Whether you are the budget-conscious hunters and shooters who want to get a scope that will not cost a large amount of money?… Do you know that you can buy rifle scopes under the price of one hundred dollars with innovative features? If not, then read this article to know more about the best rifle scopes under $100.
There are a lot of scopes available in the market that priced under $100. The problem is, you are not assured about their built quality. You do not need to worry about the quality issues since we have been discussing about the best scopes. These scopes are proven to be durable and provide reliable performance when it comes to different shooting applications.
Our Top 3 Recommendations
BEST RECOMMENDED
- Brand: UTG
- Magnification: 3 - 9 x
- Emerald coating Lens
- Fully sealed tube
BEST COMPACT
- Brand: BARSKA
- Magnification: 3-12 x
- Multi-coated optics
- Weather proof
BEST CLARITY
- Brand: Bushnell
- Magnification: 4 - 12 x
- Low light rifle scope
- DOA Ballistic reticle
You have already known that there are plenty of scopes that can perform well, despite being offered for lower prices below a hundred dollars. The best that we have found for you will be listed below for your need.
Without some further introductions, here are the best scopes that you can buy for a price that is not more than a hundred bucks:
10 BEST RIFLE SCOPES UNDER $100
- UTG 1″ Bug Buster Scope - Favorite for hunters
- BARSKA IR Hunt Master Pro Riflescope - Ideal for every lighting condition
- Bushnell Banner Dusk and Dawn Riflescope - Best Low light performance
- Simmons 511039 .22 Mag (R) Riflescope - Suitable for varmint hunting
- BARSKA 3-9x 32mm Plinker-22 Riflescope - Best versatile scope
- Bushnell 613948C 3-9x Banner Riflescope - Lightweight scope
- Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Riflescope - Best affordable scope
- CVLIFE 6-24x 50mm Hunting Riflescope - Best long-range scope
- Monstrum 3-9x 32mm Riflescope - Excellent for close to mid ranges
- Pinty Red / Green Rangefinder Riflescope - Good performance scope
10 Best Rifle Scopes Under $100 in 2021 – Reviewed
1. UTG 3-9X32 1″ Bug Buster Scope
This UTG Bug Buster is a favorite model for most hunting enthusiasts because of its compactness and versatility. It can be used with great compatibility on .22 long rifles and AR-15 also.
Besides, it can do just as well when partnered with large caliber rifles. If you are looking for a rifle scope under 100 that you can use during mid-range shooting and hunting activities, UTG 3-9X32 1″ Bug Buster Scope is an excellent choice.
This scope will also improve your mobility in the woods since it is very compact. Another plus factor is that this scope provides a magnification option that is quite wide, thus you will be able to choose from 3x to 9x.
UTG Bug Buster
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Objective Lens Dia: 32 mm
- Reticle: RGB Mil-Dot
- Exit Pupil: 10.6 – 3.6 mm
- FOV @100 yds: 14 – 37.7 ft
- Eye Relief: 3.2 – 4.2 in
- Battery Type: CR1620 3V
Illuminated Reticle
When you use this scope for a coyote hunting activity during dusk where there is a little amount of light, you will still be able to see clearly and brightly.
This scope performs well, especially for its price. Usually, scopes of this price are not expected to work as good as this scope does when it comes to low light and dim situations. It allows you to adjust the brightness setting during day and night time based on the situation so that you can get a great hunting experience.
Accommodating Eye Relief
One of the most primary factors you must look for when buying a scope is its eye relief. This scope’s eye relief is described as accommodating eye relief.
In other words, you will assure that you can use this scope without worrying about getting your eyes or your head injured. Specifically, when the firearm you are using with the scope is known to be very notorious when it comes to recoil and kickback
Pros
- Affordable price
- Zero-rest/lockable turrets
- Swat illumination
Cons
- Quality control issues
- Limited life
2. BARSKA IR Hunt Master Pro 3-12x 50mm Riflescope
BARSKA is a brand that makes way for hunters and shooters who do not want to spend more than a hundred bucks when buying a scope. If you are one of those budget-conscious hunters, then you must consider checking this specific scope model too. It is very difficult to find the best rifle scope under 100 with quality features on the market among the plenty of expensive models with worse features.
This scope is ideal for almost every lighting condition that you can think of; that is because of its advanced optic technology. Its total length is just 13 inches, and it has a diameter of one inch. Its total weight is approximately 1.33 pounds only.
