Best Rifle Scope Under 100 and 150 Dollars– Cheapest Yet Good!

There was a time when buying a rifle scope 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.

Needless to say, you will have to forego some of the fancy features that come with pricier models. Nevertheless, a scope for less than $100 will be good for your wallet.

Sadly, though, the low-end riflescope market is plagued with low-quality scopes. So the struggle for most shooters is finding the best rifle scope under 100 dollars.

For this reason, we decided to compile a list of ten of the best budget rifle scopes on the market. We measured the quality of these scopes by their sturdiness, optical performance, weight, and lens quality.

Our Top 10 Best Rifle Scopes Under $100 & $150 Pick

Last update on 2024-04-25 / Please note that Prices and Availability Are Subject To Change /Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

We have prepared this article for those of us who are on an extremely tight budget but still want a quality scope. As such, while the Bushnell Bunner and UTG Bugbuster are our top picks, all the scopes on the list are worth considering.

If you are able and willing to spend a little bit more than $100 but still want a scope that won’t cost a fortune consider checking out our Top rifle scopes Picks under 200 dollars.

Of worth noting is that scopes come in a wide variety of types. Some are designed for short-range shooting while others for long-range. And others are scopes designed for crossbows.

To get the most out of your optic it is important you match it with the right weapon.

Best Rifle Scope Under 100 & 150 Reviews

UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope Review

When it comes to performance to price ratio, there are few scopes that are better than 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 tight budget, 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 dual illumination, you can choose between red and green illumination.

With its dual illumination, you can mount this onto your AR 15 rifle. As such you get a quality AR 15 optics at a reasonable price.

Some Noticeable Things We Like

• 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.
• The optics are surprisingly sharp, and resolution is excellent across all zoom levels

Things We Don’t Like

• Weighing 13.8 ounces, this is not the lightest scope in the market.
• It is not ideal for long-range shooting and works great 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

Who Need This Scope

Granted, this is not the top-class 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.

Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope

There are many reasons why we picked the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn multi-x reticle scope as our best budget scope. Top among them, the lens quality, magnification, and reticle.

Speaking of the reticle, it is a basic duplex reticle with no fancy stuff. This means no distractions. Its minimalistic design is its prime feature, especially for first-time optic users.

The lenses on this scope are multi-coated, something that you rarely see in the price category. In fact, you may find it hard to find multi-coated lenses in the below a good price category.

So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that of all the scopes we tested this one had the finest picture quality. And true to its name at low light it performed better than all the other models on our list.

Some Noticeable Things We Like

• Maintains clarity and resolution across all zoom levels.
• It is shock, water, and fog proof
• The eyepiece wheel turns effortlessly and is easy to use in the field.
• The optics are clear and bright

Things We Don’t Like

• Is ideal mostly for short-range shooting
• The overly simplistic reticle will not appeal to everyone

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?

This is the kind of scope you get as a first-time hunter or optics user. As such it makes a great gift and a complimentary scope for a secondary gun. Given its price, this is arguably one of the best 3-9×40 scopes. Also if you want to mount this scope on your 30-06, you can definitely do that so far this one of the budget scopes for 30-06 too.

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane

I have been looking for a riflescope which is affordable, and it has to be a second focal plane. I came across Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescopes. This was the perfect scope for me!

It has everything I need at an affordable price. If you are in the market for a riflescope, take a look at Vortex Optics Crossfire II before investing in something expensive like Nightforce or Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm.

Vortex has been in business since 2002, and they have been providing top-quality optics to hunters and shooters ever since. These riflescopes are made with high-grade aluminum materials that act as a protective coating from scratches and dust, so your riflescope stays looking new longer.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 riflescope features a Dead-Hold BDC reticle. The 2-7x magnification is excellent for most hunting and shooting applications, while the 32mm objective lens offers a wide field of view. The long eye relief and forgiving eye box mean you’ll be able to quickly acquire your target with this scope.

This riflescope has fully multi-coated lenses that provide bright and clear views for the user; Max Elevation Adjustment: 60 MOA. It is the perfect riflescope for short to medium-range varmint control.

Its Dead-Hold BDC reticle subtends with popular .22 centerfire ammunition. The illuminated dot remains constant throughout the magnification range, eliminating the need to re-zero at higher power.

Who needs this scope?

