If you are on the hunt for the best scope for 30-06 under $200, you have come to the right place.
In this post, we are going to take you through the best and most affordable 30-06 scopes.
A scope is an indispensable item to have for your 30-06. It will broaden your vision and allow for precise target acquisition.
A good quality optic will also help you locate targets at a distance that could have otherwise been hard to see with your naked eyes.
These scopes are cost-effective yet quality. They offer many features that will typically be good enough for hunting and informal target shooting. That said, let’s take a look.
Best Scope for 30-06 under $200-Top Picks
1) Vortex Crossfire II SFP 1-inch Riflescopes
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You get a top-tier scope with high-quality features when you purchase the Crossfire II rifle scope. This scope has many configurations (2-7×32, 3-9×40,3-9×50 and 4-12×44).
The scopes are ideal for both close and mid-range shots.
The riflescope features a solid1-inch main tube built for performance.
It is built from aircraft-grade aluminum so it is lightweight yet durable. Furthermore, it is shockproof and impact resistant to stand harsh impacts, and fully waterproof and fog proof to provide a lifetime of all-weather reliability.
Made with beginners in mind, the scope offers a wide array of user-friendly features. First, it is light for easy carrying in the field. It features different reticles which compensate bullet drops through specific velocities and a fast-focus eyepiece for smooth reticle focusing.
It also brings to the table a long eye relief that aids in rapid target acquisition.
Another strength of the scope is that it provides unparalleled low-light performance.
It has anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses that increase light transmission and alleviate light loss through reflection. The result is brighter, crisp, and razor-sharp views for the user even in poor light settings.
Features
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Multi reticles ( Dead-Hold BDC V-Plex, V-Brite Illuminated, and Straight Wall BDC)
- Lightweight and portable
- Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses
- Variable magnification
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Single piece tube
- Long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box
- Capped resettable MOA turrets
Pros
- Multiple magnification configurations
- Long eye relief
- Great for hunting and shooting at varying ranges
- Anti-reflective and fully multi-coated lenses
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged for a weatherproof performance
- Fast-focus eyepiece
Cons
- None
2) Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Rifle Scope
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The Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Rifle Scope will help you get the job done every time you hit the range or hunting field.
It offers reliable performance and reliability at an amazingly low price point.
Featuring a versatile 3:1 zoom, this scope is ideal for virtually any situation. It provides an ultra-wide field of view which is what most hunters need for easy target identification.
It also boasts Twilight Light Management System which maximizes light transmission when hunting under twilight conditions.
The new VX -freedom is built to last. It is crafted with 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum and punisher tested to offer a lifetime of performance even under the harshest recoil.
Additionally, the exterior lenses are scratch resistant to military standards for added protection.
Above all, this rugged and top-performing scope is 100% waterproof and fog proof for all-weather reliability.
Features
- Finger-click dial system
- Exit Pupil: 5 mm
- One-inch main tube
- 3:1 zoom ration
- Objective Lens Diameter: 20 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Magnification: 1.5 – 4 x
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Field of View, Linear: 74.2 – 29.4 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4.2 – 3.7 in
- scratch resistant lenses
- 1/4 MOA adjustment click value
Pros
- Twilight Light Management System
- Waterproof & Fogproof
- Ultra-Lightweight Design
- Aircraft Quality Aluminum construction
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
- No adjustable objective
3) Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
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When it comes to durability and versatility, it is hard to go wrong with the Diamondback 4-12×40 riflescope.
It has a solid one-piece tube that is crafted from air-craft grade aluminum alloy. This durable construction makes the scope virtually indestructible and resistant to magnum recoil.
The versatility of this riflescope is exceptional. It is ideal for big game hunting, varmint/predator control, muzzleloader, slug shotgun, and long-range applications.
It also features a variable 4-12x magnification for shooting at varying ranges and a Dead-Hold BDC reticle which is ideal for hunting or shooting at different ranges where estimating hold-over would be a concern.
Furthermore, the scope has fully multi-coated optics for bright and clear image production and a precision glide erector system that provides accurate tracking and repeatability.
For added convenience, it has a lightweight design for convenient carrying in the field and it also comes with a fast-focus eyepiece that aids in quick target acquisition.
Features
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Magnification: 4 – 12 x
- Aircraft Grade Aluminum construction
- Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Fully Multi-Coated optical coating
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 3.3 – 10 mm
- Fast Focus Eyepiece
- Hard Anodized finish
- Field of View, Linear: 11.3 – 32.4 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.1 – 3.4 in
- Water/fog and shockproof
Pros
- Versatile 4-12x magnification
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Air-craft grade aluminum alloy housing
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Precision glide erector system
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Precision glide erector system
- Ultra-lightweight design
- Metal-on-metal precision turrets
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
4) Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope
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This Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope offers a wide array of high-end and reliable features at a remarkably low cost.
It is user-friendly and ideal for all users regardless of their skills and expertise.
