A Budget-Friendly Review on Best Rifle Scope Under 400

A common myth related to hunting with the rifle scopes is that you need to have a costly rifle scope if you want to have the perfect hunting experience. But a large number of people are using rifle scopes that cost even less than 400 bucks and have proved that the ongoing myth is wrong.  Considering the fact, we have come up with a list of the best rifle scope under 400 that will change the whole game.

We have organized the list by including different brands and models of rifle scopes so that you can have a lot of alternatives. One of the best parts of these rifle scopes is that every model is proven to offer you superior hunting experience, and a large number of users have been using these rifle scopes because of their higher performance. So let’s get started with the review now and see which one turns the best for you.

How Do I Set Up My Rifle Scope For Sighting?

You can easily and effortlessly set up your rifle scope for sighting. To help you out, we have provided below seven easy techniques by following which you can conveniently set up your rifle scope for the perfect sighting:

• Ensure the proper installation of your rifle scope
• Adjust eye distance
• Get the perfect level.
• Align the reticle correctly.
• Set your MOA (Minute of Angle)
• Fire three-shot groups
• Keep adjusting

How We Reviewed?

Buying the best product is not an easy task when you have an ocean of products in the market. Reading reviews, preparing comparisons of multiple products, consulting with experts is necessary in this regard. So, we did the same. After reading 43 articles, 297 customer reviews, comparing 42 products, and spending 48 hours, we finalized this list.

Best Rifle Scope Under 400 – Quick Summary

Every rifle scopes in this list are unique based on their characteristics. We gave a nickname to them accordingly.

Editor’s Pick: Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Compact Waterproof Fogproof Rifle Scope

This rifle scope has a unique 3:1 zoom ratio erector mechanism, best-suited rifle scope for any condition. It will give you a 3X larger view of your target. 

Best Buy: Sightmark Triple Duty M4 1-6×24 CDX Rifle scope

Every hunter expects to get accurate shooting results, and this rifle scope is the best one to achieve the expected result. 

Overall Champion: Athlon Optics, Argos BTR, Rifle scope, 6-24×50 FFP

It is equipped with advanced features such as multi-coated optics, Argon purging, and heat-treated 1-piece tube construction.

Best Portable: Monstrum G2 6-24×50 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope

The aluminum-constructed rifle scope is only 1 lb 11 ounces and can easily be carried into your gear bag.

Beginner-friendly: Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 Second Focal Plane Rifle scope

It is simple to use and doesn’t have any complicated features, which means a beginner can operate it without any trouble. 

Best Reputed: VORTEX Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Rifle scopes

This is a widespread rifle scope, and customers appreciate its versatile performance in the wood.

Overall Great: TRUGLO TRU-Brite 1-6X 24mm Reticle Rifle Scope TG8516TL

Quick zoom lever, glass-etched reticle, and pre-calibrated BDC turrets make it one of the great rifle scopes in the market.

Best Design: Monstrum G3 6-24X50 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope

It is not only an all-rounder, but also its design will grab your attention and be best-fitted with the saying “the first impression is the best impression.”

Budget-friendly: Nikon Prostaff P3 Predator Rifle Scope

Affordable price range from the reputed manufacturer offers high-end benefits with brilliant features.

Heavy-duty: Bushnell Engage Rifle Scope

This rifle scope is a combo of all upgraded features and allows it to handle challenging shooting tasks.

Table Of Content:

We have added this table of content for you so that you will be able to have quick navigation. If you want to get an overview of this writing at a quick glance, you can use this table of content.

Comparison Chart:

Below comparison chart is for your convenience so that you will be able to compare different rifle scope models quickly and easily. So take a look at the comparison chart and make a quick decision.

