6 Best Scope for 100 Yards in 2024 (Reviewed in Detail)

Best Scope For 100 Yards

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In search of a good 100 yard scope?

There are tons of options on the market and it can be a pain to try to figure out what’s good and what’s not.

scope magnification for 100 yards

Fortunately for you, you have this guide to help make selecting a solid scope for 100 yards a breeze. 

Not only will we talk about the best rifle scopes for making 100 yard shots, we’ll also go over how to choose a 100 yard scope.

Oh, and if you're just looking for the recommendations, you can dive right in here:

Name

Material

Magnification

Price

Burris MTAC Riflescope

Aluminum

1 - 4 x

Bushnell Banner Riflescope

Anodized Aluminum

1.5-4.5x

Leupold VX-3i

6061-T6 Aluminum

2.5 - 8 x

Leupold VX-Freedom Scout

6061-T6 Aluminum

1.5-4x

Vortex Optics Crossfire II

ircraft Grade Aluminum

2 - 7 x

Vortex Optics Strike Eagle

Aircraft Grade Aluminum

1-6X

We're going to go over all the info you need about these kinds of scopes, as well as take a look at each of these recommendations in depth.

That way you can pick a nice scope that’s not just good, but good for you. After all, everyone has slightly different wants and needs and there’s a variety of things someone might want a 100 yard scope for, from close-range hunting to target shooting.

Ready to get started?

What Is a 100 Yard Scope?

100 yard scopes include a massive variety of scopes with all kinds of different features.

They can be for short-range hunting, plinking, or 100 yard competitions, like NRL22 or some benchrest competitions.

Some people also use them for close quarter combat, like home and property defense. 

Virtually any caliber can be used for 100 yard shooting, including both rimfire and centerfire cartridges, so that doesn’t really narrow it down. 

The only thing that 100 yard scopes must have in common is, obviously, that they’re good for shooting targets at 100 yards.

This generally means low very magnification, and a close-range parallax adjustment setting. 

best scope for 100 yards

The big 5-25x50 scopes are probably more than you need here.

But since scopes aren’t really made to only be suitable for a specific length, there’s even a lot of variety in what other distances a 100 yard scope might be good for, so some have higher magnification than others.

A somewhat unifying factor is price. Scopes for 100 yards tend to be pretty affordable compared to scopes for longer ranges. Still, there are high-end 100 yard scopes that are quite costly. 

How Do You Choose the Best Scope for 100 Yards?

Since there is so much variety out there in 100 yard range scopes, let’s take some time to focus on how to choose a high-quality scope for 100 yards that suits you.

Sight Picture

First and foremost, a scope needs to provide a bright, clear image. Nothing else matters if you can’t really see what you’re scope is pointing at anyway. 

That means a scope needs clear optics. The lenses should be made out of clear, high-quality, and distortion-free glass.

They should be fully multicoated, which means they should have multiple layers of lens coatings across the entire surface of the lens. 

100 yard scope

Lens coatings help filter the light that enters the scope to help with a bright, glare-free, and clear image with high definition and good color fidelity, even in low light conditions.

A large objective lens and exit pupil also help with light transmission for visibility in poor lighting conditions.

Reticle Pattern

Because there’s very little distance for wind or bullet drop to affect a bullet’s trajectory over 100 yards, a duplex or crosshair reticle is all you need. 

With that said, if you also want the option to extend your range, you can go with a BDC or mil-dot reticle.

Avoid reticles that are overly complicated though. These reticles are distracting and overkill for short and even mid-range. 

leupold vx freedom

It’s also helpful to select a mil-dot or bdc reticle with a circle, horseshoe, or other shape surrounding the middle of the reticle.

Even simpler BDC and mil-dot reticles draw the eye from the center of the reticle, but having a shape that emphasises the middle helps combat that for quicker target acquisition with short range shots.

In addition, you’ll want a second focal plane reticle riflescope. A second focal plane (SFP) reticle appears the same size regardless of magnification strength.

This is as opposed to a first focal plane (FFP) reticle, which appears to get bigger and smaller in proportion with objects in the sight picture as magnification changes.

The problem with FFP reticles is that they can be thin and difficult to see at the low magnification levels used for 100 yard shooting.

Fortunately, FFP reticles are generally reserved for more long distance scopes, so most low magnification scopes are in the second focal plane.

Magnification Range

If you’re looking for a scope for 100 yards, you obviously don’t need a scope that will let you see long distances, so you should be looking at low magnification scopes. 

A variable power scope offers versatility, allowing you to take shots both within and beyond 100 yards.

A minimum magnification of 1x (or no magnification) will allow you to use your scope inside of 100 yards without any problem, while also giving you the option for magnification when you want it.

Avoid getting a scope with too high magnification, though. Too high magnification limits your field of view and magnifies the effect of every little move you make.

