Are you an avid air gun enthusiast, a competitive shooter, or a hunter seeking the perfect shot? Choosing the Best Scopes for Air Rifles is paramount to enhance accuracy, precision, and overall performance. With plenty of available options, selecting the best scope for your air rifle is a daunting task.
This article will explore and analyze some of the top scopes specifically designed to complement air rifles. We’ll delve into various features, specifications, and considerations that will help you make an informed decision. This will ensure your shooting experience is optimized for success. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of air rifle scopes, where dependability, clarity, and magnification combine to enhance your shooting experiences.
Factors to consider when buying the Best Scopes for Air Rifle Guns
Magnification and Objective Lens Size
Consider the level of magnification you need for your shooting purposes. A scope’s magnification power might vary, so it’s crucial to pick one that is appropriate for the task at hand. A larger objective lens allows more light intake, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions.
Reticle Type
Pick a reticle design that suits how you prefer to shoot. Duplex, mil-dot, BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator), and lighted reticles are examples of common reticle types. Depending on the target distance, accuracy, and shooting circumstances, each offers particular advantages.
Eye Relief and Exit Pupil
Choose a scope with an accommodating eye relief to avoid injury and guarantee a clear view. Generous eye relief and appropriate exit pupil diameter create a comfortable and forgiving sight picture.
Durability and Build Quality
Choose scopes built with durable materials and can endure the recoil of air rifles. Look for scopes with robust construction, and shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof features to ensure longevity and reliability, even in adverse weather conditions.
Mounting Compatibility
Confirm that the scope is compatible with the mounting system of your air rifle. Different air rifles may require specific mounting types.
Best Scopes for Air Rifles
1) Leapers utg 3-9×32 1 bug buster scope
Specifications
- 3-9x magnification
- 32mm objective lens
- Second focal plane
- 3.2 – 4.2 in eye relief
- 14 – 37.7 ft at 100 yds field of view
- 1/4 MOA adjustment clicks
- Zero lockable and zero resettable target turrets
- Mil-dot Range Estimating Reticle
- Adjustable objective
- Sunshade
The Leapers UTG BugBuster 3-9x32mm Rifle Scope is a compact optic designed for precise targeting across varying shooting scenarios. Offering a flexible magnification range of 3-9x and a 32mm objective lens, this scope strikes a balance between zoom capability and light gathering, making it suitable for mid-range to extended-range shooting.
The Mil-Dot reticle, illuminated in both red and green, provides accurate range estimation and adjustments, enhancing aiming accuracy. Its emerald-coated lenses maximize light transmission, ensuring clear and bright pictures. The scope features a shockproof, fog-proof, and rainproof construction, making it reliable in diverse weather conditions. Equipped with practical features like an adjustable objective for parallax correction and zero-reset turrets, the BugBuster is a reliable companion for shooters seeking accuracy and performance in a compact design.
Pros
- It is compact and lightweight
- Flexible 3-9x magnification range
- Mil-Dot reticle with red and green illumination allows for better aiming in different lighting conditions
- The emerald-coated lenses optimize light transmission
- The adjustable objective allows for parallax adjustment which improves accuracy
- It is shockproof, fog-proof, and rainproof, and can withstand the rigors of outdoor use
- The zero-reset turrets provide ease of windage and elevation adjustments
Cons
- The field of view narrows as you increase the magnification
2) Hawke Sidewinder 30 FFP 4-16×50 scope
Specifications
- 4 – 16 x magnification
- 50 mm objective lens
- 30 mm tube diameter
- First focal plane
- Mil Dot reticle
- 24-degree field of view
- 4-inch eye relief
- Resettable locking turrets
- Multi-LED high-intensity reticle
- Extra Low Dispersion Glass
- 18 layer fully-multi-coated lenses
- Nigrogen purged, shockproof, waterproof, and fog Proof
The Hawke Sport Optics Sidewinder 30 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope is an optic built for precision and versatility in a variety of shooting applications. With a magnification range of 4-16x and a large 50mm objective lens, it offers exceptional zoom capabilities and excellent light-gathering ability, ensuring clarity and brightness even in low-light conditions. It features a first focal plane (FFP) reticle, meaning the reticle’s subtensions remain accurate at all magnifications, allowing for precise holdover and ranging.
