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Buying a rifle scope under 100 bucks is one of the best things you can do for your sanity and your wallet.
You're literally getting the basics of what you need for the best price possible.
Granted, you'll have to forfeit the quality and features that comes with a $1000 scope, but you'll also eliminate the hassle and stress it takes to shop for one.
The buying power is all in your hands even when you only have a single hundred dollar bill to put down on one!
Related: 7 of the Best Scopes For AR-15 Under $100 (Affordable & Popular)
Top 8 Rifle Scopes Below $100 In 2024
- BARSKA 3-12X50mm IR Huntmaster Pro Rifle Scope
- Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9X40mm
- Simmons 8-Point 3-9X40mm Scope
- Pinty 3-9X40mm
- Monstrum Tactical 3-9X32mm
- CVLIFE 2.5-10X40e Rifle Scope
- UTG 3-9X32mm AO BugBuster
- Simmons 3-9X32mm .22 Mag(R)
Best Cheap Rifle Scopes Under $100
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | BARSKA 3-12X50 IR Huntmaster Pro |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9X40 |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Simmons 8-Point 3-9X40 |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Pinty 3-9x40 |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Monstrum Tactical 3-9X32 |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | CVLIFE 2.5-10X40e |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | UTG 3-9X32 AO BugBuster |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Simmons 3-9X32 .22 Mag(R) |
| CHECK PRICE |
Why Trust Us?
After hundreds of hours of hand-testing rifle 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 hunting and target shooting, to big game hunting and competitions has been integral in putting together this round-up of the best rifle scope under $100.
Get the inside scoop on how we test optics here.
The best thing about buying a scope for under $100 is that it gets you something right now. You don't have to endure constant indecisiveness, untold stress, and extensive research that would be the result of shopping for a $1000 scope. What you can expect out of a $100 scope is dependability from its fundamental features.
Beginners and recreational target shooters won't need anything more than what you can find in this market. These budget-friendly scopes make great gifts for fellow hunters or for your youth who's tagging along this hunt. To be real, it might be a temporary rifle scope, but it doesn't mean you'll be missing out on accuracy for the hunt you need it most - that hunt is right now!
Top 8 Best Rifle Scopes Under $100
1. BARSKA 3-12X50 IR Huntmaster Pro
You thought spending less than $100 meant you had to go without some fancy features, didn't you? You'd be wrong. Barska paves the way for you budget-conscious hunters to still have everything you want in a rifle scope when you spend less than one hundred bucks.
The most obvious perk about the scope is its large aperture and extended 12X reach. Typically, getting this extra optical performance would cost you double your budget, but again, Barska has your back. They've also outfitted the Huntmaster Pro with an illuminated reticle! It's hard to believe in this price range, but it's there and it works.
To make these features even better, the scope is fully weather and shock proof. But, to be this cheap, there's got to be a catch somewhere right? We're sure you can forgive the heftiness of this scope for all the luxury perks you're gaining. We know we can!
2. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9X40
The versatility and customization possibilities of the Banner Dusk & Dawn scope is what makes it a favorite optic among hunters. It's bottom dollar price scores it a spot on this list, and even with some additional perks, it can still run under budget! You have available reticles, finishes, and an illumination option.
Besides its custom work, the Dusk & Dawn rifle scope is lightweight and compact without needing special rings to mount. Recoil will be a non-issue with its generous six inches of eye relief, and its recoil-proof construction. Whether it's a varmint, predator, or a tin can in the distance, you'll be shootin' it up from dawn to dusk!
3. Simmons 8-Point 3-9X40
Do you want the best deal possible? The Simmons 8-Point rifle scope is just that. Yes, it's cheap, but the optical quality is far past cheap. With hundreds of happy buyers under its belt, the optical performance deserves a standing ovation. It even has a quick focus eyepiece to make focusing in a non-issue experience.
Even better, it's lightweight and compact. It's not going to burden you while out in the field when it's mounted to your beast of a rifle. Another point to make is while it's still a very economical rifle scope, you're still getting the same features that you would see on a scope twice its price. You have fully coated optics, the TrueZero scope adjustment system, and weatherproof and shockproof benefits. The Simmons has all its bases covered: price, quality, and performance!
4. Pinty 3-9X40mm
- Green and red illuminations, 5-level brightness available, magnifications from 3X up to 9X, ultimate clarity and superior eyepiece guaranteed.