A hunter or shooter who shoots at short to medium ranges and wants a riflescope with enough magnification for precise shots. Vortex Crossfire II Riflescopes are popular amongst hunters, law enforcement officers, competition shooters, tactical shooters, and other sportsmen because they offer high-quality optical performance that is ideal for shorter-range shooting.

The Dead-Hold BDC reticle in this scope features aiming points out to 800 yards which makes it perfect for varmint control from close quarters distances out to 400 yards without the need for holdover adjustments.

Another benefit of this riflescope is its long eye relief–the distance your eye needs to be from the ocular lens–of over four inches means those wearing glasses can still use it comfortably.

Key features of vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescopes.

• Fully multi-coated lenses
• Dead-Hold BDC reticle for long-range shooting
• Long eye relief of over four inches makes it ideal for those wearing glasses and who want to shoot at close ranges.

Bushnell Trophy TRS-25

Red dot sights that can be used on several different firearms typically tend to cost more than a few hundred dollars. Not the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 though.

Measuring 2.5 inches long this is quite a small sight. Not everyone will appreciate the size, but the same cannot be said about its quality. Surprisingly this budget sight provides excellent clarity.

The sight’s 3MOA is well defined and has 11 intensity settings. You can decide to set it to 0 to 11, its’ brightest setting. You will not miss your target at 100 yards with this red dot sight mounted onto your rifle.

While it is cheap, it doesn’t seem to be made from cheap materials. It is able to withstand recoil from an AK 47 pretty well. And can also be used on a AR 15.

Some Noticeable Things We Like

• 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

Things We Don’t Like

• 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. Undoubtedly this is one of the best red dot sights in an affordable price range.

Simmons 511039 3 – 9 x 32mm Matte Black Riflescope

Big game optics are somewhat of a rarity in the budget optics market. This is why we just had to include the Simmons 511039 scope on our list.

It has fully coated optics, which is to be expected for a scope in its price range. What makes it such an impressive scope is the hydro-shield coating. This helps maintain clear picture quality in all weather conditions.

The Truplec reticle is designed for the easy acquisition of small targets. Meaning this scope can also be used for varmint control. It has a decent eye relief of 3.75 inches.

The large grooved zoom ring was a bit bulky in our opinion. However, it is easy to turn even with gloved hands, which is a plus. It also has a fast focus ring that we liked as it is easy to focus the reticle.

With this scope, you can hit targets at up to 200 yards, but that is as far as it goes. What impressed us 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. We also get impressed with the rimfire rings that this scope came with as they fit well with my rifle’s 3/8 inch rails.

Some Noticeable Things We Like

• 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

Things We Don’t Like

• 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 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 3-9×32 Riflescope

The BARSKA 3-9X32 mm Riflescope is another inexpensive riflescope explicitly designed for rimfire rifles and .22 rifles. This riflescope is one of the top quality scopes for 17 hmr.

Weighing 11.5 ounces, this scope is lighter than the Simmons scope reviewed above. And despite its price tag, the scope was easy to zero in and its optical quality was surprisingly great.

In regards to its construction, the scope looks and feels very well made. From our analysis of the scope, it is capable of surviving years of occasional drops and knocks.

We have already stated that fully-coated lenses are rare at this price point. So it was great to see that this model features fully coated lenses.

Another thing that makes us 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.

Some Noticeable Things We Like

• 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

Things We Don’t Like

• The rings are of poor quality and are not compatible with Picatinny or Weaver rails.
• Is suited for low recoil rifles 

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 an excellent option for beginners.

Especially those who do not have money to spend on a Nikon scope. Thus, while this is not the finest scope BARSKA has to offer, it is still great scope for its price point.

Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope with 6-Inch Eye Relief

We were impressed with the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X scope with 3.3-inch eye relief. And we were equally impressed with its twin with longer 6-inch eye relief.

Similar to its sibling, this Bushnell scope performed superbly in low light. The multicoated lenses delivered sharp images with excellent resolution at all zoom levels. If you are looking for budget air rifle scopes for your squirrels hunting air rifles, then it would be also a great choice.

Considering that it has better eye relief than its twin brother, this riflescope proved to be a great optical aide.

Some Noticeable Things We Like

• 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

Things We Don’t Like

• The maximum 9X magnification is not good for long range shooting.
• Similar to the 3.3-inch eye relief version the simplistic reticle might not be for everyone.

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 riflescope 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.

