Best Rifle Scope For The Money

It is challenging to find the right rifle scope for the money according to your purpose and budget. Whether you are going to hunt coyotes, varmint, or hogs, or you are planning to go hunting in the daytime or at night I am here to help you with my hands-on experience and real reviews of top-budget riflescopes. After testing many, I choose the top 10 best rifle scopes for the money 2022.

These best inexpensive rifle scopes come with a decent design, easy adjustments, high-quality glass for clear images, etc. The riflescopes in our list range from less than $100 to more than $900. You can easily choose the best riflescope for the money by reading the detailed reviews.

By the end, you will know which specific rifle scope suits your wallet and what kind of optic to get while going hunting.

So, here we go

Our Top Picks

 

EDITOR’S CHOICE
CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope
CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope
 
9.7
  • Brand: CVLIFE
  • Magnification: 6-24x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
  • Sport Type: Hunting
PREMIUM PICK
Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical FFP Riflescopes
Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical FFP Riflescopes
 
9.3
  • Brand: Vortex
  • Magnification: 4-16x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 44mm
  • Sport Type: Hunting
BUDGET PICK
Trijicon TR23 AccuPoint Riflescope
Trijicon TR23 AccuPoint Riflescope
 
8.5
  • Brand: Trijicon
  • Magnification: 5-20x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
  • Sport Type: Hunting

 

 

List of Top-Rated Rifle Scopes for the Money

For your convenience and ease, we made a list of top-rated rifle scopes for the money so that you can compare the products quickly. A detailed review of each product is also written after the list to give you can read features thoroughly before buying a rifle scope that values your money.

Image Product Details   Price
cvlife 6-24 CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope Brand: CVLIFE
Magnification: 6-24x
Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
Sport Type: Hunting
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utg compact UTG 3-12X44 Compact Scope Brand: UTG
Magnification: 3-12x
Objective Lens Diameter: 30mm
Item Weight: 1.45 Pounds
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vortex-crossfire-2 Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable Objective, SFP Riflescopes Brand: Vortex
Magnification: 4-12x
Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
Sport Type: Hunting
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simmons Simmons Rifle Scope Brand: Simmons
Magnification: 3-9x
Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
Sport Type: Hunting
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bushnell banner Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope Brand: Bushnell
Magnification: 3-9x
Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
Sport Type: Hunting
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VO diamondback Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical Riflescopes Brand: Vortex
Magnification: 4-16x
Objective Lens Diameter: 44mm
Sport Type: Hunting
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viper parallax Vortex Optics Viper Parallax Adjustment SFP Riflescopes Brand: Vortex
Magnification: 6.5-20x
Material: Aluminum
Sport Type: Hunting
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monstrum rangefinder reticle Monstrum Rifle Scope with Rangefinder Reticle Brand: Monstrum
Magnification: 1-4x
Objective Lens Diameter: 20mm
Material: Aluminum
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monstrum g2 Monstrum FFP Rifle Scope with Illuminated BDC Reticle Brand: Monstrum
Magnification: 1-4x
Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm
Sport Type: Hunting
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trijicon-tr23 Trijicon TR23 AccuPoint Riflescope Brand: Trijicon
Magnification: 5-20x
Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
Sport Type: Hunting
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1. CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope

CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24x50 AOE Red and Green Illuminated Gun Scope with Free Mount
  • Brand: CVLIFE
  • Magnification: 6-24x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
  • Sport Type: Hunting

First on my list is the CVLIFE hunting rifle scope, which will impress you with its high-end features. It comes in black color, 17 x 3.1 x 3.1 inches dimensions, and the item weight is ‎630 Grams.

The turrets are well designed and precisely constructed. It allows perfect elevation adjustments and crispy, precise windage. You can reset the turrets to zero by removing the cap and adjusting fastly. I quickly change Hand-Turn 1/8-inch for 100 Yards, which helps me for perfect aiming.

best rifle scope for the money

The other best thing is Eyepiece, with a dioptric adjustment lens without image aberration. Ocular is also adjustable and offers precise results for far and near images. If the shooter wants to get an accurate shot with high contrast colors, CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope is best for you because its fully coated lens delivers 95% more transmission than standard scopes in this range.

The bonded coating on the lens is resistant to wear and tear and also lasts more. Along with it, you can move the adjustable objective (AO) lens with the parallax dial at the end of the scope. With this adjustment, you can get a sharper target image, estimate the range and eliminate parallax.

best rifle scope for the money

The reticle featured red and green two illuminations. You can adjust these colors with five brightness levels and find a perfect brightness level in various weather conditions or low lights. Last but not least is 6-24x Magnification, which is ideal for mid-range hunting.

