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We are big advocates for spending more on your scope than your rifle, but it's not always the affordable reality for most.
If you're set on spending no more than two Ben Franklin's on your AR-15 scope, we've made a lineup especially for you.
Our AR-15 scope list is up to date, has some new-to-market models, a couple underdogs, and some authoritative brands loyalists will appreciate.
Cinch your pants tight, just like your budget, and get into work mode as you muse over viable scope options for your AR/MSR rifle!
QUICK LIST: 11 Best AR 15 Scopes Under $200 In 2024
- Vortex Crossfire II 1-4X24 - Best Overall
- Sig Sauer Whiskey3 4-12x40 - Best Mid-Power
- Firefield Rapidstrike 1-6x24 - Best for MSR
- TRUGLO TRU-BRITE 30 Series 1-6X24 - Best True 1x
- Bushnell AR Optics 1-4X24 Drop Zone-223 - Best for 223
- Leapers UTG 3-12X44 - Best Illuminated
- Barska 1-4X28 SWAT AR Scope - Best for Under 300 Yards
- Monstrum Tactical G2 1-4X24 - Best FFP
- Pinty 3-9X32EG - Best Budget
- Athlon Neos 4-12x40 - Best for 500 Yards
- Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40 - Best for Hunting
Our 11 Top Scopes for AR-15 Under $200
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24 |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Sig Sauer Whiskey3 4-12x40 |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Firefield Rapidstrike 1-6x24 |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | TRUGLO TruBrite 1-6x24 |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Bushnell AR Optics |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | UTG 3-12X44 |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Barska 1-4x28 SWAT AR |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Monstrum Tactical G2 |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Pinty 3-9x32EG |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Athlon Neos 4-12x40 |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40 |
| CHECK PRICE |
Why Trust Us?
After hundreds of hours of hand-testing scopes in the field and at the range, and thousands more hours researching and writing about them, we feel we earn the title of experts when it comes to optics!
We purchase as many of the optics for our tests as possible, and run them through their paces to make sure they will perform at the range and in the field.
Our combined decades of experience from plinking and hunting, to big game hunting and competitions has been integral in putting together this round-up of the best Scopes for AR-15 under $200.
Get the inside scoop on how we test optics here.
Like the $100 budget range, it can be a bit of a gamble finding the hidden gem among the torrent of generic, cheaply made scopes from off brands with only $200 to stretch. Fortunately for us, some big players like Nikon, Bushnell, Vortex, and Burris offer quality optics for affordable prices.
The key here is to look for decent glass, repeatability/dependability, and the right specs for the job. If you stick to brand-name manufacturers, you may get a higher-quality warranty with verified and real customer service - all of which is important if you want to make the most of your budget.
Most scopes in this lineup are ready as entry-level scopes for beginners. Some may be higher in quality than others and are an excellent choice for recreational shooting that will satisfy even the most avid hunter and dedicated range goer.
So, is a $200 scope worth it? Let's find out and you decide!
1. Vortex Crossfire II 1-4X24 Review
Give the Crossfire II scope a once-over and be prepared to be instantly sold on it. It's right within budget, is suitably made for the AR, and as all Vortex scopes do, it comes with their VIP warranty.
Pros:
- 30 mm tube
- Illuminated reticle
- 1-4x magnification
- SFP reticle
- Weatherproof
Cons:
- Build quality
This Crossfire II scope is just one model from the series, and it's not only been around long enough to have a proven track record, it's been around the block enough times to be crazy popular with the AR crowd.
What's not to like? It has capped turrets (gotta love the caps!) that sit over 100 MOA elevation and windage travel, 30 MOA revolutions, and 1/2 MOA clicks. Those turrets sit on a one-piece, 30 mm tube constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum that's been nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed.
This 1-4x LPV (low power variable) scope is ideal for AR-15 rifles with shooters looking for low magnification for tactical shooting, home surveillance, and even hunting. With an SFP (second focal plane) reticle, you'll be able to have a consistent visual of the V-Brite reticle that utilizes the V-Plex crosshairs with an illuminated center dot to get you quickly on target.
