Top 7 Best Rifle Scope Under 100 – Reviews of 2018
There was a time when buying a riflescope for less than $100 was unthinkable if not laughable. Today; however, you can find riflescopes with a whole host of impressive features for under $100. But where do you start when your budget does not allow you to go beyond $100? In this article, I will be reviewing 7 of my favorite scopes at this price point. Also, I will give you tips on how to choose the best rifle scope under 100.
Truth be told;
When shopping for a riflescope, you get what you pay for. Thus, do not be surprised that the low-end riflescope market is plagued by low-quality scopes. So the struggle for most shooters is finding the Best Rifle Scope Under $100.
Thankfully, although most rifle scopes under $100 are not worthy of the name Riflescope, there is a decent selection of excellent optics in this price segment. Below I have put together reviews of 7 riflescopes that I believe offer great value for your money.
A Quick Comparison of Best Rifle Scope Under 100 Dollars
Best Rifle Scope Under 100 | Image | Our Rating & Specialty |
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UTG 3-9X32 1" BugBuster Scope |  |
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Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope |  |
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Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope |  |
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Simmons 511039 3 - 9 x 32mm Matte Black Riflescope |  |
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BARSKA 3-9x32 Riflescope |  |
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Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope | |
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CVLIFE Optics Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24x50 |  |
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After getting lots of inquiry and interest from the readers I also have prepared a list of best rifle scope under 200 and best rifle scope under 300. These lists of rifle scopes will also help you if you are a budget conscious. Also, you can learn more about 22 long range rifle scope and which are the best scope for 30-06. Finally, if you worried about cartridge then check this Best Progressive Reloading Press Reviews
Best Rifle Scope Under 100 Reviews
UTG 3-9X32 1" BugBuster Scope Review
Last update on 2018-12-16
When I think about a riflescope whose features and performance to price ratio is hard to beat, the first scope that comes to mind is the UTG 3-9X 32 1’’ bug buster scope. As its name suggests, this affordable riflescope boasts of a standard 1-inch tube.
Inside this 1-inch tube is an emerald coated lens that significantly improves the scope’s image clarity and brightness. If you have ever shopped in the under $100 price range, then you know that it is hard to find a scope with good illumination. Thus, this Bugbuster scope with its dual feature illumination is a class above the competition. With the dual illumination, you can choose between red and green illumination. This handy feature makes this scope one of the best ar 15 scopes under 100.
Thumbs Up
- The 3 to 9X magnification of the scope is perfect for .22 rifles
- The scope performed excellently in low visibility thanks to its illuminated reticle
- This scope offers unbeatable value for your money in the under $ 100 market
- The optics are surprisingly sharp, and resolution is excellent across all zoom levels
Thumbs Down
- Weighing 13.8 ounces, this is not the lightest scope in the market.
- It is not ideal for long range shooting and works best as a short range shooting optic
Highlighted Specification
- 3 to 9X magnification
- Emerald coated lens
- 32 mm objective lens
- Red/green dual-illuminated mil-Dot Reticle
- Resettable turrets
- 2-inch sunshades and flip-up lens caps
Verdict
Granted this is not the best Rifle scope out there, but it is one of the best in regards to performance to price ratio. Thus it is the perfect scope for a beginner who is not ready or willing to spend large sums of money on an optic.
Beside rifle scope you may want binoculars - If you want budget binoculars then consider this reviews: best binoculars under 100 and 150 dollar review and if you want high-end rangefinder bino consider this best rangefinder binoculars review.
Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope with with 3.3-Inch Eye Relief Review
Last update on 2018-12-16
What's attract me most ?
I am one of those gun enthusiasts who believe that you do not have to spend hundreds of dollars to get a good quality scope. It is for this reason that I opted for the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Riflescope for my Ruger 10 22.
I am yet to regret my decision, as this affordable scope has served me very well. When I first took this scope on a dawn hunting trip, I was impressed by how bright it was; I guess that is why Bushnell branded it Dawn & Dusk. The 3 to 9X magnification was more than sufficient, and so was the 40 mm objective lens. The lenses on this scope are multicoated for added clarity and brightness.
But here’s the kicker; the scope has a 3.3-inch eye relief, which I found to be great considering the scope’s price tag.
Thumbs Up
- Maintains clarity and resolution across all zoom levels.
- Is shock, water and fog proof
- The eyepiece wheels turns effortlessly and is easy to use in the field.
- The optics are clear and bright
Thumbs Down
- Is best only for short range shooting
Highlighted Specification
- 3 to 9X magnification
- 40 mm objective lens
- Multicoated lens
- Multi-x reticle
- 3.3-inch eye relief
- 100% water and fog proof
Who is it for?
Weighing 13 ounces, this scope is relatively lighter than some of its pricier rivals and counterparts. As such, its weight makes it an ideal scope for small ballistic rifles.