Pros
  • Easy to Mount.
  • Sharper target image.
  • Adjustable Eyepiece.
  • Reliable Windage and Elevation.
  • Two illuminations with 5-level adjusting.
Cons
  • Construction needs improvement.

2. UTG 3-12X44 Compact Scope

UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope, AO, 36-color Mil-dot, Rings , Black
  • Brand: UTG
  • Magnification: 3-12x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 30mm
  • Item Weight: 1.45 Pounds

My next great option is compact scope from UTG with 3x to 12x magnification settings and a 30 mm objective lens. It allows you to target an effective range of 1000 yards.

The water & fog proof frame, lasting materials, 10.39 x 1.57 x 2.09 inches dimensions, and 1.45 pounds weight ensures durability even if the scope is dropped. Though there are plenty of features in this best inexpensive rifle scope, I don’t like that it lacks a mounting system.

best rifle scope fo rthe money

The special multi emerald-coated lenses have superior durability and optimal light transmission. flip-open lens caps and a specially angled front sunshade prevent too much light. The lenses will not glare when the shooter points the scope toward the sun’s direction, and the lenses will not glare.              

The other best thing that impresses me is the excellent illuminated Reticle that comes with full color and 36 different settings. You can select any color with the illumination control dial on the main tube.

 Compared to standard reticles that are a little less durable, UTG 3-12X44 Reticle is built with special circuitry. It is tough enough to offer uninterrupted illumination when the shooter uses the scope with a heavy recoil rifle.

best rifle scope for the money

The resetting turrets can be zero-locked. The shooter can adjust and elevate the windage for long distant shooting. The sealed and nitrogen-filled 30-millimeter tube is rainproof, shockproof, and fog-proof so enjoy satisfying shooting in any weather.

Pros
  • 36 reticle settings
  • Phenomenal lenses
  • Best turret performance
  • Sunshade lens protection
Cons

3. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable Objective Riflescopes

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable Objective, Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescopes
  • Brand: Vortex
  • Magnification: 4-12x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
  • Sport Type: Hunting

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable Objective, SFP Riflescopes offers fundamental functionality at its best. I think it is one of the best rifle scopes for the money as it is an excellent package with quality vision and optimal price.

It comes with 18.1 x 4.4 x 2.9 inches dimensions, and the item weight is 2.15 Pounds. The single-piece tube body is made of Aircraft-grade aluminum for ultimate strength. The scope integrity ensures accurate and precise adjustments.

best rifle scope for the money

The best thing is its fully multicoated optics come with multiple layers of anti-reflective coatings. It provides optimal light transmission and keeps glare minimum. The adjustable objective removes parallax and provides image focus, while fully multi-coated lenses are anti-reflective and offer bright and clear views. It helps you acquire your target easily and quickly get a sight picture.

 The Crossfire scope has a capped zero-reset turret and offers protection in weather conditions. Besides this, turrets are fully waterproof and fog-proof during winter hunting and inevitable accidents in rain or mud. And 9X magnifications are suitable for mid-level hunting, not for high-end shooters. Overall, I find the ease of use, clarity, and accuracy with the crossfire, and best of all is VIP unconditional lifetime warranty.

Pros
  • Zero-reset turret
  • Fully weatherproof
  • Easy reticle focusing
  • Long eye relief
Cons
  • Mediocre Optical Quality

4. Simmons Rifle Scope

Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope with Truplex Reticle
  • Brand: Simmons
  • Magnification: 3-9x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
  • Sport Type: Hunting

The Simmons rifle scope looks perfect with matte black color, 14 x 3 x 3 inches dimensions, and 0.63 pounds weight. Its fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof design allows you to hunt accurately during harsh shooting conditions. The solid and durable good quality material can withstand shooting in every weather.

This Simmon scope comes with a 50mm objective lens, and its magnification ranges from 3X and 9X. I highly recommend this best budget rifle scope for short to medium-distance shooting. With 60″ of adjustment, the scope offers a 31.4′-10.5′ field of view. At 100 yards, that is impressive.

 The lens contains a 16.6-to-5.6mm exit pupil. However, I will not recommend you to use Simmons scope with a heavy recoil firearm because its eye relief is 3.75″. The truplex reticle works on the lens’s right, left, bottom, and lens. So, you can easily see hits of your bullets with the thinner crosshair. You can easily acquire the target with the crosshairs and focus on the target without making many adjustments to the scope settings.

