Three years back on Black Friday, I watched a buddy blow $800 on a “premium” scope that turned out to be rebranded Chinese glass worth maybe $200. He learned what I’ve been preaching for years: not all deals are created equal, and flashy discounts don’t mean quality glass. After spending the last month tracking prices and testing optics that’ll actually be on sale, I’ve separated the wheat from the chaff.
I’ve been through every major retailer’s Black Friday preview, compared real street prices (not inflated “retail” prices), and identified which scopes deliver genuine value. Some of these deals will save you hundreds on glass I actually run on my own rifles. Others? Well, they’re cheap for a reason. Your best survival tool is the six inches between your ears – use it wisely when deal hunting.
Before diving into rifle scopes, know that I’ve also tracked down solid deals on red dots and pistol optics that are worth checking if you’re setting up a defensive pistol or AR platform.
Premium Glass at Working-Man Prices
Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36x56mm FFP
- The Razor HD Gen III 6-36×56 first focal plane scope is built around the perfect balance of magnification and field of view, providing an optical system with the resolution and contrast needed to clearly identify far away targets in scope.
This is the scope I run for long-range competitions, and at this price, it’s stealing. Last month at a PRS match in Wyoming, I watched this glass track perfectly through 20 stages in dust, wind, and temperature swings from 35°F to 85°F. The Japanese glass rivals my buddy’s Schmidt & Bender at half the price.
At 45 ounces, it’s not for mountain hunting. But for precision work? The tracking is mechanical perfection – dial 10 mils, get exactly 10 mils. Every time. The EBR-7D reticle stays useful throughout the magnification range, and the illumination actually works in bright daylight. Includes sunshade, throw lever, and Defender caps. Buy once, cry once – this scope will outlast your rifle.
Trijicon Credo HX 1-8×28 FFP
- Great Product
Trijicon builds optics for people who bet their lives on equipment. This LPVO carries that DNA. The true 1x (not the “close enough” 1x many companies claim) means both-eyes-open shooting actually works. Dual red/green illumination helps my aging eyes pick up the reticle faster than young bucks half my age.
The 34mm tube gives you adjustment range for days, and the exposed locking turrets won’t move unless you want them to. Glass clarity embarrasses scopes costing twice as much. Includes throw lever positioned perfectly for support-hand manipulation. If you’re building a serious defensive or competition carbine, this is professional-grade glass at blue-collar pricing.
AGM Rattler Thermal Scope TS35-384
- High-Sensitivity Thermal Detector: The Rattler series scopes use a high-sensitivity thermal detector and a 1024×768 OLED monitor for a clear image in harsh environmental conditions like darkness, fog, and rain, making it an ideal thermal rifle scope for hunting in challenging environments.
Thermal changes everything. Last month, I tracked a wounded elk through thick timber at midnight – impossible with traditional night vision, child’s play with thermal. This AGM unit detects heat signatures to 1,350 yards, though positive ID happens closer to 600 yards.
At 18 ounces, it won’t turn your rifle into a boat anchor. The menu system makes sense even with cold fingers and tired eyes. Battery life (4.5 hours on CR123s) beats most competitors, and the external power option saved my bacon during an all-night coyote stake-out. Includes American Defense QD mount – quality hardware that’d cost $150 separately. For predator control or recovering game, thermal pays for itself quickly.
Proven Performers Under $500
Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25×56 FFP
- The Strike Eagle 5-25×56 First Focal Plane (MRAD) scope provides the features needed to improve your long distance performance.
I’ve run this scope on my .22 trainer for two years. It’s not Razor glass, but for the money, it punches way above its weight. The 5-25x range covers everything from 50-yard rimfire competitions to 1,000-yard centerfire work. First focal plane means your holds stay consistent – critical when you’re shooting multiple distances quickly.
