Looking for the Best hunting scopes under $400? Read on as we comprehensively go through the best on the market.
A hunting scope can either make or break your hunting experience. Nowadays, every hunter out there uses some kind of optical device on most of their guns to improve their hunting accuracy, You can use a riflescope, red dot, or an attachment.
For you to have a better hunting experience, a good quality riflescope is a must-have item in your hunting gear.
Whenever you are buying a rifle scope, budget plays a significant role in determining which model you’ll buy. A good quality riflescope doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
With the market offering a wide range of riflescopes to choose from, you will find great quality scopes available at relatively affordable prices. If you have a budget range under $400, here are some of the best hunting riflescopes worth your consideration.
Best Hunting Scopes under $400
1) CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope with 20mm Mount
Advance your hunting skills to a whole new level using the CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e scope. Made of high-strength aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope is not only durable but also very lightweight and easy to maneuver around with. The versatile 2.5-10x magnification power brings faraway targets closer while the large 40mm objective lens gathers more than adequate light into the scope. This riflescope features a bullet drop compensator that allows simple and quick adjustment of the reticle for shooting targets at specific distances. The multi-layer coating on the lens surfaces sheds off dirt and dust while making the lens scratch-proof. The lens coating also enhances light transmission to deliver bright and clear target views. The scope and gun sight are built together to deliver accurate shooting in any lighting condition. This is one of the best Hunting Scopes under $400, one of the most affordable and durable riflescopes. Features
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2) Vortex Optics Crossfire II SFP Riflescope
Hunting is made better and simpler thanks to the Vortex Optics Crossfire II SFP Riflescope. Weighing less than 2 pounds, this riflescope is lightweight, clear, tough, and bright. The sturdy and durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction delivers shockproof and impact-resistant performance regardless of the hunting environment it is subjected to. With a long and consistent eye relief plus an ultra-forgiving eye box, this scope will enable you quickly get a sight of your target and acquire it easily. The scope also features a fast-focus eyepiece for quick reticle focusing and quick target acquisition. Its lenses are fully multi-coated to enhance light transmission and deliver brilliant and clear target views, even under low light conditions. The scope is also O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to deliver waterproof and fog proof performance respectively. One of the Best Hunting Scopes under $400 from Vortex. Features
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3) UTG 3-9×32 1” Bugbuster Scope
Available at a remarkably affordable price, UTG 3-9×32 1” Bugbuster Scope comes with surprisingly interesting features suitable for all-hunting purposes. The 3x magnification is perfect for shooting close and medium-range, but not long-range. This scope provides pretty good views, especially in low light conditions, thanks to its illuminated reticle. The 1-inch main tube is built on a true strength platform. It is completely sealed and nitrogen-filled to deliver reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance. Furthermore, the adjustable objective enables you to eliminate parallax from 3 yards to infinity while the emerald coating on the lens delivers maximum light transmission. The scope also features a large field of view and a generous and accommodating eye relief for optimum CQB mission. You can fix this scope on any 21mm Picatinny rail. Features
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4) Vortex Optics Strike Eagle SFP Riflescope
Built on a true strength platform, Vortex Optics Strike Eagle SFP Riflescope is dedicated to giving you the clearest and brightest views of whatever target you set your eyes on. The SFP reticle enables you to comfortably shift targets, without having to worry about losing stability. This scope allows you to focus on objects at various distances, a perfect feature for every hunter out there. The fast focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing while the generous eye relief keeps your eyes safe from heavy recoil rifles while also providing a snug view of the targets. An anti-reflective coating on all air to glass surfaces enhances light transmission for brighter and clearer target views even under low light. The one-piece main tube is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum which is not only shockproof but also impact resistant. The scope is also nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed for reliable waterproof ad fog-proof performance. This scope is easy to mount and easy to use as well. It’s a great scope for beginners and professionals alike. Features
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5) Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Riflescope
For all your close and medium-range hunting needs, trust the Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Riflescope to deliver big game performance. It is one of the best Hunting Scopes under $400 and one of the cheapest on this review. This optic features ab adjustable 3-9x magnification and a 32mm objective lens which collects adequate light needed for bright target views. Its lenses are fully coated to enhance light transmission and deliver bright and crisp clear target images. The lenses also feature a hydro shield coating that helps maintain a clear sight picture, regardless of the weather condition while keeping the lenses free of dirt, fingerprints, and oil. A SureGrip rubber surface on this scope simplifies adjustments while on the field and with generous eye relief, your eyes are kept that safe from rifles with heavy recoil. Its lightweight construction enhances portability and pack-ability even in a backpack. For all-weather reliability, the scope is fully waterproof and fog proof. Features