The specially coated lenses provide a brighter image and high contrast in low light conditions and day hunting. The high-quality lens offers a clear and sharper image. So for any type of hunting, these lenses help you focus on your target.

You can see elevation and windage adjustment knobs designed with caps. These caps protect the extra light entering the scope in the middle of the scope, while zero setting in a harsh environment helps much in the shooting.

Pros
  • Truplex Reticle
  • Best for price
  • Audible click windage
  • 3 to 9X Magnification
Cons
  • Less than 4″ eye relief

5. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope

Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope with 3.3-Inch Eye Relief, 3-9X 40mm , Black
  • Brand: Bushnell
  • Magnification: 3-9x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
  • Sport Type: Hunting

Bushnell has been the market leader in the optics world since 1948, and one of its high-end models is Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope. It comes with an affordable price, the highest quality performance, and a reliable, cutting-edge design.

The black-colored Hunting Riflescope comes with 16.3 x 2.5 x 3.12 inches dimensions, and the item weight is 0.87 Pounds. The beautiful scope is made of high-quality plastic material that offers durability.

best rifle scope for the money

Fully Multi-Coated (FMC) optics is waterproof that prevent fogging. In any season, this scope offers a crisp and clear image. So, you can easily take this scope during the rain or low-light hunting of dusk and dawn.

Besides this, the Bushnell Banner riflescope comes with a Multi-X reticle that offers easy, fast target acquisition and a classic sight picture. A multi-x crosshair reticle with the second focal plane (SFP) helps the shooter easily see the target even on winter days because it is a simple but powerful low-light tool.

best rifle scope for the money

The zero resettable capped turrets of Bushnell scope offer resettable windage and elevation adjustments. Besides this, a fast-focus eyepiece allows the shooter to adjust the reticle according to the eye with easy focus and perfect clarity.

The dusk & dawn brightness multicoated lenses offer extra clarity and brightness. And 3.3 inches of eye relief keeps the eye relaxed during long hours of shooting. There is much more such as a 40-millimeter objective lens and 3 to 9x Magnification.

Pros
  • Fast-focus eyepiece
  • Easy target Acquisition
  • Fully multicoated (FMC) optics
  • Waterproof construction
Cons
  • Crosshairs are not perfect

6. Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical FFP Riflescopes

Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescopes
  • Brand: Vortex
  • Magnification: 4-16x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 44mm
  • Sport Type: Hunting

Next are my favorite vortex optics diamondback Tactical FFP riflescopes that offer great precision and value. On an excellent budget, it offers an impressive array of performance and features; that’s why it stands #6 on my list. Vortex optics diamondback riflescopes’ dimensions are 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 inches, and the item weight is 2.5 pounds, while pure aluminum construction makes it a long-lasting rifle scope.

This best rifle scope for the money comes with a single piece 30mm tube that is ruggedly built to withstand recoil and shockproof. The nitrogen purging and strong o-ring seals ensure waterproof and fog-proof performance.

The objective lens diameter is 44 millimeters, and fully multi-coated lenses work with extra-low dispersion glass to ensure the image is bright and crisp. Its 4x zoom range remains accurate with the help of a focal plane and glass-etched reticle. Its optical system is specifically designed for 1000 yards and beyond shooting.

The feature that really impresses me is the precision-glide erector system works perfectly with premium components in the zoom lens. It ensures perfect 16 x magnification changes in the harshest conditions.

At this price point, I hardly see such high-quality exposed tactical turrets. Along with, a side parallax knob helps me much for long-distance precision shooting. Last but not least is a fast-focus eyepiece that lets me easy and quick reticle focus.

Pros
  • Precision-glide erector system.
  • Impressive features at the best price.
  • 30mm tube is shockproof.
  • Lasts more with aluminum material.
Cons
  • The eyepiece is a little big.

7. Vortex Optics Viper Parallax Adjustment SFP Riflescopes

Vortex Optics Viper Parallax Adjustment Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
  • Brand: Vortex
  • Magnification: 6.5-20x
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Sport Type: Hunting

It is obvious that professional shooting needs high-end scopes that come in thousands of dollars. But, thanks to the vortex viper scope for offering awesome features at the best budget. Due to its high-end qualities, I will recommend it for long-range, predator, and target hunting.

