Best Rifle Scope Under 200 – Top 7 Reviews, Ratings, Guide, FAQs & More

Best High Performance Scope under $200

The top recommended high performance scope is the Vortex Crossfire II 1-inch Tube because it works incredibly well in low light conditions and provides great focus.

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#2. Best Scope for Long Range – UTG 3-12X44 30mm Review

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If you want a high performance stylish low price scope then this UTG model is made for you. We really liked its design that looks like a tactical scope, but fulfills every hunter’s needs. It also features a special circuit and housing design for uninterrupted illumination.

You’ll like its speed in the acquisition of targets and mil-dot reticle with fine crisp lines. Moreover, it provides unparalleled precision and will aid you in achieving accuracy. It’ll not betray you while shooting at great distance.

Its compact design and incredible performance will surely make your hunting trips more fun. 

Features of Vortex Optics UTG 3-12X44 30mm 

• 3-12x magnification range
• 44mm objective lens diameter
• Mil-dot reticle
• Premium zero locking
• Zero resetting target turrets
• Sealed and nitrogen filled
• Multi emerald coated lenses
• Special circuit and housing design
• Side Wheel Adjustable Turret
• Parallax free view from 10 yards to infinity
• EZ-TAP Illumination Enhancing Technology
• Comes in 36 different colors
• Lifetime warranty

Best Scope for Long Range

The top recommended scope for long range is UTG 3-12X44 30mm because it provides adequate magnification needed for distant shooting.

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#3. Best 3 9×40 Scope – Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X40mm Review

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If you are looking for a low price scope for your .308 firearm at an affordable price then this Leupold model is perfect for you. Its aircraft grade aluminum body adds up to its durability and makes it able to resist any rough usage.

We were amazed to see its twilight management system that provides clear view and maintains visibility even in low-light conditions. Also, the glass is not prone to scratches that will ensure its longevity. 

Moreover, its duplex reticle is both crisp and clear. Beginners will also master this, one of the great rifle scopes under $200, in no time.

Features of Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X40mm 

• 3-9x40mm magnification range
• Tri-MOA reticle
• Twilight light management system
• Matte finish
• 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments
• 3:1 zoom ratio
• 4.17 inches eye relief
• Scratch resistant lenses
• Lifetime warranty

Best 3 9×40 Scope 

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X40mm is the top 3 9×40 scope because it provides great accuracy at any distance and offers a variety of magnification power suitable for both long or short range shooting.

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#4. Best 22 Magnum Scope – Simmons 22 Mag 3-9×32 Review

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This low price Simmons model has innovative features that distinguishes it from other scopes. Its SureGrip adjustments are simple and great, you can easily adjust it even while wearing gloves. Moreover, its fully multi-coated optics have increased its reliability.

Its generous eye relief and quick target acquisition eyepiece make it a great. This feature-rich optic comes with a complete set of mounting rings. Besides, it is one of the top rifle scopes under $200 and provides great value for money.

Features of Simmons 22 Mag 3-9×32 

• 3-9x magnifying range
• 32mm objective lens diameter
• Rimfire 3/8″ dovetail mounting rings
• Truplex reticle
• Parallax correction from 50 yards to infinity
• HydroShield lens coating
• SureGrip rubber surfaces
• Quick Target Acquisition (QTA) eyepiece

Best 22 Magnum Scope

Simmons 22 Mag 3-9×32 is a great scope for 22 magnum because it provides adequate magnification power for big-game hunting. Also, it is one of the top rimfire scopes under 200 dollars.

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#5. Best 270 Scope under $200 – NcStar 3-9X42 

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This one of the best rifle scopes under $200 includes a mark III tactical scope and a red dot sight. Both the scope and the sight make it perfect for long range shooting and close quarter battle.

You’ll love its fully multi-coated lenses that will ensure that you get a clearer and brighter image of your target. The focus adjustment is smooth and tight too. Also, it features an amazing red and green reticle that works properly at all brightness settings.

