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 SIG SAUER Tango-MSR LPVO 1-6X24mm Rifle Scope offers significant strengths for those seeking a budget-friendly option without compromising too much on quality. Its 1-6x magnification range and 24mm objective lens diameter are suitable for various hunting scenarios, allowing for flexible zoom capabilities. The illuminated MSR BDC-6 reticle with 11 brightness levels ensures clarity and precision in different lighting conditions, which is a notable advantage for early morning or late evening hunts.

Additionally, the scope's waterproof and fog-proof construction, enhanced by nitrogen-purged internal optics and a sealed exterior, guarantees reliable performance in adverse weather conditions. This makes it a durable choice for outdoor enthusiasts who might face unpredictable environments. The factory-installed flip-back lens covers and the ALPHA-MSR 1 piece aluminum cantilever mount are practical features that add to the scope's ease of use and protection.

Potential users should consider the weight of the scope, which is 2 pounds. While this is not excessively heavy, it might be a consideration for those looking for extremely lightweight equipment. Additionally, the second focal plane (SFP) design means that the reticle size does not change with magnification, which may or may not be preferred depending on the user's familiarity and specific needs. The SIG SAUER Tango-MSR provides impressive optical clarity and durability, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious hunters and tactical shooters.