10 bestCheap Rifle Scopesof November 2025
112M consumers helped this year.
1

Bushnell Trophy Rifle Scope with Multi-X Reticle, Matte Black, 3-9 x 50mm
Bushnell

9.9
2

Bushnell Trophy 6-18x50mm Rifle Scope with Multi-X Reticle, Matte Black
Bushnell

9.8
3

Pinty 2.5-10x40 Red Green Illuminated Mil-dot Tactical Rifle Scope with Red Laser Combo - Green Lens Color
Pinty

9.7
4

UUQ 4-16x50EG Tactical Rifle Scope Red/Green Illuminated Range Finder Reticle with Green Laser and Multi Optical Coated Holographic Dot Sight
UUQ

9.6
17% off
5

Pinty 5-in-1 Rifle Scope 3-9x32 Rangefinder Illuminated Optics Red Green Reflex 4 Reticle Sight Green Dot Laser Sight with 14 Slots 1 inch High Riser Mount,45 Degree Mount
Pinty

9.4
Other
6

Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope with Truplex Reticle, Matte Black, 510519
SIMMONS

9.2
7

Bushnell Trophy Rifle Scope with Multi-X Reticle, Matte Black, 3-9 x 40mm
Bushnell

9.1
8

Pinty 4-12X50 EG Rifle Scope Set Illuminated Reticle Rangefinder with Reflex Sight and Green Dot Laser Sight for 22mm Weaver/Picatinny Rail Scope Mount for Tactical Hunting Target Shooting
Pinty

8.9
9

Goetland Rifle Scope 3-9x40 SFP Crosshair R4 Reticle with Ring Mounts for Air Gun Airsoft Hunting Tactical
Goetland

8.6
10

Bushnell Banner Dusk and Dawn Multi-X Reticle Adjustable Objective Riflescope, 4-12x 40mm, black - 614124
Bushnell

8.4
A Guide to Selecting the Best Cheap Rifle Scopes
Choosing a rifle scope, even on a budget, is about matching the features to your shooting needs. Whether you’re hunting, target shooting, or plinking, the right scope can make a big difference in accuracy and enjoyment. Focus on the basics: clarity, durability, and ease of use. Don’t get distracted by unnecessary features—prioritize what will actually help you hit your target and enjoy your time outdoors.
Magnification
Magnification tells you how much closer the target will appear through the scope compared to your naked eye. It’s usually shown as a number or a range, like 3x or 3-9x. Lower magnification (1-4x) is great for close-range shooting and fast target acquisition, while higher magnification (9x and above) is better for long-distance shots. If you mostly shoot at short to medium ranges, a lower or variable magnification is more practical and easier to use. For long-range shooting, higher magnification helps, but it can make the scope bulkier and harder to use quickly.
Objective Lens Diameter
The objective lens is the front lens of the scope, and its diameter (measured in millimeters) affects how much light enters the scope. A larger diameter (like 40mm or 50mm) lets in more light, which can make the image brighter, especially in low-light conditions. However, bigger lenses also make the scope heavier and bulkier. For most users, an objective lens between 32mm and 40mm offers a good balance between brightness and size. Only go for larger lenses if you often shoot in very low light.
Reticle Type
The reticle is the crosshair or aiming point you see when looking through the scope. There are many types, from simple crosshairs to more complex designs with dots or lines for estimating distance and bullet drop. Simple reticles are easier for beginners and fast shooting, while more advanced reticles can help with long-range accuracy. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style—if you’re just starting out or shooting at short ranges, keep it simple.
Tube Diameter
The tube diameter is the width of the main body of the scope, usually measured in millimeters (like 25mm or 30mm). A larger tube can allow for more adjustment and sometimes better light transmission, but it also means you’ll need specific mounting rings. For most casual shooters, a standard tube diameter (around 25mm or 1 inch) is sufficient and easier to find mounts for.
Adjustment Turrets
Adjustment turrets are the knobs on the scope that let you change the point of impact up, down, left, or right. Some turrets are capped for protection, while others are exposed for quick adjustments. For most users, capped turrets are fine and prevent accidental changes. If you plan to adjust your scope frequently for different distances, look for turrets that are easy to use and clearly marked.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the distance you can hold your eye from the scope and still see the full image. More eye relief (like 3-4 inches) is safer, especially on rifles with strong recoil, because it helps prevent the scope from hitting your face. If you’re using a high-recoil rifle, prioritize longer eye relief. For low-recoil rifles, standard eye relief is usually enough.
Build Quality and Weather Resistance
Even budget scopes should be able to handle some rough use and bad weather. Look for scopes that are described as waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. This means they’re sealed against moisture and can handle bumps and drops. If you plan to use your rifle outdoors in different conditions, these features are important for reliability.
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