As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve spent countless hours in the field testing all sorts of gear. One question I get asked a lot is whether it’s possible to find a decent rifle scope without breaking the bank. The good news is, absolutely! The market for budget-friendly optics has come a long way in recent years, and you might be surprised at the quality you can get for under $100 these days.
Now, I’ll be straight with you – these scopes aren’t going to compete with top-tier glass costing thousands of dollars. But for many hunters and recreational shooters, they’ll do the job just fine. I’ve put dozens of these budget scopes through their paces, mounting them on everything from .22 plinkers to hard-hitting big game rifles. In this guide, I’ll share my top picks for 2024, along with detailed insights on each one.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first scope, an experienced shooter wanting an affordable backup, or just someone who appreciates getting the most bang for your buck, you’ll find some solid options here. Let’s dive in and explore the best rifle scopes you can snag for less than a Benjamin!
Our Top 3 Recommendations:
- Best Overall: Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9x40mm
- Best for AR-15: Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32mm
- Best for Rimfire: BARSKA 3-9×32 Plinker-22
Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9x40mm
When it comes to bang for your buck, it’s hard to beat the Bushnell Banner. I’ve had one of these on my .30-06 for years, and it’s been a reliable companion on countless hunts. What really sets this scope apart is its Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) coating. This proprietary lens coating does an impressive job of gathering light in low-visibility conditions. I’ve used it to bag whitetails right at last light when other scopes were practically useless.
The Banner offers a versatile 3-9x magnification range, which covers most hunting scenarios you’re likely to encounter. The 40mm objective lens strikes a good balance between light gathering ability and keeping the scope’s profile reasonably compact. Bushnell’s Multi-X reticle is clean and uncluttered, making for fast target acquisition – a real plus when that buck suddenly appears at the edge of a clearing.
Optically, the Banner punches above its weight class. No, it’s not going to match the clarity of a scope costing ten times as much, but the glass is surprisingly good for this price point. Images are clear and bright, with minimal distortion even at the edges. The eye relief is generous at 3.3 inches, making it comfortable to shoot even with heavy recoiling calibers. I’ve used mine on everything from .243 Win to .30-06 without any issues.
One area where the Banner does show its budget roots is in the turrets. They’re functional, but not the most precise or tactile. You’re not going to be doing much long-range dialing with this scope. But for a hunting scope in this price range, that’s to be expected. As long as you’re not trying to ring steel at 1000 yards, it gets the job done.
Durability has been excellent in my experience. The scope is fully waterproof and fogproof, and I’ve used it in some pretty nasty weather without any issues. The matte black finish has held up well to bumps and scrapes in the field.
For hunters on a budget, especially those who do a lot of low-light hunting, the Bushnell Banner is tough to beat. It offers solid optical performance, rugged construction, and that excellent DDB coating, all at a price that won’t make your wallet cry.
Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32mm
If you’re looking to outfit a .22 or other rimfire, the Simmons .22 Mag is purpose-built for the job. I mounted one on my Ruger 10/22 a couple years back and was genuinely amazed at how well it performed for plinking and small game hunting.
Like the Bushnell, this Simmons offers a 3-9x magnification range. The 32mm objective lens is a bit smaller, but that’s not really an issue for rimfire use where you’re typically not shooting in the lowest light conditions. The Truplex reticle is Simmons’ version of the classic duplex design – simple, uncluttered, and easy to use.
Where this scope really shines is in its optical clarity. For a budget rimfire scope, the glass quality is surprisingly good. Images are bright and sharp, with good contrast. The HydroShield lens coating does an excellent job of keeping the lenses clear in wet weather. I’ve used it in light rain and misty conditions with no issues at all.
The turrets on the .22 Mag are a pleasant surprise. They provide satisfying, audible clicks and hold zero well. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through my 10/22 with this scope, and it’s never lost zero. The finger-adjustable turrets make zeroing a breeze – no tools required.
One feature I particularly like is the QTA (Quick Target Acquisition) eyepiece. This gives you a bit more flexibility in eye placement, making it easier to get on target quickly. For squirrel hunting or informal target shooting, this is a real plus.
The scope is fully waterproof and fogproof, with rugged construction that can handle the modest recoil of rimfire rifles with ease. It’s also lightweight, which is ideal for keeping your rimfire rig nimble and easy to handle.
While designed for rimfire use, I’ve heard from fellow hunters who’ve successfully used this scope on centerfire rifles as well. However, I’d be a bit cautious about mounting it on anything with significant recoil.
