We’ve seen a lot of the best scopes for the money for a lot of different types of guns.
What we would like to do now is reveal to you best scopes for the money overall.
Without taking the caliber into consideration, or the use, we are going to look at the highest quality scopes for the best value possible!
Let’s get started! Once we reveal the top 10 best scopes for the money, I’ll review each one as well!
Top 10 Best Scopes For The Money
- Nikon P-223 3-9×40 – View
- Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9×40 – View
- Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 1×25 – View
- Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 – View
- Nikon P-223 3×32 – View
- Bushnell FFP BTR-1 1-4×24 – View
- Vortex Optics Sparc 2 – View
- Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40 – View
- Bushnell Drop Zone-223 3-9×40 – View
- Barska IR Hunting Scope 1-4×28 – View
These are our top rifle scopes for the money! Most are tubular style scopes, and a couple are red dot scopes. Regardless of the type, we made sure there was value in all of them for price.
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Best Scopes For the Money 2024 – Top 10
With so many different scopes out there, some of you may think there are other scopes that should be on this list.
We didn’t tread lightly here when narrowing these down. We followed some criteria when determining which scopes should make the top 10. The biggest criteria of all; making sure that there is value combined with high quality.
| Best Rifle Scopes For The Money | Price | Rating | |
| Nikon P-223 3-9×40
(Editor’s Choice) |
$$ | 4.7 / 5 | Check Price |
| Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9×40
(Editor’s Choice) |
$$ | 4.7 / 5 | Check Price |
| Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 1×25 | $$ | 4.7 / 5 | Check Price |
| Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 | $$ | 4.8 / 5 | Check Price |
| Nikon P-223 3×32 | $$ | 4.7 / 5 | Check Price |
| Bushnell FFP BTR-1 1-4×24 | $$ | 4.3 / 5 | Check Price |
| Vortex Optics Sparc 2 | $$ | 4.6 / 5 | Check Price |
| Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40 | $$ | 4.6 / 5 | Check Price |
| Bushnell Drop Zone-223 3-9×40 | $$ | 4.5 / 5 | Check Price |
| Barska IR Hunting Scope 1-4×28 | $$ | 4.1 / 5 | Check Price |
Factors That Determined The Best Rifle Scopes For The Money
Like I mentioned earlier, there were some factors that helped us determine which rifle scopes were really the best for the price. The criteria had to meet the following:
- Price had to be under $200
- Reputable brand / manufacturer
- Good manufacturers warranty
- Scope had to hold zero, no matter what
- Built tough – durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions
- Made with high quality materials
- Clear and strong glass
- High user rating at Amazon
What does ‘Best Scope For The Money’ Even Mean?
For most, it simply means finding the best deal. But finding the best deal is all relative, right?
For example, a FLIR Systems Thermal Night Vision Scope could climb close to $6,000! But what if you could buy that same scope for 50% off at $3,000? Now, technically, this FLIR is a great scope for the money, because usually it’s $3,000 more!
But I don’t think that’s what most people mean. Most people, when they are trying to find the best scope for the money, are looking for the lower priced scopes that still have some high quality, right?
This isn’t the same as finding a budget scope, though. Cheap scopes are just that, cheap. Budget / cheap scopes are considered to be in the $20 – $60 range. Anything in this range is a risky.
The materials are very low grade and the optic likely won’t hold zero long term. You’ll have to keep repurchasing a scope every few years and hope it never breaks on you while you are in the middle of using it!
Now that you’ve seen briefly how we determined value, let’s dig deeper into each rifle scope.
Best Rifle Scopes For The Money Reviews
1. Nikon P-223 3-9×40 – Best Rifle Scope For the Money 2024
Nikon dominated the this list, with 4 Nikon scopes in the top 5 and there’s a big reason why. They make high quality scopes and they keep the prices low.
Even if you jump up into the $200-400 range, you are looking at a high quality scope that is compared to other similar scopes that are $500 and above!
With that being said, why is the Nikon P-223 3-9×40 the best scope for the money in our eyes?
Not only is it built by Nikon, who provides an outstanding warranty on all of their products, but it’s the price that got me. At just under $200, it’ll feel like you are getting a scope for at least double the price!
The Nikon P-223 is designed specifically for .223/5.56mm rifles, which is what most Ar-15’s are chambered for.
With it being specifically designed for an AR-15, you know that it will be able to handle a high a mount of recoil is short amounts of time.
Nikon made the P-223 for hunters and shooters who like being able to get first round hits and longer distances.
When zeroed at 200 yards, the BDC 600 reticle has additional aiming point at 50 and 100 yard increments up to 600 yards.
The P-223 also comes with target turrets which offers 1/4 inch click adjustments at 100 yards. Both the windage and elevation turrets can be pulled out to reset the turret.
The quality of the scope is strong and durable and is waterproof and fogproof with a nitrogen fill and o ring seal.
The only negative thing I found was that the reticle was slightly blurrier around 100 and above yards. And it could’ve been the scope I was using. Other than that, great scope for the money.
The P-223 offers a lot of technology and engineering at a very competitive price. The glass is clear and crisp and you’ll have a hard time finding an equal for your AR for less money.
Pros
- Nikon Lifetime Warranty
- Very clear bright glass.
- Great value for the money.
- Designed for Ar-15.
Cons
- Reticle slightly blurry above 100 yards.
Below are the rest of the best scopes for the money that you can find. You can find actual user reviews at sites like Amazon for each given scope. Check them all out, you won’t be disappointed!
2. Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9×40 – Best Rifle Scope For the Money for $100
3. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 1×25 – Best Red Dot Scope For the Money
4. Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 – Best Scope Scope For the Money under $200
5. Nikon P-223 3×32 – Best Fixed Power Scope For the Money
6. Bushnell BTR-1 1-4×24 – Best FFP Scope For the Money
7. Vortex Optics Sparc 2 – Best AR-15 Scope For the Money
8. Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 – Best Long Range Scope For the Money
9. Bushnell Drop Zone-223 3-9×40- Best Tactical Scope For the Money
10. Barska IR Hunting Scope- Best Versatile Scope For the Money
Final Thoughts – Best Scopes For The Money
Overall, this list is a big list and some of the best scopes for the money you can find.
Remember, we aren’t looking for the cheapest scopes here, we are looking for scopes that have value. Finding the best scopes for the money doesn’t have to be a difficult process as long as you make sure that you are maintaining high quality without breaking the bank.
In the end, any of these rifle scopes are great choices for the money, and you can’t go wrong getting anything from Nikon.