There is a wide range of rifle scopes available on today’s market at a budget-friendly cost. But they allow you to hunt or shoot in proper light conditions. The best solution to this problem is illuminated reticle scope which is a game changer. The Illuminated reticle scope not only allows you to precisely place your shot but also, increases your hunting or shooting time. Today, we have taken out our time to compile a list of best illuminated reticle scope for the money in 2023. This article will let you know which one is ideal for you.
Best Illuminated Reticle Scope for the Money in 2023
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Rating | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
     | Vortex Optics Crossfire II SFP Riflescope | 9.4 | View Latest Price |
     | Bushnell Optics FFP Illuminated BDC Scope | 8.8 | View Latest Price |
     | CVLIFE 6-24×50 Illuminated Hunting Scope | 8.2 | View Latest Price |
    | Nikon Black FX1000 Riflescope | 8.7 | View Latest Price |
     | Leupold VX-R Illum FireDot Duplex Scope | 9.0 | View Latest Price |
Vortex Optics Illuminated Reticle Scope Review [Crossfire II 3-9×50]
Technical Specifications:
- Magnification Power: The Vortex crossfire II illuminated scope has a magnification range of 3-9x.
- Reticle: Uses V brite illuminated reticle which comes with battery-powered electronics for illumination.
- Focal Plane: Its V-Plex format illuminated reticle is positioned in the second focal plane.
- Objective Lens Diameter: The objective lens size of this illuminated reticle scope is 50mm.
- Field of View (Low Mag): At low magnification, the Field of View is 32 feet at 100 yards distance.
- Field of View (Full Mag): At Full magnification, the Field of view value at 100 yards is 12.9 feet.
- Tube Size: Single-Piece Tube dia of this scope is 1 inch.
- Eye Relief: Vortex Crossfire II comes with a respectable eye relief of 3.8 inches.
- Travel per Rotation: Maximum value of travel per rotation is 15 MOA.
- Adjustment Graduation: Adjustment moves ¼ MOA point of impact at 100 yards distance.
- Length: This best illuminated reticle scope for the money is 12.7 inches long.
- Weight: It is a lightweight scope and weighs only 18.6 ounces.
- Max Elevation Adjustment: Maximum internal adjustment for elevation is 60 MOA.
- Max Windage Adjustment: Maximum windage adjustment is also 60 MOA.
- Parallax Setting: The range of the parallax setting is from 100 yds to infinity.
- Gas Purged: N2 gas purging to give you fog-proof performance.
- Sealed: O-ring sealed to withstand harsh weather conditions.
- Warranty: Vortex Optics No question asked, VIP, unconditional lifetime warranty.
- Battery: This best illuminated reticle scope for the money runs on a CR2032 battery.
- Fabric: Fabricated from a block of high-grade aluminum.
Product Description:
The Vortex Optics illuminated reticle scope offers the highest levels of performance and reliability in the field. This lighted reticle scope is packed with smart features and comes in a very affordable price range.
It has been made using only the best materials possible. You can, therefore, be sure about its quality, reliability, and strength.
It uses V-Brite Illuminated (MOA) reticle that is placed in the second focal plane to give you the same ideally-sized appearance across its entire range.
The reticle of this scope is powered by a CR2032 battery that illuminates the center dot for a precise aiming point even under low-light conditions.
Another great thing about this Vortex lighted reticle scope is its premium quality, fully multi-coated lenses that allow the maximum light transmission to give you a bright and clear view of the target.
The ultra-forgiving eye box and respectable eye relief help you to acquire your target quickly. Its finger-adjustable with MOA clicks capped reset turrets can be easily reset to zero.
- Vortex crossfire II illuminated reticle scope (3-9×50).
- CR2032 Battery.
- Lens Cleaning Cloth.
- Removable Lens Caps.
- Manual.
Pros and Cons of Vortex crossfire II 3-9×50 [Best Illuminated Reticle scope for the Money]
- Reticle: V-Brite Illuminated (MOA) reticle for low light performance.
- Price: Premium quality low cost illuminated reticle scope.
- User-Friendly: Easy mounting, zeroing, and use.