For rimfire enthusiasts, whether you’re into plinking, small game hunting, or informal target shooting, the Simmons .22 Mag offers exceptional value. It brings features and performance you’d expect from a much more expensive scope to a very budget-friendly price point.
BARSKA 3-9×32 Plinker-22
Don’t let the name fool you – while the BARSKA Plinker-22 is indeed excellent for rimfire use, this versatile scope works great on centerfire rifles too. I’ve personally used it on everything from .22LR to .223 Rem with great results.
Like our previous two entries, the Plinker-22 offers a 3-9x magnification range paired with a 32mm objective lens. This combination provides a good balance of versatility and light-gathering ability without adding excessive bulk or weight to your rifle.
The optical quality of the Plinker-22 is impressive for a budget scope. Images are clear and crisp across the entire magnification range, with good color fidelity. The fully multi-coated optics do a great job of maximizing light transmission, resulting in a bright sight picture even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
One feature that sets the Plinker-22 apart from many budget scopes is its adjustable objective. This allows you to dial out parallax for improved accuracy at varying distances. It’s a feature you often don’t see until you get into much higher price brackets, so it’s a pleasant surprise here.
The 30/30 reticle is a classic design that works well for both hunting and target shooting. It’s uncluttered and provides useful reference points for holdover and windage corrections. The reticle is etched on the glass, ensuring it maintains a consistent appearance regardless of magnification setting.
Durability is always a concern with budget optics, but BARSKA has done a good job here. The scope is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, making it both waterproof and fogproof. I’ve used mine in some pretty nasty weather without any issues. The aircraft-grade aluminum construction feels solid and has held up well to the bumps and scrapes that inevitably happen in the field.
One minor gripe I have with the Plinker-22 is that the eye relief is a bit tight at 3.5 inches. It’s manageable, but you need to be careful about proper eye placement to avoid scope bite, especially if you’re mounting it on a rifle with more significant recoil. This is less of an issue for its intended rimfire use, but something to be aware of if you’re planning to use it on centerfire rifles.
The turrets on the Plinker-22 are finger-adjustable and provide positive clicks. They’re not as precise as what you’d find on a high-end tactical scope, but they’re more than adequate for hunting and informal target shooting. I’ve found they hold zero well, even after hundreds of rounds.
One nice touch is that BARSKA includes a set of mounting rings with the scope. They’re nothing fancy, but they get the job done and save you from having to make an additional purchase. The scope also comes with a lens cloth and protective caps.
For budget-conscious shooters looking for a versatile scope that can handle a variety of rifles and shooting situations, the BARSKA Plinker-22 is a solid choice. It offers features and performance that punch well above its price point, making it an excellent value in the sub-$100 category.
UTG 3-9×32 1″ Bug Buster
For those seeking a compact scope that can handle everything from rimfire plinkers to big game rifles, the UTG Bug Buster deserves a serious look. I’ll admit, I was initially skeptical of the UTG brand – they’re not exactly a household name in the optics world. But after putting this little scope through its paces, I’ve become a convert.
The Bug Buster offers a 3-9x magnification range paired with a 32mm objective lens. This compact package is ideal for carbine-length rifles or any situation where you want to keep your setup as light and maneuverable as possible. Despite its small size, the Bug Buster is packed with features you’d expect to find on much more expensive scopes.
One of the standout features is the emerald lens coating. This proprietary coating enhances light transmission, resulting in a bright, clear sight picture even in low light conditions. I’ve used the Bug Buster for twilight squirrel hunts and been impressed with its performance as the light fades.
The mil-dot reticle is a versatile choice that works well for both hunting and target shooting. It provides useful reference points for holdovers and windage corrections, and can even be used for basic range estimation if you take the time to learn the system. The reticle is etched on the glass, ensuring consistent appearance and durability.
Speaking of durability, the Bug Buster is built like a tank. The one-piece tube is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum and feels rock-solid. I’ve mounted this scope on some hard-recoiling rifles, including a .30-30 lever action, and it’s held up beautifully. The scope is completely sealed and nitrogen-filled, making it waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
The turrets on the Bug Buster are a pleasant surprise. They provide positive, audible clicks and track reliably. The scope offers 1/4 MOA per click adjustments, allowing for precise zeroing. I particularly appreciate the zero reset feature – after you’ve zeroed the scope, you can reset the turrets to zero without messing up your settings. It’s a feature usually found on much more expensive scopes.
One unique feature of the Bug Buster is its incredibly close focus distance. It can focus clearly on targets as close as 3 yards away. This makes it incredibly versatile, especially for rimfire use where you might be shooting at very close ranges.
