Best Scope for 200 Yards in 2024

200 yard or longer shots may seem like a piece of cake to the sharpshooters, but not to the beginners. We always recommend the newcomers to practice at shorter distances first with a quality bolt action rifle and a scope since they often have the tendency to jump into the “long-range rifle” wagon.

Here the RangerExpert team reviewed the best scopes for under 200 yards. By the time you’re done going through this article, you’ll surely have a clear idea about which scope to pick!

Top 5 Best Scopes for 200 Yards We Reviewed

Vortex Optics 3-9×40 Crossfire II Riflescope (Editor Choice)

Vortex is a well-known brand that prides itself on high-quality shooting gear and equipment. This scope is beautifully manufactured with a magnification range of 3x to 9x. The objective lens is 40mm which is more than enough to provide clear and bright images. You will be able to catch a good amount of light with an objective lens of this size. The magnification range is ideal for a great scope for 200 yards.

The 3.8-inch eye relief is good enough to shoot comfortably even if you wear glasses. It also makes it easier to target faster because you just have to lift it to your eye. The lenses are not only clear, but they are anti-reflective and fully multi-coated as well for added protection. With lenses and an objective lens of this quality, every image you see will be clear and bright.

To add durability and longevity to the list of advantages, this device has capped turrets. The caps protect the reset turrets and prevent you from accidentally adjusting them while you shoot. The turrets themselves are finger adjustable and it was easy for them to make changes while aiming. MOA clicks are present, and they can be reset to zero after you sight in. The tube is made of aircraft-grade aluminum to protect the lenses from the environment.

Finally, you get a lifetime limited warranty if you buy the Crossfire II which you don’t even need because of the amazing features available. Weather resistance and shock resistance add to the long list of pros that comes with this purchase. You also get a lens cloth and removable lens cover when you buy the Crossfire II.

Specifications

Pros

• Weatherproof
• Shockproof
• Lifetime limited warranty
• Nitrogen purged
• Long eye relief

Cons

• Difficult to zero
• Takes practice to use

Our Verdict

The Crossfire II is by far the best overall scope for shooting at 200 yards. It ticks all the boxes and once you are familiar with it you wouldn’t need more than a few shots to have it zeroed. We had the zero remaining consistent even after 300 rounds of shots! That was more than we expected from such a lowly priced model.

On top of that, the weather-resistant features make it easy to use in any environment that you find yourself in. Harsh conditions are no match for the durability of this optical tool. The warranty and affordability are just a few extra bonuses that you receive when you invest in this great device. We think, under $200, this one is simply unbeatable.

UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope (Also Great)

The UTG is a tactical scope that allows you to aim accurately and quickly. The mil-dot reticle gives you precision and accuracy just as you expect from a quality scope. You will be happy to spend your hard-earned money on an optical tool such as this one. There are many advantages to buying it and it can make you shoot like a professional. The reticle also comes with 36 colors when you need them.

Weather resistance is a must with these optical tools because you can’t wait for a sunny day to go shooting. Being nitrogen filled, the UTG will not fog up on humid or cold days no matter how often you’re using it. It is shockproof to make sure it lasts as long as possible regardless of the vibrations that it has to endure. Finally, it is rain-proof for shooting on rainy days in the forest. These features work together to increase the durability and longevity of your device.

The lenses offer great clarity and bright images because of the emerald coating. There is an angled built-in sunshade that prevents too much sunlight from causing a glare as you aim. A flip-open lens cap is also available and keeps your lens safe when you are not using them. This will ensure that your optics stay high quality for as long as possible. A housing design keeps circuitry safe so that illumination is not interrupted regardless of the circumstances.

A limited lifetime warranty awaits the buyer of this great device and it is an affordable purchase to make. It is better to opt for good quality instead of spending money on constant repairs.

