Last Updated on March 15, 2021
A quality rifle scope will help you acquire the target precisely. You may wonder how to find a perfect rifle scope since there are lots of models available in the market. Well, you don’t need to worry much since we are here to help you out. We always suggest starting with decent scopes and today we will walk you through the best rifle scope under $400 and the most important aspects of a perfect rifle scope.
There are many reasons behind choosing this particular budget constraint. Stick to us and you will discover the actual reasons. So, let’s start!
Top Choices
Grab the Best Rifle Scope Under $400
UUQ Laser Rifle Scope with Illuminated Reticle C4-12X50
UUQ C4 Rifle Scope comes with so many features within a very budget price. This scope is designed for rapid-fire and moving targets. With UUQ C4 you can take your hunting skill to the next level. With its tubeless design, you will get a reflex lens of a 33mm aperture that provides a wider FOV. You can choose between 4-12X magnifications easily and acquire your desired target of 100 yards max.
This reflex sight has dual illumination with 5 different levels of brightness settings. To provide you more flexibility it comes with 4 different sized dots. One of the best things about this scope is its green detachable laser sight that can cover up to 300m. In short, you are ready to shoot or hunt with the maximum accuracy with this scope.
This scope is easily mountable with Picatinny and Weaver rail. With its in-house 22mm rail you can mount this scope to any 22&11 mm rails. This scope has elevation and windage adjustments with ¼ MOA that can be easily adjusted with fingertip actions.
The scope is built from sturdy material and has a quality black matte finish. Therefore, you will get completely shockproof and waterproof performance.
Pros:
- 4-12x magnification
- Detachable laser sight
- Hassle-free built-in mount
- 5 levels of brightness
- Best choice rifle scope under $400
- Great eye relief
- 4 different sizes of dots
- Multipurpose rifle scope
- Weatherproof performance
Cons:
- Not for high-end performance
Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescopes
Vortex Optics Crossfire II Riflescope is designed for those hunters and shooters that want distinctive performance. With this Vortex scope, you will get the highest level of performance and reliability. This scope features a popular V-Plex reticle which is great for a wide range of hunting applications.
Vortex Optics Riflescope is built from aircraft-grade aluminum so that you can have completely weatherproof and shockproof performance. It is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged so that the lenses remain safe inside in all types of weather.
The lenses are anti-reflective and fully multicoated to provide you the best possible bright and clear view. The scope comes with capped reset turrets that are fingertip adjustable with MOA click. Therefore, you can reset to zero after sighting in quite fast. It has a long eye relief so that you can have great visibility and acquire your target. And the fast focus eyepiece will make the reticle focusing quite easy for you.
This Vortex scope uses Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticles. The best thing about this reticle is it remains the same in size and appearance even if you change the magnification. Therefore, you will have a seamless experience all along.
Pros:
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Great eye relief
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Shockproof performance
- 100 yards parallax
- Best value rifle scope under $400
- Easily adjustable reset turrets
- SFP reticle
Cons:
- Pricey
Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope
If you are a big game hunter or looking for a perfect scope that will accompany you in long-range shooting then Vortex Optics Diamond Rifle Scope can be a great option for you. While shooting in long-range, you will have to cover different ranges very often. In such cases, Dead-Hold BDC reticle works better. That’s why this Vortex scope from the Diamondback lineup features Dead-Hold BDC reticle.
Like other quality scopes from Vortex, this Diamondback rifle scope comes with completely multicoated lenses. With them, you will get crisp bright images even in low light conditions like dawn and dusk. Another handy feature is this scope uses the Second Focal Plane reticle. Second focal plane reticles remain the same in size even if you change the magnification. And the fast focus eyepiece allows quick reticle adjustments.
Vortex diamondback rifle scope features metal on metal precision turrets to enable easy zero resets. A precision glide erector system monitors and assures the exact tracking. Its solid tube has a hard-anodized finish to provide durability and shockproof performance. And the O-ring sealed and argon purged set up assures a lifetime weatherproof performance.
