Not sure what scope to get for your Rifle?
Look no further.
I’ve tested ALL the best scopes under $100 (plus rifle scope mounts and accessories.)
By the end of this guide, you’ll find the perfect optic for your rifle.
Let’s get started!
The 4 Best Scopes Under $100
If you’re pressed on time, here’s a quick list of the best scopes under $100:
- Feyachi Falcon 3-9×40: Best Overall
- Bushnell Trophy TRS-25: Best Scope for AR-15 under $100
- Simmons Truplex Riflescope 3-9X40: Best Rimfire Scope under $100
- UTG 3-9×32: Best Air Rifle Scope Under $100
1. Feyachi Falcon 3-9×40: Best Overall
The Feyachi Falcon has an amazing set of features for one of the lowest prices I’ve seen.
In fact:
I’ve personally bought and hand tested each feature to make sure this claim was true.
Need proof? Keep reading to find out.
Glass Clarity and Reticle
I didn’t expect much after only paying $70, but the glass truly surprised me.
The glass is fully multi-coated and incredibly clear. I didn’t notice any distortion no matter which magnification I used. Light transmission was also very impressive, and I was able to get a bright and clear picture near dawn and dusk.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle excels at eliminating the guesswork for holdover and windage corrections. The ballistic calibration is see-through and went a long way towards giving me a better picture for my long distance shots.
It’s a very simplistic reticle design, and yet it was fantastic at allowing me to quickly switch focus and change my targets on the fly.
Eye Relief and Eye Box
The eye relief is an extremely generous 4” and even at max range i didn’t come close to being bitten by this scope.
I also never experienced any eye fatigue even after several hours at the range. There is no distortion and the glass is crystal clear, so the eye strain I was waiting for never came.
The eye box was just as comfortable as the eye relief, and it was easy to center my picture quickly and accurately.
Durability
Part of the reason the Feyachi Falcon is such a good scope for hunters is how durable it is even in harsh climates.
I did the usual testing by dropping it and making sure to fully submerge it in water. Even after accidentally slamming it into a tree much harder than I meant to, it showed no signs of damage and continued to work perfectly.
How did a $70 scope manage to get through all of this?
It’s made from aircraft grade aluminum, just like most high-end scopes tend to be. It’s also nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed to prevent any water damage or fogging.
Elevation and Windage Knobs
The turrets on the Feyachi Falcon are all you could really ask for.
Adjustments produce crisp audible clicks and are very firm. Even with heavy recoil they never adjusted without me wanting them to.
The best part?
It only took me 5 rounds to find my zero, and it solidly held it for the next 100 after that.
Parallax and Magnification
The parallax is set at 100 yards, and this seemed perfect to me no matter which magnification I shot from.
The magnification is 3-9x. This scope is designed as a mid to long range hunting scope, although it seemed to excel more at higher magnifications.
The high levels of magnification combined with the simple reticle capable of rapidly switching targets proved to me just how ideal this scope is for hunting. It took very little effort to keep my accuracy up even at long range going from target to target.
Mounting and Rings
The Feyachi Falcon 3-9×40 does not come with any mounting or rings.
I highly recommend the Modkin scope and rings. If you’re staying on the cheap side, they are only $16 and do a fantastic job of keeping everything nice and tight.
- Perfect for All 21mm Picatinny/ Weaver Rails: This set includes 2 pieces medium profile and 2 pieces high profile. Suitable for all 1 inch / 25.4mm scope tube.
- Built-in Tape Protection: Not only can it prevent the scope from being scratched, but also the scope moving forward due to the recoil force of multiple shots.
- Lightweight and Durable: Aluminum alloy with black anodized surface, sturdy and lightweight. The hollowed out is designed to be extremely lightweight and provide potential vision.
Is the Feyachi Falcon 3-9×40 worth it?
If you’re looking for a hunting scope on a budget that can handle any type of environment while giving a crystal clear picture and rapid target acquisition, then look no further than the Feyachi Falcon.
