Hunting and shooting have been one of the most beloved sports among men. Certain skills need to be developed and learned in this sport, and a first-time hunter or shooter can easily learn all of that, especially if they are equipped with the right tools and accessories. In this sport, accuracy and precision are a must-have.
In the field of shooting and hunting, it’s very important to partner with a good rifle with a rifle scope that is equally good. There are different types of rifle scopes for different rifles because there are specific adjustments required for each.
With a lot of choices available in the market, it is surely hard to choose which rifle scope will be the best for you. A lot of brands, if not, all are claiming to be the best one there is. The only way to be able to pick the right one to limit your options to what is the best rifle scope for you.
Being smart and practical plays an essential role in choosing the right accessory for you. Nowadays, the quality of the scope is not measured by its brand and price, but with how good it will fit with your firearm.
Our Top 3 Recommendations
Best Overall
- Brand: Vortex
- Objective Lens: 44 mm
- Magnification: 4-16 x
- Weight: 23.1 oz
Best Value
- Brand: SightMark
- Objective Lens: 50 mm
- Magnification: 3-18 x
- Weight: 26.1 oz
Best Long Range
- Brand: Athlon
- Objective Lens: 56 mm
- Magnification: 8-34 x
- Weight: 32 oz
Getting a rifle scope is a good idea to help you magnify your vision of the target and therefore enhance your performance in the field. With the right riflescope, you won’t have to strain your eyes or body being holed up in just one spot. It can also be used for other purposes such as target shooting and can also benefit the shooter in tactical situations.
It will provide accurate shooting all the time. Not having a miss in all the target shooting or shooting practices is really what any hunter and shooter want, and you can achieve it just by having a rifle scope.
If you are looking for the best rifle scope in the market that will be just right and will not let you go over budget, you are in the right article because we are going to help you in picking the right rifle scope that will be able to cater all of your needs and qualifications.
Allotting only $400 for a rifle scope will already give you a lot of high-quality scopes to choose from. If you are planning to use your rifle and rifle scope for long-distance shooting, you must look for a scope with good magnification that can support the medium to long-range shooting. Having amazing visibility and high-quality optics is also an important feature to look for.
Here are 10 of the best rifle scopes under $400 that you can find in .
10 Best Rifle Scopes Under $400
 |  | |||
 | | |||
 | | |||
 | | |||
 | | |||
 | | |||
 | | |||
 | | |||
 | | |||
 | |
10 Best Rifle Scopes Under $400 in 2021 – Reviewed
1. Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope
Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 FFP Riflescopeis popular for being the best rifle scope for long-range shooting. It is the best rifle scope under 400 so it has become one of the most in-demand rifle scopes in the market.
It prides itself for its very impressive performance and affordability. It uses an EBR-2C reticle that is usually seen in very expensive rifle scopes.
Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 FFP Riflescopeis the best option when it comes to range, windage, and magnification of the scope.
It is made up of a one-piece aluminum tube that is very durable and high-quality material for a hunting scope. It provides perfect clarity and brightness, giving you a clear and excellent resolution.
The elevation turret can be a little exposed, but it is easy to keep out of the way and not bother about the shooter at all especially when it comes to packing.
With its reputation as the best scope under $400, Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope really proves its worth with the speed, precision, and ease it provides even in shooting long-distance targets.
Dimensions
9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 inches
Magnification
4-16x
Sport Type
Hunting
Weight
1.4 Pounds
Eye Relief
3.8 inches
This scope will be an absolute perfect hunting tool for those hunters and shooters who particularly enjoy long-distance shooting because it has built with low dispersion that helps to increase the resolution, quality, and color of the image. Also, it has a multi-coated lens that heightens light transmission for a better and sharper picture.
Built with the same material as aircraft aluminum, Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope is expected to be stronger and more durable than ever.
It is also expected to withstand all the weather conditions and elements such as water, fog, rust, and other factors that might abuse it while shooting. Equipped with a force spring that provides accuracy with every feedback, this scope is sure that one of the best ones there is.
Pros
- Reliable
- Long-lasting
- Precised images
Cons
- High magnification lacks in visibility
2. Sightmark Citadel 3-18×50 LR2 Riflescope
If you really want to get your money’s worth of high-quality scope, Sightmark Citadel 3-18×50 LR2 Riflescope is one of the best rifle scopes under $400.
