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 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.