If you are looking for the best Vortex riflescopes under $400 then you have come to the right place. You may have been made to believe that the best rifle scopes cost a fortune. This is not necessarily true although finding an affordable scope that provides both dependable performance and affordability can be challenging.
Gone are the days when scopes’ overall quality and performance were dedicated by the prize. In this quick read, we take you through some of the best Vortex scopes under 400 that offer decent performance to boost your hunting and shooting experience.
5 Best Vortex Scopes under $400
Why would you not buy a quality scope that comes from a trusted company, with beautiful features and falls within your purchasing power? Of course, with the right kind of guidance, and given that you find a Vortex scope that suits your needs but falls within this price range, you can easily purchase one.
#1) Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-16×50 mm Riflescope
If you are looking for a Vortex scope that there is no compromising on, then Crossfire II is the way to go. This scope brings you longer eye relief, a fast-focus eyepiece, resettable MOA turrets, and fully multi-coated lenses.
At below just $400, this scope is clear, tough, and bright, this scope gives other value-priced riflescopes a force to reckon with. Although it cannot compare to the other high-end scopes, the Crossfire II gets your shooting done quite well without breaking the bank.
The scope also comes packaged with a Vortex VIP Warranty so your scope will be repaired at no extra cost in case it gets damaged or defective.
The scope is made from hard anodized single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum that is nitrogen purged and its o-ring is sealed to boost its resistance to harsh usage weather conditions.
It is durable enough and will serve you for longer. Get yourself this scope that ranks among the best Vortex scopes under 400 elevate alignment and improve your accuracy with an optimum visual performance.
Features
- Fully Multi-Coated
- Second Focal Plane Reticle
- 30 mm Diameter Tube Size
- Single-Piece Tube
- Constructed from Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
- Water Proof, shockproof, and fog-proof
- Capped Reset Turrets which allow quick turret re-indexing
- Adjustable Objectives
- Fast Focus Eyepiece which allows for quick and easy reticle focusing
#2) Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50mm Riflescope
If you are looking for the best Vortex scopes under 400, you ought to consider the Vortex Diamondback. Its 6-24x magnification suits it for both close and long-range shooting, thereby making it a perfect option for gun lovers who enjoy both close- and long-range shooting.
To maximize clarity, the scope’s optics are fully multi-coated, with a special anti-reflective coating on the glass that reduces glare thereby boosting light transmission. For its price and the lovable quality of images it provides, this scope surely is one of the best vortex scopes under 400.
Packed with an illuminated reticle, this scope ensures you do not strain your eyes when the light is low. Its fast-focus eyepiece also ensures that you spend the minimum time possible acquiring your target. The scope provides you with an effortless experience switch between magnifications thanks to the brilliant precision of its glide erector system.
All Vortex-made scopes are a great deal but the Diamondback is indeed a quality just under $400 that will make you enjoy the crisp elevation and windage turrets as you will be able to reset to zero.
The scope’s 30 mm tube is made of aircraft-grade aluminum which makes it weather and shockproof, and tough enough. It will be able to serve you longer so there is no reason for you to second-guess before you purchase it, expect strength and durability.
Vortex scopes are a great deal and the Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50mm surely is a high-quality optic under $400. Its impressive output can keep up with you in locking your targets and it is easy to use. Built for lifetime use, having this scope gives you peace of mind as it will take you ages to even think of getting another scope.
Features
- XD Lens Elements
- Full Multi-Coating
- Magnification Rib
- First-Focus Eyepiece
- Glass-Etched Reticle
- Tube Size
- Precision-Force Spring System
- Fogproof
- Shockproof
- Waterproof
- Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
- Precision-Glide Erector System
#3) Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-24×50 mm Riflescope
This scope, usable for both hunting and target shooting, delivers an exceeding performance standard of same-range priced scopes. With it you will be sure to enjoy long eye relief, improved, resettable MOA, fully multicoated lens, and a fast-focus eyepiece.
The 6-24×50 Adjustable Objective Crossfire II riflescope brings you magnificent long eye relief, fast focus eyepiece, and quality manufacture that indeed makes it among the top best Vortex scopes under 400.
The full multi-coating in the optics of the Vortex Crossfire II results in excellent light transmission. This makes it ideal for early morning or twilight hunting when most targets are active, which makes it one of the best Vortex scopes under 400.
Its performance is consistent thanks to the single-piece aircraft-aluminum grade tube that is nitrogen purged and a sealed o-ring which makes it resistant to water, fog, and shock.
If you want a serious and durable scope for fast and accurate long-range shooting without digging deep into your pockets then the Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-24×50 mm riflescope is a good choice for you.
Features
- Fully Multi-Coated
- Second Focal Plane Reticle
- 30 mm Tube Size
- Single-Piece Tube
- Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
- Waterproof
- Fogproof
- Shockproof
- Hard-Anodized Finish
- Capped Rest Turrets
- Adjustable Objective
- Fast-Focus Eyepiece
#4) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 mm Riflescope
Delivering Vortex’s legendary performance. the Strike Eagle Riflescope offers even more features in an updated body, making it a good choice for value-minded scope enthusiasts who need an optic that looks as good as it shoots. With its 1x magnification on the low end, you will get to enjoy a rapid engagement of targets from point-blank to extended ranges.
Its versatility makes it one of the best Vortex scopes under 400 as your rapid shooting at near and far distances gets aided by the glass-etched, illuminated AR-BDC3 reticle. It also has a thread-in throw lever that helps you set the magnification even faster after rounds of shooting.
The 1 MOA center dot provides you with a precise aiming point while with surrounding 16.625 MOA, your eyes get set into the center which enables you to acquire the target rapidly.
