10 Best Rifle Scope Under $200 in 2023- [Updated Picks & Complete Guide]

Are you a cost-conscious hunter, shooter or plinker? If yes and if you are shopping for a scope that is at a low-price range, it is important that you consider looking at the features first before you finally have a pick.

Some shooters, hunters and plinkers think that it is hard to look for the best rifle scope under 200. But that is a wrong thought because nowadays, manufacturers such as Leupold, Nikon, Vortex, Primary Arms are almost competing in producing the best rifle scopes that are offered for a price range under $200.

To be honest, looking for a scope that is made to have the combination of both durability and reliability can be very hard to do since there are a lot of choices nowadays. With that said, we know that you only want the best scope for your rifles.

That is why we are going to make your task of choosing easy. We are going to narrow down your choices by listing the best rifle scope under $200. Together with the incredible features they have, you would be amazed at how these scopes would give you an impressive experience for just a very low price of money.

What To Expect From The Rifle Scope Under $200?

Reputative rifle scope manufacturers are always giving importance to the performance of their optical devices. A scope in the good budget will never have the considerable quality of the expensive optics for weapons.

Anyhow, you have to always confident about the quality of the image that the scope provides. The lens in the affordable scope is also in good quality, but these scopes never compete with the quality of scopes under $1000. Anyhow, the quality of the view of the object is always better than the scopes under $100.

The high-quality scopes under $200 are also used in the military to shoot close-range to long-range targets.

The field of view of the scope under 200 is also good enough for the better recognition of the target area. You have to keep in mind that the field of view is decreased with magnification, and the exit pupil also decreases with the magnification.

A high-quality, affordable scope has an adjustable objective lens, which is perfect for hunting and tactical shooting. The adjustability of the sighting mechanism is also important to consider, and you have to easily set the scope when it comes to acquiring the target. 

Mostly the rifle scope under 200 is used on rimfire rifles for varmint hunting and .17/17 hmr or .22lr for tactical shooting. In this case, some of the scope that given below are the solid companion for .30-06 or .308.

Table: 10 Best Scopes Under $200

Now that you know that you would have the option to get a high-quality scope for your rifles even by spending a little amount of money only, it is time that you discover the best rifle scopes under $200.

10 Best Rifle Scope Under 200 in 2021 - Reviewed

1. Monstrum G2 6-24x50 FFP Rifle Scope

Monstrum’s G2 6-24x50mm FFP Riflescope is a best scope under 200 that comes from Monstrum—this is a brand that manufactures rifle hardware and also accessories that even professional hunters and shooters really appreciate.

This specific rifle scope is designed to have a first focal plane that is nearly impossible to be seen from rifle scopes that are offered at a price range of less than $200.

Monstrum G2

Monstrum G2 6-24x50 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope

6-24x50 FFP Rifle Scope

This scope’s objective lens is so massive that it offers the best images of the field that you are viewing through it—sometimes, with the high quality that this scope offers, you would still be amazed that this one’s cost is below $200.

This scope comes with free accessories such as the following: one lint-free cleaning cloth, a set of picatinny scope rings, a set of spring-loaded and flip-up lens covers and one piece of CR2032 lithium 3V battery.

Magnification

The design of this scope is specifically made ideal for medium range to long range of shooting targets. With a magnification that ranges from 6X and reaches a maximum of 24X, you would be accurate and precise with your medium-range shots and you would also be surprisingly just as good with extended and long-range shots.Monstrum G2 6-24x50 FFP Rifle Scope Review

Touch Button

The reticle illumination of this scope is available to be controlled from the touch button that this scope has. With two available colors—red and green—you would be able to choose from multiple intensities of brightness settings. This feature would really be of big help when you want to improve your visibility at night and in low-light conditions.

Pros

Cons

2. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescopes

One of the most versatile rifle scopes that can be bought for a price that is less than $200 is Vortex’s Optics Crossfire II SFP 1-inch Main Tube Riflescope.

