falls into the category of ideal red dot scope which is really easy to sight.
Firstly, one of the biggest concerns about finding the best scope is its weight. To carry around a heavily equipped rifle is no joke.
Thanks to Bushnell, this riflescope is extraordinarily lightweight. It has an approximate weight of 109 grams, and that says a lot.
Some of you might prefer a scope that is larger in length, which can often create inconvenience while carrying your rifle.
However, the length of this specific product seems to be perfect for all rifles. Also, it has a feature of 3 minutes of angle dot reticle with the 11-brightness setting.
It has a larger dot MOA which makes the target incredibly easy to see. Other than that, it has an exceptional mounting system. It is easy to mount on most Picatinny rails. The intensity of the brightness level is the highest, which is 11.
Furthermore, it solely depends on your preference to choose the right lighting as the brightness level is adjustable. When it comes to the durability of Bushnell’s creation, it has proven to be the best among many.
To endure any troubling weather that might hamper the quality and the clarity of your hunting, they have made certain that it’s waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. Even during the most jarring weather, your rifle scope remains intact.
With its multi-coated lenses and prolonged battery life, Bushnell’s invention is a leading name in the world of rifle scopes.
Just like any other good quality scope, its windage and elevation can be adjusted. It’s safe to say, your accuracy will be stellar, and your aim will be better than ever.
5. BARSKA 3-12×50 IR Huntmaster Pro
It is a miracle these days to find a rifle scope under 100 dollars that has all the required qualities that even an expensive scope doesn’t have.
Barska has come up with an exceptional scope that meets all the requirements. For any enthusiasts who like hunting, it provides astounding performance.
You might have just found the perfect match for your rifle. It can be said with confidence that magnification is a major feature that we are concerned about while looking for a scope. Barska offers a variable magnification of 3x to 12x.
Moreover, you can utilize the 12x zoom-in attribute while going for a target farther away while 3x for targets that are closer to you.
Being weatherproof is perhaps the most appealing feature when it comes to purchasing a scope, and this product maintains this feature along with resistance to shock.
When it comes to the objective lens, the bigger ones are always better. Compared to its brethren, this scope has an objective lens diameter of 50mm, which ensures better lighting and brighter images.
Furthermore, it consists of a multi-coated lens that eliminates reflection and glare from the lens, ensuring optimal visibility. And to put the icing on the cake, it works significantly well in the hours of darkness. The 30/30 IR Cross is a signature style for most Barska products.
Also, its simplicity makes hunting much easier and trouble-free. If you are concerned about safety, they have it covered with an eye relief of 2.7 inches. Getting a ”scope-eye’ is out of the question. On top of that, Barska allows adjusting its windage and elevation to ensure the scope is zeroed in.
What’s more, to confirm utter protection to its lenses, they have come up with a snowcap during violent weather conditions.
It also includes a fast-focus eyeball that ensures the reticle provides clear imaging for your specific eyes. For the final flourish, it has a limited lifetime warranty.
6. CVLIFE Hunting Scope 6-24×50
What’s a rifle without a scope? For me, that means missing your target over and over again and wasting bullets. A scope brings fun to the game.
However, most of us can’t afford an extremely military-like expensive one. But some include all the benefits of a high-end scope nonetheless.
CVLIFE provides us with just that. Let’s cut to the chase, shall we? A scope is outlined in two ways: magnification and size of the objective lens.
Here, the ”6-24x” refers to the variable magnification range. Variable scopes are useful in target shooting and hunting applications.
It contains a field of view of 28 ft at 100 yards. The FOV is measured in feet at 100 yards. A scope like this with a large diameter or objective allows more light to pass through making it easier and brighter to spot the target.
This indicates the part of the view you see through your scope from right to left at that distance. Besides, it also consists of 1/8 inches of MOA click value. Using the 1/8 inch scope means that each click equals 1/8 inch movement at 100 yards.
