Hey there, fellow hunters and shooting enthusiasts! Joel Mccartan here, and I’m thrilled to dive deep into the world of 3x9x50 scopes with you today. As an avid hunter and night vision gear aficionado, I’ve spent countless hours in the field putting these optics through their paces. Trust me when I say that finding the right scope can make all the difference between a successful hunt and a frustrating day in the woods.
Now, you might be wondering, “Joel, why should I care about 3x9x50 scopes specifically?” Well, let me tell you, this configuration is like the Swiss Army knife of the optics world. The 3-9x magnification range gives you the versatility to tackle everything from dense brush hunting to respectable long-range shots. Pair that with a generous 50mm objective lens, and you’ve got a scope that drinks in light like a thirsty hiker at a mountain spring. This means clearer, brighter images during those crucial low-light periods at dawn and dusk when game is most active.
But here’s the kicker – you don’t have to sell a kidney to get your hands on a quality 3x9x50 scope anymore. Advancements in manufacturing and fierce competition among brands have brought premium features down to budget-friendly price points. So, without further ado, let’s dive into my top picks for the best 3x9x50 scopes under budget in 2024!
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9×50 – The All-Around Champion
Vortex has been making waves in the optics world for years now, and the Crossfire II line is a prime example of why. This scope strikes an impressive balance between quality and affordability that’s hard to beat.
The first thing you’ll notice when you look through the Crossfire II is the clarity. The fully multi-coated lenses deliver a sight picture that’s impressively bright and sharp, especially considering the price point. I’ve used this scope in everything from misty Pacific Northwest forests to sun-baked Texas scrubland, and it’s never let me down.
One of my favorite features is the fast-focus eyepiece. When you’re trying to get on target quickly, every second counts. The Crossfire II allows for rapid reticle focusing, which can make all the difference when a trophy buck suddenly appears in your shooting lane.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is another standout feature. It provides reference points for different ranges, making holdover corrections a breeze. I remember using this scope during an antelope hunt in Wyoming last year. We spotted a nice buck at about 300 yards, and thanks to the BDC reticle, I was able to make a clean, ethical shot without having to fumble with turret adjustments.
Speaking of adjustments, the Crossfire II features capped reset turrets that are finger-adjustable with MOA clicks. They’re not quite as crisp as some higher-end scopes, but they track true and hold zero reliably. I’ve put thousands of rounds downrange with this scope mounted on various rifles, and I’ve never had issues with wandering zero.
Durability is another strong point for the Crossfire II. The single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed, making it waterproof and fog proof. I’ve accidentally dropped this scope (mounted on a rifle) from a tree stand, and it shrugged off the impact like it was nothing.
The generous eye relief (about 3.8 inches) is a godsend if you’re shooting hard-recoiling calibers. I once lent this scope to a buddy who mounted it on his .300 Win Mag. Even with that stout recoil, he didn’t end up with the dreaded “scope eye.”
Now, no scope is perfect, and the Crossfire II does have a few minor drawbacks. The turret clicks, while functional, aren’t as tactile as some shooters might prefer. Also, at lower magnification settings, there’s a bit of edge distortion visible. However, given the price point (typically under $300), these are very minor quibbles.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×50 – The American-Made Legend
When it comes to reputation in the hunting optics world, few names carry as much weight as Leupold. The VX-Freedom line brings Leupold’s legendary quality to a more accessible price point, and the 3-9×50 model is a standout performer.
The first thing that strikes you about the VX-Freedom is the optical clarity. Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System is more than just marketing hype – it noticeably enhances light transmission and reduces glare. I’ve used this scope extensively for whitetail hunting in the dense forests of the Northeast, and the edge-to-edge clarity is impressive, especially in low-light conditions.
The duplex reticle might seem basic compared to some of the more complex designs out there, but there’s a reason it’s stood the test of time. It’s clean, uncluttered, and allows for rapid target acquisition. During a particularly memorable hunt last season, I was able to pick out a buck moving through thick brush thanks to the crisp, high-contrast sight picture this scope provides.
One area where the VX-Freedom really shines is in its mechanical precision. The finger-click adjustments for windage and elevation are satisfyingly crisp, with audible and tactile feedback. This makes zeroing the scope a breeze, and allows for confident field adjustments if needed.
Leupold’s commitment to durability is evident in the VX-Freedom’s construction. The 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum tube is built to withstand serious abuse. It’s waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof – I’ve used this scope in torrential downpours and sub-zero temperatures without any issues.
