Top 5 Best Rifle Scope under 200 Dollars – Reviews

Best Rifle Scope under 200

Have you been doing research on the best rifle scope under 200? Perhaps you have been looking for them online and can’t decide which among those scopes to buy. clear shortly.

After all the brands all make the same promises, so how can you can distinguish the good ones from the bad? More to the point, is it really worth your time to buy a scope for less than 200 dollars? ​​​​

At first glance it might seem better to buy a more expensive scope, but the fact is there are a lot of good scopes in this price range. It is simply a matter of finding them, and that is what these reviews are all about. 

We know how vital a scope is: you need it to aim straight and hit the target. However, you don’t need to break the bank just to get a scope as these reviews will make

Name

Magnification & OL

Reticle

FOV

Price

UTG 4-16X44 30mm Scope

4-16X44

Mil-dot

24.4' to 6.8'(@ 100 yds)

Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-223 BDC Reticle Riflescope

4.5-18x/40

BDC Ballistic Reticle

22/[email protected] / 7.3/1.8@18x(ft @100yds / m @100m)

Barska 1-4x28 IR Hunting Scope

1-4x28

Mil Dot reticle

90/30@1x, 22.5/7.5@4x(ft@100yds/m@100m)

Bushnell BSH613946B Banner 3-9x40 Scope

3-9x40

CF50 reticle

40/13.6 ft. @ 100 yards

Bushnell Banner Illuminated Red Green Multi-X Reticle Riflescope

3-9x40

Multi-X Reticle

40 feet @ 100 feet (3x), 14 feet @ 100 feet (9x)

Our Picks

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UTG 4-16X44 30mm Scope

Score: 4.6  Andrew Garfield

The UTG 4 is constructed from a 30 mm tube for durability. The scope also has specially designed lens for clarity. It is also filled with nitrogen so it is fog proof, shockproof and waterproof.

The scope has 4x to 16x power for greater magnification, and its Quick Access system lets you get to your favorite brightness and color reticle combination. The scope is also designed to work in different conditions thanks to its durability.

The scope fits the most widely used rifles so compatibility won’t be an issue. It also sports a premium zero resettable and lockable target turrets. The per click adjustment 1//4 MOA is consistent, essential to hitting your target.

The scope also has SWAT (side wheel adjustable turret) parallax adjustment, good for 10 yards to infinity, and it’s compatible with weaver and Picatinny rails.

Features:

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    This scope is made from 30 mm tube for enhanced strength. This also makes the scope ready for use in the woods and hunting.
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    The scope has emerald lens coating. This is what allows for optimum light transmission and enhanced clarity.
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    Its power is from x to 16 x. It allows you to acquire targets quickly and zoom in without losing any detail.
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    The UTG 4 has a quick selection ring built in. This makes it easier to fine tune your aim.
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    The scope also has the EZ TAP Illumination Enhancing (IE) system. This includes red/green dual mode. Its multi-color mode has support for 36 colors so you can use this in all types of weather.

Pros

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    Easy to mount
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    Good quality optics
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    Powerful magnification
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    Works in all weather conditions
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    Very accurate

Cons

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    Not suited for very large guns
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    Needs adjustment to hold.308 to zero
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    A bit heavy

The UTG 4 is one of the better scopes you can buy online. The optic quality is good and ti is also durable. In terms of quality we have to give this our full recommendation.

Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-223 BDC Reticle Riflescope

Score: 4.7  Andrew Garfield

Bushnell makes a lot of quality scopes, and the Drop Zone is one of the better ones they’ve released. Its most notable feature is the optics, which produces HD clarity. The scope is constructed from durable materials so it’s going to last a while. 

The Drop Zone scope offers multiple adjustment options, including 1/4 MOA click value for the turrets. You can also tweak the parallax so it satisfies your requirements. The scope has also been calibrated for optimum performance and accuracy. 

Built with emphasis on versatility, the Drop Zone has a fast focus eyepiece so you can shoot with greater accuracy. The Drop Zone also has a powerful sighting system that you can adjust to suit your preferences. 

The optics are clear and you can clearly see the target. Even when magnified to the maximum, the Drop Zone still holds up and does not show signs of blurriness. The scope is very bright and resetting to zero is easy as well.