The 30mm tube provides a robust platform for the scope and allows for more elevation and windage adjustments. Equipped with advanced features like an exposed and locking target turret system, side focus for parallax adjustment, and a glass-etched illuminated reticle, it is designed to meet unparalleled accuracy and reliability. Built with a shockproof, waterproof, and nitrogen-purged chassis, it guarantees durability and performance in challenging environments, making it an excellent choice for serious shooters and hunters.
Pros
- The FFP reticle ensures that the subtensions remain accurate at all magnifications
- 4-16x magnification which provides versatility for various shooting scenarios
- 50mm objective lens maximizes light transmission, resulting in a bright and clear sight picture
- The 30mm tube allows for more room for adjustment, which allows for accuracy
- The exposed target-style turrets are easy to adjust and have a locking mechanism to maintain your zero
- The side focus allows for easy parallax adjustment, enhancing accuracy
- The illuminated reticle provides better visibility in low light
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof
Cons
- The price may be relatively high
3) Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9×40 scope
Specifications
- 3 – 9x magnification
- 40 mm objective lens
- 4.4 – 13.3 mm exit pupil
- 3.8 – 4.4 in eye relief
- 60 MOA adjustment range
- 100 yds to infinity focus range
- 100 yds parallax
- Fully multi-coated
- Second focal plane reticle
- Single-Piece Tube
- Aircraft-grade aluminum material
- Waterproof, fog proof, shockproof
- Capped reset turrets
- Adjustable objective
The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is a reliable and versatile optic that delivers consistent performance in a variety of shooting scenarios. With a magnification range of 3-9x and a 40mm objective lens, which is a balance between zoom versatility and light transmission, ensuring clear images. Designed in the second focal plane (SFP), the reticle size remains constant across different magnifications, allowing for intuitive aiming and holdover estimation.
The reticle assists in making accurate long-range shots by providing reference points for bullet drops. Built on a 1-inch tube, this scope is compatible with a wide range of mounting systems. Its durable construction, shockproof and waterproof features, coupled with Vortex’s reputation for quality optics, make it a popular choice among hunters, target shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliability and value for their optics.
Pros
- Versatile magnification suitable for a wide array of shooting applications
- The objective lens gathers ample light, providing clear and bright images
- The second focal plane maintains a consistent size regardless of magnification, for easy and intuitive aiming
- Can withstand the recoil of firearms and adverse weather conditions, ensuring durability and longevity
- High-quality optics
- The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing
Cons
- The reticle is non-illuminated
4) Element Titan 3-18×50 FFP scope
Specifications
- 3 – 18 x magnification
- 34 mm objective lens
- 34 mm tube diameter
- 2.78 – 16.67 mm exit pupil
- 6.8 – 41 ft at 100 yds field of view
- 10 yds parallax
- Aircraft-grade aluminum material
- 150 MOA adjustment range
- Illuminated, first focal plane reticle
- HD Glass
- Resettable turrets with 10 MRAD / 25 MOA per Revolution
- Stainless steel turret mechanism
- Hard mechanical zero-stop
- Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof & nitrogen-purged
With a wide magnification range from 3-18x and a substantial 50mm objective lens, this scope offers exceptional flexibility, catering to short to long-range shooting with ease. Operating in the first focal plane (FFP), the reticle’s subtensions adjust proportionally with magnification, ensuring accurate holdovers, ranging, and windage corrections at any zoom level. Its robust 34mm tube diameter not only allows for ample windage and elevation adjustments but also enhances durability and overall stability.
The Titan scope has advanced optics, providing a sharp and clear sight picture, while the well-engineered turret system, zero stop, and illuminated reticle contribute to effortless and precise adjustments in the field. Built with durability in mind, it is shockproof, waterproof, and ready to endure the harshest conditions, making it an exceptional choice for demanding shooters and hunters seeking top-tier performance.
