Best Rifle Scope for the Money – Reviews and Top Picks
The best rifle scope is popular and much beloved for hunters, no question about that. Let’s face it, it’s portability, little recoil, low maintenance, as well as cheap and easy accessibility make it a fantastic scope for both beginners and experienced shooters.
Although it’s not a gun that exactly begs for a scope, adding some high-quality glass to it will certainly improve its shooting capabilities. Since long range rifle scopes are very popular, there are a variety of scope options out there in the market.
Therefore, finding the right one that flawlessly matches the excellent performance of this tough rifle could prove to be a challenge.
Fortunately, we’re very familiar with the different scope options available, so we’ll gladly help you make the right purchase. In line with this, let’s look at the best scope for the money and why they stand out from the others.
Below is a 10 list of the right rifle scopes that will make your hunting easier and more enjoyable.
Best Rifle Scope for the Money – Top Models Review
Bushnell Elite Illuminated Tactical G2DMR Reticle Riflescope (6-24050-mm)
The Bushnell long range scope boasts of an advanced adjustable power feature. The tactical target scope has a 6 to 24x magnification accompanied by a highly functional objective lens with 50-millimeter magnifying abilities. These features enhance the brightness of the scopes while giving it a much-required long-range magnification.
Not only does the product come with a convenient band coating, it also boasts advanced multi-coated fiber optics that enable smooth light transmission and enhanced image quality as well as clarity.
Another feature that makes the Bushnell scope superior is its anti-fog rain guard technology that maintains lens clarity in adverse weather conditions. This makes the scope an all-weather product suitable for use even in bad foggy weather.
The Bushnell Elite range scope has parallax adjustment features that enhance accuracy, more so in long ranges. It’s 1-millimeter click value works well with its FFP reticle which allows for wind adjustment, holdover, and long distance ranging. This makes the device appropriate for long range spotting and hunting.
30-millimeter argon-purged one-piece tube. The argon-purged tube gives the scope much-needed stability when viewing. This makes it suitable for long-range viewing in all weather, including strong winds.
It also comes with a hunting guide that describes how to assemble the device and how to use it effectively, whether in the dim or bright light. Moreover, the one-piece tube is of standard weight making the Bushnell G2DMR riflescope convenient for use in the outdoors.
Nikon P-RIMFIRE BDC 150 Rifle Scope
This is another great scope for your hunting that’s fogproof, waterproof and has been built with versatility in mind. It has an inbuilt drop compensation reticle which is one of its main selling points.
The reticle is well built and is designed for hypervelocity rifles; this means that it’ll offer you a wide circle of view where you can get to see your target clearly even at 150 yards away.
The P-Rimfire features a Nikon Eco-Glass lens that’s coated with multiple layers of anti-reflective compounds. The fully coated optics perform exceptionally well even in low light settings, meaning that hunting the small games at sundown or early in the morning will never be a letdown.
In addition to that, its’ magnification not only equals, but even surpasses standards set by other scopes, and its’ zero resetting turrets work perfectly.
Pros:
- It’s an all-weather scope which is not only fogproof but is also waterproof
- It’s ideal for shooting or hunting even in low-light settings
- It’s made of polymer and aluminum materials for durability
- It offers users various aiming points.
Cons:
- It’s not very easy to install and use, and you need to carefully read the instructions first
Simmons 511039 3 – 9 x 32mm .22 Mag(R) Matte Black Riflescope
This is arguably the best type of scope for Ruger 10/22, especially for people who are on a tight budget but are not willing to compromise on the features.
The product is not only reasonably priced but is also well-engineered to produce excellent performance without putting a lot of stress on your firearm. It is packed with plenty of great features such as a 32 mm objective lens, and 3 to 9 power magnification, and is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
The scope kit also comes with a set of high-quality mounting rings for easy installation and convenient mounting.
The patented QTA (Quick Target Acquisition) design ensures a precise target up front, while the fully coated optics ensure that the light that’s transmitted in the lens is enhanced, making it much easier for users to see distant objects.
The inclusion of the coated optics also ensures that you’ll not have any trouble when it comes to scope glare disrupting your aim when hunting or shooting in harsh weather conditions.
In addition to that, this particular model will allow you to see clearly even in low-light settings or conditions. This means that if you opt to hunt at dawn or dusk, you will have an easy time spotting your target and taking a clear shot.
