Last Updated on July 14, 2022 by Albert Smith
Best Air Rifle Scope Under 400
Scopes are the tools that give a shooter to see objects from a low distance and hit the target. So if you buy a scope that can not do the job you brought for then it is no use to you. Again we are talking about a large sum of money. So before going out and buying a random scope that cant full fill your needs do research and compare between the various products and brands and choose the one that suits you the most.
Now let’s talk about and see the features of some of the top popular and top-rated scopes under $400. This will help you decide what to look for in scope and help you get the most out of your cash.
Best Air Rifle Scope Under 400 Dollar List
01) Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope Review
Leupold, a top American scope-making brand presents you their one of the best scopes and has been one of the most popular models for decades. This thing just works no matter the shooting condition. From close to long-range there isn’t any problem thanks to its versatile magnification range.
- Model Number 170680: VX-3i 3. 5-10x40 millimeter with Duplex reticle and Matte finish
- 100% Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
- DiamondCoat 2: Ion-assist lens coating for higher light transmission and the greatest level of abrasion resistance.
- Precision 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments for windage and elevation offer absolute repeatability and dependability over a lifetime of extreme use.
- Made with 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum and punisher tested to a lifetime of performance even under harshest recoil.
Last update on 2024-12-26 / Ads
An SFP design with a Duplex reticle is the reason behind its popularity and appreciation. With duplex reticle the low light performance is excellent and the thin lines at the center allow quick target acquisition.
With ¼ precise Moa elevation and windage, the scope is steady during high recoil and 6061-T6 aluminum used in aircraft making makes this scope extra durable so it can stay in one piece during high recoil.
If you want to know the greatest thing this particular scope has then it is the Twilight Max Light Management System. For this, you can use the scope in extra low light situations, and also is responsible for reducing glare making the image sharp and crisp in any situation.
The optics used in making this are treated with a special hardened coating making them scratch-resistant so you can keep shooting without any worries. Also, the scope is both water and fog-proof thanks to Leupold’s advanced gas sealing method.
For long-lasting, there is no other scope like this. Tested in extreme conditions for a brief period to check its durability. The full lifetime warranty also shows that Leupold is confident about its product.
The Pros.
- Twilight Max Lighting System
- Multi-coated optics
- SFP Duplex reticle design
- Lifetime warranty
- Great value for money
The Cons.
- No illuminated reticle
- Turret needs improvement
02) Burris Signature HD Hunting Rifle Scope Review
This is also another excellent scope in this category. If you are a shooter who often shoots at short distances then this Burris scope might be the right choice for you because of its wide viewing angle and low magnification. Also, it has got all the features that might help you in a short-distance shooting.
- Wide viewing angle and low magnification is great for shooters and hunters who routinely shoot at shorter distances; Features the Ballistic E3 reticle that provides shooters a simple method for determining holdover and wind drift
- Built with a 1-inch nitrogen-filled tube and includes new push/pull locking turrets and a zero stop feature that automatically stops the elevation turret at your zero distance, making setting the zero stop easier than ever
- Rear focal plane Ballistic E3 reticle calibrated for traditional, magnum and varmint loads; Hash marks on lower vertical crosshair are calibrated for aiming from 100 to 400 yards
- 5x zoom system with premium, multi-coated glass for crisp, bright image; Waterproof, shockproof and fog proof
- Covered by the Burris Forever Warranty. We will repair or replace your Burris optic if it is damaged or defective. Warranty does not cover loss, theft, deliberate damage or cosmetic damage that does not hinder the performance of the product
Last update on 2024-12-26 / Ads
The reticle used in this scope is also an interesting feature. Reticle used in this scope is known as E3 MOA. It is a rear focal plane design and calibrated for magnum, varmint also traditional loads. It provides a simple method for determining your holdover and wind drift.
Turret used in this model is a push/pull design. Pull the dial when need to use then simply push down to lock it in place. This prevents the accidental turning of the turret dials which everyone hates. Also, the inclusion of zero stop technology helps to automatically stop at zero distance.
Multi-coated glass producing crips, sharp and bright image is shock and waterproof. The 1-inch tube is nitrogen sealed eliminating the possibility of fogging and water penetration.
The Burris Forever Warranty speaks for the quality of the brand and the scope itself.
The Pros.
- E3 MOA reticle
- Push/pull turrets
- Zero stop feature
- Coated fog/waterproof optics
- Lifetime warranty
The Cons.
- No illumination on the reticle
- Sometime tough to hold zero.
03) Night Owl Optics NightShot Digital Night Vision Riflescope Review
Shooting at night time often requires costly night vision equipment. But with the help of the latest technology getting a high-quality night vision scope is possible now. This Night Owl optics with the help of An IR illuminator enables a hunter to hunt even at night time.