- Warranty: VIP unconditional lifetime repair or replacement warranty.
- Turrets: Finger adjustable Capped Zero-able turrets with ¼ MOA clicks.
- Blurry: Slightly blurry at higher power.
- Main tube: It would have been nice to have a 30mm tube instead of a 1-inch tube.
Bushnell Scope With Illuminated Reticle
Technical Specifications:
- Tube Diameter: BTR-1 comes with the ultra-wide 30mm main tube.
- Reticle: features BTR-1 BDC illuminated reticle for outstanding low light performance.
- Reticle Type: The reticle type is MIL.
- Illumination Settings: There are 11 different Illumination settings that allow you to choose according to light conditions.
- Focal Plane: Bushnell BTR-1 carries a lighted reticle that is placed in the first focal plane.
- Parallax Adjustment: It has a fixed parallax adjustment.
- Length: This best illuminated reticle scope for the money is very compact and has only 9.29 inches in length.
- Weight: The weight of the scope is 18.2 oz.
- Magnification Power: Variable magnification power that ranges from 1 to 4x.
- Objective Lens: The objective lens diameter of Bushnell AR optics BTR-1 is 24mm.
- Eye Relief: This best illuminated reticle scope under 500 has 4 inches of eye relief.
- Field of View: Field of view at 100 yards ranges from 112 feet @ Minimum magnification to 26 feet @ maximum magnification.
- Elevation & Windage Adjustment: The internal adjustment value for both elevation and windage is 110 MOA.
- Coatings: This best illuminated reticle scope for the money possesses fully multi-coated optics provide incredible brightness of the target.
- PCL lever: Throwdown PCL allows you to change the power quickly.
- Travel per Rotation: Travel per rotation of value of this lighted reticle scope is 6 MIL.
- Mounting Length: Comes with the 5.9 inches mounting length.
- Click Value: 0.1 Mil per click value for pinpoint-precise adjustments
- Construction Material: Constructed from high-durability aluminum alloy.
- Warranty: Bushnell Iron Clad lifetime warranty.
Product Description:
The next candidate for the list of reticle rifle scopes is the Bushnell BTR-1 FFP scope. This FFP illuminated scope is a popular choice amongst lots of people because of its features and rich design.
Its high-grade aluminum alloy construction gives you hyper durability and improved accuracy to master every scenario.
The lenses are treated with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces that transmit maximum light for the remarkably bright and high-contrast picture of the target.
It carries a unique Throw Down PCL (Power Change Lever) to change the magnification power within no time.
This Bushnell scope comes with the BTR-1 reticle that is illuminated and has 11 brightness settings. Its light intensity levels allow you to utilize this scope in various light conditions for accurate hunting or shooting.
This reticle stays in the first focal plane which means the reticle changes with magnification power.
- Bushnell BTR-1 FFP Illuminated Scope.
- Lens Covers.
- Lens Cleaning Cloth.
- Sticker.
- PCL Lever.
- Allen Wrench.
- Manual.
Pros and Cons of Bushnell BTR-1 FFP Illuminated Scope for Hunting
- PCL lever: Innovative Power Change Lever for quick magnification changes.
- FFP Illuminated Scope: First focal plane scope for added accuracy.
- Illumination settings: 11 Brightness settings for different light conditions.
- Ideal For: Works perfectly for close to medium range shooting and hunting.
- Zero Stop: Does not have a zero stop feature.
- Adjustment: It takes extra time because of the precise 0.1 Mil click value.
CVLIFE 6-24×50 [Best Illuminated Hunting Scope]
Technical Specifications:
- Magnification: This CVLIFE scope has great magnification power that ranges from 6x to 24x.
- Field Of View: Features an ultra-wide field of view of 28 feet at a distance of 100 yards.
- Eye Relief: This illuminated rifle scope has a respectable 3.52 Inches eye relief.
- Exit Pupil (Low): At Low magnification power, the exit pupil is 16.9mm.
- Exit Pupil (High): At maximum magnification, the exit pupil value is 5.1mm.
