Hunting is a popular outdoor activity that requires a lot of skill and precision. One essential tool for hunters is a hunting scope, which helps them to accurately aim and shoot their prey. A good hunting scope can make all the difference between a successful hunting trip and a frustrating one.

However, not everyone can afford to spend a lot of money on a hunting scope. That’s why we’ve researched and tested various hunting scopes to find the best ones under $100. When purchasing a hunting scope, it’s important to pay attention to factors such as magnification, objective lens size, and reticle type.

Magnification is the degree to which the scope can make the target appear closer. A higher magnification can be useful for long-range shots, but it can also make the image appear blurry and reduce the field of view. The objective lens size determines the amount of light that enters the scope and affects the brightness and clarity of the image.

A larger objective lens size can provide a brighter and clearer image, but it can also make the scope heavier and more cumbersome to use. The reticle type is the pattern of lines or dots that help hunters aim at their target. Different reticle types are suitable for different hunting situations.

We spent hours researching and testing various hunting scopes to find the best ones under $100. In this article, we’ll share our top picks and help you choose the best hunting scope for your needs.

Best Hunting Scopes Under $100

We understand that hunting can be an expensive hobby, and finding the right equipment at an affordable price can be challenging. That’s why we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best hunting scopes under $100.

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting, these scopes will provide you with the clarity and accuracy you need to make your next hunting trip a success. So without further ado, here are our top picks for the best hunting scopes under $100.

CVLIFE 4×32 Compact Rifle Scope Crosshair Optics Hunting Gun Scope with 20mm Free Mounts

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly rifle scope, the CVLIFE 4×32 Compact Rifle Scope Crosshair Optics Hunting Gun Scope with 20mm Free Mounts is a decent option.

Pros

• With fully coated optical glass, this scope provides a bright and high-contrast image.
• Made of high-strength aluminum alloy, the one-piece tube construction ensures greater strength and durability.
• Inert gas purged, fog, shock, and waterproof, this scope can be used under any weather condition.

Cons

• The eye relief of 3.3 inches is fairly short and may be uncomfortable for some users.
• The scope may not hold up well on guns with high recoil.
• Some users have reported difficulty sighting in the scope.

We tested this scope on a .22 caliber rifle and found that it performed adequately.

The fully coated optical glass provided a clear image, and the compact size made it easy to move and aim quickly. However, the eye relief was a bit short for our liking, and we did have some difficulty sighting in the scope initially. We also noticed that the scope may not hold up well on guns with high recoil.

If you’re on a tight budget and need a basic rifle scope, the CVLIFE 4×32 Compact Rifle Scope Crosshair Optics Hunting Gun Scope with 20mm Free Mounts may be a good option.

However, if you’re a serious hunter or shooter, you may want to invest in a higher-quality scope.

BESTSIGHT DIY Digital Night Vision Scope for Rifle Hunting with Camera and 5″ Portable Display Screen

If you’re looking for an affordable night vision scope for your rifle, the BESTSIGHT DIY Digital Night Vision Scope is a great option.

Pros

• The night vision feature works well, providing a clear color view during the day and a high-quality visual experience in complete darkness.
• The detailed instructions make it easy to assemble the scope quickly, even for beginners.
• The 5.0-inch clear display screen and 360-degree adjustable camera offer a multi-featured hunting experience.

Cons

• The package does not include a battery, so you’ll need to purchase one separately.
• The unit is bulky, which may make it difficult to use for some people.
• It may not work well in daylight, so it’s best used at night.

We recently tested out the BESTSIGHT DIY Digital Night Vision Scope, and we were impressed with its performance. The night vision feature provided a clear and high-quality visual experience, even in complete darkness.

We were able to observe our targets with ease, making it ideal for nighttime hunting, wildlife observation, and exploring caves.

Assembling the scope was a breeze, thanks to the detailed instructions that come with the package. Even if you’re a beginner, you can have the scope up and running in just a few minutes.

The 5.0-inch clear display screen and 360-degree adjustable camera offer a multi-featured hunting experience. We were able to capture clear images and videos of our targets, which made it easier to track them down. The only downside is that the unit is quite bulky, which may make it difficult to use for some people.

If you’re looking for an affordable night vision scope for your rifle, the BESTSIGHT DIY Digital Night Vision Scope is a great option. Just keep in mind that it may not work well in daylight, and you’ll need to purchase a battery separately.

BESTSIGHT 3-9X40 Rifle Scope

If you’re looking for a quality hunting scope that won’t break the bank, the BESTSIGHT 3-9X40 Rifle Scope is worth considering.

Pros

• The red and green illuminated crosshair with 5 levels of brightness setting for each color makes it easy to find the perfect brightness needed for lighting and weather conditions.
• The completely sealed and 100% nitrogen-filled design makes the tactical scope fog and rainproof.
• The free 20mm scope mount that comes with it makes it convenient to install on your rifle.