The scope comes with some nice extras, including an integral sunshade and flip-open lens caps. These are the kind of accessories you usually have to purchase separately, so it’s great to see them included at this price point.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say the eye relief is a bit tight at 3.2-4.2 inches. It’s manageable, but you need to be conscious of your eye position, especially at higher magnifications or with hard-recoiling rifles.
Overall, the UTG Bug Buster offers an incredible amount of features and performance for its budget-friendly price. Whether you’re looking for a scope for your .22 plinker, your deer rifle, or anything in between, the Bug Buster is worth considering. It’s a versatile, durable optic that punches well above its weight class.
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight
While not technically a traditional rifle scope, I felt compelled to include the Bushnell TRS-25 in this roundup. For under $100, it’s one of the best red dot sights you can buy, and it’s become a favorite among AR-15 owners and hunters alike. I’ve been using one on my home defense AR for years, and it’s never let me down.
The TRS-25 is a compact, non-magnifying optic that uses a 3 MOA red dot as its aiming point. This dot size is a great compromise – small enough for precision when you need it, but large enough to acquire quickly in high-stress situations. The lack of magnification means you can easily shoot with both eyes open, maximizing situational awareness.
One of the standout features of the TRS-25 is its incredible battery life. Bushnell claims 3,000 hours on a single battery, and in my experience, that’s not an exaggeration. I typically get well over a year of use before needing to change the battery, and that’s with fairly frequent range trips.
The sight offers 11 brightness settings, allowing you to dial in the perfect dot intensity for any lighting condition. The lowest settings are night-vision compatible, while the highest settings are bright enough for use in full sunlight. The brightness adjustment is a simple rotary dial that’s easy to manipulate even with gloved hands.
Durability is excellent for a budget optic. The TRS-25 is fully waterproof – I’ve used mine in pouring rain without issues. It’s also fogproof and shockproof, easily handling the recoil of 5.56 and even larger calibers. The aircraft-grade aluminum housing is tough enough to withstand the bumps and scrapes that inevitably happen in the field.
The optical quality is surprisingly good for such an affordable sight. The glass is clear and provides a wide, unobstructed field of view. There’s minimal tint to the lens, which is not always the case with budget red dots.
Mounting the TRS-25 is straightforward – it’s compatible with any standard Picatinny or Weaver rail. The included mount puts it at the perfect height for co-witnessing with AR-15 iron sights, but you can also use riser mounts for a higher positioning if desired.
The only real drawback I’ve found with the TRS-25 is that the dot can sometimes appear slightly distorted if you have astigmatism. This is a common issue with all red dot sights, not just the TRS-25, but it’s worth being aware of.
For close to medium range shooting, especially on AR-style rifles or shotguns, the Bushnell TRS-25 is hard to beat. It offers the speed and simplicity of a red dot sight at a price point that’s accessible to most shooters. Whether you’re looking for a home defense optic, a sight for your turkey gun, or just a fun addition to your plinking rifle, the TRS-25 is an excellent choice.
Monstrum 3-9×32 Rifle Scope
Monstrum might not be a household name in the optics world, but they’ve been making waves with their budget-friendly scopes. Their 3-9×32 offering brings a lot to the table for under $100, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious hunters and shooters.
The scope offers a standard 3-9x magnification range paired with a 32mm objective lens. This combination provides a good balance of versatility and light-gathering ability without adding excessive bulk or weight to your rifle. The range finder reticle is a unique feature at this price point, offering additional functionality for those who take the time to learn how to use it effectively.
Optically, the Monstrum performs quite well for its price bracket. The glass quality is good, providing clear images with minimal distortion, even at the edges of the field of view. Color fidelity is respectable, and the scope does a decent job in low-light conditions, although it doesn’t quite match the performance of the Bushnell Banner in this regard.
One of the standout features of this scope is its illuminated reticle. You can switch between red and green illumination, with multiple brightness levels for each color. This can be a real asset in low light conditions or when shooting against dark backgrounds. The illumination is powered by a CR2032 battery, which is included with the scope.
The range finder reticle takes some getting used to, but once mastered, it can be a valuable tool. It allows for basic range estimation and provides reference points for holdovers and windage corrections. For hunters and target shooters who don’t want to rely solely on turret adjustments, this can be a real advantage.