Image	Product	Technical Spec	Price
Editor’s Pick	Leupold VX-1 3 Compact Waterproof Fogproof Riflescope	Product Dimension: L 12.60″ x H 3″ x W 3″ Weight: 0.7 lbs Objective Lens Diameter: 30mm	Check Price On Amazon
Best Buy	Sightmark Triple Duty M4 1-6×24 CDX Riflescope	Product Dimension: L 15.00” x H 4.5” x W 3.5” Weight: 3 lbs Objective Lens Diameter: 30mm	Check Price On Amazon
Overall Champion	Athlon Optics , Argos BTR, Riflescope	Product Dimension: L 17″ x H 5″ x W 4″ Weight: 1 lb Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm	Check Price On Amazon
Best Portable	Monstrum G2 6-24×50 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope	Product Dimension: L 15.75″ x H 4.25″ x W 3.3″ Weight: 1.14 lbs Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm	Check Price On Amazon
Beginner-friendly	Vortex Optics Diamondback 4 Riflescope	Product Dimension: L 9.1″ x H 9.1″ x W 9.1″ Weight: 1.4 lbs Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm	Check Price On Amazon
Best Reputed	Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1 Riflescope	Product Dimension: L 10.5” x H 1.77” x W 1.77” Weight: 1.2 lbs Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm	Check Price On Amazon
Overall Great	TRUGLO TRU-Brite 30 Series 1 Reticle Rifle Scope	Product Dimension: L 12” x H 3.5” x W 3.5” Weight: 2.2 lbs Objective Lens Diameter: 20mm	Check Price On Amazon
Best Design	Monstrum G3 6- FFP Rifle Scope	Product Dimension: L 15.75″ x H 4.5″ x W 4.5″ Weight: 1 lb Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm	Check Price On Amazon
Budget-friendly	Nikon Prostaff P3 Predator Hunter 3 Riflescope	Product Dimension: L 4.92” x H 0.79” x W 0.79” Weight: 0.93 lbs Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm	Check Price On Amazon
Heavy-duty	Bushnell Engage Riflescope	Product Dimension: L 13.9″ x H 4.6″ x W 3.7″ Weight: 1.3 lbs Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm	Check Price On Amazon

Best Rifle Scope Under 400 Dollars For Your Gun Reviews 2021

Below are the explanation of the top 5 best rifle scope under $400 dollars

1.Editor’s Pick: Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Compact Waterproof Fogproof Riflescope

Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Compact Waterproof Fogproof Riflescope is such a well-fitted rifle scope that is ideal for any situation or environment with a versatile 3:1 zoom ratio erector system. This means you will get a three times larger image of your target in this model. Through the perfect zooming feature of this rifle scope, you will be able to focus the target very clearly and comfortably.

The optical performance of this riflescope is really outstanding, which will offer you optimal clarity all over the field of view. This unit will provide you authentic color transmission and reduced glare with the coated optical surfaces. Another good part is that this riflescope comes with 1/4 MOA precision finger click adjustments that let you adjust windage and elevation as much frequently as you want.

The aircraft-grade aluminum alloy construction has made this unit highly durable. The Leupold Compact scope is so lightweight and convenient size that it will fit hunting belongings and hands wonderfully. Another good thing is that you will be able to use this unit very roughly, and it will not get any issue even year after year. The fog proof and waterproof features will offer you added advantage in use.

Technical Details and Specifications:

• Product Dimension: L 12.60″ x H 3″ x W 3″
• Weight: 0.7 lbs
• Objective Lens Diameter: 30mm

Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Features:

• The multicoated 4 lens system will offer you perfect performance even in extremely low-light conditions.
• It also offers optimal clarity, extraordinary contrast, and a super bright picture in any environment.
• 30 mm main tubes will deliver you enough spaces to enjoy a lot of features such as wide adjustment ranges and others.
• You will be able to switch between the bigger picture and the finer details using the versatile zoom ration feature.
• Using the distinct finger-clicks, you will be able to compensate for windage and bullet drop.

2. Best Buy: Sightmark Triple Duty M4 1-6×24 CDX Riflescope

Sightmark Triple Duty M4 1-6×24 CDX Riflescope comes with the precision multi-coated optics to offer you thorough clarity and optimal details. The color transmission you will get from this riflescope is fully authentic and incredibly perfect. The cutting edge glass, along with the lens coatings of this unit, will ensure the most accurate performance that you will hardly get from any other riflescope in the market.

