Most military-grade high-performance riflescopes tend to be expensive and hence not easily accessible to a majority of hunters with tight budgets. On the other hand, cheaper rifle scopes such as the best riflescopes under $200 offer both performance and value.
With $200 or fewer, hunters can now acquire high-performance scopes with advanced reliable features providing memorable hunting experiences. This means that they do not have to compromise on quality even when on a low budget.
Best Rifle Scope Under $200 Review
1) Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescopes
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope features a dead hold Bullet drop compensator which enables holdover estimation for precise shooting. For quick target acquisition and reticle focusing, this scope is fitted with a long generous eye relief and fast-focus eyepiece.
The Vortex optics crossfire scope features fully multi-coated optical lenses that are vital in protecting against sunlight glare as well as allowing maximum light transmission for a bright crystal clear target image.
The Vortex Optics Crossfire scope has finger-adjustable capped turrets with a 60MOA maximum elevation adjustment that enables zero resetting. The scope features a 25.4mm aluminum main tube design with O-ring sealed and nitrogen-filled optics thus protecting from moisture build-up for reliable target image sight view as well durability.
Key features
- Made of Aerospace-grade aluminum alloy
- It has anti-reflective, multi-coated optic lenses
- It is O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged for water, fog, and shockproofing
- It has a dead-hold bullet drop compensator(BDC) reticle
- It features a fast-focus eyepiece
- It has capped zero-resetting turrets
- It has an ultra-forgiving eye box
- It has removable lens covers
Specifications
- Objective lens diameter: 40mm
- Tube diameter: 25.4mm
- F.O.V: 34.1-12.6ft/100yds
- Length: 30.98cm
- Eye relief: 96.52mm
- Weight: 14.8oz
- Click value: 0.25MOA
- Windage and elevation adjustment: 60MOA
- Parallax: 100yds-infinty
2) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 1″ Matte (174180) scope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 1″ Matte scope is forged from 6061-T6 aerospace aluminum alloy and is punisher-tested for impact resistance guaranteeing high-profile performance despite pressure from the harshest recoils.
The scope offers an additional 10 minutes of shooting light as a result of its high-end twilight-light management system that provides unmatched image brightness, balanced light transmission as well as glare reduction for crystal-clear target images.
The Leupold VX-Freedom scope features military standard scratch-resistant optical lenses that can withstand extreme abrasion for clear sight image and shot accuracy. This scope is designed manufactured and assembled in the United States with a 3:1 zoom ratio and 0.25MOA finger click windage and elevation adjustment turrets that are suited for diverse situations or environments.
In addition, this scope features an advanced sealing technique that grants it resilience to adverse temperatures and up to 5000 impacts thus efficient performance.
Key features
- It is 6061-T6 aluminum forged
- It is impact resilient
- It has resistance to adverse temperatures
- Water, fog, and shockproof performance
- It features a twilight- light management system
- It has accurate windage and elevation turrets
- It has scratch-resistant optic lenses
3) CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50
The CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50 AOE Red and Green Illuminated Gun Scope features an adjustable objective lens that can be manipulated by the parallax adjustment dial fitted at the end of the riflescope to facilitate parallax elimination as well as range estimation for crystal clear target images.
The CVLIFE scope is fitted with a user-friendly adjustable eyepiece with dioptric optic lens adjustment that helps hunters with myopia and hypermetropia, through the elimination of image aberrations to make glasses obsolete while using the scope.
This scope features optics lenses with long-lasting bonded coatings resistant to wear and tear. The fully multi-coated optics facilitate over 95% light transmission for color-accurate target images.
In an addition, it features a red and green illuminated reticle with 5-brightness levels suited for poorly lit environments as well as a zero resettable 0.125MOA reliable hand-turn windage and elevation turrets caps.
Key features
- It has reliable zero resettable hand-turn windage and elevation
- It uses a red and green illuminated reticle
- It has an adjustable eyepiece and objective lens
- It has fully multi-coated optics
- It has a tear and wear resilient bonded lens coating
- It is easy to mount
Specifications
- Magnification: 6-24x
- Objective lens diameter: 50mm
- F.O.V: 28ft/100yds
- Click value: 0.125MOA
- Eye relief: 89.40mm
- Exit pupil: 5.1-16.9mm
- Length: 40cm
- Weight: 22.22oz
- Tube diameter: 25.4mm
4) UTG 3-9X32 1″, AO, RGB Mil-dot, QD Rings, Black Bug Buster Scope
The UTG 3-9X32 1″, AO, RGB Mil-dot, QD Rings, Black Bug Buster Scope uniquely features an unmatched parallax elimination adjustment from 3yards to infinity. It is fitted with a mil-dot reticle with advanced (TRE) Tactical Range Estimation that enhances performance and precision to an unimaginable level.