Build quality is impressive for a budget scope. The Monstrum is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, giving it a solid, durable feel. It’s nitrogen
Certainly. Let’s continue with the Monstrum 3-9×32 Rifle Scope and then move on to the remaining scopes:
The build quality is impressive for a budget scope. The Monstrum is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, giving it a solid, durable feel. It’s nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, making it both waterproof and fogproof. I’ve used mine in some pretty nasty weather conditions without any issues.
The turrets on the Monstrum are a pleasant surprise. They’re finger-adjustable and provide positive, audible clicks. The tracking is generally reliable, although not quite as precise as what you’d find on more expensive scopes. Still, for most hunting and casual target shooting scenarios, they’re more than adequate.
Eye relief is reasonable at around 3.5-3.8 inches. It’s not the most generous in its class, but it’s manageable for most shooting situations. The eye box is fairly forgiving, making it easy to get behind the scope and find your sight picture quickly.
One minor gripe I have is that the scope’s finish, while durable, isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing. It has a somewhat rough texture that can accumulate dust and dirt. However, this is a purely cosmetic issue and doesn’t affect the scope’s performance.
For the price, the Monstrum 3-9×32 offers a lot of features and solid performance. It’s a versatile scope that can handle a variety of hunting and shooting situations. While it may not have the brand recognition of some other options, it’s definitely worth considering if you’re on a tight budget.
CVLIFE 6-24×50 Hunting Rifle Scope
For those looking to stretch their shooting distances without stretching their wallet, the CVLIFE 6-24×50 scope is an intriguing option. This scope offers an impressive magnification range and large objective lens at a price point that seems almost too good to be true. But how does it actually perform? Let’s dive in.
The standout feature of this scope is obviously its 6-24x magnification range paired with a large 50mm objective lens. This combination provides incredible versatility, allowing you to engage targets from close range all the way out to extended distances. The 50mm objective lens gathers a lot of light, which is particularly beneficial when using the higher magnification settings or shooting in low light conditions.
Optically, the CVLIFE performs reasonably well for its price point. At lower magnifications, images are clear and bright with good contrast. As you crank up the magnification, there is some loss of clarity, especially at the edges of the field of view. This is to be expected in a budget scope with such a wide magnification range. For most hunting and casual long-range shooting scenarios, the optical quality is adequate.
The scope features an illuminated mil-dot reticle with both red and green color options. This can be very helpful in low light conditions or when shooting against dark backgrounds. The reticle is in the second focal plane, which means it stays the same size regardless of magnification setting. This can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on your preferences and shooting style.
One feature I particularly appreciate is the adjustable objective lens, which allows you to correct for parallax. This becomes increasingly important as you push out to longer distances, especially at higher magnifications. It’s a feature often omitted on budget scopes, so it’s nice to see it included here.
The turrets on the CVLIFE are a bit of a mixed bag. They’re finger-adjustable and provide audible clicks, which is good. However, the clicks aren’t as crisp or as precise as I’d like, especially for a scope designed for long-range use. They’ll get the job done for most shooters, but if you’re looking to do serious long-range precision work, you might find them lacking.
Build quality is surprisingly good for the price. The scope is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum and feels solid in hand. It’s nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed, providing good resistance to fog and water. I wouldn’t expect it to handle the kind of abuse a high-end tactical scope could, but for normal hunting and shooting use, it should hold up well.
Eye relief is fairly generous at about 3.5 inches, which is appreciated given the potential recoil of some long-range cartridges. The eye box is reasonably forgiving, although it does get a bit tight at the highest magnification settings.
One nice touch is that the scope comes with a set of mounting rings included. They’re not the highest quality rings out there, but they’re functional and save you from having to make an additional purchase.
It’s important to set realistic expectations with the CVLIFE 6-24×50. While it offers an impressive list of features for the price, it’s not going to compete with high-end long-range scopes costing ten times as much. But for budget-conscious shooters looking to dip their toes into long-range shooting, or hunters who occasionally need to take longer shots, it offers a lot of bang for the buck.
Pinty 3-9×40 Mil-Dot Tactical Rifle Scope
Pinty is another brand that’s been making waves in the budget optics market, and their 3-9×40 tactical scope offers a compelling package for under $100. I’ve had the chance to put this scope through its paces on a variety of rifles, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by its performance.
The scope offers a versatile 3-9x magnification range paired with a 40mm objective lens. This is a classic combination that works well for a wide range of hunting and shooting scenarios. The 40mm objective provides good light-gathering capability without making the scope overly bulky or heavy.
Optically, the Pinty performs quite well for its price point. Images are clear and bright, with good contrast and minimal distortion, even at the edges of the field of view. Color fidelity is good, and the scope does a decent job in low-light conditions, although it doesn’t quite match the performance of some higher-end options.
