Finding a reliable rifle scope on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on performance. The best rifle scopes under $250 offer a great balance of affordability, functionality, and durability for hunters, target shooters, and beginners alike.
Today’s optics market offers several budget-friendly scopes packed with features once reserved for premium models. The $250 price range offers an impressive selection of high-quality optics that balance performance, durability, and affordability. Additionally, rifle scopes under this price range offer reliable accuracy that serves hunters, target shooters, and tactical users alike.
What Makes an Ideal Scope under $250
The best rifle scopes under are made of several features that include:
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Clear Optics: Bright, crisp image with multi-coated lenses for good light transmission
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Durable Build: Shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof construction, often nitrogen or argon purged for reliable performance in diverse weather conditions.
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Reliable Reticle: A simple and uncluttered reticle (like BDC or duplex) for quick target acquisition
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Accurate Adjustments: Repeatable and precise windage/elevation turrets with tactile clicks
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Good Magnification Range: Versatile zoom suitable for close to mid-range shooting
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Decent Eye Relief: Comfortable eye relief of at least 3.5 inches for safe and flexible shooting
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Lightweight Design: The best rifle scopes under $250 should also feature manageable weight for easy mounting and balance on rifles
Best Rifle Scopes under $250
1. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm is the best rifle scope under $250. It’s a well-rounded scope that punches above its weight in terms of quality and usability.
Solid construction is the selling point of this optic. Built around a one-inch aircraft-grade aluminum tube, it’s rugged and durable, with an anodized matte finish that resists scratches and glare.
Furthermore, the 3-9x magnification range is ideal for a wide variety of shooting situations, from short-range targets to mid-range hunting scenarios. To complement the zoom range, this rifle scope features a Dead-Hold BDC reticle that is especially useful for estimating holdover and windage corrections, which helps reduce guesswork in the field.
With capped reset turrets and a fast-focus eyepiece, it’s easy to sight in and make quick adjustments, even under pressure. Its optical clarity is also impressive with fully multi-coated lenses that deliver bright, crisp visuals with good edge-to-edge sharpness, especially in daylight or early morning light.
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- SFP reticle that performs well for users who value simplicity and consistency
- Fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof construction
- Lightweight
Cons
- Non-illuminated
2. Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-18x44mm
The Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-18x44mm Second Focal Plane (SFP) Rifle Scope delivers impressive versatility and reliability at an accessible price point.
This rifle scope stands out with it adjustable objective (AO) functionality. This feature allows shooters to fine-tune focus down to 10 yards, delivering crisp, parallax-free images across a wide range of target distances.
Its 6–18x magnification range is suitable for everything from medium-range hunting or tactical use to precision shooting at distance. Furthermore, the 30mm main tube offers a good balance of elevation and windage adjustment without being overly bulky.
For added convenience, the turrets are easy to grip and fantasy-adjustable, and the single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum body is rugged, shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof to withstand recoil and harsh outdoors environments without issue.
Regarding optics, the optical clarity is good for its class, with multi-coated lenses providing bright, sharp images even in lower-light conditions.
Pros
- Adjustable objective
- Exceptional low-light performance
- Generous eye relief
- Dependable adjustments
- Durable build
Cons
- With the second focal plane reticle, judging holdovers or range at high zoom requires extra attention or memorization
3. Burris Fullfield IV 2.5-10×42 mm Rifle Scope
The Burris Fullfield IV 2.5–10×42 mm 1‑inch tube Second Focal Plane (SFP) rifle scope is one of the best rifle scopes under $250 for beginners. It is easy to use and precision designed to hone your shooting skills.
This rifle scope is built tough to last long. It’s shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof for use in all weather conditions. Furthermore, the zero-click-adjustable turrets are crisp and deliberate, allowing for minute elevation and windage adjustments that can be made in the field without worry.
The included FastFire reticle is straightforward, clean, clear, and easy to use under low-light condition. Additionally, this reticle is full-glass-etched so it remains sharp and visible even when backed up by the excellent optical clarity Burris is known for.
Performance-wise, this scope offers a generous magnification range. At the wide 2.5x end, the field of view is broad enough for panoramic shots at close range, and boosting it to 10x provides tight, precise target acquisition for medium-distance shots.
Furthermore, light transmission through the 42 mm objective lens is impressive. The anti-reflective coatings minimize glare, and there’s minimal chromatic aberration even when panning across a horizon or focusing on high-contrast targets.
Pros
- Rugged and reliable construction
- Easy to use
- Bright and clear optics
- Long eye relief
Cons
- The 1‑inch tube limits maximum elevation adjustment compared to a 30 mm tube
4. Leapers UTG 3-12×32
If you are a budget-conscious shooter looking for rifle scope that offers reliable performance without compromising functionality, look no further than the Leapers UTG 3-12×32 BugBuster Rifle Scope.
Built on a True Strength Platform, this scope is rugged, shockproof, and fully sealed for weather resistance. This makes it suitable for a range of shooting environments.
Moreover, the 3-12x magnification range is highly adaptable, ideal for both close and medium-range targets. The 32mm objective lens provides a decent light-gathering ability, and the scope includes a built-in sunshade to reduce glare.
Another standout feature is the red/green dual-illuminated Mil-Dot reticle, which enhances visibility in low-light conditions and aids in precise range estimation and holdovers. On top of that, the BugBuster’s parallax adjustment down to 3 yards is a rare bonus in this price range, giving it an edge for close-range accuracy and air gun use.