As opposed to normal mil-dot reticles which feature 4 dots with 9 aiming points, the UTG (TRE) Mil-dot reticle features 9 dots which provide 19-21 aiming points, inclusive of the inner duplex crosshair tips.
The UTG Bug Buster features a true strength platform, which is a unique feature of all genuine leaper scopes. It is tested and approved in various extreme-recoil rifles. It also has a (SSS) Smart Spherical Structure responsible for controlling the scope’s inner and outer tube joint-like interactions, guaranteeing hunters of durability as well as responsive and accurate elevation and windage adjustments.
This scope also features premium zero-locking and resettable windage and elevation turrets that ensure reliable zeroing even in shooting positions. To grant hunters fast efficient access to preferred reticle brightness, this scope is fitted with an advanced RGB side wheel illumination a definite upgrade from the bulky eyepiece rheostat.
Key features
- It features RGB side wheel illumination
- It has premium zero locking and resetting windage and elevation turrets
- It has complete sealing and nitrogen filling for water, fog, and shockproofing
- It features an outdoor sunshade
- It has red and green dual illumination
- It comes with flip-open lens caps
- It has 50.8mm quick-detachable mounting rings
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective lens diameter: 32mm
- Weight: 13.92oz
- Exit pupil: 10.6-3.6mm
- Eye relief: 81.28-10.67mm
- Length: 24.99cm
- F.O.V: 37.7ft/100yds
- Tube diameter: 25.4mm
- Parallax: 3yds-infinity
- Click value: 0.25MOA
5) Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Waterproof Fog proof Matte Black Riflescope
The Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Waterproof Fog proof Matte Black Riflescope uniquely features a HydroShield coating optic technology which prevents moisture build on the scope optical lenses through Hydrophilic action followed by Hydrophobic action.
Through the Hydrophilic action, moisture molecules are absorbed on the lens surface after which water droplets are formed and repelled to the sides of the optic lenses thus crystal clear target sight view.
The scope is also fitted with SureGrip rubber surfaces that ensure reliable adjustments under adverse conditions, especially during precipitation that may lead to slippery scope surfaces. This feature as well as its 50yards-preset parallax adjustment guarantees users of reliable performance and high-contrast target images for precise shooting angles.
In addition, this scope features a quick target image acquisition optical eyepiece with generous eye relief and fully multi-coated optical lenses that deliver optimum light transmission for color and brightness-appropriate target images.
Key features
- It features HydroShield coating
- It has SureGrip rubber surfaces for easy handling
- It has fully multi-coated optics
- It has preset parallax adjustment
- It has a quick target acquisition (QTA) eyepiece
- Water, fog, and shockproof performance
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective lens diameter: 32mm
- Click value: 0.25MOA
- Eye relief: 95.25mm
- Exit pupil: 10.7-3.6mm
- Weight: 10.8ozz
- F.O.V: 31.4-10.5ft/100yds
- Length: 38.73cm
- Parallax: 50yds-infinity
6) SVBONY SV120 Rifle Scope 3-9×40, Rifle scopes
This is an IPX4 waterproof scope that is sealed completely to ensure unmatched water and fog-proof performance, hence its efficiency even in humid and wet environments. Its SureGrip rubber tube design ensures reliable adjustment despite the shooting environment or conditions as well as offering a sight-friendly appearance.
This scope features uniquely-designed turrets that facilitate reliable and accurate windage and elevation adjustment, with locking and resetting zero thus hunter’s confidence. It has a new lightweight and airtight aluminum alloy material design that is resistant to oil and dirt particles as well as water and fog proof enhancing its performance, especially in bad weather conditions.
Key features
- Parallax elimination (100yds)
- It has a quick target acquisition due to its ample eye relief
- It is IPX4 waterproof
- It allows Zero locking and resetting
- It is completely sealed thus water, fog, and shock resistance
- It is recoil resistance/tolerance
- It has a second focal point reticle
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective lens diameter: 40mm
- Weight: 14.98oz
- Length: 30.7cm
- F.O.V: 13.65-36.75ft/100yds
- Eye relief: 70-85mm
- Exit pupil: 44.44-13.3mm
- Tube diameter: 25.4mm
7) Monstrum 2-7×32 AO with Illuminated Range Finder Reticle Rifle Scope
Featuring an adjustable 32mm objective lens, the Monstrum 2-7×32 AO Rifle Scope allows for sharp target image focus as well as parallax elimination and target image range estimation.