As for build quality, there have been some defective ones. Various problems such as reticle, zero, and build parts have failed the user. It's not the trend, and fortunately your tight budget buys you one of the best lifetime warranties offered from an optics manufacturer - it's unlimited, fully transferable, and no proof of purchase is needed.
There's very little convincing needed to see why the Vortex Crossfire II tops this lineup!
2. Sig Sauer Whiskey3 4-12x40
No one buys a scope knowing that it doesn’t perform. Buyers tend to figure this out after the fact. Don’t make the same mistake - buy name brand the first time. Even in this price range, there’s no excuse not to. It might just save your budget, the hunt, and your sanity. Enter here, the affordable Whiskey3 scope by Sig Sauer.
Pros:
- Mid-range
- BDC-1 Quadplex reticle
- 1” tube
- ¼ MOA
- Quality warranty
Cons:
- No lens caps
This isn’t a scope that comes with the fixings – it comes with nothing. Factor in the cost for a mount and lens caps and you’re covered. Annoying? Yes. Worth it? Yes. Let’s get real though, most people end up trashing the included stuff and buy Butler Creek caps and name brand mounts anyway. Here, you have a chance to do it right from the get-go. There isn’t anything fancy about it, so standard 1” rings will be easy to find.
The Whiskey3 scope may very well be an entry-level scope, but it’s perfect for the sub-400-yard hunter. You can even gain a little more range with the extra power and BDC-1 Quadplex reticle. Whether or not you stretch the distance with your AR, it does a great job at tracking even though it’s priced low and you may not expect much.
It’s completely weatherproof and shockproof, can be used with the most popular hunting rifles and cartridges, and is backed by an industry-best unlimited lifetime warranty.
While LPVO scopes tend to be extremely popular for an AR-15 setup, why not go longer with a higher-powered scope? As you can see, it’s not an unrealistic dream as the Whiskey3 comes within budget.
3. Firefield Rapidstrike 1-6x24 Review
The Rapidstrike is purpose-built for the AR platform that features a reticle calibrated for .223/5.56 calibers. Though marketed to include compatibility as a 3-gun scope, it serves its purpose better for target shooting and hunting.
Pros:
- FMC optics
- Dual illumination
- Recoil-resistance
- Throw lever
- Ultra-lightweight
Cons:
- Red illumination issues
As an LPVO, the Rapidstrike excels in providing low power performance for rapid engagement in close to mid-range work made obvious with its 5 MOA dot. However, fishbowl lens effect is noticeable at close range at 1x. This is a common issue for LPVOs in the affordable market.
Though the Firefield scope has dual illumination in red and green, reports indicate that the red illumination is not daylight bright or is dimmer than the green illumination. It’s nice to have both options available and not everyone is displeased with the red illumination.
The reticle is a circle dot with a BDC for drop out to 600 yards. Without illumination the reticle and post are black and highly visible. The five brightness settings are powered with the included CR2032 battery that provides a runtime of 200 hours.
Turrets are exposed and have pop-up locking mechanisms giving it a confidence boost for hunters in the field. Adjustments are tactile and track true with ½ MOA adjustments and a total of 100 MOA travel. A throw lever makes for fast power changes especially convenient given that this is a SFP scope.
In view of its 30mm tube, dual illumination, and inherent LPVO design, it’s incredibly lightweight at 14.5 oz. It handles recoil up to .338 calibers, is IP67 water-resistant, and has been gas-purged for fogproof benefits.
The kit version includes a cantilever mount and honeycomb lens filter for preventing glare much like a sunshade. It comes with a 3-year warranty but requires registration and is valid to the original owner.
4. TRUGLO TRU-BRITE 30 Series 1-6X24 Review
Red dot sights made for AR-15's have been a longtime favorite for many a MSR shooter. But, as low powered scopes are getting better in quality and matching a price shooters are willing to pay for, it's no surprise that scopes like the TRU-BRITE 1-6x is a viable option to consider.