- Field of view: 14'-25' @ 100yards; windage & elevation click value: 1/4 MOA 1/4" @ 100yards, 2.7”-3.3” eye relief.
- Rangefinder reticle provides fast, simple aiming points for various shot distances.
- Two 1’’ complementary scope rings to be easily mounted onto any 20mm Picatinny or Weaver mount rails.
It’s a cheap, generic brand, but if you want the best of the cheap market, you must consider this scope especially if you’re mounting to a low recoil rifle like an AR-style platform.
Pros:
- Price
- Illuminated reticle
- ¼ MOA
- Rangefinding reticle
- Weatherproof
Cons:
- Quality control issues
For a budget scope, there are always going to be defective models that make it to the shelves, so you must buy through a seller with guaranteed refund windows and/or warranties. QC issues range from canted reticles to inability to sight-in.
First off, ditch the included rings and mount and opt for high-quality replacements. It’s cheap enough that you can tack on the cost, but if you choose to integrate the included accessories, then use some Loctite to thread the screws in place. If the screws come out or if the mount is insecure, it’s likely the scope optics will take a hit and move out of place.
With securely mounted scope, the Pinty offers 3-9x magnification through a 40 mm aperture. It has two illumination colors: red and green which are adjustable via the knob on top of the eyepiece. They’re ranging reticles, so there are hashmarks at the center and then ranging crosshairs below. It’s unspecified as to what the reticle is calibrated to, but with some time and ammo at the range with an AR-15, you may find the crosshairs to be 50 yards apart.
Adjustments are in ¼ MOA, and they have the slot-style type turrets. As a tip, this isn’t a long-ranging scope even though it has higher power. It’s for close to mid-range use because you may find it will run out of adjustment rather quickly.
What can you use a budget scope for? Target practice, hunting, and plinking. For less than $50, it can provide many afternoons of shooting fun.
5. Monstrum Tactical 3-9X32mm
- Tactical rifle scope providing crystal clear targeting at 3-9x magnification, with a 32mm objective diameter and an eye relief of 3.5-3.8 Inches
- Glass rangefinder reticle for on-the-fly range estimation and long distance targeting
- Dial controlled reticle illumination in both red and green with multiple brightness intensities
Are you shooting off 5.56 rounds at the range? In the market for a new scope? The Monstrum tactical scope is made for you. A low price tag, rangefinding reticle, and illuminated crosshairs is a recipe made for an afternoon of fun. Did we mention this scope is dirt cheap? We have now.
Pros:
- Price
- Lightweight/compact
- Illuminated reticle
- Rangefinder reticle
- Nitrogen-purged
Cons:
- Quality control issues
The Monstrum rifle scope is easy to use even with its luxury features that attracts a lot of attention. At its core, it's a no-fuss scope with its versatile 3-9x magnification. The 32 mm aperture is on the smaller side, but it helps to keep the scope mounted low. It also is partly responsible for its lightweight and compact size at 12 oz and 10.5" in length.
For a budget rifle scope, it's impressive to see the internal chamber has been nitrogen-purged for added fog and water resistance. But, that isn't what has you considering the tac scope is it? You want to know about lighted reticle and rangefinder stuff, right?
Monstrum installs a rangefinding reticle to allow you to get estimate distances to targets of known size. You'll have to be at max power of 9x to depend on using the reticle in this way. Quick note: the reticle is also designed to be used with 55 grain 5.56 rounds.
To help you find your target and draw your eye to the center, the crosshairs can be illuminated. You have the option of turning on the red or green light in conditions when you need it most. If this feature isn't particularly important to you, forget it and make use of the black crosshairs that are just as visible as any other ordinary scope.
With or without using the reticle or illumination setting, the Monstrum can be a dependable scope for your close-mid range needs.
Various quality control issues include build quality, reticle, and illumination problems. But, we should mention that Monstrum Tactical customer service is pretty responsive. You also have a 30 day no questions asked guarantee and a 1 year warranty. For under 100 bucks, you can't beat that.
6. CVLIFE 2.5-10X40e
- Magnification: 2.5-10X with 40mm objective ; Field of View:100 yards of 32.5' @ 2.5x - 8.9' @10x; Laser: 2mW, Class IIIA, reaching 100 yards.
