10 Best Cheap Rifle Scopes 2025 in the United States

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.

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 Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x50 riflescope offers a versatile magnification range from 4.5x to 14x, suitable for both medium and longer-range shooting needs. Its large 50mm objective lens gathers plenty of light, providing bright and clear images, especially useful in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. The Duplex reticle is simple and effective, ideal for hunters who want a straightforward aiming point without clutter. A standout feature is the CDS-ZL (Custom Dial System with ZeroLock), allowing you to adjust elevation quickly and lock settings to avoid accidental changes—great for maintaining accuracy in the field. The scope also includes a low-profile throw lever for easy magnification adjustments, which is a practical touch for quick target acquisition.

Built tough for durability, this model is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, made from aluminum and backed by Leupold’s lifetime guarantee, ensuring reliability in harsh outdoor conditions. The field of view at 2.53 degrees is fairly standard, offering enough visibility for most hunting scenarios. One consideration is the relatively narrow field of view at higher magnifications, which might make tracking moving targets a bit harder for beginners. While it delivers excellent features, it is positioned at a higher price point than many entry-level scopes, making it better suited for users willing to invest in quality and long-term performance rather than just the lowest cost option. This scope is well-suited for hunters seeking clear optics, sturdy build, and precise adjustments.