Finding a
It gets even harder if your local range only goes out to 100 yards. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to find a scope for
Scope Magnification for 200 Yards
200 yards is a lot farther than most people realize. Until you actually get to the range it’s hard to visualize how far it actually is. So you’re going to need a whole lot of scope to get out that far.
- 3-9×40: Most people should go with a 3-9x40mm scope at this distance. It’s the most popular magnification level so scopes will be affordable, yet you’ll still have a decent range. At full magnification, it should look like a
20 yard shot. - 4-12×44: With a 4-12x magnification scope you’ll have a closer shot, but you’re stepping up into the next price range. Your shot will look about 5 yards closer than with a 3-9x magnification. You’re stepping into the next price range and you lose a little bit of close range versatility.
What is The Best Scope For 200 Yards?
Check Price: Amazon
The absolute best scope for short-medium range shooting is the Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm scope. Leupold is known for making some of the best scopes on the market. They not only make a
Leupold’s VX-2 scope is an affordable yet extremely efficient scope for the price. The reason people choose Leupold over the competition usually comes down to the optical clarity. Unless you plan on spending close to $1000 a Luepold scope is going to be the clearest scope you can buy. This crystal clear optic uses Leupold’s exclusive Quantum Optical System. This system uses a completely lead free lens with a multiple coatings to reduce glare without affecting clarity. By using a longer eye relief than most of the competition Leupold extends the versatility of their lineup. At close to 4.2″ you will be able to use this scope comfortably on almost any rifle.
With an overall length of 12.6″ and weight of 11.2 oz this isn’t a tiny package. So if you’re looking for a relatively small scope you might want to pick one of my other options. With increased size comes an increase of durability. Using a reinforced oxygen purged and nitrogen purged design, you will have decades of waterproof and fogproof performance. The waterproof and shockproof design paired with Leupold’s warranty, you won’t have to worry about damaging this scope. When shooting out to 200 yards I typically prefer a 3-9x magnification scope but there’s lots of other options. With a 3-9x scope you have the option to shoot anywhere from 50 yards out to about 500 yards. The large tactile .25 MOA turrets and smooth operation you will be able to easily dial in your shot.
2. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Scope
Check Price: Amazon
Another great option for
With a Vortex scope you know you’re getting an extremely durable scope at a great price. Like Leupold Vortex has a no questions asked lifetime warranty on all of their products. When you’re looking for a lot of features at an affordable price you can’t go wrong with a Vortex scope.
Vortex Optics’ Crossfire II scope is another great optic for medium range target practice. The Crossfire series of rifle scopes comes in almost any magnification level you can imagine.
For 200 yards a 3-9x magnification is about perfect. Vortex makes a consumer grade scope that performs better than most of the competition.
They use a very clear
Vortex uses a very rugged design with a relatively small footprint. The
Throw in the shockproof shell and you have a scope that can take some serious abuse. The low price and sturdy design make it the perfect scope for your next hunting rifle.
3. Nikon Buckmaster II 3-9x40mm
Check Price: Amazon
Nikon’s Buckmaster II is another great budge rifle scope. Most people know Nikon as a camera manufacturer, but they make some very nice scopes. Nikon has been making
The Nikon Buckmaster II performs like a much more expensive scope. The Buckmaster lineup of scopes is Nikon’s entry level grade of scope. Since Nikon doesn’t have an extensive lineup of scopes they are able to offer significantly lower prices than their competition. The Buckmaster is an extremely durable scope for the price. It offers a 100 percent waterproof and fog proof housing and a limited lifetime warranty. It feels a little bit weaker than the Leupold and Vortex but it should last a long time. Being an optic company Nikon offers a very clear sight picture for the price. The clarity is on par with the Vortex Crossfire and offers a multicoated lens. Nikon boasts that the lenses provide over 92 percent anti reflection capability, but you might see some glare when the suns behind you. The Nikon Buckmaster is a great budget option.
4. UTG 3-12x44mm Compact Scope
Check Price: Amazon
The UTG 3-12x44mm Compact scope is another great option. You may not have heard of UTG scopes, but they have been making a name for themselves in the firearm industry.
UTG Scopes have been around since the
UTG’s 3-12x44mm Compact scope gives you a little more magnification to reach out a few hundred yards. The UTG scope is comparable quality to the above Nikon and offers a little bit more magnification range.
This 3-12x magnification scope will allow you to extend your range out a little farther than the above scopes. UTG scopes have a lot of features that aren’t found on other scopes in this price range.
It includes a range Estimating reticle which should make life a little bit easier in the field. The parallax free optic is almost unprecedented at this price point. The reticle color can be changed from black to red or green which will help in high glare or low light environments.
This compact scope has a very durable design for the price. It uses a high strength platform and is completely
Final Verdict
Without spending a ton of cash the best scope your going to find is the Leupold VX-2 Riflescope. You can’t beat the clarity found in this Leupold Scope. If you are looking for a feature packed moderately priced scope try the Vortex Optics Crossfire II. The best budget scopes are the Nikon Buckmasters II and UTG Compact Scope. All four of these scopes will make a great addition to any medium range hunting rifle.