BARSKA IR Hunt Master
- Magnification: 3-12x
- Objective Lens: 50mm
- FOV @100yds: 35 -10ft
- Eye Relief: 2.7 in
- Exit Pupil: 16.7 – 4.2mm
- Battery: CR2032 3V
Magnification
This scope provides quite range of magnification options. To be exact, you will be able to choose from 3x to 12x. With this option, you will undoubtedly experience no problem when shooting targets that are beyond 500 yards of distance.
Water Proof, Fog Proof, Shock Proof Construction
With this scope’s combined properties of being waterproof, shock-proof, and also fog-proof, you will be able to enjoy its durability as well as its performance in worst weather conditions.
When there are sudden changes in the ambient temperature, you will experience no problem since this scope is built to tolerate particular temperature range. When dropped accidentally, this scope will be able to endure that too.
Multi Coated Optics
This scope is designed to have multi-coated optics that are known to be responsible for providing you bright and clear images of the surrounding you are viewing through it.
Pros
- Infra-red cross reticle for accuracy
- Illuminated reticle
- Large objective lens
- Weatherproof
Cons
- Not for tactical purpose
- Short eye relief
3. Bushnell Banner Dusk and Dawn 4-12X 40mm Riflescope
Dusk and Dawn model is manufactured for hunters and shooters who are wanting a rifle scope under $100 that is reliable for all conditions. As mentioned in the name of this scope, you will be able to use it during low-light situations such as dawn and dusk.
This scope provides exceptional optics by affording clear and crisp images of the surroundings you are viewing through it.
Bushnell Banner Dusk and Dawn
- Magnification: 4-12x
- Objective Lens Dia: 40 mm
- Reticle: Multi-X
- FOV @1000yds: 29 - 11 ft
- Exit Pupil: 10 - 3.3mm
- Eye Relief: 3.3 in
- Click Value @100yds: .25 in
Fully Multi-coated Lens
This scope is manufactured with a fully multi-coated lens that will ensure bright and high-contrast images of the surroundings you are viewing. Besides, this scope’s lens is developed with multiple layers of coatings that have anti-reflective properties for it to perform well.
Magnification
When you are shooting for over a distance of 500 yards, you will still be able to rely on this scope to aid you in having accurate and precise shots. That is because it provides a wide range of magnification options. To be exact, it gives a magnification that ranges from 4x to 12x.
Water Proof and Fog Proof Construction
With this scope’s optics that are made to be argon filled, it becomes resistant to fog no matter the ambient temperature in the field or the wild. Also, this scope is O-ring sealed to keep the interior dry even when submerged in water.
Pros
- Multiple reticles
- Illuminated reticle
- Weather and Shockproof
Cons
- Quality control issues
4. Simmons 511039 .22 Mag (R) 3-9x 32mm Riflescope
If you are looking for a scope that will be best compatible for varmint hunting activities, Simmons’ 511039 .22 Mag (R) 3-9x 32mm Riflescope can do the job for you.
When bought, this scope comes with 1-inch mounting rings that come for no additional cost. It is much effortless to use and convenient, specifically while performing some quick adjustments. This scope is recommended for beginners since it is very user-friendly.
Simmons 511039 .22 Mag
- Magnification: 3 – 9x
- Objective lens: 32 mm
- FOV @ 100 yds: 31.4 - 10.5 ft
- Eye Relief: 3.75 in
- Exit Pupil: 10.7 – 3.6 mm
- Reticle: Truplex
Fully Multi Coated Optics
It comes to providing bright, clear, and sharp images, since it has fully multi-coated optics that ensure high-quality viewing through this scope.
This scope’s optics are enhanced with high-quality optical glass and Hydro-Shield lens coating to maintain a clear view and sight picture no matter the weather conditions are.
Magnification
One of the assets of this scope is its magnification option. It provides quite a wide range of 3x to 9x. When you use this scope for over a hundred yards, you will experience no problem with its accuracy.
Sure-Grip Adjustments
This scope also provides rubber surfaces so that you will not face any problems when handling scope adjustment in any weather conditions. In addition, you will be able to adjust this scope even when you are wearing gloves.
Quick Target Acquisition Eyepiece
With this scope’s QTA Eyepiece, you will be able to acquire targets in just a matter of seconds. When paired with the eye relief of this scope that is constant and consistent for all its magnification options, you will be able to use it a lot of ease.