Pros:
- Price
- Illuminated center dot
- 30 mm tube
- True 1x
- Accessories included
Cons:
- Heavy
- Blurry at max magnification
You're not only getting a decent price for the scope, you're also getting a bunch of included accessories. Offset, reversible 30 mm aluminum rings and mount, scope caps, and two turrets. What are the two turrets for? Calibrated turrets for .223 and .308 are included for your convenience whether you have an AR-15 or AR-10.
The TRUGLO scope has 1-6x magnification that can be said to be the ideal power range for an LPVO. With true 1x power, you can even keep both eyes open to take the shot at a moment's notice. It's easy to do with the center-illuminated dot that rapidly draws your eye to the target. Not sure what illumination works best for your eyes? No problem. The dot can be lit in red, green, or non-illuminated (black), but it may not be "daylight" bright as it's intended for shaded areas and low light conditions.
To get some distance tacked onto your shot, crank up the power to see further and utilize your 1/2 MOA turrets to dial out to 800 yards. You may lose some of that 3.75" eye relief, and due to the fully-coated optics and small 24 mm aperture, image quality may be lacking after 4x magnification.
The entire assembly will weigh in at approx. 2 lbs. If you can handle the weight for short periods of time called for in tactical situations and some hunting applications, the TRUGLO scope is what we call a decent buy for the money.
5. Bushnell AR Optics 1-4X24 Drop Zone-223 Review
The AR Optics series was designed for, you got it, AR-style rifles. With a few different models available in the line, we chose the low powered 1-4x scope that lands right within budget. Entry-level quality guarantees an entry-level price.
Pros:
- Price
- .223 reticle
- 30 mm tube
- RainGuard
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Buyer confusion between reticle options
Things can get a little confusing when there are multiple models and then multiple reticle options on top of that in the same product line. To be clear, the model we've picked for the lineup is the 1-4x24 with the Drop Zone 223 reticle, otherwise known as the AR71424.
As for the scope itself, it has a 30 mm tube, weighs 18 oz, and has low power for close quarters and close range shooting. But, the 1-4x isn't the be=all, end-all for distance reach and clarity. The Drop Zone 223 reticle is calibrated for .223 cartridges with holdover dots that reach out to 600 yards. It's simple, effective, and it works.
It's waterproof - important note for hunters that end up in less than ideal weather. It has RainGuard coatings - important for shooters who need clear optics when in less than ideal weather.
The exposed, tactical style turrets have a wide adjustment range with 120 MOA/34.9 MIL elevation travel and 140 MOA/40.7 MIL windage travel thanks to its roomy 30 mm tube. Another tactical feature to be thankful for is the convenient pre-installed short power throw lever. Want even faster magnification operation? Install the included long power throw lever instead.
It's not anything flashy, but it certainly has grit where it counts. This is how you get the most bang for your buck!
6. Leapers UTG 3-12X44 Review
Believe it or not, this nifty, little scope does it for many AR owners. It's compact, has a bunch of features, and it's cheap. Yeah, we said the "C" word - it's cheap. But, there's a difference between garbage and what we call a bargain, and this definitely qualifies as a bargain buy!
Pros:
- Price
- Side focus
- 36 illumination colors
- Lockable & resettable turrets
- Mount included
Cons:
- Quality control issues
First off, this UTG scope is advertised with an AO (adjustable objective) - it's a bust. It doesn't have an AO feature, instead it has a SWAT (Side Wheel Adjustable Turret) for parallax and focus correction - same function and purpose. The side focus is the third turret located on the left side of the scope body that is adjustable from 10 yards to infinity.
Impressive to see on a budget scope are the lockable and re-settable turrets. The lockable turrets are a feature that isn't even seen on scopes that are triple this price. A 30 mm tube, included flip-open caps and rings, and a ridiculous 36 color palette for the range estimating reticle are added bonuses to this budget buy.
Eye relief is on the short end of the stick, between 3-3.4", and it may be a little heavy, weighing in at 23.2 ounces. But, with the wider tube body, high magnification, and side focus, the extra weight makes sense and is worth the compromise.
