The market for AR-15 optics offers a wide array of options and the choice can be troublesome, especially if you don’t know their characteristics in-depth.
In this article, we are going to show you the best scope for AR 15 Under $100. Note, that we will not pursue you to believe that a low-budget scope will meet all of your needs because it won’t. However, in some aspects, it might exceed your expectations.
Another important detail you must consider is the environment in which you wish to use the scope. Similar to rifles, each has a different function.
For example, a nitrogen purged scope will be a helpful addition in wet or foggy weather. Choosing the right scope for your needs is of great importance for your shooting.
Best Scope for AR 15 Under $100 Comparison Table
See Aso: Best AR 15 Charging Handle
Best Scope for AR 15 Under $100 Reviews
#1. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot
Review
The Bushnell Trophy Riflescope offers great value for its money and it’s a great pick in terms of size and low power draw. The battery lasts long as it consumes less power.
Moreover, the entire chassis has a small and durable construction, that is weatherproof and fits perfectly on top of an AR-15. The lengths provide high-contrast sight, which allows you to easily distinguish objects.
The red dot is 3 MOA in size, has 11 brightness settings, true 1x magnification, and a 25 mm aperture. It can be easily mounted on any weaver rail and it fits perfectly on handguns.
If you have an AR-15 rifle with a flat top receiver, then you’d need a Hi-Riser Block to raise the sight. Furthermore, it is waterproof, shockproof and has anti-fog features, making it suitable for bad weather. This ranks number 1 on our list showing the best scope for AR 15 Under $100
#2. Simmons 2.5-10X40
Review
The Simmons 2.5 is another budget-friendly scope that shows excellent performance given the price tag. The manufacturer offers adjustable windage and external elevation with its ProTarget 40mm bell with WP/FPT turrets. These features are required when it comes to competitions and training.
The size is perfect for AR platforms, no matter whether it is an elevated mounting or a flat rail. It also features rings for out of the box mounting, making it a great option for tactical training.
In certain situations, the flat rail of an AR-15 will require an elevated base system to allow you to mount the rings. The protective scope caps that come with your purchase, can be removed for quick use.
The surfaces are fully coated with a waterproof and fog-proof finish. All in all, Simmons offers a solid service and durable construction at fair prices.
#3. CVLIFE 2.5-10X40E Red & Green Illuminated Mil-Dot Tactical Rifle Scope
Review
Probably, the best-selling optics in the budget-friendly market is CVLIFE 2.5. You can hardly find a better option for your AR-15 gun cheaper than this.
However, note that scopes under $50 don’t brag with durability and this model makes no difference. That’s why it is important to keep it safe and sound.
After all, if you need a scope that’s going to do the job for the time being, then the CVLIFE is an excellent choice. It offers dual illumination with five brightness levels, which allows you to see reticle in both red and green.
The scope features a mil-dot reticle calibrated for .223 55 gr. cartridges out to 500 yards. Moreover, it comes with a built-in side-mounted laser, lens caps, 20 mm scope mounts and the required batteries to power everything.
#4. Tacticon Armament Predator V1 Red Dot Scope
Review
The Predator V1 is a red and green dot sight that features incredibly faster target acquisition at a very low price. The Tacticon scope is made in China and isn’t known for its durable built. However, feel home tricks with a clue can do the work to keep everything together.
The brightness can be changed with the 5 settings available. It also comes with a mount that can be added to your rail quickly. Not only that it is inexpensive, but the scope is also waterproof and sealed for protection of adverse weather.
With your purchase, you will receive two batteries in your package and a lifetime warranty with a 100% money-back guarantee. Given the price, you can hardly complain about the minor flaws of the scope.
#5. Sightmark SM26008 Ultra Shot Plus Red Dot Sights
Review
The Sightmark Ultra Shot Plus is the next version of the Ultra Shot QD Digital Switch Reflex Sight or also known as SM14000. The latest model was expected by the audience in eagerness as they wanted specific enhancements.
By the looks of it, the brand lived to the expectations and won the approval of its users. First, we would like to mention that the reflex sight is powered by a CR2 battery that gives a life of up to 1,000 hours of continuous work.
It also features a red & green illuminated reticle and digital switch button to adjust the levels of brightness. The scope is suitable for close-range situations and targeting of fast-moving objects.
There’s a quick-detach mount option for easier removal of accessories. What is surprising is the exceptionally durable build for the price. Moreover, it has a protective, aluminum shield hood for additional protection.
Overall, we can say that this is a great, budget-friendly alternative for many over-priced sights. Not only that it is reliable, inexpensive and durable, but you benefit from Sightmark’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.
#6. UTG Bug Buster 3-9X32
Review
The UTG Bug Buster scope is designed for AR-15 weapons and enjoys a very high rating from shooters. A large portion of its popularity comes from the emerald lens, which enhances light transmission. They increase the contrast, making the targets easier to spot and acquire.
What surprised us was the durability of the product, which isn’t a common feature for low-priced items. The scope is made of high-quality materials, making it completely weatherproof.
The knobs can be adjusted in new positions with a simple 1/4-inch turn. We find the size of the knobs a bit too large, but this is simply a personal preference.
The reticle illuminates in both green and red light, making it suitable for any kind of situation. There’s also a lens cap to protect them when you’re not using the scope.
A huge bonus that we appreciated was the two-inch sunshade that protects the eyes from sunlight. The UTG scope is suitable for individuals with larger rifles, who are looking for a reliable model that’s going to last.
#7 Mueller Target Rifle Scope
Review
The Mueller Target Rifle Scope is a popular choice for shooters, preferred by many due to its exceptionally clear optics, allowing the targeting of fast-moving objects.
For people with poor eyesight, the scope offers high levels of magnification, keeping the image clear even at the highest possible setting.
The clarity of rifle scopes heavily depends on the presence of outdoor light. Low light can cause a shadowy effect, while excessive light can make the image too bright.
Mueller’s scope is recognized for the sophisticated system it uses to maintain effective light levels within the scope to provide the user with a clear image.
This allows you to see crystal clear objects on 100 yards of distance with 32X magnification. Of course, this wouldn’t be possible without a quality glass to retain normal clarity levels.
Furthermore, the construction of the scope is of high-quality that allows for regular use. Also, it is quite easy to return it to zero marks once you’ve fired with it.
The black finish of the cope provides eye-relief and there’s an audible noise alerting the user that the scope is clicked into the right position. After hitting a heavy mag, you will have to check the side focus for greater accuracy.
Conclusion
Nowadays, the market is flooded with different brands and there’s plenty of choices. As you can see from our list, the price tag isn’t always of great importance as there are lots of excellent rifles scopes that won’t break the bank. This concludes our comparison guide of the best scope for AR 15 Under $100
Hopefully, our list has given you some idea of what you want next. In the end, the final decision rests entirely on your specific requirements and needs.
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A Bulgarian native law student, and a gun aficionado. I’ve graduated from a British International school and have successfully taken a number of Cambridge certificates such as PET, FCE, CAE, GSCE, IGCSE & IELTS. I found love in firearms early on in life when my father took me hunting for the first time. A few years later and an unknown number of rounds fired, I have the opportunity to combine my home defense & firearms expertise with the public.