Pros
- Crisp ¼ MOA clicks that track reliably and hold zero well, even after repeated recoil
- Lockable and resettable turrets
- Lightweight
- Durable construction
- Great optical clarity
Cons
- The field of view is narrow at higher magnification
5. Athlon Optics Talos 4-16x40mm Rifle Scope, 1in Tube
As one of the best rifle scopes under $250, the Athlon Talos 4–16×40 mm delivers remarkable balance of value and versatility. It blends high‑end optics, rugged durability, and functional precision at a mid‑range price point, making it an excellent option for hunting and shooting applications.
This rifle scope yields crisp, bright visuals across its entire magnification range, enhanced by its premium ED glass and fully multi-coated lenses. At lower magnifications, the sight picture is wide and vibrant, while at 16×, clarity remains sharp with minimal chromatic aberration.
Furthermore, the Mil‑Dot reticle is etched sharply and consistently illuminated across its brightness settings, providing excellent contrast even in low‑light conditions. The eye relief remains generous and comfortable set at 3.6 – 4.1″, so recoil is never a concern.
Built to withstand the elements, the scope’s one‑piece 6061‑T6 aircraft‑grade aluminum tube is fully waterproof, fog‑proof, and shock‑resistant. Moreover, the turrets offer tactile, audible clicks that reset to zero, and the generous adjustment range is perfect for long‑range applications.
Above all, the scope’s balanced weight and size are ideal for hunting, precision shooting, or tactical use and the focus adjustments are smooth and precise.
Pros
- Tough construction
- Balanced weight and size
- Illuminated, glass-etched reticle
- Generous adjustment range for windage and elevation
Cons
- Narrow eye relief at maximum zoom range
6. Vortex Crossfire II Rifle Scope
Here is our last rifle scope recommendation under $250.
Carrying the renowned Vortex name, the Crossfire II 4-12x44mm combines durable construction, practical features, and sharp optics into a dependable scope that consistently punches above its price point.
With a variable 4-12x magnification range, the scope is a standout option for hunters and shooters. It strikes a versatile balance, offering a wide field of view at low power for scanning terrain and enough zoom for precise mid-range to long-range shots.
To complement the versatile zoom range, the scope features a 44mm objective lens that delivers impressive light transmission, even in low-light conditions, giving you a clear, bright image when it matters most. Furthermore, the Dead-Hold BDC reticle is useful for compensating for bullet drop and wind drift, making this scope a strong ally in the field or at the range.
Build quality is another area where the Crossfire II impresses. The single-piece 1-inch aluminum tube is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, making it fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof for rugged use in all weather conditions. The scope also features capped reset turrets that are easy to adjust and return to zero cleanly, while the fast-focus eyepiece ensures quick target acquisition.
Pros
- Generous and forgiving eye relief
- Good value for the price
- Rugged and reliable build quality
- Bright and crisp-clear optics
- Lightweight
Cons
- Non-illuminated
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Rifle Scopes under $250
Whether you are buying a rifle scope for the first time or looking for a budget model under $250, here are the key factors to take into consideration when making your selection.
Magnification Range
The first thing to consider is magnification. You should choose a scope with a zoom power that aligns with your intended use. A 3-9x or 4-12x magnification range is highly versatile, making it ideal for hunting in varied terrain and general shooting. If you’re focusing on long-range shooting or precision target work, a higher magnification range like 6-18x or beyond gives you the zoom power needed to engage distant targets effectively.
Objective Lens Size
The objective lens diameter affects how much light the scope can gather. Larger lenses, typically 40mm to 50mm, allow more light transmission, which results in brighter images. That said, larger lenses can make the scope bulkier and may require higher mounting rings, potentially affecting cheek weld and rifle handling.
Reticle Type
Next, consider the reticle or crosshair style. Duplex reticles are simple and fast for hunting. On the other hand, Mil-Dot reticles are useful for range estimation and holdovers, often preferred by tactical or precision shooters. BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticles are designed to help compensate for bullet drop at various ranges, which can be especially helpful for hunters or long-range enthusiasts.
Turret Style
The best rifle scopes under $250 have exposed turrets which are great for shooters who frequently adjust for windage and elevation on the fly, as they allow quick, precise changes. In contrast, capped turrets protect the dials from accidental adjustments, making them ideal for hunters who prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach in rugged environments.
Build Quality
A quality scope should be shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof. For the best rifle scopes under $250, look for models that are nitrogen- or argon-purged and O-ring sealed for reliable performance in extreme weather conditions. A durable housing made from aircraft-grade aluminum further adds to the longevity and ruggedness of the scope.
Eye Relief
If you are buying a rifle scope for the first time, eye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope’s eyepiece while still getting a full sight picture. 3.5 inches or more of eye relief is ideal for rifle scopes. Scopes with generous eye relief prevent scope bites, more comfortable for extended use, and adaptable to different shooting positions.
FAQs
- Are rifle scopes under $250 worth it?
Yes. Many scopes under $250 offer excellent performance for casual hunting, range shooting, and target practice. While they lack premium features like high-end optics, they often provide solid clarity, durability, and reliability for most shooters.
- What magnification range should I expect in this price range?
Most scopes under $250 feature magnification ranges from 3-9x, 4-12x, or 3-12x ideal for short to mid-range shooting. Some budget-friendly scopes even offer variable magnification up to 16x or 24x for extreme long-range use.
- Are scopes in this range durable and shockproof?
Yes. Many scopes under $250 are built to be waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant. The optical tubes are nitrogen- or argon-purged to prevent fog build up in areas with different temperature gradients and O-ring sealed to lock out dust, moisture, and debris.
Final Words
To wrap it up, the best rifle scopes under $250 prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get solid performance, reliability, and clarity. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned shooter on a budget, the scopes mentioned above offer impressive features that enhance shooting precision and performance. Determine your needs and use this guide to find a rifle scope that blends best with those needs.
*Reviewed scopes were under 250 at the time of the review. Prices may change overtime.