AR-15 is a popular rifle among many Americans because of its versatile characteristics. It is compatible with a scope and other attachments to make an accurate shot. Scopes increase the usability and accuracy of an AR-15 rifle, but scopes can cost you a lot.
Although scopes are available at an affordable price, too, your effort and bucks will be wasted if you are not careful enough.
We looked at several budgeted options to let you introduce the best scope for AR-15 under 100. The best rifle scope will allow you to improve your accuracy in both short and long-distance shooting.
Let’s take a closer look.
What to Expect from an AR-15 Scope Under $100?
A variety of AR-15 riflescopes are available in the market, and they are different in designs, types, price and features. All expensive AR-15 riflescopes don’t guarantee to deliver professional-grade performance. At the same time, a cheap scope doesn’t mean that you will get inferior and mediocre performance from the scope.
Similarly, there are a few models of AR-15 riflescopes under $100 that provide high-end performance all the time. All you need to do is, find the best scope for AR-15 under 100 and enjoy your shooting session.
AR-15 scopes under $100 come with decent quality optics. Also, you will find many scopes which have different magnification range allowing you to shoot both short and long distances.
Since they don’t possess unnecessary features, they come with lightweight characteristics. Also, their lens is multi-coated, the tube is O-ring sealed and filled with dry nitrogen gas. Due to these features, you will never face a challenging time when shooting or hunting.
If you are thinking due to these affordable prices, they might not be durable enough to deliver long term service. The good news is, most AR-15 riflescopes are made from durable materials like aluminum, steel, etc.
Simultaneously, remember to take proper care when using these scopes because the best maintenance will ensure the longevity of the scope. Make sure to carry them carefully so that they don’t come into contact with hard surfaces.
Are Scopes Under $100 Reliable for Hunting and Other Uses?
All grade and range of riflescopes are available in the market. Most people wonder and think that, are scopes under $100 any good? The truth is, these scopes might not be as good as expensive scopes, but they are good enough in delivering reliable performance in numerous shooting applications.
How will you understand the quality of scopes under $100? Well, the aiming capability, firmness and performance will let you determine the riflescopes quality.
Whether you are a beginner or pro-level hunter, these scopes are suitable for every skill level.
They are much accurate in making an actual shot and providing enough power to get the expected outcome. These scopes optics quality is good; the lens is multi-coated. Also, they are fog-proof, weatherproof and water-resistant so that a user can get the best out in any weather conditions.
Overall, the best scope for AR-15 for the money are reliable in terms of their performance, and they are a value-adding product.
Quick Summary – Best Scope for AR-15 Under 100
Each riflescope is designed for specific purposes. Hopefully, you will find your required scope by reading the below-mentioned vital features of the enlisted riflescopes.
- Best of the Bests: Bug Buster UTG 3-9x 32 Scope
- Best for Fast Focusing: Bushnell AR Optics FFP Illuminated BTR-1 BDC
- Customer Choice: Nikkon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600
- Best for the Construction: LEUPOLD VX-R Patrol Firedot
- Best for the Beginners: Simmons 8-point 3-9x50mm Riflescope with a Triplex Reticle
- Best for the Light Transmission: CVLIFE 2.5-10X40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope
- Best for the Functionality: MONSTRUM S330P 3X Prism Scope
- Best in the Rain: UUQ 2.5-10X40 Clarity + Combo Riflescope
- Best for the Usability: Centerpoint Optics 1-4X20 MSR Riflescope
- Best Shockproof Riflescope: Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope
Table of Content:
Find the Table of Content for quick navigation to your required section.
Contents
- What to Expect from an AR-15 Scope Under $100?
- Are Scopes Under $100 Reliable for Hunting and Other Uses?
- Quick Summary – Best Scope for AR-15 Under 100
- Best Scope for AR-15 Under $100 Reviews in 2021
- 1. Best of the Bests: Bug Buster UTG 3-9x 32 Scope
- 2. Best for Fast Focusing: Bushnell AR Optics FFP Illuminated BTR-1 BDC
- 3. Customer Choice: Nikkon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600
- 4. Best for the Construction: LEUPOLD VX-R Patrol Firedot
- 5. Best for the Beginners: Simmons 8-point 3-9x50mm Riflescope with a Triplex Reticle
- 6. Best for the Light Transmission: CVLIFE 2.5-10X40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope
- 7. Best for the Functionality: MONSTRUM S330P 3X Prism Scope
- 8. Best for Night Vision: UUQ 2.5-10X40 Clarity + Combo Riflescope
- 9. Best for Usability: Centerpoint Optics 1-4X20 MSR Riflescope
- 10. Best for Adjustability: Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope
- What Factors Need to Follow Before Buying the Best Scope for AR-15 Under 100
- Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
- Final Words
Comparison Table:
Comparison is always beneficial because it helps to identify the best-suited product. Hopefully, by reading the below Comparison Chart intently, you will find your required riflescope for the next hunting or shooting session.