Features of NcStar 3-9X42 

• 3-9x magnification range
• 42mm objective lens diameter
• Mark III tactical 
• 7.54 inches long
• Backup red dot sight included
• Red/green illuminated P4 sniper reticle
• Fully multi-coated lenses
• Integrated weaver-style quick release ring mounts included
• 2 inches eye relief

Best 270 Scope under $200

NcStar 3-9X42 is the top recommended 270 scope because it’ll allow you to take shots at 150 to 500 yards. Also, you can take accurate shots, even at a larger distance, via its clear and high resolution lenses.

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#6. Best Durable Scope – Leatherwood Hi-Lux 4-16x44mm Review

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This durable scope falls well within one’s price range. It offers more features than an average unit. Moreover, it will provide you optimum performance while shooting at a long distance.

It is reliable in every weather condition. Being waterproof ensures that you can expect a high performance of this product. Also, it is nitrogen-purged that allows it to be fogproof.

It offers clear optics that helps in brighter and clearer images of the target, and its amazing eyepiece quickly focuses on the target.

Features of Leatherwood Hi-Lux 4-16x44mm

• 4-16x magnifying range
• 44mm objective lens
• 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustments
• 3 inches eye relief
• 13.5 inches length
• Fully multi-coated lenses
• Hand-adjustable turrets
• Easy side parallax adjustment
• Single piece tube
• Nitrogen purged

Best Durable Scope 

The Leatherwood Hi-Lux’s great built and rugged construction makes it the great durable rifle scope under $200 that can be used for a very long time.

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#7. Best Scope for Varmint Hunting – Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Review

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This low price Redfield product features 3:1 zoom ratio for a bunch of hunting scenarios and will help you to shoot at most distances. Also, it is built strong and tested with high-tech recoil simulation equipment.

You’ll like its rapid target acquisition eyepiece accu-range duplex reticle that offers a number of aiming points. At this price range, it provides amazing glass quality that results in a clear brighter image. 

Besides, it provides generous eye relief for prolonged comfortable sighting.

Features of Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm

• 3-9x magnifying range
• 40mm objective lens
• Accu-Range reticle
• Rapid Target Acquisition (RTA) eyepiece
• 1/4 MOA
• 3:1 zoom ratio
• 3.7-4.2 inches eye relief

Best Scope for Varmint Hunting

 Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm is the great scope for varmint hunting because of its unmatched and clear shots. Besides, its accu-range reticle offers numerous aiming points ideal for hunting varmints.

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Buyers’ Guide

What to expect from a $200 scope?

Expensive scope manufacturers emphasis on the performance and quality. A low price scope can never compete with an expensive one in terms of quality. However, you can always feel confident about the quality of the target image provided by the budget scope.

Inexpensive scopes do offer good quality lenses which would ensure that you get a great view of your target. But, obviously, they can’t provide the exact result as of $1000 or $2000 scopes. 

Besides, you can also expect a good build quality from your 200 dollars scope. There are many budget-friendly scopes that offer good protection against shocks, vibrations, and weather elements. However, while buying a scope, make sure that the scope won’t break when you mount it on a high-recoil firearm.

The best rifle scope under 200 dollars can also provide you with a great field of view enough for a better understanding of the target. Although, keep in mind that with the increase in magnification the field of view often decreases. 

Moreover, your inexpensive scope should feature adjustable objective lenses. That would help you a lot in long range hunting or in target shooting.

What to look for in a scope in this price range?

• Focusing

Superior focusing is essential when it comes to scopes in this price range, as taking precise and accurate shots while hunting solely depends on how well your low-priced scope can focus. So, it’s better to check the eyepiece and lens before making a purchase.

Go for the scopes that offer adjustable objective and fast focus eyepiece. Besides, a 40mm to 45mm objective lens will help you in good focusing.

Also, the lens should be of higher quality, and should not be too big or too small for your scope. A smaller lens may affect the optimum vision, whereas a larger one may cause difficulty while holding it.

• Coating

Go for the scope that features well-defined multiple coatings. The more the coatings, the better the scope would be in terms of protection. Moreover, anti-reflective coatings will control the optimum amount of reflection and reduce glare.