This scope is known for its versatility because it can be used by a lot of rifle enthusiasts—such as tactical shooters, plinkers and hunters too.

With this scope, you would have the ability of hitting varmints that are placed at a distance of 300 yards away without any difficulty. This long eye relief scope is just right and would not make you sacrifice your accuracy.

Vortex Optics

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescopes

Crossfire II Riflescopes

Durability

The material used for building or constructing this scope is an aircraft grade aluminum that would ensure you a high-strength scope with a shock-proof performance. With the help of this feature, forceful recoils would not match against this scope.

Waterproof and Fog-proof

The o-ring sealing and the nitrogen purging of this scope both work together in order to offer a scope that would withstand adverse weather conditions that might be encountered in the field. With these properties, this scope would be waterproof and fog-proof in performance and would also be able to resist different tough elements such as moisture, rain water and many more.Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescopes Review

Fully Multi-Coated Lenses

During conditions that are considered dim and dark, you would  still find this scope’s fully multi-coated lenses to be useful because it would give you your desired quality of the images that you are viewing  through it.

Pros

Cons

3. Athlon Optics Neos 4-12x40 SFP Riflescopes

In the industry of rifle scopes where every brand is as competitive as each other, Athlon is one of the rising brands that starts to build up its reputation and offer scopes that are as good as the scopes manufactured by Leupold and Vortex.

Athlon’s Optics Neos 4-12x40mm SFP Riflescope is one of the proofs that this brand is a good competitor in manufacturing the best rifle scopes too. It is the perfect choice for the hunters those looking for the best rifle scope under $200 to get better experiences on the field.

Athlon Optics

Athlon Optics Neos 4-12x40 Second Focal Plane Riflescopes

Neos 4-12x40 SFP Riflescopes

This scope has a very compact and lightweight design—to be more specific, it has a length of 12.4 inches in total and it has a weight of 17 ounces only.

Waterproof and Fog-proof

This scope is constructed to have a nitrogen purging that strongly prevents and reduces moisture from occurring on this scope’s insides. With the help of this feature, this scope would have the ability to perform with fog-proof and waterproof properties that would protect it even when it gets accidentally submerged in water.Athlon Optics Neos 4-12x40 SFP Riflescopes Review

Durability

This scope’s primary tube is made from a heat-treated aircraft grade aluminum. Having an aircraft grade aluminum housing is already a strong design for a scope to have, but this aircraft grade aluminum used for this scope underwent some heat treatments to make it stronger and to add more mechanical integrity to it. 

With the superior quality that this scope is designed for, it would be able to withstand anything that you are going to do with it.

Pros

Cons

4. Vortex Optics Diamondback SFP Riflescopes

The second scope on this list of best rifle scope under 200 that comes from the brand of Vortex is Vortex’s Optics Diamondback SFP Riflescope.

This scope is obviously a favorite by a lot of people—may it be hunters, skilled shooters and beginners—because it has become one of the top-rated rifle scopes in stores all around the world.

With a price that is under $200, it is hard to find a scope that is this versatile. As a proof of its versatility, this scope can be mounted and compatible for a lot of firearms such as muzzleloaders and slug shotguns. When bought, this scope comes with a free lens cloth.

Vortex Optics

Vortex Optics Diamondback Riflescopes

Diamondback SFP Riflescopes

Waterproof, Fog-proof and Shock-proof

The hard-anodized finish of this scope causes it to be shock-proof in performance—even when forceful recoils hit, this scope would have the durability to withstand. This anodized finish also adds up to the scope’s camouflage and stealth properties. Also, this scope is designed to have an o-ring sealing and an argon purging that both contribute to this scope’s waterproof and fog-proof properties.

Fast Focus Eyepiece

For an easy focusing of its reticle, this scope is designed to have a quick focus eyepiece. With this important feature added to this scope, you would be allowed to acquire targets rapidly.

Fully Multi-Coated Lenses

With the fully multi-coated lenses of this scope, the assurance of getting better images of the field would never be your worry anymore. Even when you try to hunt and shoot at times that have an adverse lighting condition, this scope would still perform well. 

