Best Rifle Scopes Under 100$ of 2023 – Expert Picks

A good Rifle Scopes Under 100$ is essential for anyone who loves shooting with accuracy. It doesn’t matter if you’re a hunter, a competitive shooter, or just someone who enjoys shooting for fun. Having an excellent rifle scope can make your shooting experience so much better.

However, finding a rifle scopes under 100$ that offers excellent performance at an affordable price can be a challenge. Fortunately, several options for rifle scopes under 100$ provide reliable optics without breaking the bank.

This article will explore the world of rifle scopes under 100$, discussing their features, benefits, and considerations. We will guide you through the essential factors to consider when choosing a budget-friendly rifle scopes under 100$ and provide recommendations for some of the top options available. 

So, whether you’re a beginner looking for an entry-level scope or a budget-conscious shooter, discover the best rifle scopes under 100$ that can elevate your shooting accuracy without compromising quality.

Top Recommendations for Rifle Scopes Under 100$

Let’s explore some of the top recommendations for rifle scopes under 100$:

1. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Rifle scope

The Bushnell TRS-25 challenges the notion that acquiring a red mil-dot sighting system must come with a hefty price tag. I have used systems priced under $50 for years, including those on 22 rimfires, crossbows, and shotguns. However, the Bushnell TRS-25 Hirise 1X25 mm with riser block mount takes it further. Not only does it offer affordability, but it also boasts a sleek matte black finish.

Bushnell presents a sporting sight that excels in durability while remaining incredibly lightweight, weighing only 6 ounces. With its 3 MOA red dots, this Scope delivers on functionality.

One notable feature is the sight’s ability to conserve battery power. It automatically turns off when left unattended, preventing unnecessary drain. Moreover, the sight intelligently adjusts its brightness based on the ambient light produced by any external source. Attaching the protective power hood triggers an automatic power-down mode, effectively preserving your battery life.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design
• Clear optics and unlimited eye relief
• Shockproof and waterproof construction
• Affordable price point

Cons

• Limited magnification range
• Non-magnified red dots may not be suitable for long-range shooting

2. Simmons Truplex 3-9X40 Rifle scope

The Simmons Truplex Riflescope 3-9X40 is a reliable and affordable option for hunters and shooting enthusiasts. With its versatile magnification range of 3-9X and a 40 mm objective lens, this Scope provides clear and crisp images across various distances. Whether you’re hunting game or engaging in target shooting, the Truplex reticle offers quick and accurate aiming points for improved precision.

Constructed with durability in mind, the Simmons Truplex Riflescope features a rugged design that can withstand the demands of outdoor environments. It is built to last and performs reliably even under challenging conditions. The Scope delivers enhanced light transmission and clarity with fully coated optics, allowing you to see your target easily.

Rifle scopes under 100$ offers a user-friendly experience & it is easy to use and adjust. The ergonomic design ensures comfortable handling, while the precise windage and elevation adjustments allow for fine-tuning your shots. Whether a beginner or an experienced shooter, the Simmons Truplex Riflescope 3-9X40 is a reliable companion that provides excellent value for your money.

Pros

• Affordable and budget-friendly
• Clear and bright optics
• Versatile magnification range
• Quick target acquisition with Truplex reticle

Cons

• Average build quality
• Limited low-light performance

3. UTG BugBuster 3-9x32mm Rifle Scope

The UTG 3-9X32 BugBuster Scope is a compact and feature-packed scope ideal for small to medium-range shooting. It offers an illuminated reticle with multiple brightness settings, enhancing visibility in various lighting conditions. The Scope is also shockproof, fog-proof, and rainproof. This Scope warns buyers about counterfeit scopes directly shipped from China. This compact Scope has gained popularity among shooters seeking an affordable glass sight for informal shooting events.

Featuring a 1-inch tube with a lens coating system, the BugBuster Scope ensures maximum light transmission for optimal visibility in all lighting conditions.

The Scope’s turrets feature a zero lockable and reset system, allowing for precise ¼ MOA per click adjustments in elevation and windage. Despite its affordable price, the Scope offers comparable features to higher-end optical systems.

With a ranging MOA reticle and an adjustable objective, the BugBuster Scope provides flexibility in focusing from three yards to infinity. The open-style turret adjustments enable quick changes to zero or suspension holdover for elevation. Conveniently located on the forward bell housing, the parallax control is marked for easy range adjustments.

The Scope comes with weaver-style mounts that fit both weaver-designed and similar rails, eliminating the need for additional purchases. This feature saves buyers the hassle of searching for compatible bases and rings. As someone who has faced this challenge numerous times, I appreciate the convenience it offers.

Equipped with a red/green dual illumination system, the BugBuster Scope is versatile for various shooting applications. It provides a large field of view and ample eye relief for recoil. Although specific measurements are not provided for the field of view or eye relief, the Scope offers nine MOA dots in each direction, providing sufficient windage and elevation allowances.

In addition to the Scope itself, the package includes eyeshades, flip lens caps, and detachable rings. The sealed tube ensures the Scope is fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof, making it durable and suitable for different environments. Considering its numerous features, the BugBuster Scope stands out among budget-class optical systems. It is truly an intriguing glass sight.