Here’s why:
- Great turrets
- High durability
- Clear multi-coated glass
- Perfect reticle for rapidly acquiring targets
To sum it up: despite the deceptively low price, this scope has features that belong on much more expensive pieces.
The price should easily be in the hundreds, but the low price and great features make this perfect for any hunter that’s on a budget. The glass, turrets, and reticle combine for a high quality scope.
So if you need a cheap hunting scope with features meant for extreme outdoor conditions, then look no further than the Feyachi Falcon 3-9×40.
- The Feyachi Falcon 3-9x40 riflescope is one of many configurations in the Falcon Series. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is good for hunting/shooting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is a...
- With long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, you'll be able to quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target. The fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing.
- The Dead-Hold BDC reticle helps eliminate guesswork on holdover and windage corrections. Good for hunting/shooting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is a concern.
2. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25: Best Scope for AR-15 under $100
The Bushnell Trophy TR-25 is the best
In fact,
I’ve purchased several red dot sights below $100 and none have been able to withstand the recoil of my AR-15. Until this one.
Here’s how…
Glass Clarity & Reticle
For a sub-$100 optic, the glass clarity is really good.
It features a multi-coated lens, which is a major upgrade for a red dot at this price point.
The glass has a red/orange Amber-Bright high contrast lens coating which is anti-reflective. It’s also really helped me to discern the brown color of a deer from other brown shades outside.
The mirror finish on the multi-coated lens reduces glare and provides excellent light. I personally don’t like to settle for anything less than fully coated, so this was a pleasant surprise especially for the price.
The red dot reticle is awesome for the money.
The 3 MOA red dot is small and crisp. It’s a good size for quick target acquisition but not too large where it’ll obscure your aim.
The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 has 11 brightness settings.
Adjustments are made on the top turret. The illumination adjustment was pretty stiff when I first got the optic, but after some use, it did loosen up a bit.
It shows up great at night even on the lowest setting, and it works well in bright daylight using the higher settings.
The red dot is super sharp at levels 1 to about 6, but it can sometimes be a little fuzzy at the higher brightness levels.
However, I haven’t ever needed to use the highest setting while shooting because it’s just that bright in general.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
This red dot sight has unlimited eye relief and field of view. This means fast target acquisition.
The tiny optic body (5.4 x 3.4 x 2.2 inches) doesn’t obscure my vision either, so shooting with both eyes open is fast, accurate, and lethal.
Durability
The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 is small and lightweight, but it’s rock solid.
In fact, mine survived a 5-foot drop onto concrete and stayed zero.
It’s 100% waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. The nitrogen sealed body also prevents the scope from fogging due to humidity or rapid temperature changes so you’ll always have a clear shot, rain or shine.
The O-ring sealed optics prevent dust and corrosion from damaging the scope, and it keeps the internal body dry even when the scope is totally immersed in water.
Despite the cheap price, the weatherproofing features on this scope are top-notch.
The red dot runs on a CR2032 battery, which you might not have just lying around. One is included with the scope, but I try to always keep a spare one in the grip.
- 2 pack of Energizer 2025 Batteries, 3V Lithium Coin Batteries
- Performs in extreme temperatures from -22 F to 140 F
- Long-lasting choice for calculators, scales and remote batteries
Bushnell claims a 3,000-hour battery life. From my experience, I’ve had them last longer than a year before needing to replace them, but I recommend purchasing a reputable brand.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 comes with two capped turrets: elevation and windage. They’re tight enough that you can use a dime to adjust, but you won’t have to worry about your recoil jostling them loose.
The clicks are 1 MOA each. It’s coarser than most scopes, but considering that this has a 3 MOA dot, I don’t think it’s an issue.
At just 50 yards and a few rounds, I was zeroed in. It’s held true zero just fine over a few hundred rounds.
You definitely won’t have to worry about accidentally changing any settings. Those adjustment knobs are staying right where you put them.