Features:

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    The Bushnell is made of high quality aluminum alloy. The material has been sealed and anodize-finished for extra protection and durability.
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    Its optics are multicoated. This makes the scope brighter and produces more vivid colors.
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    The Bushnell scope has 1/4 MOA click value turrets. By making precision adjustments you’ll be able to focus easily.
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    The scope has side parallax adjustment. With a few tweaks you’ll get more accurate results.
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    The Bushnell is designed for long term use. Combined with its fast focus eyepiece and you’ll get to see the targets easily.

Pros

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    Clear optics 
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    Made from durable materials
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    Numerous adjustment options
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    Well made eyepiece
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    All weather use

Cons

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    Slightly larger than the average scope
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    ​Heavier than other scopes
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    Eye relief design could be better

The Bushnell Drop Zone is an excellent scope for both beginners and advanced users. The optics are clear, and it is one of those that functions well in different weather conditions.

Barska 1-4x28 IR Hunting Scope

Score: 4.3  Andrew Garfield

Barska manufactures a lot of good scopes, and this is one of their better products. Its illuminated reticle improves accuracy and aim. The scope is also compact and low profile, making it easier to handle than other scopes. It also has a low profile and is compatible with a lot of guns.

The Barska has excellent magnification and is suited for long range shooting. You can set the magnification up to 4x so you can see details of your target up close, and you can also use your iron sights for better results.

The Barska scope is waterproof and fog proof so it should hold up when used in less than ideal weather conditions. Its illuminated reticle also improves visibility even in low lit conditions. You can adjust the windage and elevation too.

Features:

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    The Barska IR Hunting Scope has been o ring sealed and nitrogen purged. This results in greater for waterproof and fog proof protection so you can use it in different weather conditions.
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    The scope is equipped with an illuminated reticle. It is glass etched and improves your shooting accuracy.
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    The scope has 1.4x magnification. With this kind of power you’ll be able to shoot accurately from long range.
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    The IR Hunting Scope has adjustable external turrets. These can be secured to keep the elevation and windage adjustments in place.
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    The scope is built with focus on durability. It is made from heavy duty materials and designed to last for years.

Pros

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    Waterproof
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    Shockproof
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    Good magnification levels
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    Can be used in different weather conditions
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    Target turrets are easy to secure

Cons

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    The eye relief could have been better designed
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    Scope rings are a bit soft
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    A small bit of distortion at maximum zoom in

The Barska is a well-designed scope that is best suited for hunting, but it’s just as good for target shooting. With its clear optics and powerful design, the scope should suffice for most users.

Bushnell BSH613946B Banner 3-9x40 Scope

Score: 4.1  Andrew Garfield

The Bushnell 3-9x40 scope was with emphasis on functionality. It is compatible with several rifles and shotguns so odds are that weapon you have is going to work with it. 

Designed for big game hunting and target shooting, the Bushnell also has high quality optics that you’ll be able to use at dusk and dawn without losing much detail. The optics are not only bright but solidly built as well. 

With its DDB lens, it’s easy to acquire a target. It has a fast eyepiece and the illuminated reticle makes it easier to aim and shoot. It has a fixed parallax adjustment and you can fine tune the scope to a high degree, underscoring its versatility.

Features:

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    The Bushnell scope is built from durable materials. This solid one piece tube provides extra durability, so you’ll be able to use the scope in varying conditions. 
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    The scope is compatible with a lot of popular rifles, muzzle loaders and shotguns. Fitting on your weapon takes only minutes so you’ll be able to use it quickly.
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    The scope is nitrogen filled. What this means is the scope is fog proof and won’t be affected by condensation.
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    The Bushnell is equipped with dusk and dawn brightness (DDB) multi-coated lens. What this means is you’ll get better light transmission and a brighter, clearer view.
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    The scope has an FOV of 40/13.6 ft. @ 100 yards. This is on par with a lot of quality rifles and goes to show how versatile it is.

Pros

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    Good for long range shots
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    Waterproof
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    Shockproof
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    Compatible with many rifles
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    Can be used in low light environments

Cons

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    Scope is on the heavy side
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    Eye relief design could be better
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    Longer than your average scope

The Bushnell scope is one of the finer models that Bushnell has released. There are plenty of adjustment options and overall the quality is among the best the brand has released making it an excellent option.

Bushnell Banner Illuminated Red Green Multi-X Reticle Riflescope

Score: 4.2  Andrew Garfield

The Bushnell X Reticle Scope is fitted with a 40 mm objective lens and a 3-9x magnification so it’s easier to use. Like other Bushnell scopes this is compatible with well known rifles, making it easy to shoot the way you want.