Pros
- Affordable Price
- Grip adjustments
- HydroShield coating
Cons
- Reticle and Adjustment issues
5. BARSKA 3-9x 32mm Plinker-22 Riflescope
Some say that this Plinker .22 scope is built specifically for rimfire rifles and .22 rifles only. But that is just one of the most common misconceptions about this scope.
BARSKA’s 3-9x 32mm Plinker-22 Riflescope is a very versatile scope that can be paired with almost any other type of rifles and handguns as well.
When bought, it comes with free mounting rings, one lens cloth, and some lens cover. For its price, you will be surprised at its impressive quality of the images that this scope offers.
BARSKA Plinker-22
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens: 32 mm
- FOV @100 yds: 36 – 13 ft
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Eye Relief: 3.5 inch
- Exit Pupil: 10.7 – 3.6 mm
Magnification
Plinker scope can be a very versatile scope when it comes to magnification ranges as well. It provides a magnification option that ranges from 3x to 9x. With this range, you will be able to do short ranges and long ranges of hunting activities in the woods.
Fully Multi Coated Lens
The lens of this scope is incorporated with multi-coating technology; thus, it is one of the best quality optics that you will be able to find in the markets for very affordable scopes.
This scope is mainly designed for plinking and hunting, and you can count on it to deliver bright and clear optics; it can serve and be used for other purposes too.
Pros
- Fully coated lens
- Windage and elevation turret
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Designed for .22 rimfire
- Blurry crosshair above 5x
6. Bushnell 613948C 3-9x Banner Riflescope
Another good scope from the brand of Bushnell is this one. This scope’s customization and versatility are both what makes it a top favorite by hunters.
Without needing some specific mounting rings, this scope is very light in weight and very compact; thus, it will undoubtedly improve your mobility as a hunter.
With some of its settings and options, you will also be able to use this scope all day when hunting varmints, coyotes, and other predators in the wild.
Bushnell 613948C Banner
- Magnification: 3 – 9x
- Objective lens dia: 40 mm
- Tube diameter: 1 in
- Reticle: Multi-X duplex
- FOV @100 Yd: 40.0 – 14.0 ft
- Eye relief: 3.3 in
- Exit Pupil: 13 – 4.4 mm
Generous Eye Relief
This specific scope model provides a generous eye relief that reaches for up to 6 inches. When using a firearm that is very notorious when it comes to kickbacks and recoils, that eye relief is helpful already.
With that given distance of eye relief, you will assure that your head and your eyes are both safe from injuries that kickbacks and also recoil may cause.
DDB Lens Coating System
This scope is also enhanced to have a system that is specifically designed for hunters to have increased image qualities and also brightness even when the condition is very dim. You will expectedly be able to hunt all day long with the use of this feature.
Also, you do not need to worry anymore about having a scope that performs less at night since this specific scope works just as well at nighttime as it does during the daytime. Furthermore, this coating system is enhanced with anti-reflective properties.
Pros
- Multiple reticles
- Comfortable eyepiece
- Illuminated reticle
- Multi-coated lenses
Cons
- Can’t adjust for parallax
- Low-quality glass
7. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 1x25mm Red Dot Sight Riflescope
The brand of Bushnell is an established brand that is known nowadays for manufacturing some incredible scopes that comes at lower prices.
This specific scope model is one of those very affordable scopes that comes from this brand, not just that, its quality is maintained at a very high level despite its cost. Besides, this scope is very light in weight too, and very compact.
Both of these features are proven to improve hunters’ and shooters’ mobility. It just has a total length of about 2.5 inches. With that length, you can probably use it as a scope for your handguns as well.
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25
- Magnification: 1x
- Objective Lens Dia: 25mm
- Reticle: 3 MOA Red Dot
- FOV @100 yds: Unlimited
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
Water Proof and Fog Proof Construction
When completely immersed in water, may it be accidentally or intentionally for testing, this scope can still be working afterward. If you are wondering how that is because this specific scope model is o-ring sealed to keep the interior dry even when submerged in water.
When faced with a sudden temperature change, rapid humidity, and unexpected moisture, this scope ensures that you would not experience fogging since it is manufacture to be nitrogen purged. The nitrogen inside it will ensure that no fogging will occur.
Ruggedly Design and Built
This scope will be able to withstand any unexpected and accidental situations that may happen in the woods or the field. This specific model has proven that it can endure even when bumped, dropped, and the likes. You will still be to rely on it after very rough use.