Parallax & Magnification
There’s no magnification with this sight, but adding a magnifier is super easy.
I use mine with a UTG 3x Magnifier. It’s another budget-friendly option as well.
- Broadband Multi-coated Lens to Provide Crystal Clear 3X Image, Wide Field of View - 30% Bigger Than Comparable Models from Other Brands.Compatible Rail-Picatinny/Weaver.
- Windage/Elevation Adjustability for Optimum View Centering. Refer user manual for list of compatible manuals
- 42mm Center Height for Most Common Dot Sight Combination, Innovative Flip-to-Side Mechanism for Quick Transition between 1X and 3X Image.Objective Diameter:25mm;Field of View @ 100 yards:45'
Unlike most other red dots in its price range, the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 has no parallax error in either vertical or horizontal axes. Another reason why it’s been a great addition to my AR-15.
Mounting & Rings
This sight mounts easily on any Picatinny rails.
This versatile design makes it compatible with nearly all pistols, shotguns, rifles, and muzzleloaders- nearly anything equipped with a Picatinny or Weaver-type base.
While I didn’t have to invest in a new mount, I did invest in a new lens cover.
The scope came out of the box with a rubber, bikini style lens cover. It did the job, but it’s admittedly cheap.
Instead, I supplemented it with a Butler Creek size 4 OBJ and I haven’t looked back.
- Truly ambidextrous silent spring hinges won't spook game
- Instant action lids pop open at the touch of a thumb
- Performs from- 40 to 120 Degrees F and weighs less than an ounce
Is the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 worth it?
The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 is all about fast target acquisition and accuracy in a small, durable package.
It’s a great, affordable red dot for deep woods hunters, shooters, and home defense weapons.
This is a great red dot for the money, with good optics and clarity.
Although it’s not as crisp as some more expensive red dot options, it’s a great sight that holds zero well and can be used on a number of weapons.
Here’s what makes this red dot stand out:
- Holds zero
- Anti-reflective lens
- 11 brightness settings
- Lifetime limited warranty
- Unparalleled weatherproofing durability
In short, the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 is the best budget red dot on the market that won’t break the bank, or break at all. I wouldn’t hesitate to get one.
- Matte black featuring a 3 MOA Dot reticle with 11 brightness settings; Mounts easily on most picatinny rails and is compatible with pistols, shotguns, rifles and muzzleloaders.Adjustment Range : 70+...
- Waterproof construction: O ring sealed optics stay dry inside, even when totally immersed in water. Parallax - 50
- Shockproof construction: Built to withstand bumps, bangs, drops and the rough and tumble environment of the field
3. Simmons Truplex Riflescope 3-9X40: Best Rimfire Scope under $100
The Simmons Truplex Riflescope 3-9X40 is a scope that you must get your hands on if you are in the market for a high quality scope that doesn’t break the bank.
Although the price may be stunning, the quality and features that Simmons can pack into this inexpensive package is even more impressive.
If you want to know why this is my go to scope for my small game .22 setup, stick around.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The Simmons Truplex Riflescope 3-9X40 packs some impressive clarity into a well priced scope.
In addition, this scope performs unbelievably well in low light conditions.
I have had scopes that cost three times as much as this that give a far worse picture than the Simmons Truplex.
For the price, I was not expecting a scope with such high quality visuals.
After bringing it out of the box for the first time I gave it a slight glance through to make sure I didn’t waste my money on another budget scope.
The hunt for a great budget scope can be a challenging game, but the Simmons Truplex Riflescope 3-9X40 should be at the top of your list.
If I had one dislike, it would be the slight blurriness around the edges of the scope. This is very slight and in no way a dealbreaker.
The reticle that comes on the Simmons Truplex Riflescope 3-9X40 is what Simmons calls a truplex reticle.