The elevation and windage adjustment is also quite easy by utilizing the intuitively placed knobs. This beautifully finished black scope takes pride in its easy adjustment through its patented SureGrip adjustment features.
Pros:
- It’s made of high-quality materials and is durable
- It offers clear visuals even in low-light settings
- It’s reasonably priced and offers great value for money
- It comes with rimfire 3/8 inch dovetail mounting rings
- It has parallax correction that’s preset to 50 yards
- The lens is fully coated with a Hydro shield, which makes it waterproof
Cons:
- It might not be best suited for competition or more than casual hunting
- The adjustment turrets could be improved
Trijicon TR24 AccuPoint 1-4×24 Dual-Illuminated Riflescope
Trijicon TR24 riflescope is well designed to allow for portability and ease of carriage as well as high lens performance for enhanced visibility. The following are some of its main features.
This product comes with superior multi-coated lenses which provide superior image clarity as well as enhanced light-gathering qualities with an impressive distortion rate of zero. The superior lenses make the Trijicon dual-illuminated riflescope among the highest-rated and most reliable riflescopes in the market.
Battery-free functionality, The long-range riflescope utilizes an advanced fiber optic system that automatically performs brightness adjustment functions.
Moreover, the fiber optics also perform contrast management for the reticle viewpoint based on the immediate light conditions. The presence of a highly functional tritium phosphor-led lamp ensures the reticle is illuminated when there is low light or no light at all.
An aircraft-grade aluminum-coated housing serves to protect the riflescope in all conditions. The all-weather coating ensures the product is protected even during bad weather such as fog, rain, or strong winds.
Impressively, the aluminum coat protects the external surface from wear and tear, giving the riflescope a shiny and presentable appearance.
Additional focal plane reticle, the aiming accuracy is enhanced by the presence of a second plane reticle. This ensures the reticle size is constant at all times, whether as the magnification increases, thus providing accurate images and more direct aiming points even during higher magnifications.
Therefore, you can trust the Trijicon long-range riflescope to satisfy all your aiming needs.
No forward emission, the reticle that is being illuminated does not project any form of illumination from the device’s objective lens. This ensures you view all objects clearly without parallax or inclination challenges. Further, it also ensures that the focus remains centrally on the object being viewed.
Leupold VX-3I 3.5-10X40Mm Duplex
This scope is designed for a shooter hunting under conditions of poor visibility. It can also function effectively under extreme weather conditions. The rifle scope has a length of 12.60 inches, a tube length of 5.8 inches, a tube diameter of 1 inch, and an objective diameter of 1.8 inches.
The rifle scope has an elevation adjustment range of 52 MOA and a windage adjustment range of 52 MOA. The scope has a matte finish. The rifle scope is a versatile piece of equipment that features a well-sized objective bell that offers optimum comfort with a larger exit pupil while focusing.
One of the benefits of this scope is that it uses the extended twilight lens system to create brighter images under conditions of poor visibility. The scope has an anodized aluminum coating which protects it against scratches, dents, and the elements.
The scope benefits from an aiming system that ensures that it offers detailed and correct views from a long-range focus. The scope has a lockable fast-focus eyepiece that also enables a shooter to take better aim.
The lens is made of waterproof and fogproof materials, which ensure that the scope can be used under any outdoor condition. The scope comes with a matte finish and blackened lens edges to ensure the concealment of the shooter.
There are several benefits to this scope. One of them is the Twilight Max Light Management System. The rifle scope also features OiamondCoat 2 lens coating which provides visibility and makes the lens durable. The scope comes with a Leupold Scope Cover which increases durability and reliability.
Moreover, the scope has an easy turn power selector which optimizes its efficiency. This is a reliable rifle scope that offers clarity of vision and makes shooting fun and easy. Whatever the goal of a shooter, the rifle scope ensures that you bring the prize home.
Tasco Rimfire Series 3-9x 32mm 30/30 Reticle .22 Riflescope (Matte Finish)
If you prefer scopes that have reticles and are solidly built, then the Tasco rimfire is the right one for you. This scope is calibrated for rimfire rifles, which makes it ideal for hunting.
It comes with great features such as a 32 mm objective lens, fully coated optics, weatherproof performance, and up to 9 magnifications. It weighs about 11.3 ounces, and it comes with 3″ eye relief.