Pros
- 3-18x magnification range provides exceptional versatility
- The FFP reticle allows for accurate holdover, ranging, and windage corrections at all magnification levels
- The 50mm objective lens maximizes light transmission for bright images
- The 34mm tube offers durability, stability, and more room for windage and elevation adjustments
- The turret system and zero stop enable precise and quick adjustments for windage and elevation
- The illuminated reticle provides better visibility in low-light conditions
- High-quality optics, ensuring sharp and clear images
- Built to withstand recoil and adverse weather conditions
Cons
- It may be bulky
5) Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×50 scope
Specifications
- 4.5 – 22 x magnification
- 30mm objective lens
- 11.11 – 2.27 mm exit pupil
- 4.5 – 0.1 degrees field of view
- 4 in eye relief
- 25 yds to infinity parallax
- LED illunination type
- XR Plus fully multi-coated
- HD optical system
- Integrated locking mechanism
- Revstop zero system
- First focal plane
With a magnification range from 4.5-22x, it is engineered to excel across various shooting applications, from mid-range to long-range engagements. With a first focal plane (FFP), the reticle subtensions scale proportionally, ensuring accurate holdovers, ranging, and windage adjustments at any magnification setting. Its 50mm objective lens maximizes light transmission, providing bright and clear images even in challenging lighting conditions. The 30mm tube adds durability and enables a generous range of windage and elevation adjustments.
This scope features the XLR-2 reticle, offering precise aiming and reference points for ranging and holdovers. Combining exceptional glass quality, a robust construction, and advanced features like a side parallax adjustment and a locking zero-stop turret system, this scope is designed to meet the demands of serious long-range shooters and hunters seeking unparalleled performance in a single, versatile optic.
Pros
- 4.5-22x magnification range offers incredible versatility
- FFP reticle, subtensions remain accurate at all magnifications, enabling precise holdovers, ranging, and windage adjustments.
- The HD optical system provides excellent clarity, resolution, and color fidelity
- The 50mm objective lens maximizes light transmission, providing a bright sight picture even in low-light conditions.
- The XLR-2 reticle offers precise aiming points, making it easier for shooters to range targets
- The 30mm tube allows for a broad range of windage and elevation adjustments
- The side parallax adjustment, locking zero stop turret system, and the L-Tec zero stop mechanism enhance ease of use
- A shockproof and waterproof construction for long-lasting reliability
Cons
- It may be heavy and bulky
6) Hawke AirMax 3-9X40 AO scope
Specification
- 3 – 9 x magnification
- 40mm objective lens
- 4 – 13 mm exit pupil
- 13.6 – 37.2 ft at 100 yds field of view
- 3.5 in eye relief
- 80 MOA adjustment range
- 0.25 MOA adjustment click value
- 16-layer fully multi-coated optics
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Glass etched reticle
- Adjustable objective for parallax adjustment.
- Glass etched reticle
With a versatile magnification range of 3-9x and a 40mm objective lens, it provides clear and crisp images across a range of shooting distances. Operating in the second focal plane (SFP), the reticle remains the same size, maintaining a constant aim point for quick target acquisition. The adjustable objective (AO) ensures parallax-free aiming by allowing precise focus at different distances.
It is equipped with high-quality optics, providing superior light transmission and image clarity. Its durable 1-inch tube, shockproof construction, and waterproof design make it a reliable companion for outdoor shooting activities. With features like the AMX reticle, precise windage and elevation adjustments, and a fast-focus eyepiece, the Hawke Airmax EV is a perfect blend of accuracy, durability, and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for airgun and rimfire shooting enthusiasts.