| Image | Product | Technical Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Best of the Bests
|
Bug Buster UTG 3-9x 32 Scope |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best for Fast Focusing
|
Bushnell AR Optics FFP Illuminated BTR-1 BDC |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Customer Choice
|
Nikkon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600 |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best for the Construction
|
LEUPOLD VX-R Patrol Firedot |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best for the Beginners
|
Simmons 8-point 3-9x50mm Riflescope with a Triplex Reticle |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best for the Light Transmission
|
CVLIFE 2.5-10X40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best for the Functionality
|
MONSTRUM S330P 3X Prism Scope |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best for Night Vision
|
UUQ 2.5-10X40 Clarity + Combo Riflescope |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best for Usability
|
Centerpoint Optics 1-4X20 MSR Riflescope |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best for Adjustability
|
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
Best Scope for AR-15 Under $100 Reviews in 2021
All the reviewed riflescopes in this guide offer a unique combination of affordability and functionality. Let’s look at the more detailed review of these riflescopes.
1. Best of the Bests: Bug Buster UTG 3-9x 32 Scope
The Bugbuster UTG 3-9×32 includes all the necessary features you need. This versatile and durable scope is constructed and designed for the AR-15 rifle. It comes with finger adjustable W/E Knobs, which allows you to lock the setting so that your aim can remain fixed at any time. You may barely find this technology even in an expensive riflescope.
This nitrogen-filled high-quality scope is also shock-resistant and rainproof. Moreover, its tube length is 1” that comes with an emerald coating for maximum light transmission—with the red/green dual illumination, making it a versatile tactical scope.
The magnification is pretty enough to provide a crystal clear image and a large field of view. To protect your shoulder and eye from the backpressure, it has generous eye relief. You will get a lens cap, sunshade upon buying this riflescope.
Specifications & Details
- Product Dimension: 9.84” (L) X 3.35” (W) X 3.94” (H)
- Weight: 0.87 lbs.
- Magnification (Min.): 3X
- Magnification (Max.): 9X
- Color: Black
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32mm
- Material: Aluminum
Bugbuster UTG Features
- It comes with a finger adjustable W/E locking system
- O-ring sealed and nitrogen filled tube, making it water-resistant and fog-proof
- Confirms ultimate light transmission with an emerald coating on the lens
- It comes with a parallax-free mil-dot reticle that enhances the aiming
- It includes a lens cap, 2“sunshade, and detachable rings.
2. Best for Fast Focusing: Bushnell AR Optics FFP Illuminated BTR-1 BDC
When shooting for long distances, the Bushnell AR Optics FFP Riflescope is a champion. It comes with all the sophisticated features and provides the best possible comfort and reliability. It includes Throw down PCL quick view, which allows you to switch the field of view. As a result, targeting moving or flying targets becomes much easier.
The scope also confirms the precise image and sight picture with the multicoated objective lens. Thus hunting in the low lighting condition will never be a tricky task with this scope. It is superbly durable and constructed with durable aluminum alloy. The budget scope has an anodized finish which confirms ultimate protection to the inside accessories.
This Nitrogen-filled scope is also a great performer in the toughest environment as it is completely moisture-resistant and shockproof. It ensures the highest accuracy with the BDC reticle, which allows you to aim the target easily with the hash mark intersection even if you are a beginner.
Specifications & Details
- Product Dimension: 5.0” (L) X 5.0” (W) X 5.0” (H)
- Weight: 1.08 lbs.
- Magnification (Min.): 1X
- Magnification (Max.): 4X
- Color: Black
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm
- Material: Aluminum
Bushnell AR Optics Features
- The illuminated first focal plane bar provides a clear image regardless of the environmental conditions.
- Nitrogen filled tube, which makes it a shock, dust, rust, and moisture-proof
- Constructed with durable aluminum alloy and confirms ultimate protection to the inner accessories
- The multi-coated objective lens provides maximum brightness, light transmission for easy aiming and shooting experience
- Finger adjustable Target turrets make precise adjustment
3. Customer Choice: Nikkon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600
Nikkon is a very renowned brand in producing and manufacturing gun optics. This Nikkon P-223 3-9×40 offers almost all the features that most of the expensive ones have. It stands out from all the rest of its class, ensuring the ultimate reliability and versatility.