This makes it easy to accidentally lose your target. That’s especially a problem when hunting, since you may have to track moving targets.

You can get away with higher magnification for target shooting, though. Even then, I’d recommend a minimum magnification of around 2x and certainly no more than 3x.

Now, let’s get to the actual scopes.

6 Best Scopes For 100 Yards

1. Burris MTAC Riflescope

First up is the Burris MTAC Riflescope. This scope was designed for 3Gun and close quarter combat, but it’s also good for short range targets hunting.

100 yard scopes

It has a Ballistic CQ reticle, which has a circular center for up close while dots below provide bullet drop estimations for up to 600 yards for 5.56 and 7.62 cartridges.

It’s an illuminated reticle for visibility and faster target acquisition regardless of light conditions.

There are 10 brightness settings and the rotary dial illumination control has an “off” position between each setting. To power the red LED illumination, the scope uses a CR2032 battery.

The MTAC also has finger-adjustable mil-rad turrets. The tactical turrets allow zero reset to make it easy to find your zero after adjustments.

The turrets are capped to prevent accidental adjustment, while the scope’s double internal spring-tension system helps the scope hold zero in the face of impacts or recoil.

The ½ MOA click value isn’t as precise as some other scopes, but is fine for close range shooting. The windage and elevation turrets each have a 130 MOA maximum adjustment range.

The power ring is ergonomic and separate from the eyepiece to allow it to accommodate flip up lens caps. The eyepiece is rubber-coated for comfort and safety. The scope is also night vision compatible.

The Burris MTAC riflescope features a 30mm body tube and single piece aluminum outer tube with a matte finish.

The scope is waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. However, it comes with the Burris Forever Warranty to cover you if you do ever have a problem.

The optics themselves are made from high-grade optical glass and have index-matched Hi-Lume multi coating. 

Burris MTAC Ballistic CQ

Available at OpticsPlanet

The price of the Burris MTAC Ballistic CQ varies, so check the latest price at OpticsPlanet.

Check out our detailed Burris MTAC 4.5-14x42 review for some higher magnification options by same manufacturer.

2. Bushnell Banner Riflescope

Next is the Bushnell Banner Riflescope. This scope has the lowest price tag on our list, yet it’s one of Bushnell’s most popular and widely recommended scope lines.

It’s a high quality, yet affordable addition to your hunting rifle, but it’s also a great option if you’re just looking for something inexpensive for plinking.

scope for 100 yards

The Bushnell Banner is available in a few different magnifications, and features a second focal plane Multi-X Crosshair reticle, which is Bushnell’s take on the duplex reticle.

The Dusk and Dawn Brightness multi coated lenses provide better sight clarity in low light conditions, like those one might encounter while hunting.

The zero reset windage and elevation turrets are fingertip adjustable. They’re MOA-based with a precise ¼ MOA click value. Each turret offers a 60 MOA max adjustment range.

Attached to one end of the 1 inch diameter body tube is the fast-focus eyepiece, which offers a generous 4 inch eye relief.

Overall, the scope is 10.5 inches long and weighs just 10.5 ounces, making it a very lightweight option.

The one-piece tube construction helps the scope stand up to shocks. It’s also dry nitrogen filled for a 100% waterproof and fog proof scope.

Bushnell Banner 1.5

Available at OpticsPlanet

The price of the Bushnell Banner Riflescope varies, so check the latest price at OpticsPlanet.

3. Leupold VX-3i

Like the Banner line is one of Bushnell’s most popular, the VX-3i line is one of Leupold’s most popular lines. The Leupold VX-3i 2.5-8x36mm Scope is our favorite VX-3i scope for 100 yards.

best rifle scope for 100 yards

The slightly higher magnification power of this scope makes it good for 

Fun fact: Leupold actually originated the duplex reticle decades back in 1962 and there’s a reason they’re still using it today, including on this scope.

The thicker lines help the reticle stay more visible, while the thin lines in the center encourage fast target acquisition and ensure that you still have a clear view your target.

Another great feature for hunters is the Twilight Max Light Management System.

Leupold claims that this system eliminates 85% more glare-producing light than competitors’ systems and adds up to 20 minutes of extra shooting light. 

I can’t say if those claims are for-sure accurate in the field, but I do know that Leupold has a pretty stellar reputation for light transmission.

The scope’s large 36mm objective lens and DiamondCoat 2 ion-assist lens coating helps even more with light transmission.

The twin bias erector system helps protect scope components from the shock of recoil, while the compact and lightweight scope design helps disperse recoil energy.

The scope body is made from 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum with a matte black finish.

The lenses feature military grade scratch resistance and the scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.

The scope comes standard with a bikini style lens cover, but it’s also available as a kit with a Leupold Alumina Flipback Cover, Leupold Alumina Flipback Eyepiece Cover, Leupold Mark 4 ARD Anti-Reflection Honeycomb Filter. 