Pros:
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Easy adjustments
- Precision glide erector system
- SFP reticle
- Hat included
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 100 yards parallax
- Best long-range rifle scope under $400
Cons:
- May not perform well in short-range
Other Vortex Scopes You Can Consider
Among all the renowned brands, Vortex scopes are quite popular. In our list of top rifle scopes under $400, we have reviewed two of them from Vortex. There are some other scopes from Vortex that are great. Feel free to check the below ones,
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
- The Strike Eagle 3-18x44 is built to execute technical, short-to-long range shots while offering rock solid quality and repeatable performance.
- Fully multi-coated lenses produce crisp, bright images ing you can see your target when it counts. The glass-etched, second focal plane reticle gives detailed hold points yet remains visually clean for optimal viewing.
- A highly versatile 6x zoom range lends itself to a wide array of shooting scenarios. A streamlined, side parallax knob with built-in illumination rotates through 11 levels of brightness and runs on a CR2032 battery.
- Zero resettable, tactical style turrets have clearly marked adjustment rotation indicators that ensure accurate dialling and reference of travel within the optic's adjustment range.
- The single piece, 30mm tube is ruggedly built to withstand recoil and impact. O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, the Strike Eagle delivers waterproof and fogproof performance.
Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescopes
- The Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane 6-24x50 stands at the intersection of precision and value, delivering an impressive array of features and performance.
- Extra-low dispersion glass and fully multi-coated lenses transmit a crisp, bright sight picture. The first focal plane, glass-etched reticle keep subtensions accurate throughout the 4x zoom range.
- The precision-glide erector system uses premium components in the zoom lens to ensure smooth magnification changes under the harshest conditions.
- Exposed tactical turrets and a side parallax knob give shooters the tools needed for long distance precision shooting. The fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing.
- The single piece 30mm tube is shockproof, ruggedly built to withstand recoil and impacts. Strong o-ring seals and nitrogen purging waterproof and fogproof performance.
Vortex Optics Spitfire 3x Prism Scope – EBR-556B Reticle (MOA)
- The Spitfire 3x Prism Scope excels in close to medium range shooting applications where fast target acquisition and speed is of the essence. The prism based design allows for a compact optical system without sacrificing optical quality.
- Fully multi-coated lenses with anti-reflective coatings offer bright views even in low light conditions. A selectable red/green illuminated reticle features five intensity levels to match the situational conditions.
- The reticle is etched directly on the prism ensuring shooters have an effective point of aim at all times regardless of illumination. A fast focus eyepiece adjusts the reticle into sharp focus.
- A multi-height mount system allows for 30mm and 40mm mounting heights. Dual picatinny rails mounted on the Spitfire allow the optic to be paired with an offset auxillary reflex sight.
- With shockproof construction, the Spitfire withstands recoil and impact while nitrogen purging and o-ring seals ensure fogproof and waterproof performance.
TRUGLO TRU-Brite 30 Series 1-6 X 24mm Dual-Color Illuminated-Reticle Rifle
TRUGLO TRU-Brite 30 Series riflescopes are designed to provide awesome clarity, precision, and speed. You can choose between 1-6X magnification according to your likings and with 1X magnification, you can sight the view extremely fast, even can shoot with your both eyes open.
The 30mm tube is made from quality aluminum alloy and assures increased brightness and click adjustments. This scope has two pre-calibrated BDC turrets for 55 grain and 168 grain. You will get a wider field of view and completely shockproof performance from this scope. The 24mm objective lens is fully coated and provides maximum possible bright images.
You can easily adjust the scope for windage and elevation with the leaf-spring click options. You will get 30mm monolithic scope rings/mount CNC made from aircraft-grade aluminum. The tube is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed. Therefore, you can shoot with this scope in the roughest weather.
Pros:
- 1-6X magnification
- Pre-calibrated BDC for 55 and 168 grain
- Quality construction
- Leaf-spring click adjustments
- Wide field of view
- Scope ring included
Cons:
- Smaller objective lens
Athlon Optics, Argos BTR, Riflescope, 6-24 x 50 First Focal Plane
Athlon Argos BTR Riflescope features FFP (first focal plane) reticle. This reticle size increases or decreases along with the target while you are zooming in or out. Therefore, this riflescope is good for those who prefer FFP. Its lenses have advanced full coating that assures the best possible light transmission. As a result, you will get the optimum bright image with a great color combination.