It is a fully multi-coated lens providing the ultimate brightness and 98% light transmission to confirm the accuracy and comfort of low light conditions. The patented Nikkon BDC 600 includes a zero-reset feature and tactical-style turrets that let you make easy and accurate aiming of any moving target.
This nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed scope is completely waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof. Thus you are allowed to hunt with ease and comfort even in the harshest condition. This lightweight design and budget scope do not add any extra weight to your firearms.
Specifications & Details
- Product Dimension: 13.5” (L) X 3.7” (W) X 3.3” (H)
- Weight: 1.0 oz.
- Magnification (Min.): 3X
- Magnification (Max.): 9X
- Color: Black
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
- Material: Chiffon
Nikkon P-223 Features
- Perfect for long-range shooting comes with multi-coated optics
- Nitrogen-filled, O-ring sealed confirms comfort in the toughest environmental conditions.
- 100 yds. parallax setting eliminates parallax and provides accuracy
- Great magnification offers crystal clear target image picture
- Tactical style turrets for easy and accurate aiming
4. Best for the Construction: LEUPOLD VX-R Patrol Firedot
Buy the Leupold VX-R Patrol Firedot and make your investment worth. This riflescope will surely be the best companion of your AR 15 rifle. This durable aircraft quality aluminum constructed scope guarantees ultimate reliability.
It is entirely waterproof and fog proof. This means you can shoot a target with it even in the harshest weather with ease. The versatile scope comes with 1.25-4X magnification and a 3.1 Zooming ratio which confirms the easiest aiming and fastest targeting of the target.
The illuminated fire-dot Duplex style reticle includes Hashmark, which enhances accuracy and precision. Additionally, the Twilight Max Management illuminates the lens during the low light condition by allowing enough light through the tube.
Specifications & Details
- Product Dimension: 14.0” (L) X 3.0” (W) X 2.75” (H)
- Weight: 0.96 lbs.
- Magnification (Min.): 3X
- Magnification (Max.): 9X
- Color: Black
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
- Material: Aluminum
Leupold VX-R Features
- Illuminated Fire-dot Duplex-style reticle confirms easy aiming
- You can make quick target acquisition with great accuracy
- Twilight Max Management system ensures the highest in low light condition
- Great magnification with 31 zooming ratio
- Durable and constructed with aircraft quality aluminum
5. Best for the Beginners: Simmons 8-point 3-9x50mm Riflescope with a Triplex Reticle
The Simmons 8-point 3-9X50mm Riflescope comes with fully multi-coated optics that provide high-contrast images and ensure extreme brightness and light transmission. So even in a low light condition, you will have the same accuracy and precision that you receive in the daylight condition.
It also features TrueZero elevation and windage adjustment that holds the zero quickly to get you the target faster. Being a nitrogen-filled scope, it is completely waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof.
This scope is ideal for hunting enthusiasts or beginners; this eight-point scope provides outstanding accuracy and precision with strong magnification. It also offers a wide field of view to make your target shooting or hunting session successful.
Specifications & Details
- Product Dimension: 14.0” (L) X 3.0” (W) X 3.0” (H)
- Weight: 0.63 lbs.
- Magnification (Min.): 3X
- Magnification (Max.): 9X
- Color: Matte Black
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
- Material: Aluminum
Simmons 8-point Features
- A fully multi-coated objective lens ensures superior brightness
- TrueZero windage and elevation adjustment retains zero quickly
- Fantastic magnification, clear sight picture, and wide field of view
- Truplex reticle and eyepiece confirm easy and fast target acquisition
- It fits best with a powerful rifle like AR 15; it is easy to mount and maintain
6. Best for the Light Transmission: CVLIFE 2.5-10X40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope
The CVLIFE 2.5-10X40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope is built to last, made of aircraft-grade aluminum. You will get a 2.5X-10X larger image of your target with this riflescope. The image will be bright and clear for your convenience. It is equipped with a 40mm objective lens and with a variable magnification level; it is an ideal scope for medium to long-range shooting.
In terms of lenses, it is green-coated, providing the highest light transmission compared to a regular blue-coated lens. Due to its red illumination mechanism, this scope offers a consistent, clear image regardless of the light conditions. You will also love to know that green and red illumination level is available with 5 intensity settings.
Upon buying the scope, a full sight laser vision pointer of class IIIA, 2mW, is available with it. This pointer can reach a maximum of 100 yds. As a result, when hunting, you will be able to make precise shooting all the time. Since aluminum is used to construct the scope, it withstands the harsh weather and diverse terrain.
Specifications & Details
- Product Dimension: 8.5” (L) X 3” (W) X 3” (H)
- Weight: 20.5 oz.