I had never used the truplex reticle before and I am thoroughly enjoying it so far. It is very simple which is exactly how I like my rifle scopes.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
So far the eye relief on the Simmons Truplex Riflescope 3-9X40 has been very good.
I have noticed as you go higher in magnification it gets a little bit more difficult to find that perfect sweet spot.
This hasn’t been a huge issue for me with target acquisition, but definitely something I felt the need to mention.
I have the scope mounted pretty far forward on my .22 plinkster and have had no issues regarding eye relief to date.
In addition, the eye box and field of view has been surprisingly great so far.
With budget scopes I will sometimes find that they like to fisheye and tighten up with increased magnification.
This is not an issue I have found on the Simmons Truplex Riflescope 3-9X40 and it has been performing as well as scopes that cost two to three times more.
Whether you are out hunting small game or going for a day on the range, this scope will not disappoint on visibility.
Durability
The Simmons Truplex Riflescope 3-9X40 surprised me a little bit. This is because the scope can take an absolute beating and still work like the day you got it out of the package.
Because of the price I have not treated the scope with the utmost care; however, it has continuously rolled with the punches and performed flawlessly.
The Simmons Truplex Riflescope 3-9X40 is waterproof, fogproof, and recoil proof.
I was fully expecting to break a few of these and then work my way up to something a little pricier, but I can’t see myself putting any other scope on my .22.
I have the same scope that I first purchased and it is still holding up like a champ.
Months of torture and the scope shows great wear, but functions just like the day I recieved it.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The elevations and windage knobs on the Simmons Truplex Riflescope 3-9X40 have performed far better than I was expecting for a scope that costs less than $100.
They have great movement and a distinct sound which makes this scope a joy to zero in.
With most budget scopes I will be fiddling around with the cheap turrets until I miraculously stumble upon a consistent zero.
This is not the case with the Simmons Truplex Riflescope 3-9X40. After a solid afternoon shooting session at the range my small game setup was ready for the season.
In addition, the scope holds an amazing zero. I think throughout my small game season I only had to re zero it once.
Although I love being at the range, I don’t want to be fiddling with turrets the entire time and the Simmons Truplex Riflescope 3-9X40 does an amazing job being a scope I can simply pull out of the case and use.
Parallax & Magnification
The Simmons Truplex Riflescope 3-9X40 comes with magnification varying from 3X to 9X.
This is a great range and it is not often that I am topping out the magnification.
As I mentioned, I use this scope on my .22 small game setup and I am rarely taking shots beyond 50 yards in the woods.
The extra magnification is certainly nice to have for when I am at the range but it doesn’t get much use.
I have yet to notice any extreme parallax on the Simmons Truplex Riflescope 3-9X40.
As you move up in magnification there is a slight distortion; however, it is pretty comparable to scopes that are in the same price range.
I was anticipating using the scope on my muzzleloader setup, but I can’t find the strength to take it off of my small game setup.
For my usage, the Simmons Truplex Riflescope 3-9X40 has a fantastic magnification range that gives a consistently clear image of your target.
Mounting & Rings
The Simmons Truplex Riflescope 3-9X40 does not come with a set of mounting rings so I ended up purchasing a set when I ordered the scope.
I purchased a set of Warne 1inch Quick Detach Rings in a Low Matte finish.
They have been fantastically stable so far and I have yet to have an issue.
I thought I was going to be swapping the scope around a few different firearms; however, more often than not it is on my small game setup.
Is the Simmons Truplex Riflescope 3-9X40 worth it?
The Simmons Truplex Riflescope 3-9X40 fits the price range of a budget scope, but the quality that you get makes you feel like you just sunk $500 into a scope.
Here’s why:
- Durability
- Glass clarity
- Simple reticle
In short: The Simmons Truplex Riflescope 3-9X40 is one of the highest quality scopes I have ever owned that costs less than $100.
If you are still unsure whether the Simmons Truplex Riflescope 3-9X40 is a great option for you, give it a try. I promise you will love the scope just as much as I do.