- Objective Diameter: This reticle scope for the money comes with a massive 50mm objective lens.
- Reticle: Features a tactical Mil-Dot Reticle that is illuminated and works best in low light conditions.
- Reticle Color: Its tactical Mil-Dot Reticle has two color options, red and green.
- Brightness Level: There are 5 different brightness settings for each color that allow you to choose whatever is ideal for your application.
- Tube diameter: The main tube of this best illuminated reticle scope for the money has a 25.4mm diameter.
- Length: It is a long lighted reticle scope and the length is almost 16 inches.
- Weight: The net weight is approximately 630 grams which is almost 22 oz.
- Battery: This Illuminated scope for hunting utilizes a CR2032 lithium coin battery that comes with the scope.
- Material: It is housed in aluminum alloy with an anodized coating in matte black.
- Color: The color of the CVLIFE 6-24×50 scope is black.
- Click Value: The adjustment knobs work on a ⅛ MOA turn system per click.
- Optics: Uses high-quality, multi-coated optics for increased lightning transmission.
- Waterproof: It gives you full waterproof performance even the harsh weather conditions.
- Mount: Comes with the 2 mounts which are compatible with the 20mm weaver dovetail rail.
- Fog Proof: O-ring sealed construction with Nitrogen purging delivers fog-proof performance.
- Shockproof: Rugged scope withstands shocks produced by heavy recoil of the rifle.
Product Description:
If you are looking for the illuminated reticle rifle scope for years of hard use at an affordable price then the CVLIFE 6-24×50 is a great choice for you.
It is loaded with an array of innovative features that you would love to have in the field. This reticle scope for the money is housed in high-strength aluminum alloy to deliver unfailing performance.
This best illuminated hunting scope carries a Tactical Mil-Dot Reticle to give you accuracy at any given shooting range. The illumination feature of this reticle makes it visible even in low light conditions.
Reticle comes in two different colors, red and green to choose from for different shooting scenarios. There are 5 brightness levels for each color.
This scope for hunting also comes with the Quick Tactical Lock and zeroing Adjustments that work on a ⅛ MOA turn system per click.
Its high power 6-24x magnification along with ultra-wide 50mm objective lens offers precision even on very small targets. Overall, it is a good scope and worth every penny. At this price range, it is unbeatable.
- 6-24×50 Illuminated scope for hunting.
- Lens Caps.
- 2 Scope Mounts.
- Hex Wrench.
- Cleaning Cloth.
- User Manual.
Pros and Cons of CVLIFE 6-24×50 Illuminated scope for Hunting
- Price: Very Very Low Priced Scope that is packed with amazing features.
- Zeroing: Holds zero very well at 100 yards distance.
- Adjustments: Features-rich design with simple adjustments.
- Power: This illuminated reticle scope comes with high magnification power.
- Lens Covers: See-through lens caps are included in the package.
- Length: It is almost 16 inches long.
- Eye Relief: Short eye relief at maximum magnification.
Nikon illuminated reticle scope [Black FX1000]
Technical Specifications:
- Objective Diameter: Comes with a massive objective lens that has a diameter of 50mm.
- Power: The magnification ranges from minimum power of 6x to a maximum power of 24x.
- Tube Diameter: This Nikon illuminated reticle scope carries the main tube of 30mm.
- Reticle: Nikon’s proprietary FX-MOA is designed to optimize the sight picture.
- Focal Plane: This rifle scope’s reticle is placed in the first focal plane.
- Illumination Color: The color of the illumination for Nikon black is red.
- Brightness Levels: Side-mounted brightness control features 10 Illumination levels for quick, easy brightness adjustments.
- Eye Relief (Low): At 6x, eye relief of the Black FX1000 is 4 inches.
- Eye Relief: (High): At 24x, the eye relief of this scope is 3.5 inches.
- Weight: The weight of the Nikon Black FX1000 is 24.5 oz.
- Exit Pupil Range: Exit pupil ranges from 2.1mm to 8.3mm.
- Linear Field of View (6x): At min power, the linear field of view is 18 feet at 100 yards.
- Linear Field of View (24x): At max power, the value of the linear field of view is 4.7 feet.