There will be lemons that make it off the conveyor belt and to some poor soul's doorstep. With scopes so affordable, a few defective models are going to get past quality control. If your scope won't hold zero, has LED problems, and/or reticle issues, you need to take advantage of your return window or Leaper's/UTG Best Never Rest Warranty.
Is it still worth the risk in buying? As a scope that presently ranks in as #3 in Airsoft Gun Scopes and #13 in Rifle Scopes online, what do you think? Value for money - check!
7. Barska 1-4X28 SWAT AR Review
Barska - known as an affordable brand with decent optics to get the job done. This SWAT-AR scope is a beginner's intro to using a LPVO. As one of the most affordable options in this lineup, there's a few compromises to be made, but there's some features to gasp over.
Pros:
- Price
- Dual illuminated reticle
- 1-4x power
- 30 mm tube
- Glass-etched reticle
Cons:
- Reticle/zeroing issues
What are the compromises to be made? You may have to return your scope upon inspection. Reticle issues seem to be the trend with the defective models that make it past quality control, and the scope not holding zero is another common complaint.
Reticle issues should definitely be taken up by Barska since it's laser-etched onto the glass. This is a premium feature found on a cheap scope - bonus 1. It also has dual illumination: red and green with various brightness settings to get the best and most comfortable sight picture - bonus 2.
With low 1-4x power, you can make fast, close-range shots, and with the range estimating MIL-dot reticle, you can play around and test out your distance limits on this scope. Fully multi-coated optics are of note, it's waterproof and fogproof, and it's compact and lightweight - 10" and 16 oz. Did you lose count of all the bonus features?
Barska may have decked this scope out with more than what's required for this price range, but that's good news for you!
8. Monstrum Tactical G2 1-4X24 Review
Monstrum Tactical has done extremely well. They've made a name for themselves, offer high quality optics for truly affordable prices, and they've made some milestones in the optics industry. The G2 1-4x24 is a precision tactical scope that's buyer ready and consumer approved by the masses. Here's what they say!
Pros:
- Price
- 1-4x low power
- Dual illumination
- FFP reticle
- Accessories included
Cons:
- Quality control issues
Yep - this brand isn't immune to defective scopes leaving the factory. Build quality and reticle issues are the complaint of the day - when there is one. It's not the trend to get a scope that's not up to par, and fortunately, Monstrum Tactical is exceptionally responsive to making things right with the customer. Also, the G2 scope comes with a 1-year warranty.
Back to the scope, it has some brow-raising features that earns a standing ovation. Not only is Monstrum the first company to offer FFP (first focal plane) reticles in a scope for under $200, which the G2 1-4x has, it also has a glass-etched reticle. These are premium features not seen in this price range - ever.
The rangefinder reticle has dual illumination (red or green) for low light conditions. The reticle itself has a center cross crosshair with a horseshoe for rapid target acquisition. Hashmarks line the crosshairs for holdovers. It has a 30 mm tube, 1/2 MOA clicks, and 4-4.5" of eye relief.
The tactical scope doesn't come alone either. It comes as a group party with a lens cap, sunshade, felt cover, 30 mm medium rings, and a CR2032A battery to power the illumination.
For the price, it ain't getting any better than this!
9. Pinty 3-9X32EG Review
- 4 in 1, comes with a rangefinder riflescope, a green laser sight, a red/green dot sight and a 14 slots riser everything you will ever need.
- Magnifications from 3X up to 9X, green/red illuminations with 5 brightness adjustments for both the riflescope and electronic unlimited brightness control for the dot...
Pinty is one of those underdog brands that has taken off as a successful optics manufacturer. They're available online and at large department stores, and their low prices have caught the eye of the casual buyer who's willing to give an average scope a try. So, is the Pinty an "average" scope? As a high ranking rifle scope online, it seems average is the next best buy.