Specifications

Pros

• Rain-proof
• Nitrogen purged
• Uninterrupted illumination
• Built-in sunshade
• 36 -color EZ tap reticle

Cons

• Shorter eye relief
• Need practice to use efficiently

Our Verdict

It may not be as affordable as some of the other options on our list, but there is a reason why it is more expensive. The unique features make it a one-of-a-kind device to have in your hunting gear. Besides that, it is also high quality and will likely last you for many years to come.

The warranty adds more pros to the list and makes it easier to purchase this fantastic product. Remember that it might take some practice to master changing colors on the reticle.

UTG 3-9×32 1” BugBuster Scope (Best Value)

The BugBuster may have a smaller magnification range than other options on our list, but that is enough to cover 200 yards and more.

The objective lens is large enough to provide bright and clear images without being too heavy or in the way. Luckily, this device comes with mounting rings, so you don’t have to buy them separately. The only downside to this is that you cannot be sure whether the rings will fit your rifle or not.

The 1-inch tube and emerald coating make sure that light transmission is optimal for the best quality images while aiming. You can easily lock and reset the turrets with MOA click adjustment that makes it easier to adjust accurately. The objective lens is also adjustable and can be adjusted from 3 yards to infinity. Although this feature is better for more experienced shooters, beginners can benefit from familiarizing themselves with this feature. Red/green dual illumination will help you find the right dials and also make your optics much more versatile.

With a large field of view, you can see almost all of your target’s surroundings with crystal clear images. Eye relief is much larger than some of the other options on our list which makes this an ideal scope for people who wear glasses. It also ensures that there is a lower chance of you injuring your eye if there is a kickback. Another super feature that makes images better quality is the 2-inch sunshade that reduces the risk of glare.

With a lifetime warranty and the most affordable price on this list, this is the scope with the best value.

Specifications

Pros

• Built-in sunshade
• Affordable
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Large eye relief
• Mounting rings included

Cons

• Eye relief doesn’t allow a margin of error
• Requires practice to use

Our Verdict

So many features at such a low price point should stand out to any shooter busy honing their skills. The magnification range and the objective lens diameter make it a must-buy. Despite being a short range scope, it is built sturdily and should withstand years of abuse and harsh weather. You won’t be disappointed with this best 200 yard rifle scope for sure.

Finally, it also has a limited lifetime warranty which proves how confident the manufacturer is in this product.

Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope

You won’t hear about this brand as often as you will others, but it is highly underrated. Some of the best quality optics can be found under Primary Arms and this is why. Besides the fact that they produce superior quality devices, they also make sure they are durable and last long. The magnification ranges from 4x to 14x which is perfect for these shorter distances. You can also use it for longer ranges, but it won’t be as accurate as scopes with higher magnifications.

Weatherproof as well as shockproof, you will love shooting using this device for many years to come. It comes with a battery for the partial red illumination that has 5 different settings for brightness depending on your preference.

The SLX has a higher magnification range than the other scopes that we reviewed making it the most versatile. It also has a much larger objective lens which works in your favor for bright and clear images.

This amazing FFP scope has a 3-year manufacturer warranty – a disadvantage in comparison to the lifetime warranties you normally find. Regardless of this, it is one of the best optical tools you will come across on the market these days.

It is also one of the only electrically operated ones that require a battery to illuminate properly. This makes it a bit more expensive than usual, but once you are acquainted, you won’t regret spending that money at all.

Specifications

Pros

• Weatherproof
• Durable
• Large magnification range
• MRAD reticle
• 3-year warranty

Cons

• More expensive
• Smaller eye relief

Our Verdict

It should be obvious why we added this one to our list. It is one of the best battery-operated devices available to shooters and hobbyists. You can easily use it with your AR 15. It might be more expensive with a shorter warranty, but you won’t regret deciding to buy it. It will also last longer because of the durable coating and weather resistance.

Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10X40mm Riflescope

A scope that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing is a plus. The matte finish and specifications of the Leupold VX-3i are second to no other Leupold. It is 100% water, shock, and fog-proof to reduce the risk of environmental damage.