Along with the mil-dot reticle, Sightmark Triple Duty scope also comes with other triple duty reticles such as circle dot reticle, circle dot duplex reticle, and dot duplex reticle. All these reticles help you get perfection in your job. The job of the circle dot reticle is to provide you accurate shooting results at any level of magnification. That means you get hunting perfection regardless of the magnification level.

The circle dot duplex reticle offers reticle contrast against the background in even the low light conditions along with its capability of offering accurate shooting results at any level of magnification as like the circle dot reticle. And the dot duplex reticle offers a keen aiming point for extra accuracy gain during your shooting. So the combined actions of these three reticles help you get the best results.

Technical Details and Specifications:

• Product Dimension: L 15.00” x H 4.5” x W 3.5”
• Weight: 3 lbs
• Objective Lens Diameter: 30mm

Sightmark Triple Duty Features:

• This riflescope will offer you a wider field of view to allow you to get better accuracy while shooting.
• It comes with the finest adjustment lock that also comes with the 1/2” MOA locking turrets.
• The internal lit mil-dot reticles will help you successfully make all the accurate shots.
• The front diopter adjustment of this riflescope is very helpful in getting you a perfect hunting experience.
• It’s wonderfully lightweight, waterproof, and shockproof, so you get your desired performance.

3. Overall Champion: Athlon Optics, Argos BTR, Riflescope, 6-24 x 50 First Focal Plane (FFP)

If you look for a riflescope with all the advanced technologies and helpful features, then Athlon Optics Argos BTR Riflescope is for you. It comes with such a First Focal Plane (FFP) that stands accurate in every power setting so that you can fully utilize the specialty of reticle design. During your zooming in or out, it will let you get the perfect view by shrinking or growing along with your target.

One of the best parts of this riflescope is that you will get a fully multi-coated and advanced lens in this model that will provide you a better light transmission benefit so that you can bring the maximum brightness and genuine color. Along with this, you will get 4x magnifications in this scope that will allow you to get multiple shooting disciplines.

Utilizing the parallax adjustment knob of this scope, you will be able to fix the angle of two different moving points of your target. This will let you line up your target image wonderfully, and you will see it at your desired position so that you will get the maximum possibility of shooting down the target. Using the windage and elevation adjustments, you will also get the best performance.

Technical Details and Specifications:

• Product Dimension: L 17″ x H 5″ x W 4″
• Weight: 1 lb
• Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm

Athlon Optics Features:

• The multi-coated optics will offer you incredibly clear and bright images, even in low light environments.
• The XPL coating of this unit will protect your lenses from dirt, dust, grease, etc.
• For protecting your rifle scope optics, it comes with an aircraft-grade aluminum tube.
• There are also a lot of built-in features that will help you easily adjust any shot you need to take.
• This riflescope is also waterproof and shockproof so that you can use it anywhere without any tension.

4. Best Portable: Monstrum G2 6-24×50 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope

Monstrum G2 6-24×50 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope is for those who are looking for a high performing riflescope with superior magnification, perfect objective lens, and outstanding eye relief. With the magnification feature of 6-24x and an objective lens of 50 mm, you will be able to make your hunting experience really wonderful. Along with these, you will also get an eye relief of 4 to 4.5 inches.

If you want to have a faster range estimation and superior holdover correction, then you must consider this riflescope. This is because the unit comes with a fully functional first focal plane reticle to offer you such estimation and correction. Along with this, you will also get the right precision in focusing your target with the help of the adjustable objective lens.

This premium riflescope will also offer you better reticle visibility during the night time or any low light environments with the performance of the reticle illumination feature that you can control with a touch button. This reticle illumination will show you different brightness intensities through the red and green light signals so that you can take further actions accordingly.