One of the standout features of this scope is its illuminated mil-dot reticle. You can switch between red and green illumination, with five brightness levels for each color. This can be a real asset in low light conditions or when shooting against dark backgrounds. The reticle is in the second focal plane, which means it stays the same size regardless of magnification setting.
The mil-dot reticle provides useful reference points for holdovers and windage corrections. For hunters and target shooters who take the time to learn how to use it effectively, it can be a valuable tool for engaging targets at varying distances without having to rely solely on turret adjustments.
Build quality is impressive for a budget scope. The Pinty is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, giving it a solid, durable feel. It’s nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed, making it both waterproof and fogproof. I’ve used mine in some pretty nasty weather conditions without any issues.
The turrets on the Pinty are a pleasant surprise. They’re finger-adjustable and provide positive, audible clicks. The tracking is generally reliable, although not quite as precise as what you’d find on more expensive scopes. For most hunting and casual target shooting scenarios, they’re more than adequate.
Eye relief is reasonable at about 3.1-3.5 inches. It’s not the most generous in its class, but it’s manageable for most shooting situations. The eye box is fairly forgiving, making it easy to get behind the scope and find your sight picture quickly.
One nice touch is that the scope comes with a set of mounting rings included. They’re decent quality and save you from having to make an additional purchase. The scope also comes with flip-up lens covers, which is a nice bonus at this price point.
It’s worth noting that while Pinty markets this as a “tactical” scope, I’d be hesitant to rely on it for serious tactical applications. However, for hunting, casual target shooting, and even some informal competitions, it’s more than capable.
For the price, the Pinty 3-9×40 offers a lot of features and solid performance. It’s a versatile scope that can handle a variety of hunting and shooting situations. While it may not have the brand recognition of some other options, it’s definitely worth considering if you’re on a tight budget and looking for a scope with an illuminated reticle.
Tasco World Class 3-9×40
Tasco has been a player in the budget optics game for decades, and their World Class line aims to bring solid performance to shooters on a tight budget. The 3-9×40 model is a versatile all-around hunting scope that offers some impressive features for its price point.
The scope provides a classic 3-9x magnification range paired with a 40mm objective lens. This combination is a tried-and-true setup that works well for a wide range of hunting scenarios, from dense woods to open fields. The 40mm objective provides good light-gathering capability, helping to extend your shooting time into the twilight hours.
Optically, the Tasco performs admirably for its price range. Images are clear and bright, with good contrast. There’s minimal distortion, even at the edges of the field of view. The scope uses Tasco’s “Magenta” lens coating, which helps to enhance contrast and reduce glare. While it’s not quite on par with the coatings used on high-end scopes, it does make a noticeable difference, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
The reticle is a standard 30/30 duplex design. It’s simple, uncluttered, and easy to use. While it doesn’t offer the advanced features of some tactical-style reticles, for most hunting applications, it’s more than adequate. The thick outer posts draw your eye naturally to the center of the sight picture, allowing for quick target acquisition.
Build quality is solid for a budget scope. The tube is constructed from a single piece of aluminum, providing good rigidity and durability. The scope is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed, making it waterproof and fogproof. I’ve used mine in some pretty nasty weather without any issues.
The turrets on the World Class are basic but functional. They’re capped to protect them from accidental adjustments in the field, which is a nice touch for a hunting scope. The adjustments aren’t as precise as what you’d find on more expensive scopes, but they’re adequate for getting your rifle zeroed and making basic adjustments.
Eye relief is generous at about 3.5 inches, which is appreciated, especially if you’re mounting this on a hard-recoiling rifle. The eye box is fairly forgiving, making it easy to get behind the scope and find your sight picture quickly.
One area where the Tasco really shines is its warranty. It comes with Tasco’s limited lifetime warranty, which provides good peace of mind, especially for a budget optic.
It’s worth noting that while the World Class is a solid performer for its price, it does have some limitations. The turrets aren’t really designed for making precise adjustments on the fly, so this isn’t the best choice if you’re looking to do a lot of long-range shooting or dialing for different distances. Additionally, while the optical quality is good for the price, it’s not going to compete with higher-end scopes in challenging light conditions.
For hunters on a budget, or for those looking for a reliable scope for a secondary rifle, the Tasco World Class 3-9×40 is a solid choice. It offers good optical performance, durable construction, and a versatile magnification range, all at a very affordable price point.