Pros

• Compact and durable design
• Illuminated reticle with multiple brightness settings
• Shockproof, fog-proof, and rainproof construction
• Affordable price with good value for the money

Cons:

• Limited eye relief for some shooters
• Illumination may be uneven at higher brightness settings.

4. Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Rifle scope, Dusk & Dawn

The Bushnell Banner Dusk to Dawn rifle scopes under 100$ is designed for optimal performance in low-light conditions. It features high-quality optics, a broad field view, and a Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) coating for improved visibility. The Scope is also waterproof and fog-proof.

The Scope carries a rich history dating back almost 50 years. I’ve personally owned several of these scopes, which have proven durable and reliable.

While assisting hunters in Wisconsin, I recently encountered old Bushnell Banner scopes that were still functioning perfectly. It became evident just how resilient and robust these scopes are, both in the past and today.

Two of my three scopes are mounted on test 870 Wingmaster shotguns that have seen years of heavy recoil. These scopes have endured extensive abuse during ballistics testing, whether attached to rifled or smooth-bore barrels. They have withstood the recoil energy from hundreds of rounds of heavy waterfowl, turkey, and deer loads without any issues. Their durability is truly impressive, comparable to the Energizer Bunny’s longevity.

Back then, the price of each Scope was approximately $35, making them an excellent value for budget-conscious hunters needing a reliable deer rifle scope under 100$.

This one-piece design scope is gas-filled, fog-proof, and waterproof. The Banner scope’s eyepiece system provides fast focus, with the focus ring positioned towards the rear of the tube. It is suitable for use on both rifles and shotguns, including muzzleloaders. The Scope’s compact dimensions include a mounting length of 5.8 inches, 12 inches, and a weight of 13 ounces.

It’s worth noting that the Banner series offers flexible configurations, allowing you to explore different models that better suit your preferences.

The Bushnell Banner Dusk to Dawn scope is a testament to its enduring quality and performance. Its ability to withstand recoil and its affordability make it an excellent choice for hunters seeking a dependable glass sight for their deer rifles.

Pros

• Excellent low-light performance
• Wide field of view
• Durable and weatherproof construction
• Clear and bright optics

Cons

• Limited magnification range
• Average eye relief

5. Simmons Truplex .22 MAG 3-9x32mm Rifle scope

The Simmons 511039 is a highly adaptable rifle scopes under 100$ featuring a 3-9x magnification range and a 32mm objective lens. It boasts clear optics, a Truplex reticle, and user-friendly adjustment knobs, making it a versatile choice. Notably, the Scope is both shockproof and waterproof, ensuring durability in various conditions. The Simmons 3-9X32 .22 Mag rifle scope blends big-game optics with the popularity of rimfire scopes, making it a favorite among shooters. Let’s delve into its exceptional qualities.

This .22 Mag rifle scope is far from ordinary. Its one-piece construction ensures exceptional durability for real-world field use. While it excels in accurate plinking and varmint control, it also allows you to engage targets up to 100 yards away.

The fully coated optics, including the HydroShield lens coating, make this budget-friendly Scope practical in all weather conditions. The Quick Target Acquisition (QTA) eyepiece, with 3.75 inches of eye relief, provides fast and instant sight picture acquisition.

For added convenience in the field, the Scope features SureGrip adjustments that can be easily operated even with gloves on. The knurled turrets offer positive clicks, ensuring precise targeting with every shot. Moreover, this rifle scope, priced under 100 bucks, has mounting rings for immediate use.

The consensus among buyers is that this is a rifle scopes under 100$ worth considering. While some users have reported reticle and adjustment issues, most attest that it holds zero, provides sufficient eye relief, and is ideally suited for .22 rifles.

Pros

• Affordable and reliable
• Clear optics with a Truplex reticle
• Easy-to-use adjustment knobs
• Shockproof and waterproof construction

Cons

• Average low-light performance
• Limited eye relief for some shooters

6. Barska 3-9×32 IR Blackhawk Rifle Scope

The BARSKA 3-9×32 riflescope offers a compact design and a 3-9x magnification range. It features fully coated optics for improved light transmission and clarity. The Scope is shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof. The Rifle scopes under 100$ is affordable and designed explicitly for rimfire and .22 rifles. It stands out as one of the top-quality scopes for 17 hmr.

Weighing just 11.5 ounces, this Scope is lighter than the previously reviewed Simmons scope. Despite its low price, the Scope is easy to zero in and offers surprisingly excellent optical quality.

The construction of the Scope is impressive, displaying a high level of craftsmanship. It appears capable of withstanding occasional drops and impacts over the years.

Fully coated lenses are a rarity in this price range, making it a pleasant surprise to find them in this model.