Cons

• Some users have reported difficulty adjusting the windage and elevation knobs.
• The rubber ring on the scope lens may come loose over time.
• The included 11mm rings may not fit all rifles.

We recently had the chance to try out the BESTSIGHT 3-9X40 Rifle Scope, and we were impressed with its performance. The magnification range of 3-9x is perfect for hunting, and the 40mm objective diameter provides a clear and bright image.

The focus component with moderate damping allows the scope to focus fast and accurately.

One of the standout features of this scope is the red and green illuminated crosshair. We found that it made it much easier to aim in low-light conditions, and the ability to adjust the brightness level was a nice touch. The scope is also completely sealed and 100% nitrogen-filled, which means that it’s fog and rainproof.

While we did have some trouble adjusting the windage and elevation knobs, we were able to get the scope zeroed in after some trial and error. The rubber ring on the scope lens did come loose at one point, but it was easy enough to reattach.

We think that the BESTSIGHT 3-9X40 Rifle Scope is a great option for hunters who are on a budget. It’s not perfect, but it provides good value for the price. If you’re in the market for a hunting scope under $100, we would definitely recommend giving this one a try.

Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope

If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable hunting scope, the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope is a great option.

Pros

• The Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses provide clarity and brightness in low-light conditions.
• With an extended 6 inches of eye relief, this scope is comfortable to use even with heavy recoil rifles.
• The fully multi-coated optics deliver bright, high-contrast images.

Cons

• The scope may not hold zero as well as higher-end models.
• The plastic construction may not be as durable as metal scopes.
• The magnification range may not be sufficient for long-range shooting.

We recently tested the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope on a hunting trip, and we were impressed with its performance. The DDB multi-coated lenses provided clear and bright images even during the early morning and late evening hours when the game is most active. The extended eye relief made it comfortable to use with a heavy recoil rifle, and the fully multi-coated optics delivered sharp and high-contrast images.

However, we did notice that the scope may not hold zero as well as higher-end models, which could be a concern for some hunters. Additionally, the plastic construction may not be as durable as metal scopes, so it’s important to handle the scope with care. Finally, the magnification range may not be sufficient for long-range shooting, so it’s best suited for hunting at shorter distances.

We would recommend the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope for hunters looking for an affordable and reliable scope for their hunting rifles.

CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50 AOE Red and Green Illuminated Gun Scope with Free Mount

If you’re looking for a hunting scope that won’t break the bank, the CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope is a great option. We’ve used this scope and found it to be a solid choice for those on a budget.

Pros

• The magnification range of 6-24x is great for long-range shots.
• The red and green illuminated reticle is helpful in low-light situations.
• The included free mount makes installation easy.

Cons

• The quality of the included mount isn’t the best, so you may want to purchase a higher-quality mount separately.
• The field of view isn’t as wide as some other scopes on the market.
• The clicks on the adjustment turrets could be more precise.

Overall, we think the CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope is a good choice for those looking for a budget-friendly hunting scope. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive scopes, it gets the job done and is a great value for the price.

In terms of performance, we found that the scope was clear and easy to adjust. The illuminated reticle was especially helpful in low-light situations, and the magnification range allowed us to take long-range shots with ease.

One thing to keep in mind is that the included mount isn’t the best quality, so you may want to purchase a higher-quality mount separately. Additionally, the field of view isn’t as wide as some other scopes on the market, which may be a drawback for some hunters.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hunting scope that performs well, the CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope is worth considering.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a hunting scope under $100, there are a few key features to consider. By taking these into account, you can ensure that you get the best product for your needs without breaking the bank.

First and foremost, consider the magnification power of the scope. The magnification power determines how close-up your view will be, and can range from 2x to 12x or more. A higher magnification power may seem like a good idea, but keep in mind that it can also make it harder to aim and track your target. We recommend looking for a scope with a magnification power between 4x and 8x for most hunting situations.

Next, pay attention to the objective lens diameter. This is the size of the lens at the end of the scope farthest from your eye, and it affects the amount of light that enters the scope.

A larger diameter lens will allow for more light, resulting in a brighter and clearer image. However, keep in mind that a larger lens also means a heavier and bulkier scope. Aim for an objective lens diameter between 32mm and 40mm for a good balance of performance and portability.

Another important factor to consider is the reticle, or crosshairs, of the scope. There are many different types of reticles available, from simple crosshairs to more complex designs with range-finding capabilities. Choose a reticle that suits your hunting style and preferences. For example, if you often hunt in low-light conditions, a reticle with illumination can be helpful.

Durability is also a key consideration when shopping for a hunting scope. Look for a scope with a sturdy, shock-resistant construction that can withstand the rigors of outdoor use. A waterproof and fog-proof design can also be beneficial, especially if you hunt in wet or humid environments.

Finally, consider any additional features or accessories that may be included in the scope. For example, some scopes come with lens covers, mounting hardware, or even a carrying case. These extras can add value and convenience to your purchase.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose a hunting scope under $100 that meets your needs and provides reliable performance in the field.