Best Scopes for AR-15 under $100

Am Shooting Journal ^ | 6/18/2019 | J Kelly

[w1n1]

If you're tight on budget but still want to get a scope for under $100. The good news is that there are plenty of great options available for under $100. For under $100 is it worth looking for one?
Its a good thing that the overall quality of the lens and magnification factors is about the same as those for higher end scopes. Usually higher-end scopes come with extra features, settings and customization options to justify their higher cost point.

A lower end rifle scope quality of the lens and magnification factors will likely be about the same as the more expensive piece. Obviously, a more specialize shooter would require a scope with more whistles and bang for their needs. Under $100 scopes for an AR-15 is good enough for the average weekend shooters.

Here's a quick list of scopes:
UTG 3-9X21 1″ BugBuster Scope - The scope is durable, made from high-quality materials, and is totally weatherproof, another bonus if you plan to use this scope in the elements often. This is a good pick if you’ve got a larger rifle and you enjoy hunting in dense foliage.

UTG 3 12X44 30mm Compact Scope - This small option is great for rapid fire. Its reticle and settings are firm and precise at all times thanks to its steady turret that maintains stability even as your rifle fires many rounds in quick succession. The device is totally weatherproof and built to last for a long time.

Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot - For the subcompact sight department, the TRS-25 is 100 percent waterproof, fogproof, and shock resistant. The sight uses a sharp red dot that is controlled by one knob to adjust the dot’s brightness. Read the rest of best scope for AR 15 under $100.

[GOP_Party_Animal]

Thanks for posting. I bought an AR as a deer rifle for my son. This one is chambered in 7.62x36 Soviet. A low-power, low-cost scope or sight should help.

[Levy78]

You et what you pay for when I comes to optics. I have NEVER had a cheap optic workout. Especially for any caliber with recoil. You’re better off donating your money. Buy quality and cry once, but cheap and cry twice. Applies to most everything.

[Howie66]

SFL

[Celerity]

These are airsoft scopes.

[TexasPatriot1]

Mark

[CopperTop]

"..A lower end rifle scope quality of the lens and magnification factors will likely be about the same as the more expensive piece.."

No, it won't. But depending on the use, they may "do".

Groundhoggin' will tell on cheap glass in short order.
Ridin around on a 4 wheeler over a few thousand acres and actually using the turrets will tell on the mechanics.

Mid to upper tier Leupold or other quality brand is the meaty part of the "value curve". Most over that are gettin to be bling-ish if not outright bling. A good optic requires more precision mfg than the firearm it guides to target. Way more moving parts. Resolution can trump magnification in most applications. Something well worth considering when you're making that optical decision.

Just another opinion from my experiences with competitive benchrest and varminting. YMMV, FWIW, IMHO and all that jazz. d:^)

[03A3]

Reupold’s mechanically suck, no matter the model.

[budj]

For my AR 308, I bought a Nikon ProStaff. They run from just over $100 up and they work beautifully. A great value.

[GaryCrow]

You’re not going to get anything even remotely reliable for under $100. $200 is about the cheapest you’ll find anything worth putting on a rifle, otherwise stick to the open sights.

[gbaker]

I was looking at putting a cheap sight ($200 or so) on my first AR. Any recommendations? Just used for targets.

[IndispensableDestiny]

I have a couple of setups (including my deer rifle) where the glass cost more than the weapon. That’s not unreasonable. Cheap optics are decorations, not components.

[DeplorablePaul]

I put a Bushnell Tactical Elite 1x32 Red/Green T-Dot Riflescope ($127) on my AR. Works great. No magnification, but I hit out to 300 yds.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019SS8CE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[CopperTop]

"..Reupold’s mechanically suck, no matter the model.."

Can't say that was my experience twisting turrets in the 'hoggin and PD fields.
That said, it has been a while back. Late 90's - early 2000's. Again, FWIW.. d:^)

[Lurker]

If you’re not willing to spend at least half the cost of the rifle on optics then don’t bother with optics at all.

JMO. YMMV.

L

[real saxophonist]

Of course they’re airsoft scopes. That’s all w1n1 knows. He’s never shot an actual firearm in his life.

[suijuris]

Vortex Sparc