Best Rifle Scope Under 400 – Top 5 Reviews with Buyers’ Guide, FAQs & More

Best Rifle Scope with BDC Reticle under $400

Nikon Buckmasters II 4-12x40mm is the top recommended BDC reticle rifle scope under four hundred dollars as it will allow you to hold ‘dead-on’ at long ranges. The amazing ballistic circles on the reticle will help you a lot while shooting at a long distance.

---

#2: Best Rifle Scope with High Resolution under $400 – Vortex Optics Diamondback HP 4-16×42 (MOA) Rifle Scope Review

---

break

break

break

This great scope is made with multi-coated lenses that will give you a clear and high resolution image of your target. Its exceptional features make it a good choice for buyers. Besides, it has extra-low dispersion glass that makes it good for shooting both in low and bright light. 

We really liked its long range shooting capability. And it allows you to customize many features. Additionally, it provides amazing features at an incredible price and is one of the top rifle scopes available in the market. 

Features of Vortex Optics Diamondback HP 4-16×42 (MOA) Rifle Scope

• Magnification ranges from 4-16x
• 42mm objective lens
• Eye relief of 4 inches
• 1 inch tube size
• 3.6 inches eyepiece
• 1.69 inches eyepiece diameter
• XR fully multi-coated lens
• Less dispersive glass
• Capped turret style
• 15 MOA per revolution
• Parallax setting ranges from 30 yards to infinity

Best Rifle Scope with High Resolution under $400

Vortex Optics Diamondback HP 4-16×42 (MOA) is the top high resolution scope under four hundred dollars because it promises a high quality image even at extended ranges. Its extra low dispersion glass and multi-coated lenses add to a sharper and clearer picture.

---

#3: Best Durable Rifle Scope under $400 – LUCID Red Dot Rifle Scope Review

---

break

break

break

This amazing scope is known for its strong and reliable optics with a tough body. It has two modes – auto and manual. Moreover, Its power saving feature is great and ensures long battery life. So now,  you won’t have to worry about running out of power during your shooting and hunting sessions. 

It is designed with a mil-dot reticle that can also be used as a range finder tool. We’d recommend you to go through its complete manual before getting started. This scope is available on Amazon. Order yours now! And don’t forget to give proper name email address.

Features of LUCID Red Dot Rifle Scope

• Picatinny rail mount built-in
• Body made with cast aluminum
• Auto brightness sensor
• Mil-dot reticle 
• Features auto shut-off after 2 hours
• Comes with a dual mode of reticle brightness operation
• Powered by AAA energy source
• Limited lifetime warranty

Best Durable Rifle Scope under $400

The top recommended durable scope under four hundred dollars is LUCID Red Dot because of its top notch qualities like well-built design, water resistance and shockproof nature. Its sturdy aluminum body makes it a great option for rough and tough usage even in extreme conditions.

---

#4: Best Multi-purpose Rifle Scope under $400 – Swift SRP659M Premier 3.5-10x44mm Rifle Scope Review

---

break

break

break

Finding a top notch versatile rifle scope with a rock-solid body and amazing features is, certainly, hard. But, this scope stands out and is going to fulfil all your hunting needs as it is designed for hunting, rapid target shooting, tactical shooting and many more. 

We were amazed to see how it gives a wider field of view with a proper light transmission. Furthermore, it features a 44mm lens that will give you a better and elevated light gathering even in low light or in thick dark forests. However, it proves to be great for short and medium range shooting.

It is one of the best rifle scopes available in the market. Also, it is available on Amazon, you may order it with the proper name email address.

Features of Swift SRP659M Premier 3.5-10x44mm Rifle Scope

• Magnification ranges from 3.5-10x
• Hard anodized
• 44mm objective diameter
• Quadraplex reticle
• Comes with fast focus eyepiece
• 44mm objective lens diameter
• 1″ aircraft quality aluminum construction
• 1/4″ click stop adjustment
• Parallax free at 100 yards
• 3.5/3.2 inches eye relief
• Fully coated lenses

Best Multi-purpose Rifle Scope under $400

Swift SRP659M Premier 3.5-10x44mm is a multi-purpose rifle scope under four hundred dollars because of its improved optical technology. Its wider field of view and excellent light transmission makes it a fantastic, reliable and a versatile rifle scope.

---

#5: Best Scope with Smart Optical System under $400 – Burris 200261 Ballistic Plex 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope Review

---

break

break

break

This Burris scope is specially designed while keeping durability, compactness, and your convenience in mind. It is great for both short and long range shooting. Once mounted on the firearm, it can withstand the recoil while giving you a clear image of your target animal.

Also, it offers a long eye relief for high recoil caliber rifles. Its nitrogen filled body tube ensures that it is shockproof, fog proof and waterproof. However, we liked its positive clicks adjustment that you can adjust again and again to achieve accuracy.

Features of Burris 200261 Ballistic Plex 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope

• Magnification ranges from 2-7x
• Double internal spring force
• Ultra fast target acquisition
• Posi-locks for accuracy
• Ballistic Plex Reticle
• 32 mm objective lens
• Comes with Ballistic Plex reticle
• Eye relief of rifle scope ranges from 9.2-12 inches
• Hi-Lume multi coated lens
• 1.5 inches eyepiece diameter 
• Nitrogen filled

Best Scope with Smart Optical System under $400

Burris 200261 Ballistic Plex 2-7x32mm is a great pick for a scope with a smart optical system under four hundred dollars because of its slim and compact optics that allow short to long range shooting. Its valuable features, versatility and high-quality optics makes it an excellent choice for hunters.