- Magnification (Min.): 2.5X
- Magnification (Max.): 10X
- Color: Matte Black
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
- Material: Aluminum
CVLIFE 2.5-10X40e Features
- Better light transmission with the red and green illumination system
- Bullet drop compensator allows you to make quick adjustments
- This riflescope is available with a laser sight for better clarity
- 20mm scope mount is available with the scope for easy attaching to the rail
- Included lens cover keeps the lens safe from dust and dirt
7. Best for the Functionality: MONSTRUM S330P 3X Prism Scope
The MONSTRUM S330P 3X Prism Scope offers many impressive features at a budget-friendly price tag. Its etched black reticle remains constant under all light conditions. It is equipped with a 30mm objective lens, and the magnification range is 3X. Moreover, the scope is compact design and offers high-grade performance due to its chassis design.
Multiple brightness levels are an exceptional feature of this scope that enables you to shoot accurately in multiple light conditions. In the daylight condition, the illuminated reticle is well-visible, and during the night, you will be required to activate the illumination to get a better view.
Its eye relief range is 3” – 3.5”, weighs only 1.3 lbs. The combination of all these features offers outstanding performance regardless of the situation. This easy to install riflescope stays accurate maximum of 500 yds. The multi-coated lens provides crisp sight, and a dry nitrogen-filled tube makes it a fog-proof scope. Flip-open lens caps are also available to keep the glass free from scratch and dust.
Specifications & Details
- Product Dimension: 6.3” (L) X 4.2” (W) X 3.8” (H)
- Weight: 1.3 lbs.
- Magnification (Min.): 3X
- Magnification (Max.): 3X
- Color: Matte Black
- Objective Lens Diameter: 30mm
- Material: 6061 Aircraft Grade Aluminum
MONSTRUM S330P Features
- Well-designed and well-balanced scope provides optimum performance
- Wide enough eye relief allows you to shoot both eye open
- Suitable for fast target acquisition practice
- Heavy-duty riflescope made of 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum
- Lightweight and compact design that you can carry in your pocket
8. Best for Night Vision: UUQ 2.5-10X40 Clarity + Combo Riflescope
This UUQ 2.5-10X40 Clarity + Combo Riflescope has high optical clarity at 2.5-10X magnification range. You will get maximum transmission of light in the lens due to its 40mm objective lens. The reticle is designed to illuminate in red or green and different brightness intensity settings so that you can get a clear sight of the target, whatever the weather condition is.
It has a built-in green laser that gets turned on or off with a simple push-button. Generally, fast-moving targets are pretty challenging to aim at. With this scope, aiming a fast-moving target is a breeze due to the detachable micro reflex dot sight. Simultaneously, the fast acquisition is also possible in close quarter targets. Moreover, with its variable magnification level and the green laser, you can use this scope for multiple shooting applications.
Aside from its multi-coated feature, this scope is fog-proof and weather-resistant too due to the nitrogen-filled tube and O-ring sealed feature, respectively. The tube allows enough light to get into the lens to give a crisp view all the time. The whole body is made of lightweight aluminum, and the glass quality is amazing as well. Besides, you can easily mount it on a Weaver or Picatinny rails.
Specifications & Details
- Product Dimension: 11.02” (L) X 5.91” (W) X 3.94” (H)
- Weight: 1.3 lbs.
- Magnification (Min.): 2.5X
- Magnification (Max.): 10X
- Color: Black
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
- Material: Aluminum
UUQ 2.5-10X40 Features
- O-ring sealed tube enabling you to hunt on a rainy day
- Dry nitrogen filled tube prevents fog and moisture build-up
- The best result is confirmed due to the better light transmission
- Suitable riflescope for fast target acquisition
- Easy to activate the green laser with push button
9. Best for Usability: Centerpoint Optics 1-4X20 MSR Riflescope
Many shooters or hunters feel comfortable shooting both eyes open, and it is possible only with the scope with long eye relief. If you are the one who is looking for a scope with long eye relief, the Centerpoint Optics 1-4X20 MSR Riflescope is for you. This scope’s extra-long eye relief ensures that you will have a comfortable and pain-free shooting under heavy recoil. In fact, this scope handles the recoil with professional precision.
The most satisfying thing is the magnification range of 1X-4X, which fits most shooting rifles and scenarios. Which means, it adapts itself to different shooting conditions quite efficiently and you don’t need to take any additional steps for this. Besides, you will get a lens cover for protecting the lens, a mount ring set to mount the scope comfortably upon buying the scope.