The RevStop Zero System actually works – dial up for distance, then return to your exact zero without counting clicks. Tracking tested true through 1,000+ rounds. Some chromatic aberration at maximum magnification, but stay under 20x and the image stays crisp. Includes sunshade, throw lever, and allen keys. For new precision shooters, this opens doors without emptying wallets.
Sig Tango-MSR 1-10x28mm LPVO with Mount
- TANGO-MSR LPVO 1-10X28MM – Designed for avid hunters & shooting enthusiasts, this riflescope offers swift target acquisition, industry-leading light transmission & quick engagement; With a High Performance 10x optical system with low dispersion glass, this 34mm maintube diameter hunting scope delivers unmatched precision, ensuring you never miss a crucial moment
Ten power in an LPVO seemed gimmicky until I tested one. Now it’s on my primary coyote rifle. The extra magnification means positive target ID at distances where 6x leaves you guessing. Low dispersion glass keeps the image sharp even at 10x – unusual at this price point.
The included ALPHA-MSR mount is bombproof and properly positioned for AR-height. Eleven illumination settings cover everything from pitch black to noon sunshine. The MSR BDC reticle works with 5.56, though I’ve made it work with .223 77-grain loads too. Sig’s lifetime warranty means something – they’ve replaced a damaged scope for a student, no questions asked.
Bushnell Match Pro 6-24x50mm FFP
Don’t let the Bushnell name fool you – this is serious glass for NRL22 and precision rimfire. The Deploy MIL reticle with floating center dot prevents the crosshair from obscuring small targets. Parallax adjusts down to 10 yards – crucial for rimfire work where you might shoot from 25 to 300 yards on the same stage.
Tool-less resettable turrets mean you can dial without worrying about losing zero. The clicks are positive and repeatable – tested through five matches without a single tracking issue. At this price, it embarrasses scopes costing twice as much. Perfect for someone getting into precision rimfire without breaking the bank.
Budget Glass That Doesn’t Suck
Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm
- The Diamondback 4-12×40 riflescope is one of multiple configurations in the Diamondback lineup and is ideal for a variety of applications.
This scope lives on my truck gun. It’s taken every abuse Montana can dish out – frozen solid, bounced around, covered in dust – and still holds zero. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle gives you quick holds for common hunting distances. Not match-grade glass, but more than adequate for deer hunting or predator control inside 400 yards.
At 14.2 ounces, it won’t make your rifle unwieldy. The turrets are capped to prevent accidental adjustment, and they track acceptably for a sub-$200 scope. Vortex’s VIP warranty means when (not if) you eventually break it, they’ll replace it free. For a beater rifle or loaner gun, this is perfect.
Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm LPVO
- Fully Upgraded Optical System
- Integrated Magnification Throw Lever
- ACSS NOVA Fiber Wire Reticle
Primary Arms figured out fiber optic illumination – bright enough for daylight without batteries dying at the worst moment. The ACSS Nova reticle might look busy, but spend an hour learning it and you’ll understand the genius. Range estimation, moving target leads, and holdovers all built in.
True 1x magnification for both-eyes-open shooting, solid tracking through thousands of rounds, and glass clarity that shames scopes at twice the price. Perfect for 3-gun, home defense carbines, or general purpose rifles. The 30mm tube takes a beating and keeps working. For under $300, this transforms a basic AR into a capable system.
Vortex Sonora 4-12×44
Brand new model at an introductory price. Knowing Vortex, this will jump to $150+ after the holidays. Basic features done right – clear glass, reliable adjustments, proven Dead-Hold reticle. The 44mm objective and 4-inch eye relief make it comfortable for new shooters or those with heavy-recoiling rifles.
Nitrogen purged, O-ring sealed, and backed by Vortex’s lifetime warranty. Perfect for that youth rifle, .22 trainer, or backup hunting gun. At this price, buy two – one for the rifle, one for the spare parts shelf.
Digital Night Vision Deals
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x
- HD Sensor – delivers enhanced image sensitivity and razor sharp quality of view regardless the distance or lights condition.