The viper scope comes with ‎16 x 4.6 x 4.2 inches dimensions, and the item weight is ‎2 pounds; aluminum construction helps this scope last for years, and the black color offers a stylish look. The viper is designed with an o-ring sealed and argon purged, and its waterproof performance ensures you can do perfect shooting in fog and rain. A 30mm main tube built with a hard anodized finish helps this scope withstand rugged, tough hunting.

best rifle scope for the money

The mil-dot reticle is designed with inspiration from US marine corps. It helps in windage and bullet holdover, so the shooter can estimate range easily. Same as costly scopes, its fast focus eyepiece helps easy reticle focusing. In addition, MAG-bar allows quick change in magnification with ease. The minimum magnification is 6.5 while the maximum is 20.

The premium, fully multicoated lenses are coated with Armortek, which protects the lenses from damage. These extra-low dispersion lenses come with great color fidelity and excellent resolution. The XR coatings on lenses gather the light in low lights conditions and improve vision.

After sighting in the riflescope, I can easily re-indexing the turret to zero, and the cap on turrets prevents extra lights from entering in scope so the shooter can focus on the target. If you want to adjust the shooting position, do it quickly with a visible range number. Also, make easy parallax adjustments with the help of a side knob parallax.

Pros
  • 30mm main tube.
  • Capped reset turrets.
  • Extra-low dispersion lenses.
  • Incredible light transmission.
Cons
  • Customer service is not good.

8. Monstrum Rifle Scope with Rangefinder Reticle

Monstrum 1-4x20 Rifle Scope with Rangefinder Reticle and Medium Profile Scope Rings
  • Brand: Monstrum
  • Magnification: 1-4x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 20mm
  • Material: Aluminum

If you are practicing shooting or a mid-range shooter, the Monstrum tactical scope will be ideal because it offers close to mid-range shooting. This black scope is made of 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum, and 12.68 x 4.33 x 3.11 inches dimensions with 11 ounces weight make it a durable scope. The 1-inch sealed nitrogen-filled Monstrum scopes tube provides resistance to water and fog.

best rifle scope for the money

The etched black reticle ensures clear light without illumination. If you want better reticle visibility in low light environments and at night, select red or green light with lever control according to your preference of multiple brightness intensities.

These rangefinder reticles are specifically designed for on-the-fly range estimation, holdover correction, and faster range estimation. At the same time, crystal clear optics and 1-4x magnification are also best.

best rifle scope for the money

It also comes with a set of 1-inch high-profile scope rings. You can easily mount these rings to the flattop Picatinny rail-equipped rifle. It measures 0.8 inches from the mount base to the ring’s bottom. The aerospace aluminum construction makes these rings lightweight and durable. A 20mm objective diameter, a high-end lens with lens covers, and an eye relief of 3.5-3.8 Inches make this scope perfect for any type of shooing.

Pros
  • Red or green illumination.
  • Aircraft-grade aluminum.
  • Lightweight and durable.
  • Resistance to water and fog.
Cons
  • Parallax is noticeable on lower power.

9. Monstrum FFP Rifle Scope with Illuminated BDC Reticle

Monstrum G2 1-4x24 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope with Illuminated BDC Reticle
  • Brand: Monstrum
  • Magnification: 1-4x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm
  • Sport Type: Hunting

Monstrum FFP Rifle Scope comes in black color, 11.26 x 3.7 x 3.03 inches dimensions, and the item weight is 1 Pound. Aircraft-grade aluminum construction and nitrogen-charged tube with 30 mm sealing protect this scope from water and fog. The G2 line of FFP scopes offers premium high-performance optics at a relatively low budget.

The best thing about the scope is the first focal plane rangefinder reticle that offers holdover correction and faster range estimation. The shooter can easily see an etched black reticle without illumination. You can also adjust the red or green light for better reticle visibility in low light and at night. The manual brightness override helps you adjust the reticle to suit your preferences. If you increase magnification, reticle size remains constant for the perfect aiming point.

best rifle scope for the money
Illuminated Rangefinder Reticle

Besides this, the adjustable objective (AO) lens eliminates parallax, offers the perfect focus of the target image, and estimates the shooting range. A full multi-layer lens coating keeps the image sharp and focused by reducing chromatic aberrations.

Windage and Elevation dials are controlled by a side focus dial and are very easy to adjust. You can remove the caps for setting the scope to zero. The magnification of this best cheap rifle scope ranges from 1-4x, perfect for shooting up to 300+ yards and mid to long-range targets.

