As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with budget AR-15 scopes. Let me tell you, finding a reliable scope under $100 used to be like searching for a needle in a haystack. But times have changed, and the market is now flooded with affordable options that don’t skimp on quality.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through my top 10 picks for the best AR-15 scopes under $100 in 2024. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get started or a seasoned hunter on a budget, I’ve got you covered. So grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive in!
1. UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope
Kicking off our list is the UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope. I remember the first time I mounted this bad boy on my AR-15 – it felt like I’d upgraded to a scope twice its price.
Key Features:
– 3-9x magnification
– 32mm objective lens
– Mil-dot reticle
– Nitrogen-filled, fogproof, and shockproof
What I love about this scope is its versatility. The 3-9x magnification range is perfect for both close-quarter shooting and reaching out to longer distances. The mil-dot reticle is a game-changer for estimating range and holdovers, especially when you’re out in the field and every second counts.
One weekend, I took this scope out for a varmint hunting trip. The clarity of the glass shocked me – I could easily spot prairie dogs at 200 yards, even in the low light of early morning. The zero-reset turrets made adjustments a breeze, and I found myself picking off targets with surprising accuracy.
The only downside? The eye relief can be a bit tight at higher magnifications. But for the price, it’s a minor quibble.
2. CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope
Next up is the CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e. This scope is a testament to how far budget optics have come in recent years.
Key Features:
– 2.5-10x magnification
– 40mm objective lens
– Red and green illuminated reticle
– Includes mounting rings
The standout feature here is the illuminated reticle. I’ve used this scope during twilight hunts, and let me tell you, that red (or green) crosshair makes all the difference when light is scarce. The 2.5-10x magnification range offers great flexibility, whether you’re shooting at the range or out in the woods.
I once took this scope on a wild boar hunt in Texas. The durability impressed me – it held up to the rough handling and humid conditions without a hitch. The clarity isn’t quite on par with high-end scopes, but for under $100, it’s more than serviceable.
One tip: take some time to get familiar with the windage and elevation adjustments. They can be a bit finicky at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be dialing in your shots like a pro.
3. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight
Sometimes, simplicity is key, and that’s where the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight shines.
Key Features:
– 1x magnification
– 3 MOA red dot
– 11 brightness settings
– Waterproof and fogproof
Now, I know what you’re thinking – a red dot sight on an AR-15 scope list? Trust me, for close to medium range shooting, this little powerhouse is hard to beat. The 3 MOA dot is perfect for quick target acquisition, and the 11 brightness settings mean you can use it in any lighting condition.
I’ve used this sight for everything from plinking at the range to home defense drills. The unlimited eye relief and both-eyes-open shooting capability make it incredibly fast and intuitive to use. And let’s not forget about battery life – I’ve had mine running for months on a single battery.
The only caveat? If you’re looking for long-range precision, you’ll want to look elsewhere. But for anything under 100 yards, this sight is a joy to use.
4. Monstrum 3-9×32 Rifle Scope
The Monstrum 3-9×32 is a scope that punches well above its weight class.
Key Features:
– 3-9x magnification
– 32mm objective lens
– Illuminated rangefinder reticle
– Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
What sets this scope apart is its illuminated rangefinder reticle. It’s a feature you typically see on much more expensive scopes, and it’s a game-changer for estimating distances in the field. The reticle can switch between red and green illumination, which is great for adapting to different lighting conditions.
I’ve put this scope through its paces on my AR-15, and I’ve been consistently impressed with its performance. The glass clarity is solid, and the 3-9x magnification range is versatile enough for most hunting and target shooting scenarios.
One word of caution – the eye relief is a bit on the short side. If you’re recoil-sensitive or wear glasses, you might want to consider a different option.
5. Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
The Simmons 8-Point has been a staple in the budget scope market for years, and for good reason.
Key Features:
– 3-9x magnification
– 50mm objective lens
– Truplex reticle
– Fully coated optics
This scope is all about light transmission. The 50mm objective lens gathers a ton of light, making it an excellent choice for low-light hunting situations. I’ve used this scope during twilight deer hunts, and the brightness and clarity of the image never cease to amaze me.
The Truplex reticle is simple and uncluttered, which I appreciate when I’m trying to make quick shots in the field. The adjustments are crisp and reliable – once you zero this scope, it stays zeroed.
If there’s a downside, it’s the weight. That large objective lens comes at a cost, and you’ll definitely notice the extra ounces on your rifle. But if you can handle the weight, the optical performance is worth it.
6. TRUGLO 4x32mm Compact Rimfire and Shotgun Scope
Don’t let the name fool you – the TRUGLO 4x32mm works great on AR-15s too.