- Overall Length: This FFP illuminated scope has 15.2 inches in length.
- Adjustments Type: High-speed turrets comes with MOA adjustments.
- Click Value: You can move the point of impact by ¼ inches at 100 yards with its ¼ MOA per click value.
- Adjustment per Revolution: The adjustments travel 25 MOA per revolution.
- Max Internal Adjustment: The Maximum Internal (Windage and Elevation) value is 90 MOA.
- Powers Down Feature: After 60 minutes of no Operation, power down to extend battery life.
- Parallax: The parallax setting of this reticle scope for the money is from 50 yds to infinity.
- Battery Type: Runs on Lithium coin CR2032 battery.
- Finish: It looks great in the matte black finish.
- Zoom Ratio: comes with the 4x Zoom Ratio.
- Turrets: Engraved High Speed exposed Turrets for quick and easy adjustments.
- Zero-stop: Integral Zero Stop feature allows to return to zero quickly.
- Warranty: Lifetime repair or replacement warranty by Nikon Optics.
Product Description:
The Nikon Black FX1000 illuminated scope is a high-power scope for excessive overall performance at extended ranges.
Its 30mm tube is constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum and features classic clean styling with the cosmetic matte black finish. This illuminated rifle scope is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed to be fog proof and waterproof.
The FX-MOA reticle is created especially for the first focal plane optical system. This FX-MOA reticle is visible during the night and in low light, thanks to its illumination feature.
Side-mounted Illumination control features 10 intensity levels of red illumination for daytime and low light operations. It also comes with the powers down feature to save battery.
Its Lead-and-arsenic-free lenses are engineered to maximize light transmission for delivering bright and tack-sharp images of the target.
The quick focus eyepiece of this reticle scope for the money allows crisp reticle focus and quick target acquisition.
The finger reachable Side Parallax knob allows you to make an adjustment without changing your position.
- Nikon illuminated reticle scope (Black FX1000).
- Lens Caps.
- Sunshade.
- Allen Wrench.
- CR2032 Battery.
- Warranty Card.
- Instructions.
Pros and Cons of Nikon illuminated reticle scope (Black FX1000)
- Powers Down Feature: Power down after 60 minutes of inactivity to extend battery life.
- FFP Illuminated Scope: Illuminated reticle is located in the first focal plane.
- Sunshade: Nikon Black FX1000 comes with the Sunshade.
- Quick Focus Eyepiece: This allows for quick reticle focusing and target acquisition.
- Zero Stop: Integral zero stop feature allows for rapid return-to-zero.
- Eye Relief: Some users complain that at 24x eye relief is a bit short.
Leupold Illuminated Reticle Scopes [Firedot Reticle Review]
Technical Specifications:
- Linear Field of View (Low): The linear field of view of the Leupold VX-R is 33.6 ft/yards at minimum magnification.
- Linear Field of View (High): At 9x, the field of view is 13.6 feet per 100 yards.
- Magnification Power: The magnification power of this Illuminated rifle scope ranges from 3x to 9x.
- Objective Lens Dia: The objective lens dia of this best illuminated reticle scope for the money is 30mm.
- Reticle: This scope is equipped with the Illuminated FireDot Duplex style reticle for precise shot placement.
- Focal Plane: The reticle is placed in the Rear focal plane/Second focal plane.
- Length: The overall length of the Leupold VX-R 3-9x40mm is 12.84 inches.
- Weight: Ultra-lightweight illuminated reticle scope and weighs only 15.3 ounces.
- Eye Relief: Eye Relief of this lighted reticle scope ranges from 4.17 inches to 3.66 inches.
- Adjustment Type: The Adjustment type is MOA for easy use.
- Elevation Adjustment Range: The elevation adjustment range is 65 MOA.
- Windage Adjustment Range: The windage adjustment range is also 65 MOA.
- Adjustment Click Value: Finger reachable ¼ MOA click value for precise adjustment of Elevation and Windage.
- Mounting Space: Mounting space of this Leupold scope is 5.37 inches.