Pros:
- Price
- 3-in-1 scope combo
- Rangefinder reticle
- Illuminated reticle
- Highly responsive customer service
Cons:
- Quality control issues
The Pinty scope has it all. We usually advise buyers to steer clear of seemingly too good to be true scopes that have every feature for a stinking low price. Well, we won't say this scope is without its issues, but its track record shows it may be worth trying out.
Quality control issues lend to its inability to hold zero - everything after that is redundant as a scope that can't hold zero is of no use at all. Fortunately, Banyan Imports (parent company of Pinty) has shown to be extremely responsive to unhappy customers. Replacement parts and refunds have been issued within hours of a complaint being brought to their attention. 5 star effort for customer service, aye?
The rangefinder reticle has illumination in red or green, each of which has 5 brightness levels. With 3-9x magnification, it can easily make quick work of short to long range distances. Multi-coated optics, weatherproofness, and 1/4 MOA clicks are standard for a budget scope.
But, what is a 3-in-1 scope combo? This is a complete AR scope package. The Pinty comes with a red/green reflex sight and green dot laser. Additionally, 1" 20 mm high riser, lens cap, and all the necessary tools and batteries are included. You'll appreciate the 3 included manuals for all the setting up you'll have to do!
10. Athlon Neos 4-12x40 Review
In general, the Neos fits the requirements for a hunting scope and especially so for varmint and predator hunting on an AR15 and AR10. Priced well below the $200 mark, the Neos is a viable option to stay under budget and still reap in quality performance.
Pros:
- FMC optics
- Capped turrets
- SFP reticles
- Side focus
- Athlon tough
Cons:
- Stiff adjustments
The adjustment mechanisms on the side focus and magnification ring have been said to be stiff and can interfere with easy handling in certain shooting positions. Not all models seem to have this issue, but with the scopes that do, users tolerate the sticky annoyance.
Speaking of the side focus, it has a minimum focusing range of 10 yards. Features that lend it well to hunting are its capped turrets and SFP simple, uncluttered reticles. The Neos is available with two non-illuminated reticles: Center X and BDC 22 Rimfire. The illuminated reticle is the BDC 500 IR.
Turrets move in ¼ MOA clicks with a total of 60 MOA in E/W travel. It will get you some decent range, although limited but is not unlike the standard total adjustment for a 1” tube. For holding over with the BDC reticles, and with max power of 12x, it’s unproblematic for most shooters. The tricky part will be aligning yourself within the eyebox given that eye relief is 3.15-3.11” – just okay.
Although the Neos is certainly a cost-effective scope, Athlon did not neglect build quality though the mechanics are on-point for its priceline. It has been nitrogen-purged, shockproof to 1000Gs, is drop-proof from 3ft, and is waterproof even if accidentally submerged. It’s a nifty scope for the AR especially if you’re chasing ‘yotes.
11. Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40 Review
The Fullfield II 3-9x40 has iconic hunting features starting with its classic 3-9x configuration. Made to be simple to a fault, the Fullfield II is suited to various hunting styles from the timber to open country.
Pros:
- Classic 3-9x
- Ballistic Plex reticle
- Great optics
- Steel-on-steel adjustments
- Forever Warranty
Cons:
- Integrated eyepiece
Some may not care for the integrated eyepiece and magnification assembly, but it is a standard feature for the Fullfield II. The ¼ MOA turrets, though finger adjustable, have been said to be somewhat awkward. This makes for keeping a flathead screwdriver or coin on hand to adjust.
However, the Fullfield II is more of a set-it-and-forget-it scope. Zero it in and then cap ‘em. While 9x is used for long-range performance, it’s best suited to close to mid-range distances. The 3-9x40 model has the Ballistic Plex reticle that is extremely simple and easy to use with non-caliber specific drop marks out to 500 yards. There will be only so much distance you can get given that the 1” tube offers only 50 MOA in travel.
The optics are of Burris quality with decent glass paired with Index-Matched, Hi-Lume coatings. The mechanisms, although maybe stiff in the beginning, are steel-on-steel and not plastic like alterative budget scopes at this price point.