Best Cheap Rifle Scope yet good: CVLIFE Optics Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50

At first glance, the CVLife Optics 6-24×50 doesn’t look like much. But after putting it to its paces we think we got ourselves a winner here. It proved to be one of the best cheap rifle scopes (which is good) 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.

Some Noticeable Things We Like

• 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

Things We Don’t Like

• 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 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.

Monstrum 2-7×32 AO Rifle Scope with Illuminated Range Finder Reticle

This is one of the cheapest rifle scopes on the market. Which raises the question: is it worth it, or should you spend a few more dollars for a high-end scope? Despite its price, this is surprisingly an excellent option for people on a tight budget.

While it is cheap, it does offer an illuminated reticle. And the best thing about it is that only the Reticle illuminates. As such, it is not overpowering when peering through the glass.

It features a magnification range of between 2 to 7x, which is pretty decent for short to medium target acquisition. You will have no problems getting accurate shots from 50 yards.

Back to the Reticle, it’s an etched black reticle. It is visible during the day and at night has a red or green illumination to help with visibility. There is also a rangefinder functionality built into it for quicker range estimation and holdover correction.

Some Noticeable Things We Like

• For the price, you get it at it is an excellent scope.
• Overall this is an easy-to-use riflescope.
• Features lens protectors for covering your lenses when not in use.
• Features either a red or green reticle illumination for night time shooting.
• It has sturdy windage and elevation knobs and is accessible to zero in.

Things We Don’t Like

• The scope feels cheap
• This scope is rather bulky and tall and will not do well on a battle rifle scope

Highlighted Specification

• Red and green reticle illumination
• Black etched Reticle with a rangefinder
• 2-7x magnification
• 32mm objective lens
• Windage and elevation knobs

Who is it for?

This is a dependable scope that works great on AR-style guns with small to medium calibers. It is best for beginners and intermediate shooters due to its ease of use. If you use anything more significant than a 0.223/5.56, I recommend looking elsewhere. Overall, you can take it hunting with you and also to the range.

HIRAM 4-16×50 AO Rifle Scope Combo with Green Laser, Reflex Sight

Another inexpensive rifle scope that is worth a look at is the Hiram 4-16x AO rifle scope. It might not be the most known name in the industry, but it’s a decent scope.

The first thing you will love about this scope is the magnification—a 4 to 16x magnification suited for medium to long-range target acquisition. This scope can also double as a spotting scope at certain distances.

I have used this on a .223 caliber rifle, and it holds zero well. The scope maintains zero even after several shooting sessions.

But the icing on the cake was the red dot sight that comes installed atop the main scope tube. With this sight, you are essentially getting two sights for the price of one. The red dot sights help with quick target acquisition.

Some Noticeable Things We Like

• Is a two in one scope with a red dot sight as well as a laser
• You can customize the brightness levels using its five brightness settings
• Has a Picatinny rail that you can easily mount onto any 22mm rail
• The scope is nitrogen purged and is things 100% waterproof
• Has a flashlight installed as well

Things We Don’t Like

• The front cover of the scope tends to fall off after repeated firing
• The red dot sight batteries last only about 2 hours

Highlighted Specification

• 4-16x magnification
• 50mm objective lens
• Flashlight
• Red dot sight
• Five brightness levels

Who is it for?

This isn’t a Nikon quality optic, but for its price, it is a great budget option. It is an ideal option for shooters and hunters looking for a budget scope with all the necessary features.

MidTen Riflescope Combo

At first sight, this is quite a big scope. So is it worth it? When you consider the price and what you are getting, it is. It’s not the most famous brand name out there, but it’s worth purchasing.

The magnification is more than sufficient for medium to long-range sighting. The magnification zooms from 4x to 12x. The magnification is paired with a 50mm objective lens that does a great job of providing sufficient light.

One thing you will appreciate about this scope is the red/green dot sight installed atop of the riflescope tube. This comes in handy when you need to acquire targets quickly.

There is also a laser that is pretty accurate for such a budget model. And thanks to its inbuilt rail, you can easily mount it onto any 22mm rail.

Some Noticeable Things We Like

• Features a red/green dot sight atop the main rifle scope tune
• The entire scope is waterproof and shockproof
• Has an illuminated reticle with five brightness levels
• The built-in Picatinny rail works with both Picatinny and Weaver rails
• Comes with a battery for the red/green dot sight included

Things We Don’t Like

• The scope is a bit on the larger side
• Is a bit bulky

Highlighted Specification

• 4x-12x magnification
• 50mm objective lens
• 33mm tubeless design
• Five brightness levels
• Detachable green/red dot sight

Who is it for?

