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 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.

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.