---

Buyers’ Guide

While looking for a good and convenient rifle scope you must be worrying about its quality and specificities. So, to make your search easy, we’ve compiled a complete buyers’ guide that will aid you in buying an incredible scope for your gun.

What features to look for in 400 dollars scope?

As we all know, hunting down animals makes the shooter happier and triumphed. And a good scope is going to help you a lot. But, before getting a scope you should look over a few following things.

• Magnification

Magnification is an important element while buying a scope. You should look for a scope that will give you a clear image at its least and highest power. Moreover, it should provide you with an exceptional possibility of shooting the target in a short time with greater accuracy.

• Accuracy

Accuracy is another notable feature that you must look into. Mainly, accuracy of a scope depends upon the adjustments you will make while tightening your mounts. However, accuracy increases many folds by the proper adjustment of turrets and parallax. 

This feature will help you while shooting at long distances.

• Hunting in low light

Most animals are active during the night. That’s why most hunters love to hunt in the dusk or in the darkness of night. In this case, you can’t rely only on the moon light and certainly want a good low light rifle scope.

Such rifle scopes make use of the available light. Additionally, illuminated reticle, wider lens and a well-built design will sum up to give you a top quality rifle scope for hunting in low or no light.

Some kinds of scopes

Before buying a scope for your daily hunting and shooting, here are 3 main types of rifle scopes which you may like to consider.

• Fixed Scope

These are rifle scopes with fixed magnification. They have certain advantages over other ones such as they are brighter and easy to use – just aim and then shoot the target. Also, they are more reliable, brighter and give a clear view.

• Variable Scope

Variable scopes have a range of magnification that gives the user the opportunity to adjust the magnification of the lens according to his requirements. Also, such scopes are heavier than the fixed ones.

• Night Vision Scope

No doubt, many hunters prefer hunting during the day because of the more light, but you’ll find more wildlife and pests during the night. And we agree that shooting in low or no light environments is quite challenging. So, for such situations there are night vision scopes made with tough built-ups. 

Such scopes would be great for you if you are a night time hunter.

What is the difference between a scope with an aluminum body and that made with steel?

The material of your scope is pretty important as it decides the sturdiness of the scope and whether it’ll be able to resist the heavy recoil of the firearm. 

Scopes with steel bodies are not quite common and are not preferred by the professional hunters. Whereas, the ones which are made up of aluminum tend to last longer and are more durable. Aluminum scopes are built for rough usage.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

What is a good rifle scope for 400 yards?

Some good rifle scopes for 400 yards are

Name	Magnification & OL	Reticle
Swift SRP659M Premier	3.5-10x44mm	Quadraplex
Nikon Buckmasters II	4-12x40mm	BDC
Vortex Optics Diamondback HP 42 (MOA)	4-16x42mm	Dead-hold BDC

What are the Top 10 rifle scopes?

Following are top 10 rifle scopes.

1. Swift SRP659M Premier 
2. Nikon Buckmasters II
3. Vortex Optics Diamondback HP 42 (MOA)
4. LUCID Red Dot 
5. Burris 200261 Ballistic Plex 2-7x32mm
6. Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm
7. Vortex Crossfire II Riflescope
8. SWFA SS 3-15×42
9. Nikon P-223 BDC 600 4-12×40 Scope
10. Swarovski Z3 4-12×50 BT

What is the best magnification for rifle scopes?

The best magnification for rifle scopes is around 4x.

The scopes with 4x to 6x magnification power are considered to be great for hunting. Whereas, 10x is sufficient for shooting around 1000 yards – considering that the target is large enough to get a good image and not moving fast.

What magnification do I need to shoot 400 yards?

According to the rule of thumb, about 1-1.5x is enough for 100 yards. So, a 4x-6x scope would be great for 400 yards. However, you might face some problems while hunting with a 1.5x or 2x at 400 yards.

How far can you shoot with a 12x scope?

You can shoot about 1500 yards with a 12x scope.

If your shooting game is strong, then with a good gun and a 12x scope you can shoot at 1500 yards easily. However, the eye resolves about 1 MOA, so you’ll be able to see an 8″ target at 800 yards.

What is the advantage of 50mm scope?

A scope with 50mm objective lens offers a large exit pupil which will provide you with greater flexibility while looking through the scope and you can get your target in no time. Moreover, a 50mm scope would be great in low light situations due to its greater diameter.

Who makes the clearest rifle scope?

There are many brands notorious for making clear rifle scopes, but Nikon holds its reputation for manufacturing ultra-clear glass for a long time, and this is what you want the most in a rifle optic. The Nikon Buckmasters II 4-12x40mm scope offers great clarity and quality at an affordable price.

Does parallax affect accuracy?

Yes, the parallax affects accuracy. When your eye is at the edge of the exit pupil, maximum parallax occurs. There is an error at long distances even when the parallax is adjusted. However, at short ranges the parallax does not affect accuracy.

What power should you sight your scope in on?

You should sight your scope in on the highest power. Also, if you are mounting the scope, mount it while the scope is set on the highest setting.

Does changing zoom affect zero?

Zero should not be affected while adjusting the magnification. The reticle of your scope can be affected depending on whether it is FFP or SFP. FFP reticle will adjust according to the magnification while there is no such option with SFP reticle.

Final Thoughts

This summarizes our list of the best rifle scopes under four hundred dollars. These all are of great quality, well-built and budget-friendly scopes. However, choose the one according to your hunting skills and needs.

Well, our favourite one is Swift SRP659M 3.5-10x44mm Premier Rifle Scope, as it offers tons of features and provides excellent value for money. But, this might not be true for you. With all the detailed discussion of features, pros and cons, now you may know which will be the best rifle scope under $400 for you.

So, grab yours now by providing your name email address at checkout.