First, let's be clear: when we talk about the best budget rifle scopes, we're not talking about the cheapest rifle scopes. Rifle sights, it turns out, are comparable to dates: The best of them aren't cheap. Clear, distortion-free lenses need time and precision equipment to shape, polish, and cover. It takes time to machine the gears, springs, tubes, and lens mounts that make up a scope's guts. Putting the item together in a small tube that is watertight and shock-resistant takes time and understanding.
There are five things to consider while shopping for the best budget rifle scope. There are so many fantastic, low-cost scopes on the market that picking which one to purchase could be challenging. There are a few things to think about before you put your money down.
1. Objective Lens
The diameter of the objective lens (the one opposite your eye) has the greatest impact on how much light a riflescope lets in. For scopes that will be used in low-light conditions, which is almost all hunting models, bigger is better. However, this is only true to a limited extent. If you're looking for a general-purpose large-game model, 50mm is about as big as you'll ever need to go hunting, and 42mm or 40mm is definitely a better choice.
2. Glass
Extra low dispersion glass, sometimes known as ED glass, is the best you can get. Chromatic aberration is reduced by ED glass, resulting in brilliant colors and clean images. The term "high definition," or "HD," refers to the image quality produced by various lenses. It has nothing to do with the sort of glass utilized.
3. Magnification
The level of magnification you require in a scope is decided by the game you'll be hunting and the range you'll be shooting at. Most big-game hunters can take deer-sized animals out to 200 or 300 yards with a 3X-9X or 4X-12X scope. Open-country hunters, as well as those hunting smaller species like predators and varmints, can benefit from increased magnification.
4. Gas Filling
Water vapor is displaced when an anhydrous gas is used to fill a scope, preventing fogging. Nitrogen is the most frequent gas used for this, although a rising number of companies are transitioning to argon. Because argon's molecule is larger than that of nitrogen, it is less likely to pass through a membrane or seal. However, regardless of what your scope encompasses, the exterior will fog if you travel between places with severe temperature differences.
5. Diameter of the Main Tube
Previously, nearly every hunting sight had a 1-inch main tube, but as shooters push the distance envelope even farther, scopes with 30mm or even 34mm main tubes are becoming more popular. The reticle can move more easily with a larger-diameter tube, widening the range of adjustment.
At least $170 will get you a new, usable scope. As a result, I'm going to start there when it comes to defining "budget" scopes. There are, however, some nice budget options for not much more. As a result, I'm setting a price cap of $300, plus or minus a few dollars. Plus, since we're talking about practicality, I'm going to ignore the manufacturer's suggested retail price; all prices are estimated street costs or as published on Amazon at the time of writing. Here's a rundown of the greatest budget hunting scopes available today, along with everything you need to know about choosing the right one for you.
10 Best Rifle Scopes for the Money
Hawke Vantage IR 3-9x40mm Rimfire
Rimfire 4-12x40mm
Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm
Bushnell Engage 3-9x40mm Illuminated
3-9x40mm Illuminated 4-12x40mm
Sig Sauer Whiskey 3 3-9x 50mm
Leupold FX-II Scout 2.5x28mm
Vortex Crossfire II 4-16x50mm AO BDC
Leupold VX Freedom 3-9x40mm
Leupold FX-II Scout 2.5x28mm