Key Features:
– 4x fixed magnification
– 32mm objective lens
– Duplex reticle
– Leaf-spring windage and elevation adjustments
This scope is all about simplicity and reliability. The fixed 4x magnification is perfect for general-purpose shooting out to about 200 yards. The duplex reticle is clean and easy to use, without any unnecessary clutter.
I’ve found this scope to be incredibly durable. I once accidentally dropped my rifle with this scope mounted, and it didn’t lose zero. The leaf-spring adjustment system is old-school but effective – no tiny screws to lose in the field.
The trade-off for the simplicity is a lack of versatility. If you need variable magnification or fancy reticles, look elsewhere. But if you want a no-nonsense scope that just works, this is it.
7. Barska 3-9x40mm IR Huntmaster Pro Riflescope
The Barska Huntmaster Pro is a scope that offers a lot of bang for your buck.
Key Features:
– 3-9x magnification
– 40mm objective lens
– Illuminated mil-dot reticle
– Multicoated optics
What I love about this scope is the illuminated mil-dot reticle. It’s a feature you typically see on much more expensive scopes, and it’s incredibly useful for rangefinding and holdovers. The illumination is subtle – not overpowering like some cheaper scopes.
I’ve used this scope for both hunting and target shooting, and it’s performed admirably in both roles. The glass clarity is surprisingly good for the price point, and the 3-9x magnification range covers most shooting scenarios.
One thing to note – the turrets aren’t the most tactile. If you’re planning on making a lot of on-the-fly adjustments, you might want to look at other options.
8. Pinty 3-9×32 Mil-dot Tactical Rifle Scope
The Pinty 3-9×32 is a scope that offers a lot of features at a very attractive price point.
Key Features:
– 3-9x magnification
– 32mm objective lens
– Illuminated mil-dot reticle
– Includes flip-up lens caps and mounting rings
This scope is all about value. You get an illuminated mil-dot reticle, decent glass clarity, and even some extras like flip-up lens caps and mounting rings. I’ve used this scope on my budget AR-15 build, and it’s held up surprisingly well.
The illuminated reticle is a standout feature. It offers both red and green illumination, which is great for adapting to different lighting conditions. The mil-dot reticle is useful for rangefinding and holdovers, especially if you take the time to learn how to use it effectively.
The downside? The eye relief can be a bit unforgiving, especially at higher magnifications. But if you’re willing to work within its limitations, this scope offers a lot of features for very little money.
9. Feyachi RS-30 1x22mm Reflex Sight
Another red dot on our list, the Feyachi RS-30 offers four reticle patterns for maximum versatility.
Key Features:
– 1x magnification
– 22mm objective lens
– 4 reticle patterns
– Unlimited eye relief
I love this sight for close to medium range shooting. The four reticle patterns (dot, circle dot, crosshair, and starburst) give you options for different shooting scenarios. I find the circle dot particularly useful for quick target acquisition.
The unlimited eye relief and parallax-free design make this sight incredibly fast and easy to use. It’s great for both-eyes-open shooting, which is a huge advantage in dynamic shooting situations.
The trade-off is the lack of magnification. If you need to reach out beyond 100 yards, you’ll want to look at other options. But for close-quarters use or general plinking, this sight is hard to beat for the price.
10. CVLIFE 4×32 Compact Rifle Scope
Rounding out our list is the CVLIFE 4×32 Compact Rifle Scope, a fixed-power option that offers simplicity and reliability.
Key Features:
– 4x fixed magnification
– 32mm objective lens
– Mil-dot reticle
– Includes mounting rings
This scope is all about simplicity. The fixed 4x magnification is perfect for general-purpose shooting out to about 200 yards. The mil-dot reticle offers some rangefinding capabilities, which is a nice touch at this price point.
I’ve found this scope to be surprisingly durable. It’s held up well to the recoil of my AR-15, and the zero has stayed true even after numerous range sessions. The glass clarity is decent – not amazing, but more than adequate for the price.
The downside is the lack of versatility. If you need variable magnification or fancy features, you’ll need to look elsewhere. But if you want a simple, reliable scope that gets the job done, this is a solid choice.
Conclusion
There you have it – my top 10 picks for the best AR-15 scopes under $100 in 2024. It’s amazing how far budget optics have come in recent years. While these scopes may not have all the bells and whistles of their more expensive counterparts, they offer solid performance at a fraction of the cost.
Remember, the best scope for you depends on your specific needs and shooting style. Consider factors like magnification range, reticle type, and intended use when making your choice. And most importantly, get out there and practice with whatever scope you choose. Even the best optic is only as good as the shooter behind it.
Happy hunting, and may your shots always find their mark!