- Clearer Image: Multi-coated green lens boast much higher light transmittance compared with blue lens
Who says you have to spend over 100 bucks to land the number one rifle scope in the Top Best Seller's List? This CVLIFE rifle scope is priced way below it's retail price. If you get in quick, you'll get it for more than 80 percent off its original price!
The tactical scope doubles as an excellent hunting optic with its illuminated options between red and green for diverse light conditions. It also sports a Kellner eyepiece with a dioptric adjustment lens so you can ditch the glasses and focus in regardless of being near or far-sighted. For you tactical junkies, it even sports a laser sight! To add to its already pimped-out profile, you'll get the batteries you need to power it and the mounts to get set up and shootin' today.
At a price listed ridiculously low, this is why it earns a place as one of the best cheap rifle scopes in this budget range!
7. UTG 3-9X32 AO BugBuster
- 1 Inch Tube with Emerald Coating for Maximum Light Transmission, Premium Zero Lockable & Resettable Turrets with 1/4 MOA Per Click Adjustment
- Range Estimating Mil-dot Reticle for Optimal Aiming and Shooting Performance, Adjustable Objective from 3 Yards to Infinity
- Red/Green Dual Illumination for Versatile Applications, Large Field of View and Most Accommodating Eye Relief for Optimum Critical CQB Mission
- Complete with 2" Sunshade, High Quality Flip-open Lens Caps and Quick-detachable Rings
If there's a rifle scope to stamp out pests of all kinds, it's the UTG BugBuster! Unbelievably, it's priced below $100, and it has features that's worth more than twice its price.
The BugBuster is somewhat gnarly lookin', but every marking, turret, and knurl has a purpose. It sports both a red and green illuminated reticle, emerald coatings for maximum light transmission, and zero lockable and resettable turrets. It even sports an AO for parallax-free aiming from as close as 3 yards! The reticle ranges in mil-dot increments, and the scope comes with more than the standard accessories.
Is this all hard to comprehend for only a hundred bucks? You've gotta see it to believe it right here!
8. Simmons 3-9X32 .22 Mag(R)
This Simmons .22 Mag rifle scope is one of the best scopes in the market hands down. We're not kidding. It holds a very desirable ranking within the Top 5 Best Seller's List. But, how could a low budget brand like Simmons top in at the best?
It's got price, value, and better than mediocre quality on its side. The Matte or Silver finish coats fully coated optics with a HydroShield lens coating for excellent image quality. It's lightweight and compact, and it even comes with its own rimfire 3/8" dovetail mounting rings.
If you're plinking on a lazy afternoon with your .22, this is the perfect scope to have for the best price possible. Just take note to prevent disappointment, this scope doesn't double as an air gun scope. With that tid bit under your belt, plink away with Simmons!
What to Look for in a Cheap Rifle Scope
You may think that spending under one hundred clams for a rifle scope might only buy you a child's toy. The rifle scopes in our line-up prove otherwise. While some scopes might feature more than their fair share of premium features, it's all about what you can get from the glass for clarity and maximum light transmission. Additional features are just a bonus.
In this price range, focus more on the quality of the fundamental features. That's where you'll find value in your buy whether it's $20 or $100! To help you out, here's our tip list.
Glass & Coatings
Glass: The higher the quality, the better.
Coatings: The more, the better.
| Scope | Magnification | Objective Lens Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Barska Huntmaster Pro | 3-12x | 50 mm |
| Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn | 3-9x | 40 mm |
| Simmons 8-Point | 3-9x | 40 mm |
| Pinty 3-9x40 | 3-9x | 40 mm |
| Monstrum Tactical 3-9x32 | 3-9x | 32 mm |
| CVLife 2.5-10x40e | 2.5-10x | 40 mm |
| UTG 3-9x32 AO BugBuster | 3-9x | 32 mm |
| Simmons .22 Mag® | 3-9x | 32 mm |
Reticles
Ballistic reticles: If you're going high-powered, shop for the most practical and accurate reticles you can find if you need ballistic data.
| Scope | Reticle | Illumination |
|---|---|---|
| Barska Huntmaster Pro IR | 30/30 | Yes – Centre Cross |
| Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn | Multi-X | No |
| Simmons 8-Point | Truplex | No |
| Pinty 3-9x40 | Ranging Reticle | Yes – Red/Green – 5 brightness settings |
| Monstrum Tactical 3-9x32 | Ranging Reticle | Yes – Red/Green – 5 brightness settings |
| CVLife 2.5-10x40e | Mil-Dot IR | Yes – Red/Green – 5 brightness settings |
| UTG 3-9x32 AO BugBuster | Estimating Mil-Dot | Yes – Red/Green |
| Simmons .22 Mag® | Truplex | No |
Eye Relief, Exit Pupil & Field of View
Eye relief 3"+: Going cheap doesn't mean you have to go without decent eye relief. Your rifle scope is going to let you know what a real black eye is if you don't pay attention to this feature.