- Easy-to-use: Mount, Sight, Shoot
- Call for mounting advice: (800) 444-5994
- Range: 100 yds. in typical nighttime environments
- High resolution, 640X480 display
- For use with rifles up to 30 caliber (see below)
Last update on 2024-12-26 / Ads
One thing this scope is known for is its easy-to-use design. After getting the scope just mount it on your gun and start shooting it is as simple as that. This might be an IR-scope but you can use it daytime as well.
Built-in infrared illuminator gives the incredible power to see clearly in the dark. Also, the 2x optical magnification is there to help you shoot the target further. 100-200 yards is the range in typical nighttime environments.
The optional high power IR850-NS is also available for separate purchase to add more range to the scope
In this model, you can select from 3 reticles and also can be configured to the taste of the shooter. With a high-resolution 640×480 display, you can see what you are shooting clearly and sharply. It uses 4x AA batteries and you can expect runtime from 4-7 hours depending on the setting you are using.
If you choose to buy this scope then keep in mind that the scope is not rated for any bullet over 30 calibers. Using higher caliber might damage the internals.
The Pros.
- Reasonably priced compared to features
- Easy to use
- 3x optical magnification
- High-resolution screen
- Weatherproof
- Night Vision Feature
- High-quality infrared illuminator
The Cons.
- Plastic build
- Requires 4x AA battery
- Short-range
04) Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescopes
In rifle scope market vortex is a very similar name. their diamondback tactical FFP scopes are considered one of the best in this price range. Its FFP design with a premium EBR-2C reticle is usually a feature of much more expensive scopes.
Its EBR-2C MOA reticle is designed to maximize long-range shooting and its information-packed reticle is very effective for range determination, holdover, and windage correction. The fine center crosshair is optimum for aiming precisely even in low light.
The exposed tactical turrets with zero reset making adjustments make sure to get back to zero easy and quick. It also modifiable parallax with this shooters can zero out all the errors from 10 yards.
The extra-low dispersion glass element aka XD increases resolution and color resulting in a clear and sharp image. Also, the multi-coating on the optics makes the glass anti-reflective so that you can shoot in harsh light and the raised rib on the magnification ring makes magnification adjustments fast and accurately.
Made from aircraft-grade aluminum with an anodized hard matte finish makes the scope extra tough and can withstand all the use and abuse of shooting. It also has an accurate force spring system that ensures all-out repeatability and ease of modification.
This vortex is a great deal and is surely an excellent choice in this $400 range.it has the premium build quality and the performance is on par with other expensive scopes. Also, the lifetime warranty will give you more confidence to use the scope to its limits.
The Pros.
- Premium EBR-2C reticle
- XD glass
- Tough build quality
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
The Cons.
- No zero stop
- Not illuminated and clarity issues at long range.
03) Nikon P-Tactical .223 3-9×40 Matte BDC600
This Nikon p-tactical gives you all the features you need to make your shooting session fun. Nikon has been making quality glass for a long time now. So when comes to optics they are the specialists. With a crystal clear and sharp image now you can aim accurately and make every shot count.
- The BDC 600 reticle offers Shooters unique open circle aiming points and hash marks from 100 to 600 yards
- One inch body tube
- Spring loaded instant zero resets turrets
- Elevated windage and elevation turrets
- Generous consistant Eye relief
Last update on 2024-12-26 / Ads
3x-9x magnification is versatile for all shooting scenarios. It provides a wide field of view at low magnification and a detailed image at the high end to see the target. The BDC 600 with new MK1 and MK1-MRAD reticles are designed to give accurate information of the target and offer unique open circle aiming points and hash marks from 100 to 600 yards.
Nikon also made sure that the scope is user-friendly. The turrets and zoom rings have knurling to ensure a better grip. This gives the shooter the ability to adjust the dials precisely.
Thanks to the spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets adjusting windage and elevation was never been this easy. Also, the quick focus eyepiece turns smoothly for sharp focusing.
With its durable build quality, it is sure to impress you. Made with strong but lightweight aluminum makes the scope feel premium and the O-ring sealed tube prevents any moisture from entering the chamber. Also, it is nitrogen purged for total protection against thermal shock.
The Pros.
- Best in class Nikon optics
- BDC 600 reticle
- Excellent clarity and sharpness
- Spring-loaded zero-reset turrets
- Weather sealed chamber
The Cons.
- Not very long range
- Doesn’t come with scope rings
Conclusion
Now when you are going to get your scope, try to make sure it has all the necessary features you need and also the basics that a good scope must-have. Always check the range, optics quality, coating on the glass, build quality, etc. Comparing various brands and models is also a good idea.
With $400 which is a respectable budget for a scope if you know what and where to look for then you can get yourself a pretty good scope and will be impressed by it. But if you have more expectations and want to get a more feature-packed scope then it is best to loosen your wallet and increase the budget.
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