Weighing only 2.6 pounds, Sightmark Citadel 3-18×50 LR2 Riflescope is a good partner for your rifle. The turrets of this scope are exposed, meaning it will be easy to adjust and control for windage and elevation.
The illumination of this scope is located on one turret only for it to be adjusted easily. With an extra accessory called sunshade that protects the lens from direct sunlight.
It is a good quality considering most of the hunting and shooting trips are done in the morning. With the help of the sunshade, the good quality of this image is retained.
Dimensions
14 x 3 x 2.5 inches
Magnification
3-18x
Objective Lens
50 mm
Weight
26.1 oz
Eye Relief
4.6 inches
Sightmark Citadel 3-18×50 LR2 Riflescope also has a 30mm tube that is made with aircraft quality material and excellent reticles. It is made to withstand different weathers so that it can be used in different types of weather. It can withstand water, dust, rust, fog, shock, and all the other elements that naturally causes damage to the rifle scope.
Special features are attainable for less than $400, which proves that Sightmark Citadel 3-18×50 LR2 Riflescope is a true one of the best rifle scopes there is. Not only that, but it can also hold a zero even when matched with heavy recoil. It also has the capability to heighten the magnification of targets that are far away, and can even lock it accurately and with ease.
The only setback in using this scope is that it is a bit bigger than other scopes in this list, making it weigh heavier and harder to carry.
Pros
- Easy adjustments
- Great magnification
- Long-lasting
Cons
- May bulky
3. Athlon Optics Argos BTR 8-34×56 FFP Riflescope
Athlon Optics Argos BTR 8-34×56 FFP Riflescope is known for its high-quality design and performance. It is one of the best rifle scopes under $400 on the market with excellent features.
This brand has earned the praise of professional hunters and shooters over the years because it produces reliable products, and this particular scope is proof how reliable their products are and that it is worth adding to your collection.
The best feature of Athlon Optics Argos BTR 8-34×56 FFP Riflescope provides excellent brightness and produces real colors that will give the shooter the accuracy he needs in the light spectrum.
It also comes with advanced lenses that are multi-coated so that it will improve the quality of the images more. This scope has a reticle that is etched to glass itself in order to have additional support for recoil resistance. The illuminated reticle provides a better picture.
Other than that, Athlon Optics Argos BTR 8-34×56 FFP Riflescope is made with aircraft-grade aluminum, which makes it heavy-duty and extremely reliable. This scope has a dependable performance; you can always count on as you go on your hunting activities.
Athlon Optics Argos BTR 8-34×56 FFP Riflescope is made to be one hundred percent solid and can deal with a lot of unique and tough conditions, so you wouldn’t have to worry and handle it with too much care.
Dimensions
17 x 5 x 4 inches
Magnification
8-34x
Objective Lens
56 mm
Weight
32 oz
Eye Relief
3.3 inches
This product is excellent in a way that it can take care of itself because it is built to be waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. You can enjoy going on trips without having to think of the weather and other elements.
With all its quality features, its waterproof and shockproof design, and many other specifications, this product will definitely not disappoint. You can consider it as one of the smartest choices you will ever have in the field of shooting and hunting. Having a solid mechanical system, you can even enjoy it for a long time.
The only thing Athlon Optics Argos BTR 8-34×56 FFP Riflescope needs to improve is its adjustments. It will be better to have more user-friendly controls and adjustments.
Pros
- Made with 6061 T6 aluminum
- Multi-coated lens
- Illuminated reticle
Cons
- Hard to make adjustments
4. Burris Optics Fullfield E1 4.5-14x42mm Riflescope
There are actually two models for the Burris Optics Fullfield E1 4.5-14x42mm Riflescope. The first one is the Ballistic Plex E1, and the other one is a reticle that specializes in long-range shooting. Both of them have an affordable price of less than $400.
Burris Optics Fullfield E1 4.5-14x42mm Riflescope is created to have an excellent magnification of 3-9x. It provides a broader view of the field when compared to other standard scopes.
Designed meticulously to be stylish and sleek, this scope is ideal for those shooters and hunters who want to appear elegant and flashy in the field. It has elevation dots that assists with the long-distance shooting.
You can also expect excellent performance from Burris Optics Fullfield E1 4.5-14x42mm Riflescope even during intense and windy weather because it is designed to withstand all kinds of impact and other abuse that might happen with the rifle and the riflescope.