Due to its size, this might not be perfect for hunting. However, it will be an excellent option for taking to the range. It can function as your secondary scope for practicing at the range instead of taking your more expensive scope.

Conclusion

Many riflescopes come to mind when we think about the best cheap rifle scope for deer hunting. However, the above-reviewed scopes have little rivals in this price range market. Thus, if you are looking for the best rifle scope under $100 and or $150, you will find it among the above-reviewed scopes.

Magnification Is Crucial: Learn How Much You Need in A Rifle Scope?

There is a lot to consider when choosing the right rifle scope, one of the most important being magnification. Higher magnification will make larger objects appear in the lens, making it easier to hit your target at closer ranges. However, this can also lead to distortion at closer ranges as what you see on screen gets distorted. In addition, the parallax increases if you increase the magnification range, making it more challenging to acquire a clear sight picture at closer ranges. For most hunting and target shooting applications, a 3x to 9x magnification is ideal. With this range of magnification, you can comfortably hit most targets at distances from 10 yards up to 300 yards.

If you are still not finding the sweet magnification spot, don’t worry. Think this way; dividing the target distance by the magnification power yields the magnification you need. So, for example, if your rifle has a 10x magnification, and you want to shoot at a target that is 100 yards away, divide 100x by 10 = 10x. This means that your object appears in the scope at a tenth of its actual distance, making it easier to hit. More easily, A scope with 20x magnification will make an object 200 yards away look like it’s 10 yards away. On another way, a scope with 10x magnification will make that same object look like it’s 20 yards away.

Fact About Zeroing a Scope:

Zeroing a scope is essential if you plan on shooting precision rifle shots. Your accuracy will suffer greatly without a precise way to adjust your shot. A good zeroing scope will allow you to precisely calibrate the range of your firearm and compensate for windage and elevation changes. For instance, most people sight in their scope at 100 yards, but you can sight it at any distance, and the only thing that changes is the MOA adjustments.

Each MOA adjustment will move the round 1″ at 100 yards, but if you’re sighting in your rifle at 50 yards, that same 1 MOA adjustment will move the round over 2″. That means that when you zero your scope, you need to consider the range of your firearm and make sure that each MOA adjustment corresponds with the target at that specific distance. Remember Each MOA adjustment will increase when sighting in at a tighter distance.

How To Choose The Best Scope Under 100 and 150 Dollars

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. You’ll want to make sure you get something with good optics and features that will provide you with the accuracy needed for your shooting style. Additionally, it’s important to find one versatile enough to handle both indoor and outdoor shooting conditions. Based on my experiences, there are some factors to consider when purchasing a riflescope for less than $100.

Glass Coatings

When it comes to glass coatings, you’ll want to make sure that your scope has a protective coating on the lens. This will help prevent scratches and other damage from occurring over time. Additionally, some rifle scopes boast multi-layer optical coatings that offer increased protection against glare and brightness in low-light conditions.

Build Quality:

Good build quality is essential for any scope. The lens should be solidly constructed, and the mount should withstand a lot of wear and tear. Also, make sure it can withstand the recoil of your firearm.

Field of view

The field of view is the area that is visible through your optic. Generally speaking, the field of view decreases with an increase in magnification. Given that most budget 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 width 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.

Parallax Adjustment

A parallax adjustment allows you to move the reticle independently of the target. This is especially helpful if you are shooting from a distance and need to adjust for windage or elevation. It also provides precision when firing at targets that are moving.

Weight

The weight of the scope is also important. Too much weight can cause the mount to become unstable, and movement on the rifle during shooting can be frustrating. In addition, some budget-friendly scopes may have a lighter build quality and may not withstand as much punishment as more expensive options. So it’s important to read the reviews before making a purchase.

Other factors to consider when purchasing a budget riflescope ;

• 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 gun 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 3-inch eye relief.

FAQ

Finding a great rifle scope doesn’t alawys have to cost an arm and a leg. In fact, you can find some great options that are both affordable and high-quality without sacrificing either one. So when you’re shopping for your next scope, don’t forget to consider the factors listed above. With careful consideration, you can find the perfect scope for your needs without breaking the bank.