Pros

Cons

5. UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope

For both aesthetics and performance considered, this is the best rifle scope under 200 that you should consider buying. UTG’s 3-12x44mm 30-mm Tube Compact Scope has a stylish design and a striking performance that is rare for scopes that are priced under $200.

This scope is also one of the top-rated rifle scopes at several online stores such as Amazon. This mil-dot scope would offer you with an unparalleled speed and precision for all your activities.

The 40-millimeter objective lens of this scope is also one of its best assets because it offers glare protection at an optimum level.

UTG 3-12X44

UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope

30mm Compact Scope

Rain-proof, Fog-proof and Shock-proof

This scope is designed to be both sealed and nitrogen filled. With these two working along with each other, this scope would have the ability of being used under adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain. Also, when the atmosphere becomes moist, fogging would not be allowed to occur on the lenses’ surfaces. These two properties are both helpful for a scope to be durable and dependable.

Multi-Emerald Coated Lenses

The multi-emerald coatings for this scope’s lenses are a great addition and enhancement to this scope’s overall performance. By bringing the maximum transmission of light from the field, this feature is of truly great help in having better images of the field that you are viewing through this scope.

Housing Design and Special Circuit

This scope’s illumination would not be interrupted even if the rifle you are using comes with forceful recoils. Well, that is made possible by the work of its housing design and special circuit.

Pros

Cons

6. Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40 BDC Riflescope

If you want a scope that would surely last for decades of rugged use, then the one you should consider buying is Nikon’s Buckmasters II 3-9x40mm BDC.

This scope is offered for a limited lifetime warranty—with this offer, you would have no worries when defects in both materials and workmanship occur because Nikon would repair or, if necessary, replace it for you with no additional charges.

This scope has a 40-millimeter objective lens that is more than enough for letting light through it and producing bright images of the field that you are viewing.

Nikon Buckmasters II

Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40 BDC

3-9x40 BDC Riflescope

Spot-On Ballistics Match Technology

This specific and added feature for this scope would help you discover the exact aiming points that can be seen on the reticle of this scope. Even at various distances, this feature would make you feel confident about your precision.

Fully Multi-Coated Optical System

This scope is designed to have lenses that are built with multiple layers of compounds that have anti-reflective characteristics. This feature is added on all glass surfaces of this scope. With the help of this feature, light transmission that is at the optimum level would be experienced and used from dawn until dusk.

BDC Reticle

This feature allows for normal images of the field that you are viewing through it when used for just short ranges. While when used for long ranges, this scope can be your advantage because it offers see-through and unique ballistic circles.

Pros

Cons

7. Bushnell AR Optics, Drop Zone BDC Reticle Riflescope

This scope weighs 1.34 pounds and it offers reliability and accuracy at the maximum level for your hunting and shooting needs at every possible tactical scenario.

With this scope’s uncompromising performance, you would be able to use it for a distance that reaches 500 yards. Bushnell’s AR Optics 4.5-18x40mm Riflescope is also made with optical precision as well as rugged reliability.

This best rifle scope under 200 is also a great hunting riflescope that gives you more reasons to consider buying this one.

Bushnell AR Optics

Bushnell AR Optics, Drop Zone BDC Reticle Riflescope

Drop Zone BDC Reticle Riflescope

Magnification

The magnification that this scope offers ranges from 4.5X to 18X. With a magnification like that, you would have the option to conduct wide varieties of shots—may it be from short range, medium range and long range. A scope that is as versatile as this one would be an incredible equipment for your rifles.

Fully Multi-Coated Optics

The fully multi-coated optics of this scope is what would give you an incredible brightness that you are going to need when the conditions in the field become dark or dim. Even when night falls, this scope would not fail you and it would still perform like how it does in the morning.

Parallax Adjustments

The side focus adjustments for the parallax is made for this scope’s improved accuracy for long-range shots. This feature also causes this scope’s eyepiece to focus rapidly. With these all combined together, faster acquisition of targets would take place.