Pros
- Excellent quality for the price
- Solid and rugged construction
- Easy to use and adjust
- Good battery life
- Clear optics with good low-light capabilities
Cons
- Very small design
- No automatic shut off
- Red dot can get a little blur in low-light conditions
Sorry for the inconvenience, Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 1x25mm Red Dot Sight Riflescope is discontinued by the manufacturer and therefore the product is not available on Amazon and OpticsPlanet.
8. CVLIFE 6-24x 50mm Hunting Riflescope
CVLIFE’s 6-24x 50mm Hunting Riflescope is another scope that you might want to consider buying. This scope is versatile since it can be used for your rifles and handguns as well.
Honestly, this scope is very reliable when it comes to doing long-range shooting activities since its magnification option is wide. Furthermore, this scope is easy to use and mount, so that it becomes one of the most favorite riflescopes of shooters and hunters.
This scope is also ruggedly designed to have a body that is composed of an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy that is a very famous material used to construct the most durable scopes out there.
CVLIFE Hunting Riflescope
- Magnification: 6-24x
- Objective Diameter: 50mm
- FOV @100 yards: 28 ft
- Click Value: 1/8 inch @100 yards
- Illuminated color: Red and Green
Magnification
As mentioned above, this scope is one of the scopes that provide the widest ranges of magnification options. To be exact, you will be able to enjoy options that range from 6x to 24x.
For its price, that magnification range is very worth it. You will surely experience no problem at all when you are shooting over a distance of 500 yards and more.
Adjustable Objective Lens
At the end of this scope, there is a parallax dial that can be found and used for moving the adjustable objective lens. The adjustments can be done to allow sharper target images, parallax elimination, and range estimations as well.
Adjustable Eyepiece
This scope is consolidated with an enhanced eyepiece that has a dioptric adjustment lens that eliminates almost all of the image aberrations. Additionally, this scope has an adjustable ocular that ensures the provision of clear images both for nearsighted and farsighted hunters and shooters.
Pros
- Good for long-range shooting
- Easy to adjustable
- Excellent Zoom quality
Cons
- Medium Lens glass quality
- Not suitable for all rifles
CVLIFE 6-24x 50mm Hunting Riflescope is currently unavailable on Amazon. We will update the information if it gets available on the site.
9. Monstrum 3-9x 32mm Riflescope
Despite all the luxury features that make it one of the top-rated and favorite scopes in the market, Monstrum’s 3-9x 32mm Riflescope is very easy to use.
For a scope that it offers for a very low-price range, this specific model is impressive and exceptional. Whether you are using its reticle illumination setting or not, you will still be able to depend on this scope when shooting within close ranges to mid ranges.
Moreover, it will also improve your mobility since it just weighs 12 ounces, and it has a total length of only 10.5 inches. With that weight and length range, you will be able to move more quickly when doing your hunting activities.
Monstrum 3-9x 32mm
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Diameter: 32 mm
- Reticle: Illuminated Range Finder
- Tube Size: 1 in
- Eye Relief: 3.5-3.8 in
- Battery: CR1632A
Water Proof and Fog Proof Construction
Whether you are using this scope in dry or moist conditions, you will assure that it will endure and can be used again for the next time you do your hunting activities.
Moreover, sudden temperature changes will not affect this scope’s performance; since it is fog-proof and waterproof. That is because of this scope’s built. Its internal chambers are nitrogen purged.
Magnification
For a wide range of 3x to 9x, you will also be able to enjoy seeing clearly through this scope even when shooting for quite a long range of distances.
You will experience its max power that reaches for up to 9x without any problem at all.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Rangefinder reticle
- Nitrogen-purged
Cons
- Quality control issues
Monstrum 3-9x 32mm Riflescope is discontinued by the manufacturer and therefore the product is not available on Amazon and OpticsPlanet.
10. Pinty 3-9x 40mm Red / Green Rangefinder Riflescope
With its price and features, this scope will amaze you because of its performance. It is equipped to be a perfect scope for close-range and mid-range of shooting activities.
This specific scope model provides fast and simple aiming points when shooting within various distances in the woods or the fields. Additionally, this scope offers a total of 5 levels of brightness.