For the uninitiated, a honeycomb filter serves a similar purpose to a sunshade, but also prevents reflection on the outside of the lens that can alert game to your position.

Leupold VX-3i

Available at OpticsPlanet

The price of the Leupold VX-3i varies, so check the latest price at OpticsPlanet.

If you want to know more about that mini 14 scope, then must check out our article on 'best scopes for mini 14 ranch rifle'.

4. Leupold VX-Freedom Scout

Next up is another pick from Leupold, the Leupold VX-Freedom Scout Scope.

Like the VX-3i, this scope has a rear focal plane duplex reticle, scratch resistant lenses, and lightweight design. Also, like the VX-3i, the VX-Freedom is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.

best scope magnification for 100 yards

As a scout scope, it has extended eye relief of 6.9 inches at 1.5x magnification to 6 inches at 4x magnification, allowing you to mount the scope with scope rings further forward on your rifle. This is great for making shooting more comfortable and especially if you have a hard time getting your cheek weld right with other scopes.

This scope has the Twilight Light Management System, which is kind of like the little brother of the Twilight Max Light Management System used by the VX-3i line. According to Leupold, it adds up to 10 extra minutes of shooting light and eliminates 80% more glare-producing light compared to competitors’ lens coatings.

Other features include the 1 inch diameter maintube, 67 MOA maximum windage and elevation adjustment ranges, Finger Click Dial System, and easy-to-grip power selector.

If you don’t want a scout scope, you can still enjoy the benefits of the Leupold VX-Freedom with some of the other scopes in the line, such as the VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20 or 2-7x33, the latter of which is available in a model optimized for rimfire.

Leupold VX-Freedom Scout

Available at OpticsPlanet

The price of the Leupold VX-Freedom Scout varies, so check the latest price at OpticsPlanet.

5. Vortex Optics Crossfire II

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II is yet another budget friendly option and perhaps the line of scopes that I find myself recommending most frequently, a testament to both the quality of the line and the number of scopes included.

crossfire ii

Of course, here I’m specifically talking about the 2-7X32 version, which is available in both the standard centerfire model and a rimfire version, as well as a scout scope version

The scope is available in a second focal plane Dead-Hold BDC or V-Plex reticle, both MOA-based, though the Scout and Rimfire versions are only available with the V-Plex reticle. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is, as the name suggests, a BDC reticle that’s quite minimalist in design. The V-Plex is Vortex’s version of a duplex reticle.

The scope features a fast focus eyepiece for quick, easy reticle focusing. The lenses are fully multicoated for a crisp, clear, and bright sight picture.

The single piece main body tube is made from aircraft-grade aluminum and has a low-glare matte black hard-coat anodized finish. The durable construction ensures that the scope is shockproof while o-ring seals and nitrogen purging make the scope water and fog proof. The scope comes with Vortex’s lifetime warranty.

The Crossfire II’s capped reset turrets allow for tooless indexing. They have ¼ MOA click values and 60 MOA maximum adjustment ranges for both windage and elevation.

Vortex Crossfire II

Available at OpticsPlanet

The price of the Vortex Optics Crossfire II varies, so check the latest price at OpticsPlanet.

6. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle

Last on our list, the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle is a step up in features from the Crossfire II and balances affordability with quality optics. It’s a great choice for competition, hunting, or plinking.

vortex strike eagle

It has a glass-etched second focal plane AR-BDC reticle. The reticle is MOA-based and features red LED illumination for visibility. The reticle illumination is powered by a CR2032 battery, which comes with the scope. The eyepiece has a fast focus dial for quick, easy reticle focusing.

The lenses are made from XD extra-low dispersion glass, which helps with color fidelity and picture definition. The lenses are fully multicoated.

Like the Crossfire II, the Strike Eagle has a single piece scope body made from aircraft-grade aluminum with a matte black low-glare hard-coat anodized finish. Also like the Crossfire II, the Strike Eagle is waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.

The capped reset turrets have a ½ MOA click value and 140 MOA windage and elevation adjustment ranges.

Vortex Optics Strike Eagle

Available at Amazon

The price of the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle varies, so check the latest price at Amazon.

Final Thoughts

By now, you should hopefully have an idea of how to choose the best 100 yard scope for you. Each of the options we’ve presented here is a great scope, so you just have to decide which one is right for you.

But if you’re not sold on the idea of a scope at all, you can also take a look at the Best Red Dot Sights to get better optics than iron sights without the magnification of a scope. The Best Red Dot Magnifiers give you the option to add magnification later.

And if you’re ever in the market for a scope for long range shooting, make sure to glance over the Best 1000 Yard Scopes.

Have an idea of which scope for 100 yards you’ll be adding to your rifle? What do you plan on using it for? Also, check out our article on best savage 220 scopes for similar range options.  Do you know of another scope that’s great for 100 yards that you think I should have made a place for here? Let me know in the comments!

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