An unmatched low-light performance awaits you when you purchase this scope. It features Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses which maximize light transmission to provide optimal clarity and brightness from sunrise to sunset.
It also features an SFP Multi-X crosshair reticle which remains visible even at dusk or dawn. This helps make hunting in poor light environments a walk in the park.
When it comes to construction, the scope offers unbeatable durability. It is built with the highest quality materials for ultimate durability. It has a waterproof construction to prevent the entry of dust and moisture that can damage optics and it is fully fog proof as well.
In addition to everything else, this top-performing scope also comes with capped windage and elevation turrets for added protection and a fast-focus eyepiece that aids in rapid and simple reticle focusing.
Features
- Objective lens: 40mm
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Bright and Accurate riflescope
- Resettable Windage and Elevation Adjustments
- Reticle: Multi-X
- Fully Multi-coated lenses
- Field of View (ft@100 ft. / m@100 m): 32/10.7@3x 11/3.7@9x
- Argon Purged Fog-Proofing
- Adj Range in@100yds/ mm@100m: 60 / 1.7
- Weight (oz. / g): 13 / 369
- Exit Pupil (mm): 13@3x 4.4@9x
- Eye Relief (in / mm): 6 / 153
- IPX7 Waterproof construction
- Fast-Focus Eyepiece
Pros
- Quality optics with HD clarity
- SFP multi-X crosshair reticle
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 3 inches of eye relief
- Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses
- Durable construction
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Capped resettable turrets
- 1/4 MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustments
Cons
- Lasts up to 30 minutes only when immersed in water
Related
- 7 Best Scope for 30-06.Tikka T3x, BSA 30-06 Scopes
- 6 Best Vortex Scopes for 30-06
- 4 Best Leupold Scopes for 30-06
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Scope for 30-06 under $200
With the market offering a wide array of budget scopes suitable for 30-06, here are some key factors to consider before you settle on a specific optic.
Magnification
Magnification is the first thing to look at when choosing a scope for 30-06. Typically, your ideal magnification will largely depend on your individual preference, game you will be pursuing, and the range at which you will be shooting.
For big-game hunting, you will need a scope that covers both mid and long ranges. This calls for a variable power scope with not less than 9x magnification. With such a scope, you will be able to pursue your game easily in different environments.
If you are looking to pursue smaller games at closer ranges, look for a medium power scope with not more than 9x. Too much magnification at close ranges is not necessary and it can be overkill.
Objective Lens
The size of the objective lens determines how much light gets into the scope. If you are looking to use the scope for low-light hunting or shooting, the bigger the objective lens it has, the better.
It will optimize light collection and provide brighter sight pictures. Besides, a large objective lens provides a large field of view which is what most hunters need.
However, it is important to note that extra-big objective lenses make the scopes heavy, bulky, and costly. For hunting, 50mm is the largest you should go. Furthermore, if you are looking for a general-purpose scope, a model with a 40 to 42mm objective lens diameter will do.
Lenses
Another important thing to look at keenly is the quality of lenses the scope presents. To get the most out of your scope, make sure that you choose a model that has the best glass you can afford.
Rifle scopes with ED glass are the best in terms of the quality of glass. They reduce chromatic aberration to deliver sharp and more natural images.
In addition to quality glass, make sure that the lenses of the scope feature quality coatings. Lens coatings maximize light transmission and shield the lenses from scratches. Go for a scope that features multi-layer lens coatings.
Tube Diameter
Not so long ago, almost every hunting scope had a 1-inch main tube diameter. However, in this day and age, that has changed. In present times, we have scopes with larger 30mm or 34mm tube sizes.
A larger-diameter tube provides more room for the reticle to move which increases the adjustment range. Bigger scopes tubes are also more durable as they are sturdier and more rigid.
Durability
A durable scope is a reliable scope. The last thing you would want is to invest in a scope that ends up breaking down after a couple of outdoor excursions. Instead, you will want a scope that lasts as long as your rifle.
For your scope to be durable, it must be well-built with high-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum. It should be shockproof to stand rough handling and have a hard anodized finish which protects it from rust when you use it in humid environments.
It is also wise to get a scope that is both waterproof and fog-resistant for added durability.
Best Scope for 30-06 under $200 FAQs
- What is a good scope for 30-06?
An Excellent rifle scope for 30-06 is one that works best for your individual shooting or hunting needs. It should have a powerful zoom range, good-quality optics, and durable construction. It should also be user-friendly and weatherproof.
- Can a 30-06 kill a deer?
Yes, a 30-06 can kill a deer. With a good 150gr bullet, you will be able to shoot and kill deer or any other deer-like game ethically on the first shot. The bullet shoots flat to deliver a muzzle energy that is powerful enough for any deer.
Conclusion
We do hope that you have found the information in this post enlightening. Remember that what you intend to use the scope for will largely determine which scope you choose.
It is important that you choose a scope that matches your hunting/shooting style and one that aligns with the 30-06 round and the recoil that you will be dealing with.