Furthermore, the nitrogen-filled tube of this Scope adds value beyond its price. The nitrogen filling ensures fog-free performance, providing clear vision at all times.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight design
• Fully coated optics for improved clarity
• Shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof construction
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• Limited eye relief for some shooters
• Average build quality

7. CVLife Optics 6-24×50 Hunting Rifle Scope

The CVLIFE Optics Hunting Rifle Scopes under 100$ provides a high magnification range of 6-24x and a large 50mm objective lens. It offers straightforward and bright optics, making it suitable for long-range shooting. The Scope also features an illuminated Mil-dot reticle and comes with mounting rings.

At first glance, the CVLife Optics 6-24×50 may not seem like much, but we discovered its winning qualities upon thorough testing. It has proven to be an excellent and affordable rifle scopes under 100$ for deer hunting.

With a 6 to 24X magnification range, this Scope is well-suited for long-range hunting. Additionally, the 50 mm objective lens enables ample light transmission.

The Scope delivers impressive brightness and clarity, maintaining resolution across all zoom levels. The red and green illuminated reticle dramatically enhances visibility in low-light conditions.

Pros

• High magnification range for long-range shooting
• Clear and bright optics
• Illuminated Mil-dot reticle
• It comes with mounting rings

Cons:

• Heavier and more extensive compared to other options
• Eye relief may be limited at higher magnification levels

Factors to Look After When Choosing a Rifle Scope under 100$

When selecting a rifle scope under 100$, several factors are crucial to ensure you find the best option that meets your shooting needs. Let’s explore these factors in detail:

Glass Clarity and Reticle

One of the most critical aspects of a rifle’s Scope is the clarity of its glass. A clear, high-quality lens allows for better target acquisition and improved visibility, even in challenging lighting conditions. 

Look for scopes with fully coated optics to enhance light transmission and reduce glare. The reticle is another essential component to consider. It helps you aim accurately and align your shot. Popular reticle types include duplex, mil-dot, and BDC reticles. Choose a reticle that suits your shooting style and preferences.

Eye Relief and Eye Box

Eye relief refers to the distance between your eye and the rear lens of the Scope while maintaining a whole field of view. Adequate eye relief is essential to prevent injuries caused by recoil. Look for scopes with generous eye relief, mainly if you shoot potent firearms.

An ample eye box provides a comfortable viewing experience, allowing you to quickly acquire the target without straining your eyes. Consider scopes with forgiving eye boxes for ease of use and improved shooting performance.

Durability

A durable rifle scope is crucial, especially for rugged outdoor activities. Look for scopes constructed with high-quality materials that withstand recoil, impacts, and harsh weather conditions. Opt for scopes with rugged housing and reliable sealing to protect against water, fog, and dust.

Weather Resistance

Consider scopes with weather-resistant features such as fog-proof and waterproof capabilities. These features are essential for maintaining optimal performance in challenging weather conditions.

Elevation and Windage Knobs

Elevation and windage adjustments allow you to compensate for bullet drop and wind drift, respectively. Look for scopes with precise and easy-to-use elevation and windage knobs. Positive clicks and tactile feedback are desirable features that assist in making accurate adjustments.

Parallax and Magnification

Parallax occurs when the reticle appears to move relative to the target when the shooter’s eye position changes. Scopes with adjustable parallax enable you to eliminate parallax errors, resulting in more accurate shots. Consider scopes with parallax adjustment features, especially for long-range shooting.

Magnification is crucial in determining how close your target appears through the Scope. Depending on your shooting needs, choose a scope with a magnification range suitable for your intended applications. A standard range for general shooting purposes is 3-9x or 4-12x.

Objective Lens

The objective lens diameter determines the amount of light the Scope can gather. A larger objective lens allows for better light transmission and performance in low-light conditions. However, larger objective lenses may increase the overall size and weight of the Scope.

Turrets and Adjustments

Turrets are used for precisely adjusting the Scope’s windage and elevation settings. Look for scopes with turrets that are easily adjustable and hold zero reliably. Positive and audible clicks on the turrets help in making accurate adjustments quickly.

Construction

Consider the overall construction of the rifle scope under 100$. Opt for scopes with shockproof features to handle the recoil of your firearm. Additionally, look for scopes with nitrogen or argon purging to prevent internal fogging and ensure clear optics in various weather conditions.

Mounting and Rings

Ensure compatibility between the rifle scope and your firearm by selecting appropriate mounting options. Check the Scope’s tube diameter and choose rings that fit securely. Proper mounting ensures stability and optimal performance when using the rifle scopes under 100$.

Conclusion

In conclusion, rifle scopes under 100$ offer an excellent opportunity for shooters to enhance their accuracy without breaking the bank. Consider factors like glass clarity, eye relief, durability, and adjustability when choosing a rifle scope under 100$. 

The recommended options, such as the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25, Simmons Truplex Riflescope 3-9X40, and UTG 3-9X32 BugBuster Scope, provide reliable performance within a budget.

Investing in a quality rifle scopes under 100$ can significantly improve your shooting experience, whether hunting, target shooting, or engaging in recreational shooting activities. Choose the Scope that suits your needs and preferences, and enjoy the enhanced accuracy and precision it brings to your shooting endeavors.

Related Guides:

• Best Rifle Scopes Under 1000
• Best Rifle Scopes Under 300