Pros
- The 3-9x magnification range provides versatility
- The 40mm objective lens allows for good light transmission
- The SFP reticle maintains a consistent size regardless of magnification
- The adjustable objective allows for parallax adjustment, enhancing accuracy
- The AMX reticle provides multiple aim points, aiding in quick target acquisition
- Shockproof, waterproof, and built to withstand outdoor use
- The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing to achieve crisp and clear images
- High-quality optics which results in clear images
Cons
- The reticle is nonilluminated
7) Element Optics Helix 6-24x50mm 30mm Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope
Specifications
- 6 – 24x magnification
- 30mm tube diameter
- 50mm objective lens
- 3.94 – 3.54 in eye relief
- Second focal plane reticle
- 9 – 2.2 mm exit pupil
- 19.1 – 4.2 ft at 100 yds field of view
- Non-Illuminated
- Aircraft-grade aluminium material
- Fully multi-coated lens
- 10yds-Infinity side parallax
- Tool-free Resettable Turrets with 6 MRAD / 15 MOA per Revolution
- Hard mechanical zero-Stop
- Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof & nitrogen-purged
- Sunshade, lens cloth & rubber lens caps included
The Element Optics Helix 6-24X50 SFP (Second Focal Plane) rifle scope equipped with the EHR-1C MOA (Minute of Angle) reticle is a precision optics rifle scope created for accuracy and adaptability in long-range shooting. With a variable magnification range of 6-24X and a generous 50mm objective lens, this scope ensures optimal light transmission, delivering a bright and clear sight picture even in challenging lighting conditions.
The EHR-1C MOA reticle offers precise holdover and windage corrections, aiding in long-distance shots. The Second Focal Plane design ensures the reticle’s subtensions remain accurate at the highest magnification levels, allowing for consistent and reliable target acquisition. The
Helix 6-24X50 SFP is built with durable materials, is shockproof, and is nitrogen-purged to be fog-proof and waterproof, making it a dependable choice for serious shooters seeking superior performance.
Pros
- 6-24X magnification range offers flexible viewing
- EHR-1C MOA reticle provides precise aiming points
- The MOA subtensions on the reticle assist in precise range estimation and shot placement
- The 50mm objective lens ensures good light transmission for bright images
- It is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof.
- Has quality optics.
Cons
- The EHR-1C MOA reticle may have a learning curve for shooters unfamiliar with MOA subtensions.
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Best Scopes for Air Rifles FAQs
What is the importance of eye relief in an air rifle scope?
Eye relief is critical to prevent injury and ensure a comfortable shooting experience. A sufficient eye relief distance protects your eye from recoil and enhances your field of view.
How do I mount a scope on my air rifle?
Use scope rings or mounts that are compatible with the rail system on your air rifle to mount the scope. Before zeroing in, make sure the scope is attached firmly and is correctly aligned.
The importance of illuminated reticles for air rifle scopes?
Illuminated reticles can be beneficial in low-light conditions or for aiming at dark targets. However, it’s not a necessity, and choosing one depends on your shooting environment.
How important is parallax adjustment in an air rifle scope?
Parallax adjustment is crucial for air rifles, as it helps achieve a clear sight picture at different distances. An adjustable parallax allows for accurate aiming and eliminates parallax error.
Which reticle type is best for air rifle shooting?
Although everyone has a different preferred reticle, duplex or mil-dot reticles are frequently suggested for air rifles because they are straightforward and convenient to use for calculating holdover and windage.
What magnification level is ideal for an air rifle scope?
The ideal magnification level depends on your shooting needs. For air rifles, a range of 3-9x magnification is popular, offering versatility for close to mid-range shots.
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Conclusion
To choose the best air rifle sight, it is important to carefully analyze several important features, each of which is designed to enhance your shooting experience. Every factor, including magnification, reticle type, durability, parallax adjustment, and mounting compatibility, is essential for improving accuracy and precision.
The effectiveness of the selected scope is further increased by illuminated reticles, adequate eye relief, and a solid turret system. To ensure that your air rifle scope not only meets but also surpasses your expectations and ultimately improves your marksmanship, find the perfect combination of these elements that are in line with your shooting needs and preferences. The world of air rifle shooting transforms into a canvas for accuracy and mastery with the correct scope in your hands, offering an enjoyable and fruitful shooting trip.
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