10 Best Cheap Rifle Scopes 2026 in the United States

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 riflescope offers a versatile magnification range from 3x to 15x, making it suitable for a variety of shooting distances, from close to medium-long range. Its 40mm objective lens is slightly smaller than the spec sheet mentions (44mm) but still provides good light transmission for clear images in most conditions. The illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle is helpful for aiming in low light, and the side focus parallax adjustment allows quick and precise focusing, which is useful for maintaining accuracy at different distances.

The turrets include the ZeroLock 2 system that prevents accidental changes to your elevation setting, paired with the Custom Dial System that can be tailored to your specific ammunition, which is a great feature for those wanting precise ballistic adjustments. The scope is built tough with waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof qualities, plus a hydrophobic coating on the lenses to repel water and dirt, making it reliable in various weather conditions. Weighing just 1 pound, it’s lightweight and won’t add much bulk to your rifle.

This scope is not the cheapest option on the market, so it might not fit a very tight budget if you're strictly after the lowest price. However, it delivers excellent durability, clarity, and customizable features usually found in higher-end models. This makes it a solid choice for serious hunters or shooters who want a dependable, easy-to-use scope with good adjustment options and a lifetime warranty, rather than just a basic entry-level scope.

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.

The Vortex Crossfire HD 4-12x44 riflescope offers a versatile magnification range from 4x to 12x, making it suitable for various shooting distances, especially for hunters or target shooters on a budget. Its 44mm objective lens combined with fully multi-coated lenses helps deliver clear, bright images even in low-light conditions, which is beneficial for dawn or dusk use. The illuminated Dead-Hold 2A BDC MOA reticle adds practical holdover and windage marks, plus a glowing center dot for quick aiming when light fades. Being a second focal plane scope means the reticle size stays constant as you change magnification, which some users find easier for quick shots but less ideal for precise range estimation at all zoom levels.

Eye relief is comfortable and the fast focus eyepiece allows for quick reticle clarity adjustments. Adjustable parallax up to longer distances helps keep targets sharp, improving accuracy. The turrets and adjustments are straightforward, providing reliable control over windage and elevation, though they are not exposed for quick dialing, which is typical at this price point. Durability-wise, the scope is built from aircraft-grade aluminum with a matte finish that resists glare, and it is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, making it dependable in rough outdoor conditions. Weighing about 3 pounds, it’s a bit on the heavier side but still manageable. The included accessories like a sunshade and neoprene cover add value. Its lifetime warranty is a reassuring bonus, ensuring long-term support.

The main drawbacks are the 1-inch tube which limits maximum brightness compared to higher-end scopes with larger tubes, and the second focal plane reticle may not suit everyone’s preference for range estimation. For a budget rifle scope, this model offers a strong balance of optical quality, durability, and useful features, making it a solid choice for hunters or casual shooters needing a reliable, cost-effective optic.