Pinty Red / Green Rangefinder
- Magnification: 3x-9x
- Objective Lens dia: 40 mm
- Reticle type: Rangefinder
- FOV @100 yards: 25 -14 ft
- Eye relief: 3.3-2.7 in
- Exit pupil: 13.3 - 4.4 mm
Water Proof and Fog Proof Construction
With this scope’s rugged construction, you will be able to rely on it during different weather seasons even in the rainy seasons. With its o-ring sealing, you will be able to depend on this scope during moist conditions. Besides, this scope is also nitrogen-filled; thus, making it resistant to fog even when sudden changes in the ambient temperature happen.
Magnification
One of this scope’s best assets is its magnification also. With the option of choosing from 3x to 9x, you will be able to use it in close ranges to mid distances of shooting activities that you are going to do.
Illuminated Reticle
With the illuminated reticle, you will be able to use this scope even in low-light situations. Even when you’re hunting at nighttime or on cloudy days, you can still depend on this one.
Easy Adjustments
Also, this scope provides adjustable windages and elevations for you to have improved accuracy when shooting. So, if you want to be more accurate when hunting and shooting, be sure to check this scope out.
Pros
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Easy to mount
Cons
- No adjustable objective
Pinty’s 3-9x 40mm Red / Green Rangefinder Riflescope is unavailable on Amazon. We will update the information if it once gets available on the site.
Things to Consider Before Buying Best Rifle Scope Under 100
Some factors should discuss to have a full grasp of the understanding of the best rifle scope under 100.
These factors will serve as your buying guide when choosing the best scope for your use. Without further ado, here are the most important factors you must consider.
➣ Magnification
One of the essential factors that you must check when buying a scope is its magnification. You must identify first whether what type of purpose you are going to use it. May it be close ranges, mid ranges, or long ranges of activities.
Nowadays, there is a lot of magnifications available, and there is a 1-4x scope that is perfect for close-range shootings. There are also 3-9x scopes that are best when performing close to mid-ranges shooting activities.
Some special magnification options range from 6x to 24x or 3x to 12x. Just find the perfect option that will best suit your needs when shooting.
➣ Optics
The foremost reason for a person to buy a scope for his rifle is to view both the long-distance and short-distance target in the nearer point. Without a high-quality optic scope, you will not be able to have that experience. You should consider the quality first when you’re looking for a scope for your rifle.
Some examples that you should consider are emerald-coated optics, fully multi-coated optics, multi-coated optics, and some other more. With those types, you will assure that maximum light transmission will be provided to you; thus, leading to seeing clearer and brighter images of the surroundings.
➣ Durability
If the price of the scope is less than a hundred dollars, don’t necessarily have to mean that it will not last long. With that said, you should consider getting one that is manufactured for withstanding different weather conditions and situations.
Some recommendations are aluminum scopes. Aluminum is a preferred choice for the material type of a body and casing. It is proven to be of very high strength and durability.
Of course, there are still some other high-quality materials out there, and you have to look then check for them eagerly.
➣ Resistance to Tough Elements
Another essential factor that you should look for in the scope that you are considering buying is if it is manufactured to be resistant to some worst elements such as water, fog, corrosion, and many more.
Some of the scopes that are known to be waterproof are fully sealed or o-ring sealed. Some of the riflescopes that are known to be fog-proof are argon filled, nitrogen filled, or nitrogen-purged on the inside chambers to prevent fogging during sudden temperature and moisture changes.
➣ Eye Relief
One other important thing is the scope’s eye relief. Nowadays, heavy-duty firearms or other rifles are known to be very notorious when it comes to kickbacks and recoils.
With that considered, it is necessary that you get a scope with long eye relief, unlimited if possible. To keep you from acquiring some injuries on your head and eyes when large recoil hits, consider the eye relief. It is advisable to get a scope with an eye relief that is longer than 3 inches.
Bottom Line
Some hunters and shooters never expect exceptional features from the scope that comes with a price of less than a hundred dollars. Let us break that perception because of all the rifle scopes listed in this article proven to be of high-quality and durable.
They are all proven to be easily incorporated with different firearms. Do not expect less from them just because they are lower in price when compared to the expensive ones.
But the above-mentioned scopes are some of the best rifle scopes available in the market for less than $ 100 today, but there are still some things you need to consider while buying them. You just have to look for them in the markets.Just one reminder that you should consider too is that you must choose a scope that will give you ease when used.
To be honest, most of the rifle scopes that come to the price under a hundred dollars are all user-friendly and very simple in design, so you are not going to have a problem with that.
Do not choose a scope that is too complex in design especially if you are a beginner because you will not be able to maximize the use of it when you are confused when using it.