The lenses of Burris Optics Fullfield E1 4.5-14x42mm Riflescope are truly exceptional when it comes to accuracy and precision. The hunter or shooter can easily lock on a specific target.
Dimensions
15 x 6 x 3 inches
Magnification
4.5 - 14 x
Objective Lens
42 mm
Weight
15.3 oz
Eye Relief
3.1-3.8 inches
The lenses are also multi-coated to be able to protect your eyes from intense glare from direct sunlight and harsh lighting. It can also help with dark lighting conditions so that the hunter can still see high-quality pictures while shooting.
This scope is the best for target shooting and hunting. You can expect it to provide high-quality performance at all times. Because of its exit pupil diameter, it offers eye relief so you can hunt for hours and not strain your eye at all. With its durability and sturdiness, this scope will easily be the only scope you will ever need for your rifle.
Pros
- High-quality scope
- Excellent eye relief
- Solid construction
Cons
- Complaints in reticle illumination
5. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 3-18×44 SFP Riflescope
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 3-18×44 SFP Riflescope is yet one of the most famous ones in this list. It is produced by Vortex Optics, proud of its objective lens diameter of 44mm it assures the user that there will be just the right amount of light passing through its lens to be able to achieve perfect clarity.
With its MOA windage elevation at 120 MOA, Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 3-18×44 SFP Riflescope will be perfect for both short-range and long-range shooting.
Made with a very strong package, this scope is absolutely what shooters are looking for when they want to purchase an affordable and very high-quality accessory for their rifle.
Like most of the products released by Vortex, Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 3-18×44 SFP Riflescope is equipped with low dispersion glass that helps to increase the color resolution of the picture to make it sharper and easy to see. The lenses are also multi-coated to increase the transmission of the glass surface.
Dimensions
13.88 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches
Magnification
1 - 8x
Objective Lens
24 mm
Weight
17.6 oz
Eye Relief
3.5 inches
It also has an illuminated reticle that helps with low light conditions. You can use it even at night and still be able to see the target accurately. The adjustments and controls of Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 3-18×44 SFP Riflescope are very easy to use even with amateur hunters and shooters.
Other than all of the features I have listed above, there are still other things this Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 3-18×44 SFP Riflescope can offer. It also comes with protective accessories for the scope itself like removable lens covers, shade, lens cloth, and many others. This will help you to clean, take care, and repair your rifle scope properly, making it last longer.
The only setback of purchasing this product is that it doesn’t provide much eye relief and therefore causes your eyes to strain.
You can also refer our complete review of Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Riflescope to gather more information.
Pros
- Anti-reflected coating lens
- Rugged construction
- EVR-4 MOA
Cons
- Eye relief requires high maintenance
6. Bushnell Engage 4-16x44mm Riflescope
If you want to grow your skills and performance in the field, the Bushnell Engage 4-16x44mm Riflescope is the rifle scope for you.
It comes with a lot of features that only a few rifle scopes have. This scope is most proud of its optics that are used with your hunting and shooting activities.
It comes with a turret that has tool-less zero resets. It also has an easy adjustment knob that is mounted on the side so that it will be easy to reach and control.
The creators of the Bushnell Engage 4-16x44mm Riflescope built this model of the rifle scope to be suitable for any type of weather. It developed the new EXO Barrier that has a type of coating that connects to the lens so that it will be able to fill the glass with small pores.
The small pores will result in a slicker coating that will protect your scope from oil, dust, fog, debris, water, and many other elements. All of your worries about things that might affect your scope will not be able to stick to it.
Dimensions
17.9 x 4.6 x 3.7 inches
Magnification
6 - 24 x
Objective Lens
50 mm
Weight
23.7 oz
Eye Relief
3.6 inches
The diameter of this scope is 30mm, and it has 4-16x a magnification range. It will be very ideal to use even when the weather is wet or foggy. The Bushnell Engage 4-16x44mm Riflescope is one hundred percent waterproof and is compatible with several types of rifles. Having a thin reticle makes it standout when it comes to the accuracy and clarity of the targets.
Bushnell Engage 4-16x44mm Riflescope is designed to be useful even in the worst lighting conditions because it is equipped with several layers of the protective coating that is sure to provide high contrast pictures with more clarity and brightness.
The only thing that can be improved with this scope is if it provides a wider reticle option.