• Durability

Certainly, you don’t want a scope that can not withstand harsh weather conditions or rough use. So, we’d recommend you to find a durable one.

Furthermore, a sturdy scope should not only be able to resist uneven terrain, but also it needs to be shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof.

• Reticle

Most of the hunters prefer simple reticles such as MAO or mil-dot reticls, and others want a laser sight system in their scope. Additionally, scopes in this price range also offer a second focal plane reticle or BDC reticle.

The SPF scope keeps the image erect and fixed, as it doesn’t change with the change in magnification. However, if you want the images to vary with the magnification, you can go for first focal plane reticles.

How durable is the $200 scope?

You should pay attention to the construction of scopes and the material used for lenses before buying it.

Well, what’s the point of having a scope that is not built to last?

There are many durable scopes, under 200 bucks, out there that are made up of aluminum or sturdy steel. It will protect the scope both externally and internally from shock damage. Besides, go for the one which offers anti-scratch lenses that will protect the lenses in case of any drops. 

Also, make sure that it is weather-friendly as well.

FAQs

Which rifle scopes are best?

Following are the best rifle scopes.

• Vortex Crossfire 2 1-inch Tube – High Performance Scope
• Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X40mm – Great 3 9×40 Rifle Scope  
• Simmons 22 Mag 3-9×32 – Best for 22 Magnum 
• UTG 3-12X44 30mm – Best for Distant Shooting

What scope should I use for 200 yards?

If you are looking for a scope with variable magnification for 200 yards then a 3-9x would get the job done. However, if you want a good fixed magnification scope then a 3x to 7x would be enough for 200 yards.

What is the best rifle scope for under $200?

Following are some best rifle scopes that you can get under $200.

• Vortex Crossfire 2 1-inch Tube – High Performance Scope
• Leupold VXFreedom 3-9X40mm – Great 3 9×40 Rifle Scope  
• Simmons 22 Mag 3-9×32 – Best for 22 Magnum 
• UTG 3-12X44 30mm – Best for Long Range

What is the best long range rifle scope for the money?

Here is a list of great long range rifle scopes for money.

Product	Magnification & OL
UTG	3-12x44mm
Leatherwood Hi-Lux	4-16x44mm
Vortex Crossfire II 1-inch Tube	3-9x50mm

What is the best mid range rifle scope?

Following are some great mid range rifle scopes.

Product Name	Magnification & OL	Reticle
Vortex Optics Crossfire 2 1-inch Tube	3-9x50mm	SFP Dead-hold BDC reticle
Leupold VXFreedom	3-9X40mm	Duplex
Simmons 22 Mag	3-9x32mm	Truplex

Which is a better Vortex or Leupold?

Both brands manufacture top-notch rifle scopes. Their scopes are loved by both hunters and shooters. Vortex offers budget-friendly scopes, while Leupold has the advantage of their scopes’ great build. However, at the end of the day, it depends on your personal preference and needs.

What range is a 3 9×40 scope good for?

A 3 9×40 can see about 900 yards.

Moreover, according to the rule of thumb you get to see additional 100 yards, for every power of magnification. Thus, you can see about 900 yards with a 3-9x.

What rifle scope magnification do I need?

Generally speaking, the least magnification power that gives the clear image of the target will be great for you. However, 4x magnification power is well-suited for big-game hunting and for 300 yards. Also, you can go for 6x if your target is at 400 yards.

Should I zero my rifle at 100 or 200 yards?

If it is likely that you are hunting and shooting at 150 yards, or at 300 yards, then you can zero your rifle at 200 yards.

Final Thoughts

While choosing the perfect affordable scope, it is important that you should check it thoroughly from lenses to performance to body construction. Our favorite includes Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-inch Tube, Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X40mm, and Simmons 22 Mag 3-9×32 Rifle Scope. They all offer great value for money and are packed with tons of features.

However, all these above mentioned scopes are great rifle scopes under $200. Go for the one that offers all the features needed by you.