The fog resistance also prevents the lenses from being fogged over and making it difficult to shoot. Ion-assist coats the lenses to make sure light transmission and abrasion resistance are optimal.

The eye relief on this device is lenient and makes it easy to use regardless of whether you wear glasses or not. It also makes aiming much faster than those using optics with lower eye relief.

Although the magnification range may not be as large as other options on our list, it’s still enough to shoot accurately at 200 yards and under. The objective lens diameter is perfect for allowing in enough light to give you a clear and high-quality image.

MOA finger click adjustments made it easy for us to zero and set our reticle at the point we felt comfortable. Because it is so easy to adjust, you can do it while in your aiming position as you aim.

To prevent any damage from recoil when you are using it often, the body of the device is made using aircraft-grade aluminum. It is punisher tested to ensure that it will be as durable as they make it out to be. Aluminum also doesn’t rust which is a plus side to this optical tool.

Specifications

Pros

• Waterproof
• Made using aircraft-grade aluminum
• Shockproof
• Generous eye relief
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons

• Smaller magnification range
• Takes time to zero and reset

Our Verdict

Even though it is the most expensive option on our list, there is a reason for that. If you want quality gear that is going to last you a long time, you need to spend some money. The limited lifetime warranty is a great plus to this deal, and you won’t regret investing in it.

one of the best scopes for 200 yards, anyone can use this glass including professionals and hobbyists. Remember that it always takes time to get familiar with a new scope.

A Guide to Buying Your Best Scope for 200 Yards

1. Objective lens size

Larger objective lenses allow more light into the device which provides clearer and brighter optics. The ideal size for an objective lens for 200 yards is between 32mm and 40mm. Remember that bigger scopes will make your gun heavier which will impact your accuracy and comfort.

2. Field of view

An important factor for accurate optics is the field of view. Wider fields of view give you the ability to see more of the area you are shooting in. This feature is particularly useful during deer and elk hunting. For scopes that are best for 200 yards, the ideal field of view is about 30ft/100yds. Although a wide field of view is great for seeing your environment for short-distance shooting, narrower scopes are good for long distances.

3. Magnification

It’s not necessary to have a high magnification if you are shooting at 200 yards because this isn’t long range shooting. The best magnification range for these scopes is about 4x which will not affect your field of view. Higher magnifications will be too powerful and are generally unnecessary. You need to choose between a fixed and adjustable magnification depending on your preference. Having such scopes wouldn’t require a separate spotting scope for your shooting.

4. Eye relief

This is the distance that your eye must be from the scope, so the image is clear. A larger eye relief is usually more comfortable when you are shooting especially if you wear glasses. Shooters wearing glasses should opt for larger eye relief above 3 inches. The ideal size is 3 inches which you can increase to 6 inches if your mount is higher.

5. Reticle

There are a few options when it comes to reticles including standard crosshairs, target crosshairs, and measuring crosshairs. Standard and target types are easier to use and are normally found on low-powered scopes. Measuring types are more difficult to use, but very accurate and useful once mastered. This type is better suited to more experienced shooters as beginners would not benefit from them.

6. Turret adjustability

Fixed turrets are good for beginners especially if you have trouble adjusting lenses accurately. However, if you are more experienced, adjustable turrets can help you shoot accurately and on target. It also allows you to shoot at different distances precisely.

7. Coatings and sealed internals

You need a waterproof device if you want to shoot in all atmospheres. If the internal is sealed it reduces the risk of the lenses fogging up as well. This works together to make your scope more accurate and useful.

8. Durability

Your optic device will have to endure a lot of vibrating and knocks when you are shooting. Durability is important here if you want your device to last long. Choose a scope that has weather protections such as water, shock, and temperature resistance. Most are purged with gas to prevent the interior from fogging up while you shoot.

9. Ease of use

This refers to how easy it is to use the device that you buy. It also describes whether or not you can adjust the device to your liking. You might be using a 300 yards or even a 500 yards scope, adjustability can make it more comfortable if you want to shoot at different ranges in different light settings. Some people might prefer not to be able to adjust the optics because it is easier to have them preset.