Pros
- Turrets are lockable
- Shield with EXO barrier
- Resist water and fog
Cons
- Lacks in reticle options
7. Leupold VX-3i 3.5x10x40mm Riflescope
Leupold VX-3i 3.5x10x40mm Riflescope is claimed to be the best .308 rifle scope. It gives the hunters and shooters satisfaction and ensures that they are provided with a rifle scope that doesn’t have any control issues whatsoever.
It is one hundred percent American because it is made and manufactured there purely. Guaranteed to provide the hunter or shooter the best experience they can get for a low light scope that is under $400.
With the reputation of Leupold VX-3i 3.5x10x40mm Riflescope, its creators make sure that the rifle scope they produce will be completely durable, strong, and is able to withstand all the elements the rifle scope might encounter.
It is shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof. It is possible to bring this rifle scope with you no matter what the weather is without having to think about its safety.
Leupold VX-3i 3.5x10x40mm Riflescope is also coated with DiamondCoat 2, which is a very well-known coating with ion-assist lenses for better transmission of light.
Dimensions
14 x 4 x 3 inches
Magnification
3.5 - 10 x
Objective Lens
40 mm
Weight
12.6 oz
Eye Relief
4.4 - 3.6 inches
This scope is designed to have a very precise MOA fingertip windage and elevation, which means it has more steadiness and sturdiness than any standard rifle scope in the market. With that feature, it will be possible for the Leupold VX-3i 3.5x10x40mm Riflescope to withstand all the recoil and other abuse it might experience in the future.
Aside from all the interesting features, the greatest asset of the Leupold VX-3i 3.5x10x40mm Riflescope is the Twilight Max Light Management System it has. It provides additional light for the hunter and shooter, making it possible to reduce the glare that normally happens during a very light setup.
The only setback of this scope is that the turret design could use a little improvement.
Pros
- Diamond coated lens
- USA made
- Aircraft grade materials
Cons
- Complaint in turret design
8. Vortex Optics Spitfire Prism Scopes
If you want a rifle scope for your medium-range shooting trips, Vortex Optics Spitfire Prism Scopes is the best prism scopes for you.
It provides accuracy and precision that can be very helpful in the field. It is also made with multi-coated lenses that have an anti-reflective coating that provides a better picture, especially in low light situations.
Vortex Optics Spitfire Prism Scopes is designed with red and green reticles that can be interchanged with 5 levels of intensity; you can choose which level will be more suitable to your liking.
The reticle is placed meticulously placed on the prism for the hunter or shooter to aim well no matter what the situation or the weather is. It is also made to be shockproof in order to be able to endure the recoils for the years to come.
Dimensions
4.7 x 8.6 x 3.3 inches
Magnification
3 x
Objective Lens
32 mm
Weight
15.4 oz
Eye Relief
2.8 inches
Built with nitrogen purging, Vortex Optics Spitfire Prism Scopes is also waterproof and fog proof. The rifle scope provides 3x magnification for better accuracy when target shooting.
Other than that, you will be able to enjoy a very comfortable eye relief that prevents your eyes from strain as you go hours of hunting and shooting.
The only thing that needs changing in this rifle scope is the loose dust caps it has.
Pros
- Bright and clear images
- Suitable for medium range shooting
- Easily mounts
Cons
- Dust caps may loose
9. Nikon M-Tactical .223 4-16X42SF Matte BDC600 Riflescope
Nikon has established its reputation as the creator of the best lens in the market. That includes the scopes that they create.
Finding a good deal for such an impressive rifle scope is not something that it is easy to do. So if you want to purchase an affordable, high-quality scope that came from the best of the best, Nikon M-Tactical .223 4-16X42SF Matte BDC600 Riflescope is exactly what you are looking for.
Nikon M-Tactical .223 4-16X42SF Matte BDC600 Riflescope is a fully multi-coated optical system that is capable of highlighting high contrast images and makes it easier for the hunter or shooter to see.
Partnered with a 4x zoom power, easy focus eyepiece, and generous eye relief, you have gotten yourself the best and most affordable deal you can find.
The creators make sure that first-time users will be able to enjoy Nikon M-Tactical .223 4-16X42SF Matte BDC600 Riflescope with ease and accessibility.
Dimensions
16.22 x 5.83 x 5.39 inches
Magnification
4 x
Sport type
Hunting
Weight
2 Pounds
Detection Range
600 yards
The turrets and zooms are made to have a better grip on the controls; also, it has quick adjustment features that can be used as directional indicators.