That being said, this scope is perfect for hobbyists and beginners looking for an affordable yet good quality rifle. Also, it makes a great gift and a complementary scope for a secondary rifle. Given its price, this is arguably one of the best 3-9x40 scopes under 100
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope Review
Last update on 2018-12-16
One of my hunting buddies is a huge fan of red dot sights, and sometimes I get to try out his Bushnell Trophy TRS-25. While this red dot sight is no Aimpoint Pro, it is a functional sight for the money.
Whenever I get a chance to try out this sight on my Ruger 10 22 I cannot help but admire its design. All the controls are conveniently located on top of the optic. Also, this red dot weighs 3 ounces, thus, even on a pistol it hardly adds any weight. With regards to optical performance, the TRS-25 might is quite the performer.
The red dot appears bright and clear and comes with an emerald amber coating for enhanced brightness. The 1X magnification combined with the 25 mm objective lens add to the scope’s surprising optical performance.
Thumbs Up
- It is fog and waterproof and can be used in harsh weather conditions
- Has 11 brightness settings, and you can easily quickly the brightness to your liking
- This scope comes with a mount and is compatible with both Weaver and Picatinny rails
- It is a cheaper alternative to pricier red dot sights
Thumbs Down
- The battery life of this scope 3-volt lithium ion battery is not as good as advertised
Highlighted Specification
- 3 MOA red dot reticle
- 1X magnification
- 25 mm objective lens
- Tilted front lens
Who is it for?
It is hard to tell, who this scope is really for as it can be used by beginners as well as pros.
Nevertheless, if you are a professional hunter, pricier brands such as Eotech may appeal to you more. Therefore, thanks to its affordable price tag, this red dot sight is recommended for beginners looking for a first red dot sight.
Simmons 511039 3 - 9 x 32mm Matte Black Riflescope Review
Last update on 2018-12-16
I stumbled upon the Simons 511039 3-9X 32 mm riflescope while searching for a scope for my .22 rifle. At first, I thought its price was an error or a typing mistake, but after completing the order, I realized that it truly did cost less than $50.
Weighing 13.2 ounces and measuring 12 inches long, this rimfire scope is of average size and weight and fitted nicely onto my .22. The adjustable magnification of 3x to 9x was also average. As for image clarity and resolution, well, considering the price I got it for, it was not the worst, but it also was not the best.
With this scope, I can hit targets at up to 200 yards, but that is as far as it goes. What impressed me about this budget scope is its field of view. At 3X magnification, the field of view was a decent 31.4 feet at 100 yards. I was also impressed with the rimfire rings that this scope came with as they fit well with my rifles 3/8 inch rails.
Thumbs Up
- Great value for your money.
- The lens coating provide a pretty good image resolution regardless of weather conditions
- Comes with rubber surfaces, which makes it easy to grip and focus the eyepiece even in wet conditions
- The optics are fully coated, something that you do not expect at this price point
Thumbs Down
- The finger windage and elevation adjustment knob are not accurate.
- The accompanying rings are not compatible with either Picatinny or Weaver rails.
Highlighted Specification
- 3 to 9X magnification
- 32 mm objective lens
- 3.7-inch eye relief
- Truplex Reticle
- 31.4 feet at 100 yards field of view
- Hydrosheild coated lenses
Who is it for?
In all honesty, the Simmons performed better than I expected.
However, it is not the kind of scope I would recommend for a seasoned pro. The reason being that this scope does not do well when mounted onto rifles with a heavy recoil.
Therefore, this is a scope I recommend to newbies and gun enthusiasts who are still familiarizing themselves with the art of using a rifle scope. It is extremely inexpensive and gets the job done.
BARSKA 3-9x32 Riflescope Review
Last update on 2018-12-16
The BARSKA 3-9X32 mm Riflescope is another inexpensive riflescope designed specifically for rimfire rifles and .22 rifles. Weighing 11.5 ounces, this scope is lighter than the Simmons scope reviewed above. Despite its price tag, I found this scope to be easy to zero in and its optics to be surprisingly clear.
In regards to its construction, the scope looks and feels very well made. I have dropped by BARSKA several times and is yet to show signs of damage. Also, surprising is the fact that this scope comes with fully coated lenses, that increase image brightness.
Another thing that makes me feel that this scope is worth more than its price tag is its nitrogen filled tube. Thanks to the nitrogen, you will experience zero fogging.
Thumbs Up
- Has fully coated optics, which are a rarity in this price range
- The scope is 100% water and fog proof
- The scope comes with 3/8 inch mounting rings
- The objective lens is free from parallax from 50 yards and beyond
Thumbs Down
- The rings are of poor quality and are not compatible with Picatinny or Weaver rails
Highlighted Specification
- 3 to 9X magnification
- Objective lens 32 mm
- 1-inch tube diameter
- ¼ MOA elevation and windage adjustment
- Fully coated optics
Who is it for?
While some hunters will go for the more expensive Nikon Prostaff for their .22 rifles, this BARSKA model is still a great option for beginners.