The great thing about the Tasco Rimfire Scope is that it can maintain its zero targets even when you shoot hundreds of rounds. This means that after you adjust the scope to zero, it will remain fixed so long as you don’t surpass the preset range.
The variable magnification is very easy to use, and you can adjust it by rotating the zoom dial. With its simple adjustment capabilities and beautiful design, this scope can be the best choice for you if you are looking for a tough, reliable, yet basic scope for your hunting.
Pros:
- The scope’s optics provide high-quality images
- The scope has a beautiful design and is built to last
- The lens has multiple layers of coating
- It offers variable magnification
- It is specifically made for the .22 rimfire rifles
- It is easy to install and use
Cons:
- It is best suited for beginners and isn’t a great choice for hunting bigger games or for competitions
Burris XTR II illuminated 3X-15X-50mm FFP Mil-Dot Reticle Riflescope- 201033
Its high-resolution optics make it one of the highest-rated riflescopes for technical shooting whether for tactical or competitive events. Below are some of Burris XTR IIs main features,
Adjustable reticle design, the focal plane is strategically designed to allow the reticle size to either increase or decrease depending on magnification. The Burris riflescope FFP allows for accurate trajectory compensation for any preferred power setting.
This gives you the freedom to view long-range images without having to constantly review your power settings.
Windage and elevation are no longer issues when dealing with the Burris XTR II range scope. The product has tactical-appropriate, high-quality reticles in addition to modified adjustment knobs that make it fairly easy to identify images and targets. The adjustment knobs give you the power to adjust the lenses accordingly depending on elevation and windage.
The Burris XTR II’s illuminated reticle is among the most convenient features that make the product stand out. This feature enables you to focus on your target without getting concerned about lighting issues.
Therefore, the product is appropriate for all-day use, whether during the day, night, or early morning. The reticle ensures that accuracy is not compromised when viewing at night or in areas with low light.
The Burris Riflescope has an easy to attain parallax adjustment which ranges from 50 yards to infinity. This dramatically increases accuracy over long distances, ensuring your target remains in sight at all times.
Further, its ergonomic focus gives you a wider viewing range no matter the viewing distance, which ensures that the target and its immediate surroundings are well in sight.
Nikon MONARCH 3 BDC Riflescope, Black 4-16×42
The Nikon MONARCH 3 BDC Riflescope is a versatile rifle scope that could be used for multiple purposes. This scope features the MONARCH 3 Eye Box Technology with a 4-times zoom range.
This scope allows a shooter to get a dead-on target with the BDC reticle. This scope has zero-rest turrets. The scope is very popular among hunters because of the lock focus it provides from long distances.
This scope makes it easy for a shooter to shoot at moving targets. Adjustments on the scope are easily done with the spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets. The scope has a magnification of 4-16X.
The objective diameter is 42mm, the scope is 135 inches in length, weighs 19 ounces, and has a 1-inch tube diameter. The rifle scope has a field view of 6.3-252 feet/100 yards. The scope has optic coatings which ensure that the view is not damaged by fingerprints and the elements.
The scope is optimized for the use of Nikon’s Spot, the Nikon MONARCH 3 provides unrivaled image quality. The scope has a rugged construction which benefits from high-strength materials. This is a unique rifle scope designed to perform maximally in multiple scenarios without compromise.
Some of the incredible benefits of this scope are its magnification, resolution, and wide viewpoint. The magnification levels available for this scope range from 1X-30X. This enables long-range shots to be taken with surprising accuracy.
Aside from the wide range of magnification levels provided, the Nikon MONARCH 3 has a wide field of view. The objective lenses of the scope allow more light to enter the scope, whereas the high-quality materials used in making the lens provide the maximum transmission ratio of 95 percent.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Rifle Scope
Final Verdict
The above-listed top scopes are the best rifle scopes whose performances are enhanced by their technologically advanced features. Whether for casual, professional, or technical use, these rifle scopes will ensure you get the full value for money and experience a high level of performance at all times.
If you are looking for a scope to go hunting with, the Nikon and Bushnell models would be ideal. The features on the Nikon and the Bushnell stand out from all the rest due to the high-quality hydro shield lens and the fully coated capabilities they have.