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6) Bushnell Banner 3-9X 40mm Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope
Bushnell scopes are known to deliver reliable and long-lasting performance and the Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope is no exemption. The good thing about this scope is that it enables you to change and adjust to different situations whenever they arise. The SFP, Multi-X crosshair reticle is easy to see, even in low light conditions. This feature enables you to take down your target quickly and with so much ease. Additionally, a fast-focus eyepiece lets you quickly adjust the reticle to your eye, for quick target acquisition. The lenses are multi-coated to enhance light transmission and deliver bright and clear target views. This scope comes with generous eye relief and it is also 100% waterproof and fog proof. Its sturdy yet stylish design ensures many years of reliable performance. Features
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7) Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical FFP Riflescope
This particular scope from Vortex comes with multiple features suitable for mid-range shooting and hunting. Weighing less than 2 pounds, this scope is lightweight, portable, and packable even in a backpack. A fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing while the exposed tactical turrets and side parallax knob deliver long-distance precision shooting. This scope features an extra-low dispersion glass plus fully multi-coated lenses which deliver bright and clear target views even during low light situations such as dusk and dawn. The single 30mm tube is crafted with aircraft-grade aluminum that makes it shockproof and impact resistant. When hunting, the weather is always unpredictable. You however don’t have to worry because this scope is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to deliver waterproof and fog-proof performance. Features
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Factors to Consider when Choosing Best Hunting Scopes under $400
- Durability
Ensure that the scope you choose is capable of handling the rough terrain and recoil from your firearm as well as your style of hunting or shooting. It should be in a position to withstand any impact or shock. Nitrogen purging is found in rifle scopes of this price range. It provides fog-proof benefits against condensation and temperature changes. Watertight scopes with O-rings seal guarantee that the internal systems are kept dry even in wet weather conditions.
- Lens quality.
The lens quality is what makes or breaks a good scope. It has a direct impact on the clarity of the scope and how well you see through your riflescope. High-quality lenses enhance your accuracy and improve eye relief. The bigger the lens diameter, the higher the quality. However, the downside of a larger diameter means a heavier scope. The added weight can throw off the balance of your rifle. It can make it feel heavy and uncomfortable.
- Eye relief.
Eye relief refers to the distance between the shooter’s eye and the scope. When hunting with a heavy recoil rifle, eye relief is an important factor to consider. Rifles with heavy recoil can cause injury to the shooter’s eyes if the scope is too close to the eye. A buffer space of at least 3 inches from the eye is recommended so as to prevent eye injury while providing maximum eye relief. Scopes with generous and consistent eye relief also make shooting more comfortable. For some, you can even shoot with both eyes wide open.
- Adjustments
The other thing to look into when buying a new scope is the ease of adjustments. No one wants a scope that gives them a hard time adjusting before they get started. Look for a scope whose windage and elevation adjustment knobs are easy to adjust and easy to use as well. A scope with simple adjustment knobs makes it easier for beginners to learn how to use it.
- Weight
Lastly, look for a scope that’s durable but lightweight. Hunting requires you to move from one point to the other. With a lightweight scope, you will have an easy time carrying it wherever you go without feeling like it’s weighing you down. A scope that’s lightweight also makes shooting easier.
FAQs
- How do I find a scope that works well in dark?
The primary thing to consider is a scope with an illuminated reticle with different reticle colors. Some scopes come in five colors and others three. For you to have clear target views even in the dark, look for a scope with a larger objective lens as well as fully multi-coated lenses.
- What major features should I consider if I want a stable scope?
Stability comes with weight, so a slightly heavier scope will work. Additionally, the scope needs to shockproof and shouldn’t shift during recoils. A scope that’s capable of maintaining a target despite the force of recoil will do.
- What kind of magnification will I need?
This depends on the shooting activity you are engaged in. With hunting, the right magnification will depend on the game and the distance you are shooting. Game hunting requires medium-level magnification while hunting small animals requires low to medium magnification power.
- Which is the best objective lens size?
This also depends on what activity you are engaged in. The larger the objective lens, the wider the field of the view and the clearer the image views become. If you want a clear view and a much larger area to look at and locate targets, consider a scope with a larger objective lens.
Conclusion
For you to find a good hunting scope under $400, you’ll have to go through different reviews and recommendations. Take time and factor in what your hunting needs are, then get a scope that suits your needs best. All of the scopes listed above are quality and you won’t be disappointed in any of them when you use them on your hunting rifle.
See Also: 7 Best Knives for Hunting and Fishing