10. Compatibility

The best product to buy is one that is compatible with the brand of rifle that you want to shoot with. In most cases, all components are compatible with each other, but size can affect the fit. If the device you choose isn’t compatible with your rifle, you won’t be able to use it comfortably or at all.

11. Clarity

You don’t want to shoot your bullet if you can’t see your target clearly, which is where clarity comes in. A fast focus eyepiece will give you more accuracy with clearer lens. The durability of the lens will also affect clarity because small scratches can ruin the view. If the scope is not gas purged the lenses can be foggy which reduces clarity.

12. Warranty and budget

These are only important if you need to budget to buy an optical device. A warranty is important because anything can go wrong while you shoot, and you don’t want all that money going down the grave.

What’s the Best Scope Magnification for 200 Yards?

For 200 yards scopes, you can try both variable magnification and fixed magnification based on your preference. But you should confirm that you get the best scope for 200 yard shots that has its parallax compensation enabled; or else, you might lose accuracy when shifting your eye sideways through the lanes.

Adjustable scopes are great for more experienced shooters who want to shoot at different distances. On the other hand, fixed models are better for beginners or those who struggle to get clear images when they make adjustments.

It is also a good idea to have more than one brand to use in different environments and scenarios.

Scope Care & Maintenance Tips

• Keep your lenses clean

The best way to make sure that your optics last long is by maintaining the lenses. Keeping them clean and making sure to take care of them will give your scope longevity. Make sure to use a microfiber cloth and soft brushes to avoid scratching the lenses.

• Don’t throw away damaged devices

If you are unfortunate enough to have a cracked or scratched lens, you don’t have to throw it away. There are gun stores that offer lens repairs if necessary. In some cases, you cannot repair your device because the damage will be too severe.

• Always replace the lens cap

Using your lens cap to protect the lenses is important in preventing unnecessary damage. Although it is not necessarily maintenance, it is a measure you can take to avoid constantly maintaining the lenses. Not only does it protect them from damage, but you won’t have to clean them as often.

FAQs

1. What is the ideal magnification range for a 200-yard scope?

Ans. The ideal magnification for 200 yards is about 3x to 9x. You can get one with adjustable magnification, but for most beginners fixed magnification is easier to use. The benefit of being able to adjust the magnification is that you can shoot at different distances with the same level of accuracy. Fixed versions are easier to use because you have to make minimal adjustments.

2. Who will benefit most from these scopes?

Ans. Shooters at any skill level would benefit from one of these optic devices, but they are most suited to beginners. Hobbyists also benefit from these scopes because they tend to shoot at shorter distances. More experienced shooters can also use these devices, but because they tend to shoot and longer distances it isn’t ideal. Scopes in general will help improve your shooting performance.

3. What is the best size for the objective lens?

Ans. The functional range for a good objective lens is 32mm to 40mm for 200 yards. It is a shorter distance to shoot and clarity is usually easy, but with the right objective lens, it will be better. This size is sufficient to allow enough light in to give you clear, bright images when you aim.

4. How far can you shoot with a 4×32 scope?

Ans. One with this magnification will be good for accurate shooting at up to 400 yards. This makes it ideal for shooting at 200 yards and accuracy and precision will be your strengths when you shoot. Other factors can affect the distance you shoot at including the weather and time of day.

5. What is the best magnification range for shooting at 100 yards?

Ans. Because this is such a short distance to shoot at, a 1x to 6x magnification range might be enough. Adjustability makes it easier to shoot at different distances if that is what you want, but there are fixed magnifications available. Depending on your skill level and the time you are willing to put into aiming, you need to choose based on your preference.

6. What is the maximum distance you can shoot using a 3 9×40 scope?

Ans. It is easy to determine how far a scope is accurate by looking at the levels of magnification. For each magnification level, you can shoot another 100 yards. So in this case, the maximum distance that this device is good for is 900 yards, because magnification goes up to 9x.