The Monstrum scope features a red and green illuminated rangefinder reticle with 5 levels of brightness thus high target visibility even in poorly lit environments and reliable movement calculations.
The rangefinder reticle has markings that enable range estimation as well as bullet drop compensation. It is forged from impact resilient 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy that offers durability and high-end performance in adverse environmental conditions.
The O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged optics ensure reduced moisture build-up for crystal clear sight-view. The Monstrum 2-7×32 AO scope is a reliable scope fitted with 0.25MOA, precise, finger-adjustable capped windage and elevation turrets, enabling zero locking and resetting.
Key features
- It has capped finger adjustable windage and elevation turrets
- It has a red and green illuminated rangefinder reticle
- It features complete sealing and nitrogen purging
- It is water, fog, and shock-resistant
- It features multilayer optical lens coating
- It has an Adjustable objective lens
Specifications
- Magnification:2-7x
- Objective lens diameter: 32mm
- Reticle: red/green illuminated rangefinder
- Eye relief: 88.9-96.52mm
- Tube diameter: 25.4mm
- Weight: 15oz
- Click value: 0.25MOA
- Length: 24.13cm
- F.O.V: 58.9-16.9ft/100yds
8) Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope
This is a Multi-X reticle scope featuring a high-definition image clarity with Bushnell Dusk- Dawn brightness that offers crystal clear sight images at appropriate brightness for quick target acquisition.
The Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope features a 30.4cm fast-focus eyepiece with zero resettable capped fingertip adjustable windage and elevation turrets. The scope also features a cutting-edge strong and durable plastic design that is tried and tested for various environmental conditions.
It has fully multi-coated optics which are responsible for sunlight glare reduction as well as delivering optimum light transmission to the visible electromagnetic spectrum for high-contrast target images. This scope also features an IPX4 waterproof technology that eliminates moisture or fog ensuring sharp, crisp target images in poorly lit environments.
Key features
- It is IPX4 waterproof
- It has a fast focus 30.4cm eyepiece
- It features a multi-X reticle (2nd focal plane)
- It has capped resettable windage and elevation turrets
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective lens diameter: 40mm
- Eye relief: 83.82mm
- Length: 41.40cm
- Weight: 12.96oz
- Click value: 0.25MOA
- Eyepiece: 30.4cm
- F.O.V: 40-14ft/100yds
- Parallax: 100yds-infinity
9) Pinty 3-9X40 Red Green Rangefinder Illuminated Optical Rifle Scope
The Pinty 3-9X40 Red Green Rangefinder Illuminated Optical Rifle Scope features adjustable windage and elevation for advanced shooting accuracy. However dark the night, hunters are assured of reticle clarity as a result of the five levels of brightness provided in the scope.
For quick and effortless aiming points over a wide range of short distances, this riflescope is fitted with a range finder reticle.
Water and fog resistance of the riflescope is a function of nitrogen-filled reticles as well as complete O-ring sealing, a function that also serves to protect the lenses from dust and oil for crystal clear acquisition of targets. The scope’s durability and resistance to wear and tear are guaranteed since it is made of strong aluminum alloy.
Key features
- It is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed
- It features a rangefinder reticle
- It has two (25.4mm) scope mount rings
- It uses a CR2032 battery
- It features adjustable windage and elevation
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9X
- Tube diameter: 25.4mm
- Objective diameter: 40mm
- F.O.V: 25-14ft/100yds
- Exit pupil: 13.3-4.4mm
- Windage click value: 0.25MOA
- Elevation click value: 0.25MOA
- Scope rings: 25.4mm
- Eye relief: 83.82-68.58mm
Choosing the Best Riflescopes Under $200
Reticle
Reticle type is a key feature that determines the performance of the scope. Advanced reticles such as Multi-X reticles deliver bright and crystal clear target images. The BDC reticle is useful in range estimation thus providing precise shooting angles.
Waterproof
These scopes have diverse waterproofing technologies such as the HydroShield, which uses Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic actions to eliminate moisture. Some also have the IPX4 waterproof technology and the commonly used nitrogen purging and O-ring sealing.
Best Riflescopes Under $200 FAQs
- Are these scopes weather-resilient?
Most scopes under $200 feature unique technologies such as SureGrip surface finishes that ensure precise adjustments even under heavy precipitation with others being resilient to temperatures of up to -40 degrees.
Nitrogen filling is also vital in water and fog proofing as well as the fully multi-coated optical lenses
Final Thoughts
For guaranteed reliability and high-end rifle performance, scopes under $200 are the best choice. They are not only easy on the eyes with high-profile features but also easy on the wallet. They are a great go-to choice for anyone on a budget.
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