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 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 Optics Crossfire II 3-9x40 riflescope offers a solid balance of features for its price, making it a great choice for budget-conscious hunters or shooters looking for dependable performance. Its 3-9x magnification range is versatile enough for close to medium distances, and the 40mm objective lens provides a bright, clear image thanks to the fully multi-coated lenses. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is designed to help estimate holdover without complicated adjustments, which is especially useful for hunting at varying ranges. Eye relief is generous, and the scope’s forgiving eye box allows quick target acquisition, even in fast-paced situations. The fast focus eyepiece makes reticle adjustments simple, which adds to ease of use.

Durability is another strong point: the scope is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, is shockproof, and sealed against water and fog, so it holds up well in different weather conditions. Adjustments via turrets are straightforward, although the scope doesn’t have advanced features like night vision compatibility or a first focal plane reticle. Weighing just about a pound, it’s lightweight enough for most rifles without adding bulk.

More experienced shooters might prefer scopes with finer turret adjustments or illuminated reticles, which this model lacks. However, its unlimited lifetime warranty adds great peace of mind. For those needing a reliable, clear, and affordable rifle scope for general hunting or target shooting, the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 fits the bill nicely.