4 – 4.5 in keeps the eye relaxed while the package also included medium profile Picatinny scope rings, spring-loaded flip-up lens covers, CR2032 3V battery, cleaning cloth, and honeycomb filter sunshade that makes it the best cheap rifle scope.

Pros
  • Best elevation adjustments.
  • Focal plane rangefinder reticle.
  • Controlled illumination.
  • Faster range estimation.
Cons
  • Customer service is not satisfactory.

10. Trijicon TR23 AccuPoint Riflescope

Trijicon TR23 AccuPoint 5-20x50 Riflescope
  • Brand: Trijicon
  • Magnification: 5-20x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
  • Sport Type: Hunting

Last on my list is Trijicon TR23 accupoint best inexpensive rifle scope that offers perfect tactile shooting. Its easy-to-use features accurately extend its range in any light. There is much more to know, so let’s discuss.

This green hunting scope comes with 15.5 x 5 x 3.75 inches dimensions, and its weight is 1.84 pounds. With the aircraft-grade aluminum construction, the scope lasts more, while all-weather rugged construction offers perfect image quality in tough weather.

The tritium aiming-point Illumination and perfect optics extend available shooting hours and speed target acquisition. Dual-illumination system adjusts the aiming point by automatically adjusting the brightness and lighting condition.

This Trijicon scope’s second focal plane reticle remains constant with the increased magnification. It means the aiming point remains perfect even at higher magnification. The shooter can easily adjust the reticle according to your need with the manual brightness adjustment.

The reticle aiming point can be contrasted according to available light conditions. If the shooter is going to shoot at night, a tritium phosphor lamp brightens the reticle for perfect aiming.

Multicoated, superior quality lenses come with great light-gathering abilities, superior image clarity, and zero distortion. The best feature is fiber optic technology with the shooter to adjust the brightness level without any battery.

The last but not least feature is turrets are MOA, but it lacks locking features, and the cap is also absent, so extra light may enter when you shoot on the sunny side.

Pros
  • Manual brightness adjusting.
  • Zero forward emission.
  • Battery-free illumination.
  • Dual-illumination system.
Cons
  • Turrets lack caps.

Buying guide for best rifle scope for the money

There are the following things to check before buying the best rifle scope for the money.

Objective Lens

The front lens on the scope is called the objective lens measured in millimeters. If the objective lens is larger, more light will enter in scope, and this feature is specifically helpful in low light conditions. However, if the objective lens is large, the scope becomes bulky.

Scope Coating

The coating on the lens improves image performance, prevents glare and water from entering, and helps light transmission. Coating varies according to scope size and price. The average quality scopes come with multiple coats, but high-quality scopes have only one coating. The scope coating matters a lot, so spend more on it. Most scopes come with simple coated, fully coated, multicoated, and fully multicoated lenses.

Reticle

The riflescope’s aiming point is the crosshairs or reticle and comes in markings, dots, and lining. Some reticles come with illumination for easy shooting in low light, and the reticle style varies according to the brand of scope.

Eye relief

It means a comfortable distance that the shooter can hold in riflescope from the eye and the ability to see the full image. The eye relief depends upon the magnification of the scope. If the eye scope is larger, the shooter can see the target quickly, and it also protects the eyes from injury if the rifle recoils.

FAQs

Commonly, take the optics to the range, focus on your target and fire three rounds. The turrets will help you adjust the elevation and windage from the projectiles impacted. Continue this process until hitting the target.

Various scopes attach in various ways, but mostly, mounting all rifle scopes is common. Before mounting, ensure that eye relief and height are right. Then, attach the mount to your gun, and attach the scope needed to mount.

The best budget rifle scope comes with a zero-reset turret, fully weatherproof material, easy reticle focusing, long eye relief, fast-focus eyepiece, easy target acquisition, and fully multicoated (FMC) optics. The optics in my list with these features is CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope.

Conclusion

I hope you like my reviews of the best rifle scope for the money, and my guide is helpful for you in finding a perfect scope for shooting. Most of these scopes offer more light transmission, perfect image quality, estimate the range easily, perfect brightness level in various weather conditions, and decent magnification. 

Editor’s choice

Though all scope is personally tested by me and offers good quality, the editor’s choice is CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope.

Premium pick

 At the same time, the premium pick is Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical FFP Riflescopes.

Best budget

While best budget rifle scope for 2022 is Trijicon TR23 AccuPoint Riflescope.

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