Best Hunting Scopes under 900
A quality riflescope is an indispensable tool that every modern hunter must have. In this day and age, scopes allow hunters to make accurate shots regardless of the shooting distance. Hunting scopes with decent magnification help you see distant targets clearly so it’s possible to place an accurate shot.
With most hunting scopes, you get what you pay for. The best scopes have high-end features which make them more expensive. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to spend a fortune to get a quality product. In this post, we are going to take you through some excellent quality hunting scope that cost less than $900. Let’s get started.
Best Hunting Scopes under 900
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Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x50mm Riflescope
Leupold makes excellent quality riflescopes and the VX-3i 4.5-14x50mm Riflescope is no different. This scope offers outstanding performance in low-light settings which is most hunters need. Besides, it has a Twilight Max Light Management System which provides an additional 20 minutes of shooting light.
With the variable 4.5-14x magnification, this riflescope is ideal for both short and long-range hunting. The generous eye relief keeps you eyes safe from heavy recoil rifles giving you comfortable views during long hunting session. Also, the scope is amazingly light so it’s simple to maneuver with as you search for targets.
This riflescope is built tough to be ready for every hunt. The 1-inch main tube is crafted from high-quality materials to stand up to harsh hunting environments. Better yet, the scope is designed with advanced sealing methods which provide a lifetime of waterproof and fog proof performance. This riflescope also comes with an easy-to-read duplex reticle for easy aiming.
Features
- Variable 4.5-14x magnification
- Ultralightweight design
- Excellent low light performance
- Generous eye relief
- 1-inch main tube
- Easy-to-read duplex reticle
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Dual spring precision adjustments
- Easy turn power selector
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
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Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescope EBR-4
Speed and versatility are what you get from the Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane EBR-4 Riflescope from vortex. With this riflescope you can engage targets that are as far as 600 yards and place an accurate shot. Besides, the true 1x magnification increases your situation awareness and you can increase it to 6x when shooting distant game.
The magnification ring in this scope has been updated and now comes with a thread-in throw lever. This helps you make magnification adjustments smoothly. The fast focus eyepiece allows for rapid and hassle-free reticle focusing, while the BDC3 reticle focuses your eye to the targets quickly. Better yet, this riflescope has anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces to increase light transmission needed in low light conditions.
This riflescope is suitable for all hunting applications. The 30mm tube is crafted from aircraft grade aluminum which ensures great durability while remaining lightweight. The scope is also shockproof, recoil resistant and impact proof. Above all, its nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed for all-weather reliability.
Features
- Versatile zoom power
- True 1x magnification
- Thread-in throw lever
- Illuminated BDC3 reticle
- Waterproof and fog resistant
- Durable aircraft grade aluminum construction
- 30mm main tube
- Shockproof and recoil resistant
- Lightweight design
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EOTECH 512 Holographic Weapon Sight
If you want quick target acquisition, durability and reliability, you should go with the EOTECH 512 Holographic Weapon Sight. This weapon sight offers excellent low-light performance and is full of brightness when hunting during the day. Since it doesn’t magnify the targets, it’s suitable for short range hunting only.
Featuring an unlimited eye relief, this sight works well for eyeglass wearers. It also gives you a wide field of view that’s essential for tracking mobile game. Better yet, an anti-reflection coating on the external surface delivers a clear field of view for smooth target identification.
This sight is powered by 2 AA batteries which provide up to 1,000 hours of continuous runtime on nominal setting. The fog resistant internal optics gives you clear views, while the waterproof construction allows you to use it even when its raining. Lastly, this weapon sight mounts easily on any firearm with standard 1-inch weaver dovetail or Picatinny rail.
Features
- Water resistant and fog proof
- 65 Moa circle with 1 MOA aiming dot reticle pattern
- Windage and elevation adjustments
- Excellent speed and versatility
- Superior low light performance
- Anti-reflective lens coatings
- 1000-hour battery life
- Ultra-lightweight
- Unlimited eye relief
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Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescopes- EBR-2C (MOA)
Here is another excellent hunting scope from Vortex. The Diamondback Tactical has its reticle housed in the first focal plane which makes it perfect for long-range hunting. It’s capable of delivering an accurate shot up to 1,000 yards away.