It has eye relief of 3.4-3.1”, 12.2” length, and weighs only 13oz. Unfortunately, Burris does not include caps for the scope and that must be a separate purchase. The Fullfield II is simple, clean, and it works for the hunter. Backed by the Burris Forever Warranty and a price tag under $150, it’s the archetypal representation of value.
What to Look for in an AR-15 Scope In This Price Range
General rule of thumb for spending on a tight budget? Avoid scopes that seem to have it "all." This price range is no place for manufacturers to make promises and claims that it can do everything a $500 scope can. Stick with the features that matter most and it won't let you down when you need it: decent glass, repeatability/dependability, and the right specs for the job.
Here's what we mean by that!
Budget:
$200 isn't a lot of money when it comes to buying a rifle scope, not just for your AR, but for any firearm. However, it might be the best you can do, and because budget limitations are very real for most of us, you have to make the most of your dollar by picking right the first time.
However, be realistic about quality expectations. Cheap, off-brand scopes may not offer long-term dependability. Being brand specific may help to get the most value out of your buy.
| Product | Magnification | Objective Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Vortex Crossfire II | 1-4x | 24 mm |
| Sig Sauer Whiskey3 | 4-12x | 40 mm |
| Firefield Rapidstrike | 1-6x | 24 mm |
| TRUGLO TruBrite | 1-6x | 24 mm |
| Bushnell AR Optics | 1-4x | 24 mm |
| UTG 3-12X44 | 3-12x | 44 mm |
| Barska 1-4x28 SWAT AR | 1-4x | 28 mm |
| Monstrum Tactical G2 | 1-4x | 24 mm |
| Pinty 3-9x32EG | 3-9x | 32 mm |
| Athlon Neos | 4-12x | 40 mm |
| Burris Fullfield II | 3-9x | 40 mm |
Quality Glass:
It's not going to be that difficult to determine glass quality if you're staying brand specific. Off-brand companies don't promise to have the best glass because they likely don't have access to the best glass sources. The best glass coatings for easily identifiable standards is fully multi-coated followed with multi-coated. Less than that, and it's indicative of quality under $100.
| Product | Glass | Coatings |
|---|---|---|
| Vortex Crossfire II | Non-ED | FMC |
| Sig Sauer Whiskey3 | LD glass (Non-ED) | FMC |
| Firefield Rapidstrike | Non-ED | MC |
| TRUGLO TruBrite | Non-ED | FC |
| Bushnell AR Optics | Non-ED | FMC |
| UTG 3-12x44 | Non-ED | MC |
| Barska 1-4x25 SWAT AR | Non-ED | FMC |
| Monstrum Tactical G2 | Non-ED | MC |
| Pinty 3-9x32EG | Non-ED | MC |
| Athlon Neos | Non-ED | FMC |
| Burris Fullfield II | Non-ED | FMC |
Build Quality:
It's gotta hold zero. If it doesn't, it's useless. Build quality in this price range should be better than the $100 budget range, but it mightn't be too far different if you're not being brand specific. You may even get a quality scope but junk mounting hardware and accessories. Keep the scope and buy your own rings etc. For around 200 bucks, it better be fully weatherproof, too - no excuse for it not to be.
| Product | Length | Weight | Tube | Waterproof | Fogproof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Crossfire II | 9.61” | 14.8 oz | 30 mm | Yes | Yes |
| Sig Sauer Whiskey3 | 12.3” | 16.6 oz | 1 inch | Yes | Yes |
| Firefield Rapidstrike | 9.8” | 14.5 oz | 30 mm | Yes | Yes |
| TRUGLO TruBrite | 10.39” | 28.2 oz | 30 mm | Yes | Yes |
| Bushnell AR Optics | 12” | 19 oz | 30 mm | Yes | Yes |
| UTG 3-12x44 | 11.1” | 23.1 oz | 30 mm | Yes | Yes |
| Barska 1-4x25 SWAT AR | 10” | 16 oz | 30 mm | Yes | Yes |
| Monstrum Tactical G2 | 9.6” | 16 oz | 30 mm | Yes | Yes |
| Pinty 3-9x32EG | 12” | 14 oz* | N/A | Yes | Yes |
| Athlon Neos | 12.56” | 18.1 oz | 1 inch | Yes | Yes |
| Burris Fullfield II | 12.2” | 13 oz | 1 inch | Yes | Yes |
*Not disclosed: likely average weight based on configuration
Reticles:
Reticle design for an AR scope will vary. It depends on magnification and what your main shooting application is. Close quarter and true 1x LPVO scopes will most likely feature a simple dot or aiming-typing reticle. If you're going higher in power and are expecting to test out some mid-long range shots, ballistic compensating reticles will be a better option for you.