The single tube is built from 6061T6 grade aluminum which is exceptionally strong and has superior mechanical integrity. That means, the sensitive lens with remains completely safe inside the tube. The tube is argon purged to provide you better stability and waterproof performance.
There is a reticle etched on the glass that provides amazing support for the complex reticle design. It offers great durability and higher shock resistance to recoil.
Pros:
- 6-24X magnification
- 50mm objective lens
- Etched glass reticle
- FFP reticle
- Heat-treated tube
- Weatherproof performance
Cons:
- Ok performance
What You Will Get from the Rifle Scope Under $400
With a $400 budget, you will not get the best rifle scope for sure. But you can get some decent ones within this price if you are clear about your required features. In short, you will get quite decent and satisfying performance from the rifle scope under $400.
You will get quality magnification, satisfying range coverage, coated lens, decent material finish within this price. And you must keep in mind that, you will be limited in features with budget price. Therefore, you have to buy wisely to balance between the price and necessary features.
And if you need high-end scopes or night vision ones, you have to increase your budget. But don’t worry. If you have budget constraints right now, you are good to go with the rifle scope under $400 as a starting point.
Who should buy the Rifle Scope Under $400?
Experts know what they need and how much it will cost them. It is the beginners and intermediate hunters and shooters that are confused about their necessity and consequently, can’t fix their budget easily. If this is the case for you, we will recommend you to start with a low-price rifle scope. And if you are confused about which one you should choose; you can go for anyone from our list.
The rifle scope under $400 is perfect for beginners and intermediate shooters or hunters who are looking for decent scopes like Marlin 336 that come at an affordable price. Most people believe that the best ones cost the most. But this is not always true. Since cheap always doesn’t mean shitty things. You can surely have affordable scopes that will give you a satisfying shooting experience.
How to Buy the Best Rifle Scope Under $400
While you are buying anything, the whole process becomes very easy and hassle-free once you know about your necessary features. The same thing goes for rifle scopes. By keeping in mind, the following factors, you will easily buy the perfect rifle scope for under $400 you.
Magnification
You are using a scope to increase your visibility like the thermal ones; hence, magnification is a very important aspect. In terms of magnification, most of the shooters think larger magnification is better. Everything depends on your shooting environment. Sometimes you will zoom in and sometimes you have to zoom out. So, the transition should be seamless for successful target acquisition.
But budget scopes may not always please you with their magnification transition. So, you need to pay extra attention to the magnification transition, when you are planning to buy a rifle scope under $400.
Objective Lens
The objective lens defines the area through which light enters the device. The larger objective lens allows a greater amount of light, as a result, a brighter image is generated. So, you should get a rifle scope with a larger objective lens if you are planning to use the scope in low light. But in that case, you will have to cost more. Therefore, you have to buy the one that comes with the best possible features in your budget.
When you are out there hunting squirrels or shooting targets, each ounce of weight matters, and a larger objective lens gets heavy with their size. So, you need to fine-tune your feature lists with your capability.
Lens Coating
Quality optics come with lenses covered with a specific type of coating so that your eyes and the lenses are protected. At the same time, quality coating assures better performance. Lens coating is of different types. Complete multicoating is the best in quality and they cost more than other types like full coating, normal coating, etc. Quality coatings have anti-glaring characteristics that result in the same crisp visibility almost all the time.
Therefore, you should go for the complete multicoating if possible. While buying the rifle scope under $400 check the lens coating carefully so that you don’t end up wasting your valuable money.
Compatibility
You are going to mount the scope on your rifle. So, you must be sure whether your chosen scope is the best fit for your scope or not. Also, check the mounting system of the scope and double-check whether the mounting system will be appropriate for your rifle. When you are out there hunting or shooting, your rifle and the chosen scope must work seamlessly so that you can have a great shooting experience.
Some scopes have built-in mounts while you have to buy additionally for some other ones. Go for the one that fits the most with your rifle.
Construction Material
With each shooting, there will be moderate to heavy recoil that your scope must have to endure. Thus, scopes must be built with sturdy material to withstand the hardest recoil possible. Again, you will be shooting in the rain or at least in some sort of rough weather. The scopes need to be weatherproof and fog proof.