This riflescope is relatively simple to use so its ideal for both new hunters and seasoned hunters. The fast focus eyepiece helps you get the reticle into sharp focus easily, while the precision-glide erector system helps you change your magnification power smoothly even in harsh conditions. Additionally, the reticle is glass-etched so it keeps the sub tensions accurate throughout the 4x zoom range.
Another remarkable feature about this riflescope is great accuracy. The side parallax knob helps you eliminate parallax for long-range precision shooting. The lenses are fully multi-coated to provide bright and crisp images from dawn to dusk. More importantly, the riflescope is waterproof, fog proof, shockproof and resistant to recoil.
Features
- Glass etched FFP reticle
- Single piece 30mm main tube
- Shockproof and recoil resistant
- O-ring seals and nitrogen purging
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Precision-glide erector system
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Superior long-range accuracy
- Side parallax adjustment knob
- Extra-low dispersion glass
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Vortex Optics Viper Parallax Adjustment Second Focal Plane Riflescope Deadhold BDC (MOA)
If you are looking for quality and versatility, look no further than the Vortex Viper riflescope with Deadhold BDC reticle. You can use this riflescope on all hunting applications regardless of the distance. It comes with a variable 6.5-20x magnification that works well on both short and long-range shooting.
This riflescope has a 30mm main tube for greater strength and durability. This tube has a hard anodized finish which makes it ready for every hunt. Moreover, it’s O-ring sealed and argon purged to provide fog proof and waterproof performance.
This riflescope incorporates premium fully multi-coated lenses to give you excellent color fidelity and resolution. It also boasts XR coatings which provide better light gathering abilities and an Armortek coating to protect the exterior lenses from scratches and dirt. This hunting scope also brings to the table a fast focus eyepiece, capped reset turrets and a side parallax adjustment knob.
Features
- Capped reset turrets
- Fog proof and waterproof
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Side parallax adjustment knob.
- 30mm main tube
- Second focal plane reticle
- Armortek lens coating
- XR fully multi-coated lenses
- Hard anodized finish
- Mil-dot reticle
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Athlon Optics Helos BTR 6-24×50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes
Hunting becomes more competitive when you have a quality optic such as Athlon Optics Helos BTR 6-24×50 besides you. This scope comes with everything you need to make your hunting a success. It’s simple to use and ideal for seasoned hunters looking to advance their hunting skills to the next big level.
The fully multi-coated optics reduce light loss due to reflection to give you high-quality images even in low light conditions. The argon purged tubes give you better waterproof and thermal stability performance, while the aircraft grade aluminum construction makes the scope sturdy enough to stand up to harsh hunting environments.
With this scope, you can use it to hunt during the day or in dismal environments. It boasts an illuminated reticle which helps you track your targets smoothly even in low light conditions. Lastly, the scope is fairly light so you’ll have a comfortable time carrying it around.
Features
- First focal plane reticle
- Advanced fully multi-coated lenses
- Lightweight and portable
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Locking turrets
- Aircraft grade aluminum construction
- Parallax side focus knob
- Illuminated reticle
- 30mm main tube
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Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×40 (1-Inch)
All the riflescopes listed above are reasonably affordable and the Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×40 is even cheaper. It delivers incredible performance and outstanding image clarity in various environments. It also has a versatile 3.5-10x magnification that works well in a wide range of hunting applications.
This scope is incredibly tough to handle anything you throw at it. Like any other Leupold riflescopes, it’s made with advanced sealing methods that guarantee 100% waterproof and fog proof performance. It’s also impact-tested to provide unmatched shockproof and recoil-resistant performance.