Pros

Cons

8. Simmons Whitetail Classic Black Fmcwpblackgranite

Offered with six different options for its magnification range, this scope also makes it to the list of best rifle scope under $200.

Simmons’ Whitetail Classic Riflescope is in granite-colored matte finish that would surely last long and would not fade over time.

The configurations for this scope are designed specifically for different hunting needs in almost every environment.

This scope also offers a large field of view together with its eye relief that is very generous—with these two features, comfortable shooting can be experienced.

Simmons Whitetail

Simmons Whitetail Classic Black Fmcwpblackgranite

Classic Black Fmcwpblackgranite

Fully Multi-Coated Optics

The reliability of this scope’s fully multi-coated lenses cannot be denied. Even when you use it during some unexpected conditions, the quality of the images that you are going to see would not be compromised. Thus, it would lead you to have more accurate shots for a more successful hunting activity.

Truplex Reticle

The type of reticle that this scope is designed with ensures the accuracy of your shots no matter the distance that you are shooting. With this feature, you can be assured that you would get the most accurate shots for the targets that you are aiming to shoot.

Recoil-proof, Shock-proof, Waterproof and Fog-proof

With the way that this scope is constructed, it has been made very durable and reliable at handling harmful substances and used that it might be faced with. The recoil-proof properties of this scope are proven to fight off intense recoils from the most heavy-duty firearms. While the properties that make this scope fog-proof and waterproof work well in order to protect it in the best way.

Pros

Cons

9. Primary Arms Classic Series 4-16x44mm SFP Rifle Scope

Primary Arms’ Classic Series 4-16x44m SFP Riflescope is another scope that you should consider when you are looking for the best rifle scope under 200.

Primary Arms is a brand that is well known for providing optics that are decked out. This scope has an objective lens of a diameter 44 millimeters and this specific rifle scope has a weight of 1.63 pounds.

This scope is offered with a one-year warranty that would cover all the defects, both in the materials and in the workmanship. The brand would replace it if necessary or repair it if it is still repairable.

Primary Arms

Primary Arms Classic Series 4-16x44mm SFP Rifle Scope

Classic Series 4-16x44mm SFP Rifle Scope

Magnification

This scope’s magnification is very ideal. From 4X to 16X, there is a lot that you can do. Shots that are short range and even long range can be perfectly executed with this scope. You need not worry about your precision and accuracy since this scope’s magnification would aid with that.

Levels of Brightness

This scope offers 12 different brightness levels that are all helpful when hunting throughout the day. Starting from early in the morning to the darkest conditions at night, you would be able to depend on this scope to deliver the brightness that you are going to need for your shots.

Multi-Coated Lenses

Since the lenses of this scope are all multi-coated, you can be ensured that you would get a light transmission that is at the optimum level. This feature adds up to this scope’s easy use for all the times of the day.

Pros

Cons

10. Burris Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Rifle Scope

The last on our list of the best rifle scope under 200 is Burris’ FullField II 3-9x40mm Riflescope. This scope is known to be very strong while being reliable at the same time.

This scope uses a system that allows its eyepiece and its magnification range to be controlled at the same time or in one movement.

With this scope, you would have the luxury of enjoying an amazing experience—hunters say that this scope is worth every penny that it costs.

Burris Fullfield II

Burris Fullfield II Ballistic Plex Rifle Scope

Ballistic Plex Rifle Scope

HiLume Multi-Coated Optics

The coatings that this scope has is the one responsible in ensuring that it gets the brightness it needs in order to provide crystal clear views of the field that you are seeing through it. With this type of coatings, you would enjoy the use of this scope at any time of the day without worrying about the condition in the field—may it be bright or dark, or even up to no light.

Fast Focus Eyepiece

With this scope’s fast focus eyepiece, you would be able to have quicker target acquisition. With that happening, you would have the speed to take down more targets that you are going to hunt in less time. With this scope, you would be able to achieve more by just spending less time.