- Eyepiece Length: The length of the Eyepiece is 3.70 inches.
- Eyepiece Diameter: The eyepiece of this illuminated rifle scope has a diameter of 1.63 inches.
- Objective Length: The objective lens of this reticle scope for the money is 3.77 inches long.
- Tube Diameter: The main tube having a dia of 30mm offers incredible strength and durability.
- Punisher Tested: Punisher tested rifle scope and can withstand 5,000 impacts on the Punisher.
- Zoom Ratio: Versatile 3:1 zoom ratio is perfect for a wide range of scenarios.
- Waterproof: Absolute waterproof for a lifetime in the field.
- Fog Proof: Lifetime Fog proof performance in all conditions.
- Warranty: Comes with the Gold Ring Leupold Full L Warranty.
Product Description:
The ultra-lightweight design with 6061-T6 Aircraft Quality Aluminum construction provides unrivaled durability and performance for a lifetime in the field, in all conditions.
This scope is filled with nitrogen gas and is O-ring sealed to offer you absolute waterproof and fog-proof performance even in the most unfavorable situations.
The Twilight Light Management System of this reticle scope for the money eliminates 80% more glare than competitors to give you premium lens clarity to see more in less light.
Outer surfaces of the lenses are treated with extreme military-standard coatings for added protection. The fast-focus eyepiece of the Leupold VX-R 3-9×40 allows you to bring the reticle into focus quickly.
This riflescope from the experts at Leupold features a fiber optic FireDot illuminated reticle that makes aiming in dark surroundings a whole lot easier.
The illumination of the Firedot reticle can be controlled with the user-friendly push button. It also comes with the innovative motion sensor technology (MST) that deactivates illumination after 5 minutes of inactivity to save battery power and reactivates illumination when any motion is detected.
- Leupold VX-R 3-9x40mm Illuminated rifle scope.
- Leupold Sticker.
- Owners Manual.
- Reticle Instructions.
- Allen Wrench.
- CR2032 Battery.
- Lens Cleaning Cloth.
Pros and Cons of Leupold VX-R 3-9x40mm Illuminated Rifle Scope
- Made In the USA: Designed, Machined, and assembled in the United States.
- Ultra-Lightweight: VX-R 3-9x40mm is ultra-lightweight and weighs only 15.3 oz.
- Motion Sensor Technology: It deactivates the illumination after almost five minutes of inactivity and reactivates when any motion is detected.
- FireDot Illumination: FireDot illuminated reticle for low-light hunting and shooting.
- Price: Medium-priced red dot optics.
- Lens Caps: Lens Covers don’t come with the purchase.
Conclusion:
I hope you enjoyed my list of best illuminated reticle scope for the money in 2023.
| Best Illuminated Reticle Scope | Best For |
| Vortex Optics Crossfire II | Overall Performance |
| Bushnell AR Optics BTR1 | Budget Friendly |
| CVLIFE AOE Rifle Scope | Cheap |
| Nikon Black FX1000 | Competition |
| Leupold VX-R Fire Dot | Money |
Now, it’s your turn,
Which illuminated reticle scope will you pick for your firearm?
Please let us know in the comment section below.
Good Luck.
FAQS
What is the best illuminated scope?Some of the best illuminated reticle scopes available in 2023 are
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II
- Nikon Black FX1000
- Leupold VX-R Fire Dot
- Bushnell AR Optics BTR1
Illuminated reticle scopes help to place your bullets on target with extreme precision from dawn till dusk. For low light hunting and shooting, Illuminated reticle scope is an ideal choice. These illuminated reticle scopes are worth every penny.
Does Vortex have illuminated reticles?Now Vortex Optics is manufacturing illuminated reticle scopes that are one of the best in today’s market. Vortex Optics Crossfire II illuminated reticle scope is the best selling in 2023.
What Leupold scopes have illuminated reticles?Here is a list of best selling Leupold illuminated reticle scopes
- Leupold VX-R 3-9x40mm Riflescope.
- Leupold MARK 3HD 1.5-4X20.
- Leupold VX-6HD 4-24X52.
- Leupold MARK 6 1-6X20.