To top it all off, CVLIFE made certain that their product works great in any weather without causing any hindrance to the quality of hunting. The scope is shockproof, waterproof as well as fog-proof.
Also, due to its multicoated optics, the light transmission is maximum, thus making the target’s image through the riflescope clearer and sharper. And it includes both green and red light illuminated reticles.
It suggests the capability to provide the optimum level of precision and accuracy in low-light and darker areas during hunting.
The nocturnal in you will be most satisfied. This riflescope has all the convenient and important features that you most probably seek for your rifle.
7. Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope
Simmons is all about providing the most distinct product that holds customers’ attention. Unlike other brands, Simmons has added features that not only will make your jaw drop but also help you realize the uniqueness that comes at such a reasonable cost.
High quality and low cost, best of both worlds, I must say. It consists of high-grade fully coated optics which means all glass surfaces are coated with a single layer of coating which inhibits reflection.
Its added HydroSheild coating makes sure the performance of the scope is phenomenal regardless of the atmospheric conditions. Durability is the first of its many qualities, but it surely is incredibly handy when it comes to making the most of a low-budget scope.
Keeping the parallax issue in mind, Simmons includes parallax correction from 50 yards to infinity. It prevents the inconsistency that occurs in the field of vision due to the movement of your eye position. The accuracy that you are so concerned about might not be an issue anymore.
Your aim and target will remain unobstructed with these scopes. For all the avid hunters, this is your time to rejoice in your hobby and make the most of it. The included ring size of this scope is Rimfire 3/8″ dovetail mounting rings that suit .22 rifles perfectly.
To make it cozier for you, it has SureGrip adjustments. Simmons’ entire resource’s sole purpose is to make your hunting experiences much more enjoyable and comfortable without any hassle to worry about.
A QTA eyepiece ensures better clarity of the image and an eye relief of 3.75 inches, ensuring quality and fast sight pictures. Furthermore, it contains a duplex reticle, which is great for fast target acquisition and precise shooting.
Duplex crosshairs usually start thick at the edges of the reticles and become thinner as it gets to the center of the reticle. To sum up, this scope is considered to give the expensive ones a run for their money.
8. Monstrum 3-9×32 with Rangefinder Reticle
If high functioning performance, along with quality is what you are seeking, then Monstrum is just the right brand for you. They certainly own up to their name and create monsters that fit your rifle perfectly.
Upgrading your firearm for the next hunting trip with this riflescope might as well be the best thing that would happen to you.
How easy is taking down your target? To answer that question, you need to take a look at the scope you are using and check how far it can zoom in.
Monstrum answers this question with its variable 3 to 9 times magnification with a 32mm objective lens diameter. Any target you aim, from 300 yards and beyond is yours.
Also, if you are likely to enjoy hunting during the night rather than daylight, it offers an outstanding adjustable reticle illumination which makes it one of the best night vision scopes.
This comes with five brightness levels in both red and green. Your field of vision during any hour is taken care of, much like everything else.
Coupled with that, Monstrum includes an adjustable objective lens or most commonly known as AO. It provides a very clear sight picture, and as it turns out when a scope corrects for parallax at a given distance, it also focuses on the target image.
To add the cherry on top, it has a variable eye relief of 3.5 to 3.8 inches. It consists of a rangefinder reticle that is used over a long distance to estimate the distance of a target to allow for a projectile drop.
By using a reticle with marks of known angular spacing, this scope will certainly make hunting significantly easier for you. It is also very lightweight considering it weighs about 1 pound only.
9. Simmons Truplex (3-9X40, Matte)
Looking for a budget-friendly scope that gives the feel of the incredibly expensive ones? What could be the best deer rifle scope for the money?
Simmons may have the right equipment for you. There is no doubt that this company is one of the leading names in the market for selling the best scopes.
The fact that we have already reviewed one of their products before says a lot. This beast perhaps is worth your money. If you are concerned about the zooming capabilities, this scope wipes out all your concerns as it zooms from 3x to 9x effortlessly.