The eye relief on the VX-Freedom is generous, ranging from 3.66 to 4.17 inches depending on the magnification setting. This gives you a bit more flexibility in mounting options and helps prevent scope eye, especially on hard-kicking rifles.
One feature I particularly appreciate is the 1/4 MOA precision finger click adjustments. When you’re dialing in for longer shots, this level of precision can make a real difference. During a prairie dog hunt in South Dakota last summer, I was able to make consistent hits at 300+ yards thanks to the scope’s accurate adjustments.
The VX-Freedom does come at a slightly higher price point than some others on this list (usually around $300-$400), but in my opinion, the optical quality and rugged reliability more than justify the cost. Plus, it’s backed by Leupold’s legendary lifetime guarantee.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say that some shooters might prefer a more complex reticle for long-range work. Also, while the optical quality is excellent, it doesn’t quite match Leupold’s top-tier (and much more expensive) offerings. However, for the vast majority of hunting and shooting applications, the VX-Freedom is more than capable.
Athlon Optics Talos BTR 3-9×50 – The Budget-Friendly Powerhouse
Athlon might not be a household name like some other optics brands, but they’ve been steadily gaining a reputation for offering feature-rich scopes at very competitive prices. The Talos BTR 3-9×50 is a perfect example of this philosophy in action.
The first thing that sets the Talos BTR apart is its illuminated reticle. This feature is often reserved for much more expensive scopes, but Athlon has managed to include it at a budget-friendly price point. The illumination has multiple brightness settings, allowing you to adjust for different lighting conditions. I found this particularly useful during a hog hunt in Texas, where we were out from late afternoon into the early evening hours.
Another standout feature of the Talos BTR is its first focal plane (FFP) reticle. This means that the reticle size changes as you adjust the magnification, allowing for consistent holdover and ranging regardless of your zoom level. This is a feature typically found on much more expensive tactical and long-range scopes, so seeing it at this price point is impressive.
The glass quality on the Talos BTR is surprisingly good for the price. While it might not quite match the clarity of top-tier scopes, it’s more than adequate for most hunting and shooting scenarios. The fully multi-coated lenses provide good light transmission, which is crucial for those low-light hunting situations.
Durability is another strong point for the Talos BTR. The scope is constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, making it sturdy and resistant to recoil. It’s also argon purged and O-ring sealed, ensuring waterproof and fog proof performance. I’ve used this scope in some pretty nasty weather conditions, and it’s never skipped a beat.
The exposed turrets on the Talos BTR are a nice touch, allowing for quick and easy adjustments in the field. The clicks are audible and tactile, though not quite as crisp as some higher-end scopes. Still, they track accurately and return to zero reliably.
One potential drawback of the Talos BTR is its weight. At around 21.6 ounces, it’s a bit heavier than some other scopes in this category. However, the extra features like the illuminated FFP reticle more than make up for this in my opinion.
The eye relief on the Talos BTR is decent, ranging from 3.3 to 3.5 inches depending on the magnification. While not as generous as some other scopes on this list, it’s sufficient for most shooting applications.
Athlon backs the Talos BTR with a lifetime warranty, which adds significant value to an already impressive package. At a price point typically under $300, this scope offers features usually found on optics costing twice as much or more.
Bushnell Banner 2 3-9×50 – The No-Frills Workhorse
Sometimes, you just need a scope that gets the job done without breaking the bank. That’s where the Bushnell Banner 2 comes in. This scope is a testament to Bushnell’s ability to pack reliable performance into an incredibly affordable package.
The Banner 2 features Bushnell’s DDB (Dusk & Dawn Brightness) multi-coated lenses. While the optical clarity might not quite match some of the pricier options on this list, it’s more than adequate for most hunting scenarios. I’ve used this scope extensively for whitetail hunting in the Midwest, and it’s never let me down, even in low-light conditions.
One of the standout features of the Banner 2 is its Multi-X reticle. This is a simple, uncluttered design that allows for quick target acquisition. While it might lack the ranging capabilities of more complex reticles, its simplicity is an asset when you need to get on target quickly.
The Banner 2 is built tougher than its price tag might suggest. It’s fully waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof, thanks to its one-piece tube construction and dry nitrogen filling. I’ve used this scope in some pretty miserable weather conditions, and it’s held up admirably.
