Finding the best rifle scope under $350 requires careful consideration of several factors. This price point offers a good range of options, but choosing the right scope depends heavily on your intended use. Whether you're a seasoned hunter, a competitive shooter, or a first-time rifle owner, this guide will help you navigate the market and find the perfect scope for your needs.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rifle Scope
Before diving into specific recommendations, let's examine the crucial aspects to consider when selecting a rifle scope, especially within a budget:
1. Magnification:
- Low Magnification (1-4x or 1-6x): Ideal for close-to-medium range shooting, like hunting in wooded areas or home defense. These scopes offer a wide field of view, making target acquisition quicker and easier.
- Medium Magnification (3-9x or 4-12x): Versatile option suitable for a variety of applications, including hunting at medium to long ranges and target shooting.
- High Magnification (6-24x or higher): Best for long-range shooting, such as precision rifle shooting or hunting at extreme distances. However, these scopes typically come with a narrower field of view and may require more precise adjustments.
Consider the typical distances you'll be shooting at to determine the appropriate magnification range.
2. Objective Lens Diameter:
The objective lens diameter (measured in millimeters) influences light gathering capabilities. A larger objective lens gathers more light, improving low-light performance. While larger is generally better, it also increases the scope's size and weight.
3. Reticle:
The reticle is the crosshairs inside the scope. Several types are available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
- Duplex Reticle: A simple design with thick posts near the center for quick target acquisition and thinner posts at the edges for precision aiming.
- Mil-Dot Reticle: Features dots spaced at milliradian intervals, allowing for ranging and bullet drop compensation.
- BDC (Bullet Drop Compensating) Reticle: Designed with holdover points to compensate for bullet drop at various distances. Make sure the BDC reticle is calibrated for your specific cartridge.
Choose a reticle that suits your shooting style and experience level.
4. Turrets:
Turrets are the adjustment knobs used to dial in windage and elevation adjustments. They come in different styles:
- Tactical Turrets (often capped): Allow for precise adjustments and are easily reset to zero.
- Hunter-Style Turrets: Typically exposed and offer quicker adjustments, but are less precise.
5. Construction and Durability:
Look for scopes constructed from durable materials like aircraft-grade aluminum and featuring water, fog, and shockproof construction. This ensures the scope can withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
Top Rifle Scope Recommendations Under $350
While specific models change frequently due to stock and manufacturing updates, here are some brands and features often found in highly-rated scopes within this price range:
- Vortex Crossfire II: Known for its excellent value and reliability, Vortex Crossfire II scopes often appear in "best-of" lists for budget-friendly options. They offer a good balance of features and durability.
- Nikon ProStaff P3: Nikon consistently produces quality optics, and the ProStaff P3 is a strong contender in the sub-$350 category. Expect decent clarity and build quality.
- Bushnell Trophy XLT: Another popular choice, the Bushnell Trophy XLT offers a variety of magnification options and reliable performance.
Disclaimer: Specific model availability and pricing can change rapidly. Always check current prices and reviews from reputable sources before making a purchase.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Perfect Scope
Finding the best rifle scope under $350 involves careful consideration of your shooting needs and preferences. Prioritize features like magnification, reticle, and objective lens diameter based on your intended use. Remember to thoroughly research different models and read reviews from other users to make an informed decision. With a bit of research, you can find a high-quality scope that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
