10 Best Cheap Rifle Scopes 2026 in the United States

The Bushnell Match Pro ED 5-30x56 is a versatile riflescope designed for precision and long-range shooting, with a strong emphasis on clarity and detailed adjustments. Its wide magnification range from 5x to 30x allows you to zoom in closely on distant targets, making it suitable for competition or serious target shooting. The large 56mm objective lens gathers plenty of light, helping provide a bright, clear view even in low-light conditions. The illuminated Deploy MIL 2 reticle has multiple brightness settings and offers precise measurement marks, which is great for fine aiming.

The turrets are reliable, locking firmly to prevent accidental changes, with easy-to-read markings and a zero stop feature to quickly return to your baseline settings. It also includes a revolution indicator, helping avoid over-rotation when adjusting elevation. Weather-wise, the scope is waterproof and fogproof with a special coating to repel rain and dust, so it performs well outdoors in tough conditions. At 2 pounds, it might feel a bit heavy for some, and its price positions it above most budget scopes, making it better suited for shooters looking for quality and precision rather than just a low-cost option.

The scope doesn’t support night vision and comes with a sunshade but no extra mounting accessories. This scope is ideal for those who want a durable, highly adjustable, and bright optics package for serious shooting without stepping up to premium pricing.

The Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44 riflescope is a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable, reliable scope for hunting or target shooting at various distances. Its variable magnification from 4x to 12x offers flexibility for both close and longer-range shots. The 44mm objective lens lets in plenty of light, which helps provide a bright and clear image, especially useful in low-light conditions. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is designed to help with aiming at different distances without complex calculations, making it beginner-friendly. Eye relief is generous at about 115mm, meaning you can comfortably position your eye without risking scope injury from recoil. The field of view at lower magnification is wide enough to quickly find and track targets.

Adjustments are straightforward with turrets that allow precise windage and elevation changes, and the fast-focus eyepiece makes reticle sharpening quick and easy. The riflescope is built tough, with aircraft-grade aluminum construction that resists shocks, and it’s sealed and nitrogen-purged to be waterproof and fogproof, so it holds up well in different weather conditions. One possible downside is that it doesn’t support night vision, so it’s not suited for very low-light or night hunting. Also, while the scope is well-made, some advanced shooters might prefer more specialized reticles or higher-end glass quality. Still, the unlimited lifetime warranty adds great peace of mind.

This scope is ideal for hunters and shooters who want dependable performance without a high price tag and do not require extra features like illuminated reticles or extremely long-range capabilities.

The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50 is a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable tactical riflescope with good quality features. Its 6-24x magnification range offers excellent flexibility for both close and long-range shooting, while the large 50mm objective lens ensures a bright, clear image even in low light. The first focal plane EBR-2C MOA reticle stays accurate at all zoom levels, which is especially helpful for precision aiming over varying distances. Adjustments are easy to make with exposed turrets and a side parallax knob, allowing fine tuning for accuracy in different shooting scenarios.

The scope’s eye relief and field of view are suitable for most users, providing comfort and situational awareness. Durability is another strong point here, with a shockproof aluminum tube, waterproof and fogproof sealing, which means it can handle tough outdoor conditions without problems. It weighs about 1.5 pounds, so it’s not the lightest, but still manageable for most rifles.

One small drawback is the mounting type specified as a cantilever mount, which may require additional compatibility checks depending on your rifle setup. This scope provides many features usually found in higher-end models, backed by Vortex’s excellent lifetime warranty, making it an attractive option for shooters wanting good performance without a high price tag.