Also, the lens also has an objective diameter of 40mm, which is impressive when it comes to the field of view. Simmons offers 31.4 feet to 10.5 feet at 100 yards field of view. This expands your range while hunting. Moreover, it has an eye relief of 3.75 inches.
It’s common to find yourself in a climate harsher than normal during hunting, and during that time, a scope that withstands these atmospheric issues is a necessity. To prevent this problem, Simmons provides its scope with waterproof and fog-proof casing.
Along with that, it is recoil-free, which ensures the ultimate level of performance without any drawback. To secure more durability, it has a HydroSheild lens and multicoated optics that give rise to clearer and brighter imaging.
Furthermore, Simmons issues an eyepiece that has QTA. Just as the name suggests, it helps you focus on your target and aim properly without much adjustment to the settings. It has an added feature of a triplex reticle, which helps anchor the target at the center easily.
Additionally, the True Zero windage elevation adjustment assures the setting remains locked at zero no matter the conditions. Furthermore, it consists of ¼ MOA SureGrip, and the click setting is protected with caps.
If that was not enough, it guarantees the protection of lenses with a sturdy lens cap that is attached to the scope by a piece of durable elastic.
10. Sniper MT3-9x40AOL
Are you wondering what snipers feel like holding their weapons and shooting their targets?
Well, you probably wouldn’t want to be a professional sniper but to give you a similar experience, its namesake brand has come up with just the perfect scope for your next big hunt.
This product consists of a red, green illuminated color Mil-Dot reticle that helps estimate the size of a target at a known distance with ease.
It has quick-reaching button operations and the last active color memory function. Also, it is designed to turn off its power to conserve the battery’s life automatically.
Now that’s a game-changer. The lens must be coated. It is a necessity. The coating is as important as the quality of lenses. Moreover, if your scope is multi-coated, then you have lucked out.
Sniper’s product has high-grade multi-coating over its lenses to reduce the amount of glare and reflection as well as minimize light loss. It also ensures that the ideal amount of light is transmitted in order to bring clarity and brightness to the image. Also, it has a magnification range from 3x to 9x.
To maintain a precise shot, it’s important to determine the MOA of scope and understand the value.
This one comes up with a ¼ minute of angle for windage and elevation adjustment. Additionally, it contains Quick Tactical Adjustment, meaning it’s easier for the scope to zero in.
It is weatherproof and shockproof to prevent any damage to the scope of the one using it. This adds to the scope’s durability.
Furthermore, it has an eye relief of 3.7-3.9 inches. Countless features add to the scope’s advantage. Texas Precision Optics Inc. offers a lifetime warranty.
The ball’s in your court; it’s time to decide the best cheap rifle scope for 17 WSM.
Features to Expect in Such Low Budget
It’s quite a miracle that a small magnifying object can hold a vast amount of features at such a low price. However, your rifle is almost as useless as it can be without a scope to accessorize and help make hunting and target shooting much easier.
Its main application involves magnifying the target, giving you much more clarity than the naked eye.
A higher level of precision and accuracy is guaranteed through the usage of the scope. It’s a no-brainer why most of us are opting for scopes to attach to our rifle.
Who doesn’t want a precise aim?
Alas, there is an overwhelming number of features and options that must be taken into account before making the purchase.
We have gone through enough research to narrow down the keynotes to help resolve the perplexity concerning the purchase of rifle scopes.
The sole purpose of this article is to make this task as easy as possible for you. Without any more delay, let’s have a look at the most important factors you need to consider.
Magnification
Perhaps, the chief feature while looking for a rifle scope is the ability to zoom in. Generally, most of us tend to believe that the highest power magnifying ability is the best one out there. However, it’s not the only feature that needs to be kept in check.
If you are a target shooter, it might make sense to consider buying a high-powered scope. But if you are an avid hunter, a decent powered scope with a larger field of view might be the solution to your problem.