Technical Details and Specifications:

• Product Dimension: L 15.75″ x H 4.25″ x W 3.3″
• Weight: 1.14 lbs
• Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm

Monstrum G2 6-24×50 Features:

• It comes with 1/4 MOA click windage and elevation adjustments that will also allow you to reset the zero.
• With this riflescope, you will be able to target your victim at the distances of more than 1000 yards.
• You will get heavy-duty high profile scope rings with this riflescope.
• The waterproof and shockproof feature will allow you to use it in any weather condition.
• It also includes a honeycomb sunshade with detachable features and spring-loaded flip-up lens covers.

5. Beginner-friendly: Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope

Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope is the ideal one when it comes to having the durable build quality, superior image quality, outstanding exposure, and feel of the turrets and the quick focusing eyepiece. This high-quality riflescope is perfect for beginners to pros to have the best hunting experience in your life through the perfect and combined performance of its different segments.

The long-range vortex scope comes with advanced and fully multi-coated optics that provide crystal clear and tack-sharp images in both the short-range and long-range. So no matter where your target stays, you get the perfect view of that. Along with this, the model also comes with the dead-hold BDC reticle that is customized in such a way, so you don’t need to depend on any guesswork on windage and holdover corrections.

This is the best vortex scope for hunting or shooting at varying ranges because it offers the best holdover estimation, range estimation, and wind drift correction. You will also get the improved accuracy and superior visual performance from this riflescope because of the maximum alignment of the single-piece tube. The overall performance you will get from this scope is truly unquestionable.

Technical Details and Specifications:

• Product Dimension: L 9.1″ x H 9.1″ x W 9.1″
• Weight: 1.4 lbs
• Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm

Vortex Optics Diamondback Features:

• The scope is constructed from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum that offers additional strength and rigidity.
• You will get the right tracking and exact repeatability with the precision glide erector system.
• The premium-grade aluminum alloy construction also makes the unit extremely resistant to magnum recoil.
• The second focal plane reticle of this unit will offer you the same size for every appearance.
• Because of the waterproof and shockproof features, you will be able to use it in any weather and environment.

6. Best Reputed: VORTEX Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Rifle scopes

The VORTEX Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Rifle scope is an all-rounder, offering excellent performance in multiple weather conditions. The sharpness, light gathering, transmission, and clarity of this rifle scope are absolutely fantastic. The scope’s optics is clear enough in different light conditions, even without the illuminated reticle. Moreover, adjusting the illuminated reticle brightness according to the light condition is straightforward.

This scope comes with Vortex’s pop-up lens caps for both the eyepiece and the objective lenses. The Viper PST is made using costlier internal components. It uses a higher quality set of lenses and other components. Vortex’s lifetime warranty still backs this optic. Vortex offers flip cap optic covers for this scope. For the ocular lens, you will need a size 3, and for the objective lens, a size 5.

You can set up this scope at multiple separate magnifications. The reticle illumination has 11 settings from barely to full illumination. It is protected from moisture, dust, and debris due to the O-ring seals and delivers reliable performance in all environments. Additionally, Fog-proof Internal fogging doesn’t happen in different temperatures since Nitrogen gas is present in the scope.

Technical Details and Specifications:

• Product Dimension: L 10.5” x H 1.77” x W 1.77”
• Weight: 1.2 lbs
• Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm

VORTEX Optics Strike Features:

• Smooth movements of the turrets and adjustment ring for giving positive resistance.
• Designed for hunting in a challenging and dangerous hunting games in Africa.
• Extremely efficient and versatile low power variable optic for all kinds of uses.
• Awesome glass and smooth adjustment make it a great entry-level scope.

7. Overall Great: TRUGLO TRU-Brite 1-6X 24mm Reticle Rifle Scope TG8516TL

This TRUGLO TRU-Brite TG8516TL is a combo of precision, control, and speed. It provides a bright image and expected wide view since it features a 30mm tube and 1-4x or 1-6x magnification. You will love to learn that; it offers a tremendously fast sight picture with true 1x magnification. Due to this feature, a shooter can take shots keeping both eyes open.

You can effortlessly engage your targets a maximum of 800 yds away because of its pre-calibrated BDC turrets in calibers .223 and .308. It combines the Duplex Mil-dot reticle with an illuminated circle dot for quick acquisition in low light or low magnification. Moreover, this feature enables the user to determine the distance of objects of a known size.