Especially those who do not have money to spend on a Nikon scope. Thus, while this is not the best scope BARSKA has to offer it is still a great scope for its price point.
Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope with 6-Inch Eye Relief Review
Last update on 2018-12-16
Introduction
I was so impressed with the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X scope with a 3.3-inch eye relief that I decided to buy the scope’s twin brother for my friend, the one with a 6-inch eye relief.
Similar to its sibling the one with the 3.3-inch eye relief, this Bushnell scope performed superbly in low light. The multicoated lenses delivered sharp images with good resolution at all zoom levels. Considering that it has a better eye relief than its twin brother, this riflescope proved to a great optical aide.
Thumbs Up
- Has a great and long eye relief of 6 inches
- The scope is exceptionally bright in low light
- It looks and feels very well made and is water and fog proof
- The scope holds zero in all ranges
Thumbs Down
- The maximum 9X magnification is not good for long range shooting
Highlighted Specification
- 3 to 9X magnification
- 40 mm objective lens
- Multi-x reticle
- Fast focus eye piece
- Multicoated optics
Who is it for?
Similar to the Dawn & Dusk Multi-X scope with 3.3-inch eye relief, this rifle scope makes for a great first riflescope.
Thus, it is the perfect scope for beginners especially those who wear glasses due to its long eye relief.
CVLIFE Optics Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24x50 Review
Last update on 2018-12-16
I recently bought myself a CVLIFE Optics Hunting Rifle. At first, I did not know whether my gamble would pay off or not. But after using this inexpensive scope for some time now, I think I have found myself one of the best cheap rifle scopes for deer hunting.
With a 6 to 24X magnification, this scope is ideal for long range hunting. Furthermore, the 50 mm objective lens allows a decent amount of light to pass through. This scope is bright and clear and maintains resolution across all zoom levels. I was impressed with the red and green illuminated reticle that made it easy to view targets in low light.
Thumbs Up
- Has clear and sharp optics
- Comes with an illuminated reticle
- Comes with free mounting rings
- Is constructed from aluminum making it sturdy and durable
- Has a beautiful matte black finish
Thumbs Down
- Does not come with mounting instructions
- The mounting rings are not compatible with all rifles
Highlighted Specification
- 6 to 24X magnification
- 50 mm objective lens
- Red and green illuminated red dot reticle
- Multicoated optics
- Includes lens caps
Who is it for?
This scope is not as cheap as the other scopes on this list, but when you consider everything you are getting its price becomes understandable.
And while there are other scopes that are of a better quality, this scope is an excellent option for long range shooting. It is especially ideal for hunters who hunt in warm and cold weather.
Conclusion
There are many riflescopes that come to mind when I think about the best cheap rifle scope for deer hunting. However, the above-reviewed scopes have no rivals in the under $ 100 market. Thus, if you are looking for the Best Rifle Scope Under $100, you will find it amongst the above-reviewed scopes.
How To Choose The Best Rifle Scope Under 100
Just because you are purchasing a riflescope for less than $100 does not mean that you should throw caution out of the window. In fact, you should be extra cautious as there are many cheap knock-offs in this price tag, most of which are not worth your time. Based on my experiences, there are some factors to consider when purchasing a riflescope for less than $100.
Field of view
The field of view is the area that is visible through your optic. Generally speaking, the field of view decreases with increase in magnification. Given that most under 100 scopes have a magnification of between 3 to 10X, the field of view needs to be great. Also, cheap scopes are ideal for short range hunting. Thus, you will want a scope that can show you a wide area.
Diameter of the objective lens
The diameter of a scope’s objective lens will determine how bright the images are. Therefore, if you hunt predominantly at dawn or dusk, a scope with a 40 mm objective lens will be a better option compared to one with a 32 mm objective lens. Thus, the objective lens is a critical component to consider when buying a budget rifle scope. In the budget price range, it is hard to find scopes with large lenses of between 50 mm and 57 mm. Normally you will get scopes with an objective lens of between 32 mm and 44 mm.
Reticle
There are many different types of reticles that you can get on your rifle scope. However, in the under 100 market you will get either a mil-dot, duplex or a triplex reticle. The reticle you choose will depend mostly on your preferences. Some scopes come with an illuminated reticle. These reticles are ideal for shooting in low light.
Other factors to consider when purchasing a budget riflescope are;
- The size of a riflescope will determine how well it fits onto your rifle. It is wise to settle on lightweight scopes that are not overly long
- The type of rifle you use will influence the kind of scope you get. Some scopes come with mounting rings. However, some of these rings are only compatible with certain rails.
- The eye relief is another factor to consider, the longer the eye relief, the more comfortable the scope is. In this regard, a scope with a 6-inch eye relief will be better than one with a 3-inch eye relief.
Thanks again for the article post. Really Great.
Thanks Blossom Brush for liking our post. 🙂
Amazing! everyone should need to know the important fact before the buying a rifle scope. You wrote the awesome important fact in this article.
Thanks for sharing
John
Thanks John Smith!