With the BDC, you are kept on target out to 650 yards. This scope gives you an optical quality that is at par with most market competitors at a pocket-friendly price. Get yours today.
Features
- Illuminated Reticle
- Fully Multi-Coated
- Second Focal Plane Reticle
- Aircraft Grade Aluminum
- Single-Piece Tube
- Shockproof
- Waterproof
- Fog-proof
- ArmoTek coating protects the exterior lenses from scratch
#5) Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40mm Riflescope
Take your shooting experience to another level with the Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40mm which brings you features suited for hunting at all levels of experience.
The first thing you enjoy with this scope is the clearest imaginable target sight as its fully multi-coated extra-low dispersion lenses vastly improve color fidelity and resolution while ensuring maximum light transmission occurs.
With this scope, you can handle rough hunts for a lifetime thanks to the aircraft-grade aluminum it is built with. This coating has a hard-anodized finish and is resistant to water, fog, and shock.
You will be able to make quick and easier adjustments due to its exposed turrets when handling big game hunting where every second counts. The exposed turrets also allow for quick and precise bullet drop and wind drift compensation for long-range targets.
This scope is affordable yet very functional and is of good quality. It comes with a zero-reset feature that lets you re-index the zero reference marks on both turrets after sighting in.
Features
- XD Lens Elements
- XR Fully Multi-Coated
- Second Focal Plane Reticle
- Glass-etched Reticle
- Waterproof
- Shockproof
- Fog-proof
- Radius Bar
- Fast Focus Eyepiece
- Tube Size
- Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
- Exposed Tactical-Style Turrets
- Precision-Glide Erector Finish
Related Posts
- Best Vortex Whitetail Scopes
- Best Vortex Spotting Scopes
- Best Vortex Scopes for Elk Hunting
- Best Vortex Scopes for 30-06
- Best Vortex Scopes for 6.5 Grendel
Best Vortex Scopes under 400 Buying Guide
Choosing the Best Vortex Scopes Under 400
Choosing the best Vortex scopes under 400 may seem like a daunting task but an achievable one. Of course, you will end up getting one that can boost your shooting experience and up your game, but there are some crucial considerations you will have to factor in so you can end up with a perfect scope while on a tight budget.
Lens Coating
The best Vortex scopes under 400 must at the very least be multi-coated. This helps in boosting the sight of the target image. You can also factor in the brightness settings that the scope comes with.
Shooting Range
It is important to know the exact kind of shooting you get involved in when choosing a scope. For mid-range shooting, look for a scope that is compatible with mid-range shooting. For mid-range shooting, the priority is often on speed and movement while for long-range shooting, precision is ensured at 100% and higher magnification is key.
Compatibility
Where you intend to use your scope should also be a key factor to consider. You need to ask yourself whether your scope and gun will perfectly match and complement each other.
While taking your shots, the accuracy with which you will be able to lock in the target will be dictated by how your gun and scope will be able to work in unison. Also, note that you will need a scope that will be able to withstand the frequent recoil of your gun.
Read: Best Vortex Scopes for Coyote Hunting
Objective Lens
This is one of the most critical considerations you have to put in mind since the clarity of your image will greatly depend on it. A bigger lens is always a smart move regardless of your shooting light conditions.
A bigger lens allows more light which in turn improves image quality. Always choose a bigger objective lens but bear in mind that the bigger the lens, the heavier it is as well.
Material
You most definitely will need a scope with longevity and durability. Therefore, choose a scope that is made of aircraft-grade aluminum that will be able to last you a good number of years. Aircraft-grade aluminum tubes last longer.
Precision Power
Whether you are a long-range or mid-range shooter, whichever scope you choose must be able to give you optimum precision. Optimum precision complements your skills thereby enhancing the efficiency with which you get to lock your targets.
See Also
- Best Vortex Scopes for 6.5 Creedmoor
- Best Vortex Scopes for 300 Win Mag
- Best Vortex Scopes for Varmints
- Best Vortex Long-Range Scopes
What to expect from a Riflescope under $400?
With a $400 price limit, at the very least expect a scope with a multi-coated lens, and one made out of high-grade aluminum to ensure longevity and durability. Quality and image when you zoom in will depend on the model and brand. Vortex is a top brand and so expect high-quality images with their scopes.
This price range also covers scopes designed to resist harsh weather and expect them to be resistant to water and for. Vortex copes also come with a lifetime warranty and so at no extra cost, your scope will be repaired in case of damages. You will also expect fully multi-coated scopes with adjustable objective lenses for under $400.
Expect a lifetime warranty with the Vortex scopes on the list. Although every company will tell you that their scopes last long, the guarantee only lies where there is a lifetime warranty.
A lifetime warranty gives you extra peace of mind knowing that your optic will last for years and that you are investing in a high-quality product. Below is our list of some of Vortex’s best scopes under 400.
Why Choose Vortex Riflescopes?
Vortex offers the best under $400 rifle scopes that can meet your needs if you are on a tight budget, as they are designed to suit a wide range of shooting applications. Vortex is a trustworthy family-owned business that offers durable and high-quality optics and you can never go wrong when you go the Vortex way.
Conclusion
Selecting and buying the best Vortex scopes under 400 becomes even easier when you have your shooting requirements in mind. When you supplement that with the information you obtain by reading this guide, you will be able to make a satisfying purchase.
Our review has shared scopes that have adequate mechanisms of adjustment and features that will enhance your shooting, as well as factors you need to consider when purchasing the best Vortex scopes under 400. We hope that it helped narrow down your search.