With this scope, you can conveniently aim and shoot a target from 250 yds., be noted that; within this shooting range, you will never miss a hit. This premium quality scope is specially designed for AR-15, but they deliver the same with other rifles. It weighs only 1.25 lbs. When it is mounted, you will not feel the extra weight and carrying it becomes much convenient.
Specifications & Details
- Product Dimension: 12.0” (L) X 3.5” (W) X 5.0” (H)
- Weight: 1.25 lbs.
- Magnification (Min.): 1X
- Magnification (Max.): 4X
- Color: Black
- Objective Lens Diameter: 20mm
- Material: Blend
Centerpoint Optics Features
- An affordably priced riflescope that comes with many useful features
- Handling the recoil is a breeze with this riflescope
- Aiming and targeting is effortless, up to 250 yds.
- For easy mounting, it includes Picatinny rail mount rings
- It also consists of a lens cover to keep the lens free from scratch
10. Best for Adjustability: Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope
Many professional hunters prefer the scopes of Bushnell since they manufacture premium quality products. The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope is also no exception. It is wallet-friendly and offers the same performance that an expensive riflescope delivers. This is the main reason many hunters are fond of this riflescope. It holds zero quite well, and reticle performance is also outstanding.
The reticle is not only bright but also crisp. Due to its unlimited eye relief feature, sighting with both eyes open is a breeze with this scope. It provides quick target acquisition, delivers exceptional accuracy and enhances hunter’s awareness. Distinguishing between a brown tree and a brown critter is effortless since its lens has Amber-Bright high contrast coating. While hunting in the woods, it offers the best result.
It is built in such a way so that you can get many years of service. With only 0.23 lbs., this scope is durable, lightweight and compact. The tube is completely waterproof, fog-proof, weather-resistant due to its nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed feature. Thanks to the multi-coated optics because it provides a crisp and bright image of the target all the time. Its battery life will also amaze you since the battery provides more than 5000 hours of service when the scope is used in mid settings.
Specifications & Details
- Product Dimension: 5.4” (L) X 3.4” (W) X 2.2” (H)
- Weight: 0.23 lbs.
- Magnification (Min.): 1X
- Magnification (Max.): 1X
- Color: Black
- Objective Lens Diameter: 25mm
- Material: Metal
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Features
- 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustment
- Integral Weaver-style mount
- 11 brightness settings for convenient shooting at different light conditions
- The matte black finish makes it a scratch-proof riflescope
- Suitable for hunting and other shooting applications
What Factors Need to Follow Before Buying the Best Scope for AR-15 Under 100
Every product has some key points that let you determine the quality of the product. You need to know a few factors before choosing the best scope for AR 15 under $100.
Len Clarity
The quality of a scope greatly depends on the quality of the lens. A good quality lens will give you a clear and sharp image.
Multi-coated lenses are more popular because they deliver the highest light transmission through the tube for providing a crisp and clearer image. Concentrate on the objective lens diameter. A wider objective lens will offer better image quality.
Magnification Power
Without a good magnification power, accurate aiming, targeting, and shooting are impossible.
It doesn’t also mean that you need significantly higher magnification power. More importantly, the sound quality magnification range will give you a clear, vivid, and crisp view of the target.
Check the magnification of your selected scope before buying; if it satisfies you, buy it.
Eye Relief
The eye relief feature will ensure the safety of your eyes. Don’t choose a scope that comes with less than 4” eye relief. Your eyes and shoulder will damage if the eye relief length is not generous or good enough.
Construction
The good news is; most riflescopes are made of aluminum. It is a lightweight material and durable too. Due to these 2 characteristics of aluminum, riflescopes also become lightweight with a long lifespan.
Moreover, aluminum housing keeps the inner components safe.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Find the Frequently Asked Question about the best scope for AR-15 coyote hunting.
What is the effective range of these scopes?
These scopes are highly effective for short to mid-range targets. Up to 100 yds., you will get an excellent result with these scopes.
What size rings do I need for these scopes?
Mostly, the compatible ring comes with the scope. In that case, you don’t need to think about the ring size. If the ring doesn’t come, then you need to select the correct ring size according to the scope’s dimension.
Final Words
Many factors play a vital role when buying the best scope for AR-15 under 100, such as the build quality, magnification, lens clarity, and so on. It is significantly essential to keep these factors in your mind when buying. Be sure; these factors will help you in making a precise decision.
While we shared detailed information to help you make the right decision, in the end, it is you who needs to choose the scope according to your needs.
Since we did extensive research before finalizing the list, we believe the reviewed scopes will surely fulfill your shooting and hunting requirement. Buy any of the above scopes; you will never regret it.