The finger-adjustable windage and elevation turrets on the Banner 2 are functional, if not fancy. They lack the tactile feedback of more expensive scopes, but they hold zero well once set. During a recent coyote hunting trip, I was able to dial in quickly at the range and maintain that zero throughout a week of hard use in the field.
Eye relief on the Banner 2 is a respectable 3.5 inches across the magnification range. This provides a good balance of comfort and flexibility in mounting options. I’ve mounted this scope on everything from .22 LR plinkers to .30-06 hunting rifles without issues.
One area where the Banner 2 really shines is its price point. Typically available for under $100, it’s an incredible value for hunters on a tight budget. While it may lack some of the advanced features of pricier scopes, it covers all the basics competently.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say that the optical clarity, while good, doesn’t quite match some of the other scopes on this list, especially at higher magnifications. Also, the adjustment clicks aren’t as precise as you might find on more expensive options. However, given the price point, these are very minor complaints.
Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9×50 – The Tactical Crossover
Sig Sauer has been making waves in the optics world, leveraging their firearms expertise to create some impressive scopes. The Whiskey3 3-9×50 is a great example of their approach, blending tactical-inspired features with a hunter-friendly design.
The first thing you’ll notice about the Whiskey3 is the clarity of the glass. Sig has used low-dispersion glass in this scope, which results in impressive clarity and color fidelity. During a recent elk hunt in the Rocky Mountains, I was amazed at how well I could pick out animals against the complex backdrop of the terrain, even in challenging lighting conditions.
One of the standout features of the Whiskey3 is its exposed turrets. These allow for quick and easy adjustments in the field, which can be a real asset for longer-range shooting. The clicks are tactile and audible, making it easy to keep track of your adjustments even when you can’t look at the turrets.
The Whiskey3 uses a second focal plane (SFP) quadplex reticle, which is a good all-around choice for hunting applications. It’s uncluttered enough for quick target acquisition at lower magnifications, but still provides some reference points for holdovers at higher magnifications.
Durability is a strong point for the Whiskey3. The scope is built from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, and it’s both fog proof and waterproof. I’ve used this scope in some pretty nasty weather conditions, including a particularly wet and muddy hog hunt in the Southeast, and it’s never missed a beat.
One feature I particularly appreciate is the inclusion of Butler Creek flip-up lens caps. These provide excellent protection for the lenses when you’re moving through thick brush or adverse weather conditions. It’s a small touch, but one that shows Sig’s attention to practical, real-world use.
The eye relief on the Whiskey3 is generous, ranging from 3.5 to 3.9 inches depending on the magnification setting. This makes it comfortable to use even on hard-recoiling rifles. During a recent hunt with a .300 Win Mag, I appreciated the extra buffer this provided against dreaded “scope eye.”
Sig Sauer backs the Whiskey3 with their “Infinite Guarantee,” which is essentially a lifetime warranty. This adds significant value to an already impressive package, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected.
If I had to point out any downsides, I’d say that the exposed turrets, while great for adjustability, can be prone to accidental adjustment if you’re not careful. Also, at around 18 ounces, it’s not the lightest scope in its class, though the extra weight does contribute to its robust feel.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Match
After spending countless hours in the field with these scopes, I can confidently say that each one brings something unique to the table. The Vortex Crossfire II offers exceptional all-around performance and value. The Leupold VX-Freedom brings legendary American-made quality to a more accessible price point. The Athlon Talos BTR packs in features typically found on much more expensive scopes. The Bushnell Banner 2 proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a reliable hunting scope. And the Sig Sauer Whiskey3 brings some tactical flair to the hunting world.
When choosing the right scope for you, consider your specific needs and budget. Think about the type of hunting or shooting you’ll be doing most often. Will you be in dense forests where low-light performance is crucial? Or are you more likely to be taking longer shots across open terrain where precise adjustments are key?
Remember, the best scope is the one that meets your needs and that you’ll actually get out and use. Don’t be afraid to visit your local sporting goods store and get these scopes in your hands before making a final decision. There’s no substitute for looking through a scope yourself to see how it feels and performs.
Whichever scope you choose, I hope this guide has been helpful in narrowing down your options. The world of optics can be overwhelming, but with a 3x9x50 scope, you’re setting yourself up for success in a wide range of hunting and shooting scenarios.
Happy hunting, and as always, if you have any questions, drop them in the comments below! I love geeking out about optics and helping fellow shooters find their perfect setup. Here’s to many successful hunts and satisfying range days with your new scope!