The rifle scope is sturdily built. The glass is good; controls work efficiently, mounted, and modified as per requirement within 4 minutes. On low power, you will see your front sight, which is true for all low power scopes. As you turn up the magnification past 2.5 power or so, the front sight will disappear. Overall, it is very accurate for target shooting and works great for hunting.

Technical Details and Specifications:

• Product Dimension: L 12” x H 3.5” x W 3.5”
• Weight: 2.2 lbs
• Objective Lens Diameter: 20mm

TRUGLO TRU-Brite 1-6X Features:

• Well-constructed and exceptionally durable rifle scope.
• Lightweight and its scope can easily be moved around various platforms.
• No distortion at the edges of this rifle’s scope glass is remarkably clear.
• The etched reticle stays visible all the time, even in low light conditions. 

8. Best Design: Monstrum G3 6-24X50 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope

The Monstrum G3 6-24X50 First Focal Plane FFP is a high-performance rifle scope. It features 6-24x magnification, which means you can shoot from mid to long-distance targets. The maximum shooting range of this rifle scope is 1000+ yds. An adjustable objective lens will help you to get a sharper focus of the target image. At the same time, parallax is eliminated too.

Locking turrets of the rifle scope prevents slippage. Also, it consists of 1/4 MOA/clicks windage and elevation adjustments with zero reset. Besides, lighting control is effortless with the help of its all-new mechanical illumination knob. This optic has a 30 mm tube, and the rings are 30 mm that accompany it. The illumination is visible and could be useful where lighting conditions vary from bright to dark.

A shooter will never experience any glare when shooting because of its fully multi-coated lens. Moreover, this coat keeps the lens safe from scratch. The tube is entirely sealed and filled with N2 gas that makes this rifle scope water and fog-resistant. Furthermore, it is a durable gear made of lightweight and heavy-duty 6061 aluminum. Overall, maximum performance is confirmed because of the superior quality scope rings.

Technical Details and Specifications:

• Product Dimension: L 15.75″ x H 4.5″ x W 4.5″
• Weight: 1 lb
• Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm

Monstrum G3 6-24X50 Features:

• A Hard Anodized finish makes it a scratch-resistant gear.
• Sealed tightly to ensure water and fog-proof characteristics.
• Smoother controls since all-brass mechanics are used.
• Durably made with all premium-quality materials.

9. Budget-friendly: Nikon Prostaff P3 Predator Rifle Scope

Nikon is the pioneer of manufacturing rifle scope, and their manufactured scopes come with premium-quality features. This rifle scope is also no exception. It is designed especially for hunters only. The great thing is, it comes at an affordable price. Nikon Prostaff P3 Predator Rifle Scope is made for muzzleloaders, crossbows, shotguns, and predator hunting.

The 42mm does allow enough light to see during shooting hours that your eye couldn’t see. Even a hard-to-see target can easily find out with it. The performance of the Nikon Prostaff is similar to the P-tactical. It is easy to use; even a beginner can hunt with it conveniently. The rifle scope focuses on providing easy hunting time out in the woods. Its sleek design is one of the satisfying features stated by many users of this rifle scope.

Water and fog-proof lenses ensure you will never experience interrupted visibility. 3″ eye relief is a cool feature of this rifle scope. This feature assists you by popping up the scope to your eye. As a result, you will have an easy time when finding the focal point. Airplane-grade aluminum is used to construct the scope, ensuring your investment is used in a value-adding product.

Technical Details and Specifications:

• Product Dimension: L 4.92” x H 0.79” x W 0.79”
• Weight: 0.93 lbs
• Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm

Nikon Prostaff Features:

• Unbelievably accurate and great piece of hardware constructed with airplane-grade aluminum.
• Sleek design and hassle-free handling process make it a beginner-friendly rifle scope.
• Promised to give easy time so that the user can have a memorable hunting session.
• Fog and waterproof, which means you will always get uninterrupted visibility.