The scope is also 100% waterproof, and it is also easy to adjust. The scope is also well built and can be used in varying weather conditions without compromising performance. The fast focus eyepiece also goes far in improving aim and making sure that the image is bright, clear and accurate.

Features:

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    The Bushnell Banner is equipped with a 40 mm objective lens and a 3-9x magnification. Together, these two provide you with the means to acquire targets easily and strike with precision.
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    The scope allows you to adjust the windage and elevation, and it is also resettable. This gives you greater control over the sights.
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    The scope has an illuminated reticle which makes it easier lock in on a target. It also switches from red to green to match your requirements.
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    The Bushnell Banner has a powerful DDB multicoated lens. With it you’ll be able to see images clearly.
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    The scope is 100% fog proof and waterproof. Even if the weather is damp and there’s fog, you can still see well using this scope.

Pros

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    Excellent for long range shots 
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    Easy to adjust
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    Elevation and windage are adjustable
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    100% waterproof
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    Illuminated reticle ca be changed from red to green

Cons

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    Mounting brackets not included
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    Fast focus rear ring is just average
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    Numbers could have been clearer

This Bushnell Banner scope is one of the better ones that the company has manufactured. It is easy to use, the optics are bright and the adjustments are aplenty. When everything is taken into consideration, we have to say the Bushnell lives up to its potential.

How We Wrote This Review

We have a specific process that had to be followed when writing a review. All the rifle scopes chosen here were reviewed in detail. We compared their specs, tested them on different rifles and assessed the results. 

We did for several rifle scopes in the under $200 category until it came down to these five. We also made sure the reviews were written in a way that anyone can figure out. Each review covers all the features and explains their benefits. 

We also make sure that the products meet the standards we set. All the reviews cover the essentials and did not leave anything out. We also looked at the feedback from users. We also conducted extensive research for each scope. 

Before each review was written, we made certain no vital aspect was not looked into.  We know you have read a lot of reviews, and that is why we made certain these are different.

How Affordable to Spending 200 Bucks For a Rifle Scope 

The benefits are numerous: the most apparent is the cost. Why buy a scope that costs hundreds or thousands of dollars when you can buy one that half the price? And what’s even better is you are not going to give up a lot in terms of quality as the scopes in these reviews are well made. 

But apart from the cost, these scopes are also versatile. The five scopes covered in our reviews are designed to work with a large number of rifles. 

There’s a good chance your rifle will have no problem working. When we reviewed these scopes, it became clear to us that they offered a lot of the benefits you would expect from more expensive units. 

For instance most of these scopes are easy to use, durable and waterproof. They have very good optics and can be adjusted accordingly.

How We Chose the Top 5

In choosing these 5 scopes, we did more than just randomly pick five that sell for less than 200 dollars. What we did was establish a criteria that the scopes had to meet.

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    Reliability: we selected only those that could be relied upon in different weather, waterproof, fog proof and works in low lit environments.
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    Longevity: the scopes reviewed here are one piece, which eliminates the possibility of them breaking up.
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    Value: by value we means quality build and usability.
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    Functionality: these include return to zero capability, good FOV and clarity.
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    Precision: this does not need a long explanation. That is what a scope is for so we made sure all five offered a high degree of accuracy.

We used these as guides to ascertain the quality of the scopes in this review. 

Who Should Buy These Scopes?

Are you still not sure if these rifle scopes are you? You can use the following as a guide to help you decide.

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    You want a scope that costs less than 200 but still improves your accuracy.
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    You need a rifle scope that is fog and waterproof and does not need a lot of maintenance.
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    You need a rifle scope that can be dependent upon anytime.

Conclusion

As we have mentioned at the beginning of this guide, it is crucial you have a reliable, fully functioning scope. This is going to spell the difference between hitting your target and missing the mark. 

And as we have shown here, there are actually a lot of good scopes that don’t cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. By getting your hands on any of the scopes here, you can expect significant improvement in your aim. And yes, we did say any of the five. 

We cannot pick out a single rifle scope because they are all good and should serve your needs well. The bottom line is this: if you are looking for the best rifle scope under 200, these five scopes will not disappoint you. 

However, only you can decide which one fits your budget and personal goals. Good luck with your choice and have a blast!

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Andrew Garfield
 

Andrew is an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He has years of experience in hunting with expert knowledge in hunting tactics, rifle scopes and all types of hunting gear.

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