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Best Crossbow Scope for the Money: Functional and Affordable Scopes
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No matter what you use a crossbow for—be it for hunting or target shooting—having a good scope is crucial. However, as with any optical instruments, the price can shoot up astronomically pretty quickly. Finding the best crossbow scope for the money can be like finding a needle in a haystack.
Though it can be difficult to find what you are looking for, you do not need to compromise on quality for the sake of affordability when it comes to crossbow scopes. Using this list as a guide will help you find the best crossbow scope without investing tons of time.
No matter what you use a crossbow for—be it for hunting or target shooting—having a good scope is crucial. However, as with any optical instruments, the price can shoot up astronomically pretty quickly. Finding the best one can be like finding this needle in that haystack!
How to Choose the Best Crossbow Scope for the Money
Budget
The first thing to consider when choosing your scope is your own personal budget. Optical instruments vary widely in price points, so setting your expectations early on will help narrow your field of options. There is no sense in looking at scopes that are over your budget.
Magnification
The second thing to consider when choosing is the top distance from which you plan to shoot. Normally, the more magnification needed, the higher the price tag. Determine exactly what you need from your scope to ensure that you are not disappointed with the one you choose.
What to Look for in a Good Crossbow Scope
Accuracy
While there are a lot of things that you must take into consideration when looking for a crossbow scope, topping off that list is its level of accuracy. There is not much point in using a scope if it doesn’t deliver accurate results.
Performance
Next, look for a scope that holds its position well. Some less expensive scopes tend to drift after being adjusted, and you do not want to readjust for every shot.
Image Clarity
Lastly, check for image clarity. Optics can be tricky when it comes to clarity. Depending on whether you plan on using your crossbow in daytime or low light time, you will need slightly different lens quality for the clearest image.
Lastly, make sure you have the best crossbows for clarity. Depending on whether your going to use it at day or low light hours then lens quality will be different depending on what type of image you want get out there in either bright sunshine or dark night scenes
What kind of sight would suit me? The most important factor when choosing a red dot scope is how much magnification power do they provide; high resolution Reticle designs mean clearer images and more precise aiming points while illuminated reticles shine brightly making them great choice during daylight hours as well.
Best Crossbow Scope for the Money: Top Three Picks
CenterPoint 3×32 Rifle Scope with 30-Yard Parallax
The CenterPoint 3×32 Rifle Scope with 30-Yard Parallax is a good stripped down, cheap option for a crossbow scope. It has multi-coated lenses, which is a benefit. The coating on the lens decreases glare and reflections in any light conditions at different times of day or night.
Another great and helpful feature of this crossbow scope is that it holds its adjustments quite well for longer periods. You do have to affix it tightly to the crossbow, though. Once you have done that, it holds its adjustments consistently, even after many uses over extended periods.
Though it does have many good features, the CenterPoint 3×32 Rifle Scope with 30-Yard Parallax does have some noticeable downsides too. First of all, though it holds adjustments well, the image quality itself leaves something to be desired. In some situations, the image appears a bit foggy.
Another drawback is that this scope is primarily made for close-range targets. Though this scope does work well up to that promised 30-yard distance, after that point, things become less accurate. If you are planning on hunting or long-distance shooting, this scope may be a disappointment to you.
Pros
- Clear, easy to see through lens
- Focuses well
- Easy to adjust
- Great value for money
Cons
- Reticle attracts blemishes easily
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SA Sports 4×32 Illuminated Multi-Reticle Crossbow Scope 550
If you are willing to pay slightly more than the previous option, the SA Sports 4×32 Illuminated Multi-Reticle Crossbow Scope 550 is a great choice. One nice feature of this scope, especially for hunters, is that it has an etched reticle, making lower light visibility much easier.
Another nice feature is that this scope has adjustable brightness and you can change the center dot color from red to green depending on what you prefer. Again, these two features are helpful for hunters in particular. It makes your crossbow useable even during low light times of the day.
Unfortunately, the SA Sports 4×32 Illuminated Multi-Reticle Crossbow Scope does have some cons too. For one thing, this scope is heavier compared to other options on the market. This means you will likely notice the added weight the first time you use the scope on your bow.
Another issue comes from the cap on the battery compartment. As your scope gets more and more complicated, the need for batteries becomes apparent. Unfortunately, the cap on this scope is not made as well as the rest of the scope. After a few uses, the threads strip, making the cap useless.
Pros
- Adjustable brightness
- Awesome, reliable focus knob
- Sharp, well-lit reticule
- Worth the price
- Focuses really fast
Cons
- Quite tricky assembly
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BSA 30mm Red Dot Scope with 5 MOA
The BSA 30mm Red Dot Scope with 5 MOA is certainly the most affordable option on this list, though not by much in the long run. Like the last option, this scope also has adjustable brightness for various light levels. This really does elevate the scope’s value, especially for night hunters.
The accuracy of this scope is really where its qualities shine through the most. The red dot is incredibly accurate, even at long distances. Even up to one hundred feet, the scope is still very accurate up to a few inches. It packs the punch of a much more expensive option too.
Like the previous options, the BSA 30mm Red Dot Scope with 5 MOA is not without its problems. For one, though it technically has 11 different brightness levels, the only noticeable change happens within the highest couple levels. This can be disappointing for some.
Another drawback is that the adjustment knobs do not lock into place after you have adjusted them. This means that they can be easily knocked out of alignment by a slight, accidental bump. This can be very annoying for hunters who are focused on their prey as it could make you miss an opportunity.
Pros
- Pretty well-constructed for the price
- Sight does not get budged easily
- Clear, easy-on-the-eyes red dot
- Easy to sight-in
- Reliable battery life
Cons
- Mount needs improvement
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Conclusion
Choosing the best crossbow scope for the money can be a daunting task. Optics get pricey quickly and, in many cases, the price correlates to the quality of the scope. The three scopes on this list, though, are exceptions to the rule. They offer great optics at great prices for much greater value.
Laying out your expectations, budgets, and needs prior to searching for a scope will certainly make the process smoother and less painful. With a little research, you are sure to find the best crossbow scope for the money for your needs.
About the Author Pink Crossbow
Jen loves the outdoors and enjoys exploring a wide-range of activities. A mother of 3 whose seen far too many friends suffer from cancer, she believes Pink Crossbow reflects a sport for LIFE. It's a reminder that archery belongs to everyone regardless of age, size, or gender...and real enthusiasts aren't afraid to wear pink!