Choose the scope under $400 that has a rugged finish and is built with aircraft-grade aluminum, at least with some decent material.
Precision Power
You are using scopes to enhance your shooting skill and target acquisition. Precision power is the combined output of all the features of any optics. Magnification, clarity of lenses, objective lens size, etc. all contribute to the precision power. To acquire the maximum precision possible, you need to choose a decent rifle scope under $400.
Range
Choice of the riflescopes will vary depending on your shooting range. Scopes that are perfect for mid-range shooting are not good for long-range shooting. So, you have to choose according to your shooting range.
For mid-range shooting, you will need a stable and accurate scope that features a fast zero-reset feature. And larger magnification is not a must in this case. And if you are planning to cover a long distance, you must go for the one with larger magnification.
Reticle
Reticles are the crosshair of your scope. Reticles have different types. And you should choose depending on your shooting range. If you are a mid-range shooter you will move a lot, hence, BDC (bullet drop compensator) reticle can be the perfect choice for you. They are designed for mid-range and only work with guns that have a complementary design. Similarly, long-range shooters need reticle other than BDC ones.
Field of View
Field of view is the area that is visible to your eyes through any scope. So, a larger FOV means better visibility. Whether you will shoot in low light or daytime, a wider field of view will make your task easier and more enjoyable. That’s why you should consider this feature quite seriously.
Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the distance that you should maintain between your eyes and the optics to have clear visibility. With the magnification, the eye relief will change. Therefore, you should choose a rifle scope under $400 that has decent eye relief. Shorter or longer eye relief than your necessity will make the shooting experience painful.
Weight
Sometimes shooters may forget to check this aspect since they are too busy with other features. But you should never neglect the weight of the scope. As you have to carry the rifle and scope, a lightweight combination will ease the task. On the other hand, a heavy rifle along with a scope will make target acquisition difficult for you. So, you should try to find a scope that is lightweight and can meet your requirements perfectly. A combination of scope and rifle like the henry 44 magnum can be the best option.
Elevation and Windage Adjustments
Elevation and windage correction options are the two most important adjustments that you will need very often. Without adjusting them correctly, you can’t acquire the target. Some scopes have fingertip features for those adjustments and others not. You should choose one that allows you easily adjust them.
Light Transmission
Light transmission is the combined result of the lens, coating, overall construction, and so on. Quality riflescopes assure perfect light transmission to provide you the best visibility. And better visibility will result in perfect shooting or hunting wild animals like coyotes with scopes. Some scopes clearly say about their light transmission. You should check about it before buying one.
Why You Should Buy the Rifle Scope Under $400
If you are planning to start your shooting with a rifle scope but have budget limitations, these scopes will be the perfect options for you. Again, beginners are not always sure about their necessity and these scopes are great to be your stepping stones. Generally, these decent scopes are durable and multipurpose. So, you will hardly regret buying them.
FAQs about the Best Rifle Scope Under $400
Does the Rifle Scope Under $400 works fine in the dark?
Well, some of our suggested models work fine in the dark. You can choose them. The rule of thumb is, in a low-light situation larger objective lens can provide you some visibility since they can allow more amount of light.
Do These Scopes have Removable Laser Pointers?
Within this budget, you will hardly find this feature. Only one or two models may have this pointer. And most of the pointers are removable.
How to Find the Stable Rifle Scope Under $400?
The easy solution is, go with the lightweight scope. With less weight, you can easily carry and handle the whole setup. Therefore, you will get stable performance.
Is Getting Extra Magnification Wise?
It depends on your situation. With an additional magnification, you can gain better visibility but the weight increases too. So, you have to choose accordingly.
Conclusion
With a perfect rifle scope, you can surely stand out in the target shooting competition or the hunting adventure. So, you should always go for the best ones according to your budget and requirements. Those who have no budget constraints can easily choose the high-end ones. And the other has to choose wisely with limited money. We hope that you will find the above best scope under $400 suggestions quite helpful and choose a perfect one for you.
Kalman is a hunting expert who has a vast experience with wild game hunting. Though night time hunting is his favorite, he masters the art of daytime hunting and shooting. Being a nature lover and outdoor enthusiast, he wants to pass the knowledge acquired over time to the next generation.