10. Heavy-duty: Bushnell Engage Rifle Scope

“Simplicity with best performance” – this is the motto of this Bushnell Engage Rifle Scope. The design is so simple; MOA adjustments are straightforward. Optics are exceptionally good for the scope of this price point. Thanks to the manufacturer Bushnell because the rifle scope comes with a lens cover. This way, buying a separate lens cover is a waste of money.

It is a little bit pricier compared to its competitor. But the truth is, the price point can’t be beat considering the options on this scope. The scope is clear; adjustments were positive and smooth, which will satisfy you most. The optic is clean with nice fine reticle lines. Good in low light. Markings of the windage and elevation controls are clear, and on the clicks, you will get a nice crisp feel.

Accuracy seems right on, and the controls return ideally to zero. It is some of the best rifle scopes that you will ever find in the market. Also, the reticle is simply dazzling. You will have full confidence when hunting because it will never fog up in a critical moment. You will definitely never replace it with other rifle scopes after using it due to its exclusive performance. 

Technical Details and Specifications:

• Product Dimension: L 13.9″ x H 4.6″ x W 3.7″
• Weight: 1.3 lbs
• Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm

Bushnell Engage Features:

• Offers optimum performance in different light conditions.
• Simple and sleek design, lightweight with high longevity feature.
• Its anti-reflection coating mechanism will let you focus on the target attentively.
• The eyepiece glass is scratch-resistant, fog, and waterproof.

What To Consider Before Buying A Rifle Scope Under 400?

You cannot buy a rifle scope randomly. Before buying the best rifle scope under 400, you must consider some important factors. Below are some of the factors that you should consider before buying one:

Magnification:

Magnification is one of the essential factors to consider before buying a rifle scope. Through this feature, you can multiply the vision of your eyes. If you want to shoot any moving target under 100 yards, you can consider buying a rifle scope with 3-9x magnification. But if you target more than 100 yards, you can consider magnification of 5-30x.

Objective Lens Size:

Objective lens size is another crucial aspect that you must consider before choosing a rifle scope. It measures how much light your scope will be able to transmit at a given period. The bigger the size of the objective lens, the brighter the image you can see through your unit. So depending on your budget and needs, you have to consider this aspect.

Weight:

Weight is also a very important factor because it’s associated with the comfort levels of holding your rifle scope while hunting. A scope with overweight will make your task tough. So you have to choose the one that comes with lightweight.

Elevation or Windage Adjustment:

Elevation and windage adjustments help you to adjust the position of the impact of the bullets. These two adjustment options allow you to move the bullet’s point of impact from left to right and up to down. So these impact your hunting result. That’s why you should consider this factor importantly.

Reticle:

The reticle is also known as the crosshair of your rifle scope. This is another important factor because it lets you line up your shot in iron sights. The thickness of your reticle affects the precision level of your shot. So you should consider this aspect carefully before buying a rifle scope.

Why Should You Buy A Rifle Scope Under $400 dollars?

There are always some important reasons for which you should buy a rifle scope under 400. The use and popularity of the rifle scopes are increasing because of their perfection in hunting tasks. No matter if you are a pro-level hunter or a beginner level hunter, you will gain your hunting goals easily with the help of the rifle scopes. Below are some of the reasons for which you should buy a rifle scope under 400 dollars:

• A quality rifle scope under 400 saves you money by providing higher-end performance.
• Regardless of your experience, it increases your productivity.
• It helps you bring more perfection in your hunting.
• A rifle scope trains you to be an expert shooter.
• It allows you to get near to the targets without being there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thought

There is no alternative to having a high performing rifle scope if you want to achieve your hunting goals cost-effectively. So you can choose any of the models from the list of the best rifle scope under 400. However, we would like to recommend the Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Riflescope because it comes with all the features that you need to make your hunting experience perfect.

The zooming ratio, finger click adjustment, water, and fog proof features, multi-coated lens system, etc. have made this unit an ideal one for all types of hunters. The versatility of the scope will amaze anyone. So we think investing in the riflescope will be one of the best decisions for you.