You wouldn’t have to deal with unnecessary moisture, and it can withstand any possible thermal shocks it may experience because the nitrogen content is purged so that it will be hassle-free and safe.
Nothing can compare with the specifications and affordable price of Nikon M-Tactical .223 4-16X42SF Matte BDC600 Riflescope because of all the specifications it has to offer.
The only disadvantage in purchasing this rifle scope is that it can be heavier than other scopes in this list.
You can also check our review on Nikon BDC Reticle Black Riflescope which is similar to Nikon M-Tactical BDC Reticle Riflescope.
Pros
- Extended lifetime
- BDC 600 reticle
- High-quality optics
Cons
- A bit heavy
10. Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BCD Riflescope
Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC Riflescope is one of the very few rifle scopes out that can endure intense and demanding hunting activities.
It has been designed to have multi-coated optics to provide better light transmission. Expect this scope to deliver the best images with clarity and better brightness when viewing.
Designed with Nikon’s patented BDC reticle, Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC Riflescope has a see-through ballistic circle that helps to achieve the perfect long-distance shooting. It also comes with a zero-reset turret that is spring-loaded so that the adjustment will come easily.
With an easy-adjust magnification control, you can change the magnification of Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC Riflescope from 4.5x to 18x, depending on how it would suit you.
Dimensions
3.27 x 4.72 x 15.75 inches
Magnification
4.5 - 18 x
Sport type
Hunting
Weight
4.8 Ounces
Detection Range
600 yards
With a very consistent eye relief, you can have a clear view of the field and not strain your eyes even for a bit. The eye relief also works for those hunters or shooters who wear the glasses constantly.
The advantage of purchasing the Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC Riflescope is that it is a great scope at a very affordable price, it can be used for short-range and long-range shooting. It is also made to be extremely durable and able to withstand different weathers and elements. With this powerful scope, you can expect it to deliver quality images that are clear and high quality.
The only improvement needed for this is the reticle can be too large, making it difficult for the shooter or hunter to lock on a single target.
Pros
- Value for money
- Simple adjustments
- Weather-resistant
Cons
- Reticle a bit thick
How to Choose the Best Rifle Scopes Under $400?
Choosing the best rifle scope for your rifle that will not let you go over budget may not be easy. But with all the better rifle scopes under $400 in the market, it will not be as much a challenge than you might think.
You just have to set some guidelines on how you choose the one that will suit your standard and your budget. Here some of the things you must consider:
Range
You must know what kind of shooting you want to do. May it be short-range or long-range, make sure that you have a type of range in mind. For long-distance shooting, you have to purchase a certain scope that has additional features. If you are accustomed to mid-range shooting, you have to focus on the speed and movement of the scope.
Precision
Regardless of what type of shooting you intend to do, you must always focus on the precision of the rifle scope. Make sure that it will complement your skill so that you can improve your performance on the field.
Magnification
You should make sure that you will find the type of rifle scope that focuses on the zooming in and out to the target. Make sure that the rifle scope which you purchase will provide a great magnification and that the quality of the image is perfect. Choose the type of scope where the transition of views is smooth in order to maintain accuracy in each shot.
Material
In choosing a rifle scope, you should look for the one that is made with aluminum alloy. It is important to have a scope that is sure to last for a long time, so choose the best one that is known for its durability and quality.
Objective Lens
This is one of the most critical factors to consider. You would want to have a rifle scope that provides the best clarity for your image. With bigger lenses, you will have a better image clarity regardless of the lighting. That is why you should always look for a scope that has a bigger objective lens. But keep in mind that the bigger objective lenses are heavier it tends to be.
Lens Coating
If you had to choose the best rifle scope to purchase, make sure that you will choose one that is multi-coated so that you will have a better image of your target. It will really help you with the glare of light, especially in bright light situations.
Final Words
If you are a professional shooter or hunter, having a rifle may not be enough. In order to have the best performance in the field, you have to partner your firearm with a rifle scope that is just as good. Rifle scopes will give you the benefit of zooming on your target in order to have a better look and to know exactly where you want to shoot.
You don’t have to worry about spending thousands of dollars to buy a good rifle scope because we have gone through the trouble of looking for the best scopes in the market that offer a great deal. You can now enjoy incredible rifle scopes without worrying about going over budget; just go over this article and pick which one is the most suitable to your rifle and your skills.
Always keep in mind that investing for a good rifle scope is the best decision you will ever have. It will help you to enhance your performance and then will give you the best results you will ever have.