| Product | Reticle | Focal Plane |
|---|---|---|
| Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24 | V-Brite Illuminated | SFP |
| Sig Sauer Whiskey3 4-12x40 | BDC-1 Quadplex | SFP |
| Firefield Rapidstrike 1-6x24 | Dual Illuminated Circle-Dot | SFP |
| TRUGLO TruBrite 1-6x24 | Illuminated Duplex Mil-Dot | SFP |
| Bushnell AR Optics | Drop Zone .223 | SFP |
| UTG 3-12X44 | 36 Color Range Estimating Mil-Dot | SFP |
| Barska 1-4x28 SWAT AR | Dual Illuminated Mil-Dot | SFP |
| Monstrum Tactical G2 | Dual Illuminated Ranging | FFP |
| Pinty 3-9x32EG | Dual Illuminated Ranging | SFP |
| Athlon Neos 4-12x40 | Center X / BDC 22 Rimfire / BDC 500 IR | SFP |
| Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40 | Ballistic Plex | SFP |
Warranty:
The best warranties, as seen above, will be from the big brands in the optics industry. They can cover the repairs and replacements for a lifetime without requiring much from the owner. However, if you're buying a scope from a small, not well-known brand, be sure to do some digging on what their customer service is like. It's practically impossible to get a replacement or money back if you don't have a phone number or a real human being to communicate with.
| Product | Warranty | Warranty Details |
|---|---|---|
| Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24 | Vortex VIP - Unconditional. Unlimited. Lifetime Warranty. | Unconditional. Unlimited. Lifetime. |
| Sig Sauer Whiskey3 4-12x40 | 5 Year Warranty | Electronic component limited 5 year warranty. |
| Firefield Rapidstrike 1-6x24 | 3 Year Warranty | Registration required. Valid to original buyer. |
| TRUGLO TruBrite 1-6x24 | Limited Lifetime Warranty | Details unspecified. |
| Bushnell AR Optics | Bushnell Lifetime Ironclad Warranty | No receipt required, full transferable, workmanship & materials covered. |
| UTG 3-12X44 | Lifetime Warranty | Repair or replace defective products for the duration of the products lifespan. |
| Barska 1-4x28 SWAT AR | Limited Lifetime Warranty | 21 Day Standard Return Policy, processing fee for repairs/replacements after 21 days. |
| Monstrum Tactical G2 | 1 Year Warranty | 30-day no questions asked return policy. 1 year replacement for manufacturing related defects. |
| Pinty 3-9x32EG | 14 Day Refund Policy | 14 Day refund period, if purchased directly from Pinty. |
| Athlon Neos 4-12x40 | Lifetime Warranty | Lifetime, transferable warranty. No registration, no receipt, and no charge. Repair/replacement if damaged through normal use. |
| Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40 | Burris Forever Warranty | Unconditional. Unlimited. Automatically transferred to future owners. No receipt, no charge, no questions asked. |
Is a $200 Scope Worth it?
It can be! You can be as picky as you want to be in this budget range when it comes to choice of manufacturer, magnification needs, build quality, and more. It will take a little know-how to filter the good ones from the bad, but fortunately for you, we've got you covered on that end.
You can easily demand more from your scope depending on your AR-15 setup and in that case - spend more. If you can budget for more price flexibility, you should. Check out our up-to-date, comprehensive list of the best AR-15 scopes trending the market right now!