Exit pupil 3-5 mm: Smaller than 3 mm? Expect to lose out on a lot of light-gathering potential.
| Scope | Eye Relief | Exit Pupil | Field of View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barska Huntmaster Pro IR | 3.3 inches | 16.7-5.6 mm | 35-10 ft @ 100 yds |
| Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn | 3.3 inches | 13.0-4.4 mm | 40-14 ft @ 100 yds |
| Simmons 8-Point | 3.75 inches | 10.7-3.6 mm | 31.4-10.5 ft @ 100 yds |
| Pinty 3-9x40 | 3.3-2.7 inches | 13.3-4.4 mm | 14-25 ft @ 100 yds |
| Monstrum Tactical 3-9x32 | 3.5-3.8 inches | 10.7-3.6 mm | 39.3-13.3 ft @ 100 yds |
| CVLife 2.5-10x40e | 4.0-3.0 inches | 16.0-4.0 mm | 32.5-8.9 ft @ 100 yds |
| UTG 3-9x32 AO BugBuster | 4.2-3.2 inches | 10.6-3.6 mm | 37.7-14 ft @ 100 yds |
| Simmons .22 Mag® | 3.75 inches | 10.7-3.6 mm | 31.4 ft @ 100 yds |
Build Quality
Durability: Using and abusing this scope is a reality. Make sure it can handle the terrain and recoil for your firearm and style of hunting/shooting.
Air-gun rated: Scopes in this price range double as air gun scopes. Make sure you have a positive rating before buying and mounting.
| Scope | Air-Gun Rated by Manufacturer |
|---|---|
| Barska Huntmaster Pro | No |
| Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn | No |
| Simmons 8-Point | No |
| Pinty 3-9x40 | No |
| Monstrum Tactical 3-9x32 | No |
| CVLife 2.5-10x40e | No |
| UTG 3-9x32 AO BugBuster | Yes |
| Simmons .22 Mag® | No |
Parallax Settings
| Scope | Parallax Setting | Adjustable Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Barska Huntmaster Pro IR | Factory-set @ 100 yds | No |
| Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn | Factory-set @ 100 yds | No |
| Simmons 8-Point | Factory-set @ 100 yds | No |
| Pinty 3-9x40 | Factory-set @ Unknown distance | No |
| Monstrum Tactical 3-9x32 | Factory-set @ Unknown distance | No |
| CVLife 2.5-10x40e | Factory-set @ Unknown distance | No |
| UTG 3-9x32 AO BugBuster | Adjustable – 3 yds to infinity | Yes |
| Simmons .22 Mag® | Factory-set @ 50 yds | No |
Accessories
Most cheap scopes come with a plethora of extra accessories. Keep your eye out for any freebies.
Skip the Stress, Buy the Best!
You can really get yourself a fair scope for an even fairer price. Gone is the stress of having to pore over every single feature and what it all means. Instead, spending less actually gives you some relief in knowing you won't be breaking the bank over your rifle scope buy. Instead, you'll be landing something today that you might end up keeping for a hunting lifetime!
Further Reading
- How to Sight In A Scope & How To Mount A Scope (Includes Videos)
- Nikon ProStaff 4-12X40mm Black Matte Riflescope (BDC) - Model 6729
- Nikon Monarch 3 4-16x42mm BDC Rifle Scope with Side Focus (Model 6770)
- Nikon Prostaff 7 4-16x42 BDC Riflescope w/ 30mm Body (Model #16324)
- Simmons 8-Point Truplex Reticle Riflescope 3-9x40mm (Model 510513)
While an "air-gun" scope may have extra requirements, if you are shooting a CO2 pellet rifle you may not experience high recoil so keep that in mind. That opens up a lot of possibilities for cost savings.