- 8-point Riflescope with fully-coated optics
- 1-4-MOA sure grip audible-click windage and elevation adjustments
- Fully coated optics, waterproof, fog proof & shockproof
4. UTG 3-9×32: Best Air Rifle Scope Under $100
We all know that you can’t put just any scope on an air rifle.
The kick is way too powerful, and unless a scope is specifically designed for an air rifle, it’ll get destroyed.
At the same time, I’m not a fan of paying a huge amount of money for something that’s going on the gun I use for target shooting or small game.
If you are looking for a high-quality scope for both your air rifles and regular rifles, then check these optics out.
For an air rifle though, you can’t beat the UTG 3-9×32.
It’s cheap, has tons of features, and it’s tough as nails.
Keep reading and I’ll tell you why you need one.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The glass has an emerald lens coating that allows for maximum light transmission.
I’ve used this at dawn, dusk, and all through the day and every time the glass was crystal clear.
I could clearly make out my target at 500 yards and was able to shoot accurately.
The range-estimating mil-dot reticle is one of my favorite features.
It’s got 21 aiming points and although it took a little getting used to, I can now say I’ve never had better accuracy.
On top of that it’s got dual red/green illumination on the reticle.
That makes it easy to see against any kind of backdrop.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The eye relief is 3.2”-4.2”.
It’s a fairly short scope, but if you mount it close to the rear of your rifle the eye relief isn’t bad.
I’m of the belief that you could always have more eye relief, so it’s not great, but it’s standard.
The eye box is generous enough that I haven’t felt cramped while shooting it.
Here’s a better idea of what I look for in a scope.
Durability
This scope is incredibly durable.
The UTG 3-9×32 has been pressure tested on rifles with extreme recoil, and it passes the test with flying colors.
It’s nitrogen-purged which makes it completely fog proof.
In addition, it’s shockproof and rainproof.
Regardless of the weather conditions you take this scope out in, it’s gonna perform like a champ.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The turrets are finger adjustable, crisp, and turn audibly.
They’re also equipped with zero locks and they’re zero resettable.
I was able to sight my scope in three shots.
Since zeroing it, it’s held steady for over 500 rounds.
The elevation and windage knobs are ¼ MOA, so they’re super adjustable to any conditions.
Parallax & Magnification
The magnification range is 3-9x, and it’s got a 32mm objective lens.
The zoom switches smoothly from one end to the other, and the view remains crystal clear.
Due to the small field of view, I did have some issues with parallax at first.
Thankfully, the parallax adjustment works great.
The adjustment starts at 3 yards and goes to infinity.
It only took a few adjustments before the parallax was eliminated.
Mounting & Rings
This scope comes standard with a pair of Max Strength heavy-duty rings.
They fit on any Picatinny rail mount and are quick detach.
So far, they’ve worked perfectly for me.
Is the UTG 3-9×32 worth it?
For the price, you’re going to have a hard time finding another scope that works this well.
To recap:
- 3-9x mag
- Under $100
- Super durable
- Nitrogen purged
- Zero lock turrets
- Fog, rain, and shockproof
- Coated lenses for maximum light transmission
Sure, there are better air rifle scopes out there.
For a hobbyist or even if you’re just on a budget though, this is a good scope.
Check out the UTG 3-9×32 for yourself.
- 1 Inch Tube with Emerald Coating for Maximum Light Transmission, Premium Zero Lockable & Resettable Turrets with 1/4 MOA Per Click Adjustment
- Range Estimating Mil-dot Reticle for Optimal Aiming and Shooting Performance, Adjustable Objective from 3 Yards to Infinity
- Red/Green Dual Illumination for Versatile Applications, Large Field of View and Most Accommodating Eye Relief for Optimum Critical CQB Mission
Now It’s Your Turn
I hope you enjoyed my best scopes under $100 guide.
Now I want to turn it over to you:
Which scope will you pick for your Rifle?
Let me know by leaving a quick comment down below.