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10 Best Cheap Rifle Scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire, Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope - V-Plex Reticle

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,363
Magnification
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
13545 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers crystal clear optics that significantly improve target clarity and focus compared to older models.
Reticle
Versatile magnification and clear reticle design make it a solid choice for rimfire hunting and target shooting up to 500 yards, especially when paired with a stable shooting platform.
Eye Relief
It offers a comfortable and generous eye relief, providing a wide, unobstructed view without the typical 'soda straw' effect.
Turrets and Adjustments
Adjustments are accurate and consistent, making sighting in straightforward, though the turrets lack the crispness and audible clicks of premium scopes.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Built tough from aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope withstands field abuse and harsh weather conditions with waterproof and fogproof reliability.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire riflescope offers a versatile magnification range from 2x to 7x, making it suitable for various shooting distances common in rimfire hunting and target practice. The 32mm objective lens provides a good balance between brightness and compactness, ensuring clear images without adding too much bulk. Featuring a V-Plex reticle, this scope is designed for general-purpose hunting, helping you aim at targets with straightforward, easy-to-understand aiming points. With 3.9 inches of eye relief, it offers a comfortable distance between your eye and the scope, reducing the chance of recoil impact and allowing quick target acquisition.

The turrets are finger-adjustable with MOA clicks and can be reset to zero, making sight-in adjustments user-friendly, although they might lack the precision of more expensive models. Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope is strong, shockproof, and designed to withstand tough outdoor conditions. It is also waterproof and fogproof thanks to O-ring seals and nitrogen purging, so it performs well in bad weather. While the scope doesn’t have night vision capabilities and the second focal plane reticle means holdover points don’t adjust with magnification, it still covers the essentials for most rimfire shooters on a budget.

The included lens covers and lifetime warranty add extra value and peace of mind. This scope represents a solid choice for those seeking a reliable, affordable optic that balances durability, decent optics, and ease of use for hunting or plinking with rimfire rifles.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,363
Magnification
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
13545 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers crystal clear optics that significantly improve target clarity and focus compared to older models.
Reticle
Versatile magnification and clear reticle design make it a solid choice for rimfire hunting and target shooting up to 500 yards, especially when paired with a stable shooting platform.
Eye Relief
It offers a comfortable and generous eye relief, providing a wide, unobstructed view without the typical 'soda straw' effect.
Turrets and Adjustments
Adjustments are accurate and consistent, making sighting in straightforward, though the turrets lack the crispness and audible clicks of premium scopes.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Built tough from aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope withstands field abuse and harsh weather conditions with waterproof and fogproof reliability.
#2

SIG SAUER Tango-MSR LPVO 1-6X24mm Waterproof Fog-Proof Rugged Tactical Hunting Rifle Scope | Second Focal Plane/F2 | Illuminated MSR BDC-6 Reticle, Black

Rating
9.6
Magnification
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
621 reviews

Magnification
Clear sight picture and effective zoom up to 6x without blurriness, allowing for easy target hits at 300 yards.
Reticle
The illuminated reticle, though not very visible in daylight until higher settings, works well in low light conditions.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Solidly built and holds zero even after hundreds of rounds, making it a dependable option for various rifles.

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.

Rating
9.6
Magnification
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
621 reviews

Magnification
Clear sight picture and effective zoom up to 6x without blurriness, allowing for easy target hits at 300 yards.
Reticle
The illuminated reticle, though not very visible in daylight until higher settings, works well in low light conditions.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Solidly built and holds zero even after hundreds of rounds, making it a dependable option for various rifles.
#3

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Duplex Reticle Riflescope

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Reticle
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
342 reviews

Magnification
The magnification range perfectly suits typical hunting distances without overcomplicating long-range shots.
Reticle
The illuminated FireDot reticle is well designed and enhances aiming, especially in low-light scenarios.
Turrets and Adjustments
Customizable ballistic adjustments and the ZeroLock 2 turret system help maintain precise elevation settings with confidence.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durability features like waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction ensure the scope performs reliably in tough environments.

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.

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Reticle
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
342 reviews

Magnification
The magnification range perfectly suits typical hunting distances without overcomplicating long-range shots.
Reticle
The illuminated FireDot reticle is well designed and enhances aiming, especially in low-light scenarios.
Turrets and Adjustments
Customizable ballistic adjustments and the ZeroLock 2 turret system help maintain precise elevation settings with confidence.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durability features like waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction ensure the scope performs reliably in tough environments.

Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Rifle Scopes

Choosing the right rifle scope can significantly enhance your shooting experience, whether you're hunting, target shooting, or engaging in competitive shooting. The key is to understand the various specifications and how they align with your specific needs. By focusing on the right features, you can find a scope that offers good performance without breaking the bank.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it determines how well you can see your target at different distances. Scopes typically have fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and often more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer more flexibility. For general hunting, a 3-9x magnification is usually sufficient. For long-range shooting, you might need higher magnification, such as 10x or more. Choose based on the typical distance you will be shooting.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting the brightness and clarity of the image. Larger diameters (e.g., 40mm to 50mm) allow more light, which is beneficial in low-light conditions but can make the scope bulkier. For most purposes, a 40mm objective lens strikes a good balance between light transmission and size.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle designs serve different purposes. Simple duplex reticles are great for general use and hunting, while more complex reticles like mil-dot or BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) are useful for long-range shooting and estimating distance. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style and needs.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope at which you can see the full image. This is crucial for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil rifles. Scopes with longer eye relief (3-4 inches) are generally better, as they reduce the risk of the scope hitting your face upon firing. Ensure the eye relief is sufficient for your rifle and shooting posture.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a given distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV allows you to see more of the surroundings, which is helpful for tracking moving targets. Lower magnification scopes typically offer a wider FOV. Consider your typical shooting scenarios to determine the ideal FOV for you.
Turrets and AdjustmentsTurrets are the knobs on the scope that allow you to adjust the windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down) of the reticle. Precise and easy-to-use turrets are important for accuracy, especially at longer ranges. Look for scopes with turrets that offer clear, audible clicks and are easy to reset to zero. If you plan to shoot at varying distances, consider scopes with tactical or target turrets for quick adjustments.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are critical for ensuring your scope performs well in various conditions. Look for scopes that are waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. These features ensure that the scope can withstand harsh weather and rough handling. Consider the environments in which you'll be using the scope and choose one that offers the necessary protection.

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