To make things far easier, most companies are manufacturing variable scopes that can alter the magnification. Since there are plenty of options for you, it comes down to your preference.
Objective Lens
The power of an objective lens is far greater than we can presume. This is a lens that holds great value for two primary reasons. It holds the power to control the amount of light entering through the scope and determines the area of the field of view.
A larger objective lens suggests brighter imaging for making the perfect shot. It might give rise to mounting issues due to the scope being heavier.
The field of view plays a very prominent role in the case of an objective lens. The bigger the region, the easier it is for you to aim for your target.
However, a larger objective lens indicates much more image clarity due to its capacity to allow light into the scope. If you want more improvement, you should consider scopes under $400.
Coating of Lens
To keep the image quality of your lens top-notch, the important factor that should be kept in mind is lens coating.
Lens coating is the secret behind the sharp and clear image through your scope. It significantly reduces reflection and lens glare, meanwhile regulating the amount of light entering.
There are four different types of lens coating. The only coated lens has a single layer of coating that repels reflection. Fully coated lenses use the same single-layer coating.
On top of that, multi-coating means it has a combination of layers only on the objective lens. The fully multi-coated lens uses a mixture of layers on the entire surface lens.
Reticle
If you are a passionate hunter, you should know about your reticles to your bones. It is also commonly known as the crosshair. You will find yourself surrounded by several different reticles to choose from; each specialized in its way.
Reticle’s thickness matters greatly during shooting; a thicker crosshair will influence the precision of the shot and will be more efficient during darker times.
Additionally, a thinner crosshair suggests higher precision while making the shot but can get inconvenient during low light shooting.
There are illuminated reticles present in the market as well for more convenience during shooting. It depends mostly on the style while choosing the reticle.
Eye Relief
It is a major feature as it determines the distance to get a perfect image. Average eye relief varies from 3 inches to almost 1 foot. An eye relief not only does provide a clear image but also helps to prevent injury to your eyes.
Longer eye relief is comparatively safer, but it can get slightly harder to see through the scope. To eliminate any danger to your eye, it’s wise to choose a longer eye relief.
However, if you are more concerned about making the best shot, then an average eye relief will work just fine.
Protection
Most of us tend to like hunting even during the most heinous atmospheric conditions; it surely doesn’t stop you from enjoying yourself to the fullest.
Scopes that withstand any weather condition fall top in the priority list — water and fog-proof to be exact.
Besides, shock and recoil proof must be sought out while making the purchase. These basic level durability features make your scope much better equipment for your rifle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s have a look at some of the most commonly asked queries related to rifle scopes.
What is Parallax?
Parallax is a phenomenon that occurs while viewing faraway targets. The crosshair seems to move or shift. To correct the parallax, AO (Adjustable Objective) may be used.
What is MOA?
Its full form is Minute of Angle. A term, which refers to appoint variances on a target at 100 yards is most commonly used to describe the adjustment on a scope.
What’s The Best Magnification for a Hunting Scope?
The ideal magnification that provides you with a clear image of your target is known to be the best magnification.
Do I Need a Fixed or Variable (Zoom) Rifle Scope?
First of all, it is mainly up to you to decide which one you prefer the most. Your style and means of shooting play a significant role while choosing.
Variable riflescope offers versatility as you can switch from lower magnification to higher, whereas fixed magnification scope is simplistic and does not require any adjustment.
What are the Windage and Elevation Adjustments?
The windage adjustment lets you shift the aiming point of your scope along the horizontal plane. And the elevation adjustment on a rifle scope allows you to move the aiming point of the scope vertically along the plane.
Final Words
After a considerable amount of time, this article has come to the end of its journey. The purpose of this article was to provide you with the essential information for you to select the best rifle scope under $100.
Your preference is what truly matters in the end. Since you have thoroughly gone through the list, you can ultimately make the final purchase without any trouble.