Magnification

The magnification that this scope offers is perfect for short range to long range shooting activities that you may want to do. You would be free to choose from shooting from short or long distances without any problem since this scope can do that both for you.  

Pros

Cons

Types of Scopes

The categories vary in the scope range, but the primary classification of the scope is prominent. It is important to know which type of rifle scope you have to choose for your task. Because each category scopes help for different and specific purposes. 

Here we explain some basic categories of scopes.

Fixed Scope

These types of scopes are very easy to use and the operations are based on easy configurations. This type of scope does not come with options to change the magnification range. Instead, the magnification remains the same.

In this case, these types of scopes are not suitable for most shooting ranges. This fixed power scope may be occasionally used with specific firearms. Nowadays, this type of scopes may be suitable for hunting but is not used for regular usage. 

Variable Scopes

These types of scopes are commonly suitable for sniper rifles and long-range shooting rifles. These types of scopes are the best choice for long-range shooting rather than hunting. 

The special feature of the variable scope is that you can adjust the magnification range of the scope based on the target’s distance. The variable magnification range feature is applied in the name variable scope. 

Night Vision Scopes

These scopes are designed for the professionals and the person who is performing at night times. Night Vision scopes are also used for the dark and low light shooting sessions and the person who is going for the night hunting. The magnification is the scope that comes under the variable category but under low light.

These types of scopes are not recommended for beginners because it may be complicating them. These scopes are also heavy in weight so that it is not preferred for the person looking for a lightweight scope

It is quite important to know about the basic types of scopes for the better choice. 

Factors that You Should Consider Before Rifle Scopes that are Under $200

Characteristics of the Scope’s Optics

By checking the lens quality, you would have the choice to compare and eventually find out that some scopes priced under $200 can have optics that are of the same quality with scopes that are offered for a thousand dollars.

Well, this is where your decision-making skills kick in. You must be wondering how you are going to do this one. It is just plain and simple. Check the quality of the lenses and their built including the layers of coatings and enhancements added to them.

In that way, you would see the best rifle scopes that are priced for $200 dollars can have the same impressive quality of lenses and optics when compared to the high-end ones.

Objective Lens’ Size

The size of the objective lens of the scope that you are going to buy depends on the lighting condition that you want to conduct your shooting in. If you are the type of hunter who likes to hunt and shoot at night, then you are going to need a bigger size for your objective lens.

If you are hunting in daylight, you should pick a scope with a slightly smaller objective lens. But remember that the conditions in the field are always unexpected.

It is better to have a bigger objective lens in order to be prepared once the field becomes dark and dim with its lighting.

Right Magnification

A rifle would often require a scope with a common magnification of 3-9x. Well, this magnification is also common to the price range of under $200. If you are lucky enough and you want to level up your shooting and hunting experience, then you should look for a scope with a higher magnification—4.5-14x or 6-24x, perhaps.

Remember to consider this feature because it is truly important that your magnification matches the types of activities that you are going to need your scope for.

If you do not take this feature seriously, the quality of the images that you are going to view through your scope could be sacrificed.

Field of View

The field of view is the area of at least 100 yards that you look at in the rifle scope. The FOV range varies based on the magnification range. The magnification range of 3-9x or 4-12x is an essential choice for a good field of view.

The field of view is an important feature to consider for the shooters because it helps to aim the target accurately and precisely. It is one of the important features to consider for the well-defined scope. 

Eye Relief

The Eye relief of the scope must be at least 3 inches. This will help to avoid black eye and eye fatigue when using the rifle scope.

The exit pupil is another thing to consider while choosing the riflescope; it helps to function the eye relief pretty decently. 

Reticle

The reticle of the riflescope is either BDC or SFP characteristics. The SPF reticle ensures the position of the image. In most of the cases, the reticle images tend based on the magnification range.

The advantage of the second focal plane is that the reticle’s image will not be changed based on the magnification range. Thus, the reticle is remaining fixed and unchanged. 

Focusing

Improved quality of focusing is important in the rifle scope because visuals and aiming completely depends on how well the scope can focus on the target. In this case, you have to check the eyepiece and lens of the scope before going to purchase.