The duplex reticle stands out against cover in low light to help you aim accurately. Also, this riflescope delivers excellent light transmission for bright and clear images. The elite optical system also reduces glare when hunting during broad daylight. The scope is also lightweight, has a low-profile design and comes with a matte finish that camouflages your hunting position.
Features
- Duplex reticle
- Lightweight, low-profile design
- Bright and clear images
- Excellent accuracy at varying ranges
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- ZeroLock CDS-ZL (Custom Dial System)
- Superb low-light performance
- Sturdy and rugged construction
- 30mm main tube
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Burris Signature HD Hunting Riflescope with Premium Multi-Coated Glass
If you are looking for a high-end scope with a not so high-end price tag, look no further than Burris Signature HD Hunting Riflescope. Its available in three different magnification settings to suit the needs of different hunters out there.
This hunting riflescope is a favorite among most hunters because of the excellent optical performance it offers. The premium multi-coated glass facilitates optimum light transmission when hunting in low light conditions. Moreover, it provides a wide viewing angle which is vital when hunting.
All Signature HD riflescopes are waterproof, fog proof and shockproof. This means that you can use them in any hunting environment. They also have a Ballistic E3 reticle which gives you an easy method to determine holdover and wind drift. Above all, this riflescope is covered by Burris Forever Warranty so you can rest assured it’s a quality product.
Features
- 5x zoom
- 1-inch main tube design
- Ballistic E3 reticle
- Premium multi-coated glass
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Wide viewing angle
- Lightweight yet rugged construction
- Side parallax adjustment
Buying Guide- Best Hunting Scopes under 900
Magnification
Magnification is the primary reason you are using a scope on your hunting rifle. Magnification helps bring distant targets closer which in turn helps you to shoot accurately. How far you intend hunt will determine how much magnification you need. For long-range hunting, go for model with more than 10x magnification. But for close distance hunting a scope with less than 9x optical strength will suffice.
Durability
The best hunting scope must be built tough to stand up to harsh hunting environments. You don’t want to invest your hard-earned money on a scope that will bread down after a few hunting expeditions. Look for a unit that’s crafted from high-strength materials preferably aircraft grade aluminum or magnesium alloy.
Weight
Majority of hunting expeditions require you to move from one point to the other in search of targets. A scope that’s lightweight will be easy on your rifle and your shoulders too. So, make sure that you get a light but durable scope.
Weatherproofing
Mother Nature is always unpredictable and the weather conditions can abruptly change when out in the field. It’s therefore important that you get a scope that offers reliable waterproof and fog proof performance. Get a model that’s O-ring sealed and argon or nitrogen purged and ensure that you can use your scope regardless of the weather condition.
Eye Relief
A scope with a long eye relief keeps your safe and makes your glassing session bearable. Eye relief is the distance between your eyes and the scope’s eyepiece. If you put on eyeglasses or you are using a heavy recoil rifle, make sure that you get a scope that provides a generous eye relief. Try to look for a model with an eye relief of at least 3.5-inches
FAQs on the Best Hunting Scopes under 900
Is a 50mm scope better than a 40mm?
All hunting conditions being equal, a 50mm scope will collect more light and produce brighter and more vivid images. However, a 50mm scope will be heavier and more expensive. If you are looking to get the most light, the 50mm scope will be your best option. However, if you are more concerned about the weight, go for the 40mm scope.
What does MOA mean on a scope?
MOA stands for Minute of Angle which is an angular measurement. 1 MOA is 1/60th of a degree and it spreads about 1-inch per 100 yards.
What does objective mean on a riflescope?
The objective on a riflescope is the lens that’s furthest away from your eye. Typically, the objective lens is the biggest part of the whole tube body. It plays a vital role in any riflescope as it determines how much light enters.
Conclusion
Even with a $900 budget, the market offers numerous scopes that are quality, durable and reliable. When looking for the best hunting scope under $900, knowing what to look for will help make your selection process less taxing. All scopes listed above offer great performance and are suitable for multiple hunting applications.