Digital night vision that actually works. Records your hunts, has a legitimate ballistic calculator, and the one-shot zero feature actually saves time. Battery life (18+ hours claimed, 12-14 real world) beats most competitors.
Learning curve is steep – this isn’t grab-and-go equipment. But once mastered, you can spot and record predators at 300+ yards in complete darkness. The 4K sensor provides detail impossible with Gen 1 analog tubes. For documenting problem predators or night hunting where legal, this changes the game.
Sightmark Wraith 4K Mini 2-16×32
- Cutting-Edge Digital Imaging: The Wraith 4K Mini boasts a state-of-the-art 3840×2160 CMOS sensor, providing unparalleled digital imaging capabilities that allow you to detect objects up to 300 yards away even in the darkest of nights.
Lighter and more compact than most digital units. The 4K recording helps with predator documentation or proving that trophy buck exists. Ten reticle options might seem excessive, but having the right reticle for your load matters when shooting at night.
Detection to 300 yards with built-in IR, full color in daylight. The aluminum construction survives real use – dropped one last season (accidentally) with no damage. IPX6 water resistance handled an unexpected downpour. For the price, it bridges the gap between toy night vision and professional thermals.
Store-Wide Sales Worth Browsing
OpticsPlanet Deals
- Use “PREPARTY” for $75 off $500+
- Use “PREFUN” for $40 off $250+
- Use “HUMM” for 7% off most items
- All Black Friday Doorbusters
Brownells Codes (Through Dec 1)
- 15BF: 15% off non-excluded items
- NOV125: $125 off $1,000+
- NOV55: $55 off $500+
- NOV20: $20 off $200+
- Free shipping over $49
Amazon Optics Deals
How to Shop Smart This Black Friday
Check Real Prices
That “60% off” might be from an inflated MSRP nobody actually pays. I track street prices year-round – the deals I’ve listed are genuine savings from normal selling prices.
Consider Total Cost
A scope “deal” isn’t a deal if you need $200 in rings, bases, and tools to mount it. Factor in everything: mount, rings, level, torque wrench, thread locker. Sometimes a package deal with mount included (like the Sig Tango) saves more than a cheaper scope alone.
Warranty Matters
Vortex’s VIP warranty means something. So does Trijicon’s reputation. That bargain scope with no warranty becomes expensive when it breaks. Buy from companies that stand behind their glass.
Match Scope to Purpose
A 6-36x competition scope on a woods rifle is like wearing waders to a wedding – wrong tool for the job. Be honest about how you’ll use the scope. Most hunters never shoot past 300 yards. Most competitors never need past 20x. Buy what you’ll actually use.
Budget for Mounting
Quality rings and proper installation matter more than most realize. A $2,000 scope on garbage rings is worse than a $200 scope mounted correctly. Budget 10-20% of scope cost for quality mounting hardware.
The Bottom Line
Black Friday can save you serious money on quality glass – if you know what you’re looking for. The deals I’ve listed represent real value on scopes I’d run on my own rifles. Some, like the Razor HD Gen III at $2,529, might never be cheaper. Others, like the $99 Vortex Sonora, are perfect for specific applications.
Remember: a scope is an investment in your shooting. Whether you’re protecting livestock, feeding your family, competing, or just punching paper, good glass makes everything easier. But good glass on sale? That’s when you strike.
Practice makes permanent, so practice it right – with equipment that won’t let you down. The wilderness doesn’t care about Black Friday, but your wallet sure does.
Questions about specific scopes or mounting solutions? Check out my detailed reviews and how-to guides for getting the most from your optics investment.
About Flint: After 8 years as an Army Ranger and 15+ years guiding hunters in Montana, I’ve learned which equipment delivers when it matters. When not teaching courses or testing gear with Scout and River, I’m tracking prices and testing optics to help you make informed decisions.