Buying a rifle scope is hard, considering that all the good-quality ones seem so expensive that they definitely will blow a hole in your pocket. Our team of qualified hunters has reviewed various rifle scopes on a middle ground price range, 600 dollars and lower, that allows you to save money without compromising on the quality. Our top pick for the best rifle scope under 600 dollars was the Vortex Optics Viper PST 6 24×50 Riflescopes.
Our list of the best rifle scope under 600 dollars include:
- Vortex Optics Viper PST 6 24×50 Riflescopes
- Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10X40 Rifle Scope
- Bushnell Elite Tactical 6-24×50-mm Riflescope
- Primary Arms 3-18X50 Front Focal Plane Riflescope
This particular rifle scope is light, shock, fog proof, and water-resistant; you can also adjust the windage and elevation on the scope.
The most enthralling feature of this scope would have to be its light transmission capacity.
Vortex is a trusted and reliable brand known to produce premium quality rifle scopes that are durable and long-lasting. The vortex optics viper PST is fashioned from a single block of aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum. It is of high quality and comes with great adjustments, and has multiple coatings on the optical lens.
The multi-coated optic lens causes this effect; a glass fitted with low dispersion and an exit pupil around 55 mm diameters. You gain great light transmission, enabling you to get a good view of your target even in low-light settings.
You will note that the riflescope has various etched EBR reticles. You can customize your illumination settings. The first focal plane reticle itself is positioned between two etched glasses that prevent it from scratches and breaking. You can also shift between ranges without worrying about sub-tension each time.
The riflescope has a huge range of magnification. It goes from 6x to 24x magnification levels. The vortex optics viper PST is suitable for tactical hunting and shooting; the magnification level allows it to be used for mid-range and long-range shooting experiences.
Main features:
- The Dimensions: 17.75 x 4.38 x 6.63 inches
- Weight: 2.7 Pounds
- The vortex optics viper PST is fashioned from a single block of aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum.
- It comes with great adjustments and has multiple coatings on the optical lens.
- High light transmission capacity.
- Windage and elevation adjustments.
- First focal plane reticle.
- It has multiple varieties of etched EBR reticles. The reticle is positioned in between two etched glasses to enable safety.
- Magnification: 6x – 24x
- It is suitable for tactical hunting and shooting; the magnification level allows it to be used for mid-range and long-range shooting experiences.
Things We Like
- High quality
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Visuality in low light settings
- Water-resistant
- Shockproof and fog proof
- Vast magnification
- Different reticles
Things We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Not suitable for short-range shooting
Final verdict:
The vortex optics viper PST has an impossible number of features and adjustments that allow for an elite user experience under 600 dollars.
2. Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10X40 Rifle Scope
This particular rifle scope is fashioned from aircraft-grade aluminum.
The scope has a sleek build and is fitted with capped turrets for easy adjustment. The highlight of this riflescope is its simple mechanisms.
The Leupold VX-3i has flexible and adjustable power ranges that allow you to hunt down targets at both short and long ranges; this makes it one of the best rifle scope under 600 dollars. The VX-3i rifle scope has a lot to offer to enhance your performance.
It provides you with a clear view. The riflescope has a bright glass and offers excellent low-light performance. The VX-3i is a lightweight model which is designed to be weatherproof.
The scope is filled with nitrogen and has an O-ring that ensures the riflescope is fog proof and waterproof. It is resilient, rugged, and durable, hitting all our checkboxes. The duplex reticle allows you to sight your target naturally.
Your finger can adjust the turrets. There are some misconceptions that the turrets cannot be set to zero; it is to be noted that you cannot put it to a zero stop.
The VX-3i has a Twilight Max Light Management system which gives you an extra 20 minutes of shooting time. You gain a wide range of low and bright illumination settings. You will be able to view your target crisply and clearly with the use of the system. It has a magnification range of 3.5x to 10x.
The main issue among buyers is the confusion between models in the VX-3i range. We have reviewed its model number 170680 – 10 x 40 millimeter accompanied by a duplex reticle and completed with a matte look.
Main features:
- Magnification Range: 3.5x-10x
- Weight: 12.6 oz.
- Length: 12.6 inches
- Crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum.
- The VX-3i is filled with nitrogen and has an O ring.
- Duplex reticle
- Twilight Max Light Management System
Things We Like
- Good quality
- Durable
- Resilient
- Lightweight
- Weatherproof
- Visibility
- Fog proof
- Waterproof
Things We Don't Like
- 52 MOA adjustment
- No zero stop
Final verdict:
This is one of the most popular models under 600 dollars. You gain a versatile and flexible magnification range.
3. Bushnell Elite Tactical 6-24×50-mm Riflescope
This particular rifle scope is given an ultra-wideband coating, a signature feature that enables exceptional levels of light transmission.
The light transmission allows you to have a crisp and clear view of your target.
The Bushnell Elite Tactical Riflescope is constructed to have a 30mm tube which is further purged with argon to extend reliability. The rifle scope, along with the bells and saddle, is fashioned from 6061 aluminum. It has a black anodized finish that is designed to prevent glare.