Simmons 8-Point 3-9×50
Rounding out our list is another offering from Simmons, a brand that’s become synonymous with quality budget optics. The 8-Point 3-9×50 is a step up from their .22 Mag model, offering a larger objective lens for improved light gathering capability.
The scope features a 3-9x magnification range, which is versatile enough for most hunting scenarios. Where it really stands out is with its large 50mm objective lens. This larger objective allows the scope to gather more light, which translates to a brighter, clearer image, especially in low light conditions. If you do a lot of hunting at dawn or dusk, this extra light-gathering ability can make a real difference.
Optically, the 8-Point performs impressively for its price point. Images are clear and bright, with good contrast and minimal distortion throughout the magnification range. The fully-coated optics do a good job of maximizing light transmission, contributing to the scope’s excellent low-light performance.
The reticle is Simmons’ Truplex design, which is essentially their version of the classic duplex reticle. It’s clean and uncluttered, making for fast target acquisition – a real plus when that buck suddenly appears at the edge of a clearing. The reticle is in the second focal plane, meaning it remains the same size regardless of magnification setting.
Build quality is solid for a budget scope. The 8-Point is constructed from a single piece of aluminum, providing good rigidity and durability. It’s fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, so it should stand up well to the rigors of hunting in various weather conditions.
The turrets on the 8-Point are basic but functional. They’re finger-adjustable and provide audible clicks, though they’re not as precise as what you’d find on more expensive scopes. For most hunting applications, where you’re likely to zero the scope and leave it, they’re more than adequate.
Eye relief is generous at about 3.5 inches, which is appreciated, especially if you’re mounting this on a hard-recoiling rifle. The eye box is fairly forgiving, making it easy to get behind the scope and find your sight picture quickly.
One feature I particularly appreciate is the quick-focus eyepiece. This allows you to quickly adjust the reticle focus to your eye, ensuring a sharp, clear sight picture. It’s a small touch, but one that can make a big difference in the field.
It’s worth noting that while the 8-Point is a solid performer for its price, it does have some limitations. The turrets aren’t really designed for making precise adjustments on the fly, so this isn’t the best choice if you’re looking to do a lot of long-range shooting or dialing for different distances. Additionally, while the optical quality is good for the price, it’s not going to compete with higher-end scopes in the most challenging light conditions.
For hunters prioritizing low-light performance on a budget, the Simmons 8-Point 3-9×50 is an excellent choice. Its large objective lens and quality coatings allow it to perform well in dim conditions where other budget scopes might struggle. Whether you’re a deer hunter who likes to be in the stand until last light, or a varmint hunter who operates in the twilight hours, this scope offers a lot of value for its price point.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, the market for budget-friendly rifle scopes has come a long way. While these sub-$100 optics may not have all the bells and whistles of premium glass, they prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get decent performance. For new hunters, casual plinkers, or those outfitting multiple rifles, these affordable options offer a lot of value.
My top overall pick remains the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn. Its optical quality and low-light performance punch well above its price point, making it an excellent choice for hunters who often find themselves in the field at dawn or dusk. For AR-style rifles or those looking for a red dot sight, you can’t go wrong with the Bushnell TRS-25. Its durability and long battery life make it a standout in the budget category. And for rimfire use, both the Simmons .22 Mag and BARSKA Plinker-22 are excellent choices, offering features and performance you’d expect from much more expensive scopes.
However, the “best” scope ultimately depends on your specific needs and shooting style. Consider factors like intended use, rifle type, and personal preferences when making your choice. If you prioritize long-range performance, the CVLIFE 6-24×50 might be worth a look. For those who value a more tactical-style reticle, the Pinty 3-9×40 could be a good fit. And if low-light performance is your top priority, the Simmons 8-Point 3-9×50 deserves serious consideration.
Remember, while these budget scopes offer impressive performance for their price, they do have limitations. They may not track as precisely as high-end scopes, and their optical quality may suffer in extreme conditions. But for most hunting and casual shooting applications, they’ll get the job done admirably.
As you shop for a scope, don’t forget to factor in the cost of quality mounting rings if they’re not included. Even the best scope won’t perform well if it’s not properly mounted. And regardless of which scope you choose, take the time to properly zero it and familiarize yourself with its features. A less expensive scope in the hands of a skilled shooter will outperform a top-tier optic in the hands of someone who doesn’t know how to use it.
In the end, the best scope is the one that meets your needs and fits your budget. With the options on this list, you’re sure to find a scope that will help you hit your target without breaking the bank. Happy hunting and shooting!