The objective lens of the scope must be adjustable and the eyepiece must be a fast focus. The lens of the scope should be in premium quality so that it helps for better focusing. The 40-45 mm objective lens will help for good focusing.

The size of the lens should not be too small or large for your scope. The smaller size objective lens may decline the optimum vision of the target and the large size of the objective lens may cause some difficulties while holding the scope. If the rifle tends to be uncomfortable and heavy to hold, it’s only because of the large size of the objective lens. 

Side Focus Parallax Adjustment

The side-focus parallax adjustment is the additional feature that you consider in the rifle scope. This feature ensures that the scope is suitable for long-range shooting. It is an important feature to determine the accuracy of long range targets. 

Construction of the Scope

The construction of the scope that you are going to buy is of paramount importance as well. Without a scope that is high in strength and durable in performance, you would be required to buy a new one—thus, causing you to spend more money that you usually do.

For a price range that is under $200, you would already be amazed at how some rifle scopes can be resistant to different tough elements and adverse weather conditions that they might encounter in the field.

With all that said, you have to check the construction in order to have a rifle scope that you can depend on for a long period of time but with just a price of under $200.

Turrets

A good hunter or shooter knows that the best scopes are the ones that have adjustable turrets that are considered the easiest to adjust. With a scope that is hard to adjust, you would get distracted while you are shooting and taking down targets.

But with a scope that would not require you to exert much effort when adjusting, you would be able to experience convenience and ease of use.

Remember that a scope with hard configurations can be very confusing and hard to use. Be smart and choose a rifle scope that would give you ease and comfortability.

Brands That Makes the Best Scopes in Budget

Many brands are producing supreme quality rifle scopes. Even in the budget of $200, it is a bit difficult to list because so many brands are producing the rifle scopes in your expectation. Based on the truest review, here we mention some brands producing very advanced and high-quality scope under budget. 

Vortex

When it comes to the premium quality rifle scope, the vortex is the leading brand. This brand is familiar in producing high-quality scopes at an affordable price. 

The vortex scopes are long-lasting, durable, with better focus, and excellent vision. They are indeed everything in their scope that you are expecting in the high-quality scope. 

Leupold

Leupold is the most famous brand among professionals because of the long-lasting and durable design. The better focusing lens, supreme quality lens, and adjustable objective lens are the Leupold scopes’ key features. They are also maintaining quality at an affordable price. 

Nikon

When it comes to the inexpensive scope with unique features, the Nikon is always standing one step forward. They have enhanced the brightness level, and the configuration is amazing.

Nikon has developed every year to bring the additional features in their scope. They have started the improvement from image focusing, image quality, and durability. 

UTG

UTG is a recent brand for producing rifle scopes at an affordable price, but they are improving the optimum quality and basic features.

Their scopes have a fast-focus eyepiece and high-quality lens. Their scopes are also designed with good image quality, so the shooters can easily shoot the target. 

CVLIFE

When it comes to the rifle scope, the CVLIFE is one of the most underrated brands. The quality of their scope is more appreciable at the price point. They are starting the improvement of the design from the eye relief and the better structure. 

Check our guides on other price ranges

Best Rifle Scopes Under $300
Best Rifle Scopes Under $400

Takeaway

The best rifle scopes under $200 that are mentioned above are some of the best scopes that the world has ever seen, and hunters have ever used.  With the features they offer and the price they are sold for, it really is amazing to have one of them for your use and collection of the best scopes.

With a lot of options available at the markets, it is a wise move to buy a best rifle scope under 200 since they can also give you the experience that you are going to have with high-end rifle scopes. Since your choices are already narrowed down, it must be easier for you to decide now.

One last tip that you have to consider is that you should buy a scope that is not too complicated for you. A scope that matches your skills as a hunter and as a shooter would unleash your hidden potentials of being a great hunter while a scope that is too complicated would just hinder you from doing your best. So, you should pick wisely. 

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