It is designed to be water-resistant and is fitted with a RainGuard HD anti-fog technology. The riflescope offers a 3-inch eye relief allowing you to use the scope for long periods without hurting your eyes.
The riflescope has a 6x to 24x magnification range, and it is also fitted with a 50mm objective lens. You gain intense visibility and precision due to the expansive magnification range.
You also get a Mil-hash marked first focal plane reticle; this allows you to get easy coverage, hold, and windage correction. The turrets can be adjusted easily in 5-mil-per-revolution.
Things We Like
- High quality
- High visibility
- No glare
- Eye relief
- Easy range
- Fog proof
- Weatherproof
- Waterproof
Things We Don't Like
- No illumination
Final verdict:
This rifle scope is an excellent choice for under 600 dollars. It provides you with premium engineering, good visuality, and is reliable.
4. Primary Arms SLX 3-18X50 Front Focal Plane Riflescope
The reticle of this riflescope is said to be one of the most advanced in the market.
It makes it easy to see and lock your target even at long distances.
It is fashioned from 6061 aluminum and is nitrogen purged. It is built to be resistant to water and fog. The scope also provides you with good illumination that is partially red.
The illumination comes with a 6 brightness setting that you can customize to your needs. The major drawback of the riflescope is that it gives a glare when there is bright lighting.
Main features:
- Weight: 24 Oz
- It is fashioned from 6061 aluminum and is nitrogen purged.
- It has great illumination that is partially red. You also get six brightness settings in the illumination.
- It has an advanced reticle which makes it easy to lock on a target.
Things We Like
- Good quality
- Durable
- Illumination
- Easy to lock target
- Water-resistant
- Fog resistant
Things We Don't Like
- Glare during bright lighting
Final verdict:
This rifle scope is the best buy on a 600 dollar budget. It is cost-effective and also provides you with good performance.
Consideration to keep while buying the best rifle scope under 600 dollars:
1. Magnification
The magnification of your scope depends on your shooting range. If you are shooting in a short range, you can look for a rifle scope with a zoom ranging between 2.5x and 10x.
If you are a long-distance shooter, you will have to invest in a zoom ranging from 12x to 20x. Magnification is a vital factor to consider as it enables you to look at your target with ease. This will largely influence the accuracy of your shot.
2. Construction
Your scope may be sold in varying dimensions, namely; 25 mm, 30 mm, and 34 mm. A larger scope ensures more area for the internal elements, and it also provides you with a wider range of adjustment options.
Good quality rifle scopes on the market are coated with nitrogen or argon. This prevents the rifle scope from fogging and makes it waterproof.
3. Objective lens
The main purpose of the objective lens is to reflect light onto your scope. It is positioned at the end of the rifle scope. If you purchase a bigger objective lens, you will be able to get more light. This will help visuality in low-light conditions.
While the logical step would seem to be getting the biggest objective lens, this is not so. You will find that buying a bigger lens would only make your rifle heavy, ensuring you invest in wider rings. Try always to mount your lens as low as possible, closer to the barrel but not touching.
4. Eye relief
Eye relief is basically when the rifle scope leaves some distance between the eye and you. There has to be a minimum distance between you and the scope to prevent yourself from getting jabbed during the recoil. Sometimes the recoil could be fatal, and you may end up with a black eye.
5. Reticle
The reticle (crosshair) allows you to receive your target. You must acknowledge the size of the reticle. If you go for a thin reticle, you cannot source your target easily, but you will gain precision.
A thick reticle will allow you to see far-off targets, but you may have to compromise on accuracy. You will have to choose your reticle after determining your shooting preference.
6. Focal plane
There are two types of focal planes. The first focal plane has the reticle positioned in the anterior of the erector tube. You can change the size of the reticle on the first plane to amplify the target.
The second focal plane situates the reticle at the back of the erector tube. In the second plane, the reticle’s size stays constant; you will not be able to magnify it. Beginners prefer to take the second plane as it is easy to maneuver and control.
7. Parallax
A parallax is an optical illusion that displaces the apparent position of the target. It increases the potential for error and must be fixed. It is most prevalent in high-power rifle scopes. High power scopes come with an adjustment bell to correct the mistake.
8. Adjustments
You will find two turrets on the top and right sides of your scope. The turrets enable you to make changes to the windage and elevation. It is a good idea to buy a turret that is loud, recognizable, and reliable.
There are several options in the market, and you can make do with a standard ballistic model with the adjustments concerning your shooting distance. There are two kinds of adjustment systems a turret may come in. The first is the MOA and the second is MRAD.
You will find that adjustments become essential while shooting long range. The scope for error is high due to factors like the wind. Windage and elevation enable you to change the course of the bullet. Another important adjustment would be zeroing. Adjustments provide you with accurate results.
9. Weight
It is essential to get a light rifle scope if you are a hunter. You will be on the move, and it will be hard to haul a heavy rifle scope for long periods. Be aware that some lightweight rifle scopes on the market may have compromised on the quality.
