The spotlight today is on the best air rifle scopes with unmatched accuracy and dependability. Scope your air rifle today and transform it into a dependable shooting solution for all your shooting needs. Mounting a scope on your air rifle improves accuracy when hunting in all sorts of terrain and conditions.
The best air rifle scopes provide significant benefits for a ton of applications and make air rifle shooting more enjoyable. They bring the target distance closer, boost your shooting confidence in less favorable situations and make your shooting or hunting applications much more competitive.
For those new to air rifle shooting, finding the best scope for your air rifle is not always a walk in the park. Not all rifle scopes out there are ideal for air rifle shooting and those that are air-gun rated are created differently to meet the different needs of users out there. We understand that the selection process is often a daunting task and we are here to make it simpler and pleasant.
We have done a lot of the leg work for you and put together this list of 7 best air rifle scopes. These scopes are quite similar to the regular rifle scopes but beneath them is a high build quality to handle the heavy recoil air rifles generate. Additionally, these scopes are multifunctional to match the versatility of air rifles.
So, with all that said, let’s get started.
1) Burris Fullfield E1 Hunting Scope
Burris Fullfield E1 Hunting Scope is a high-quality scope suitable for all air rifle shooting applications. Its versatility is a force to reckon with and the array of features it is packed with make it by far one of the best air rifle scopes.
The scope has a zoom power that spans from 3x to 9x. At the lowest zoom settings, the scope provides a spacious field of view for quick target finding. Additionally, the high 9x magnification will extend your air rifle shooting capability and make target acquisition easy at longer ranges.
To complement the versatile magnification range, this hunting scope is designed with a Ballistic Plex E1reticle that is not just accurate at each zoom setting, but also simple to use. The reticle is outfitted with trajectory-compensating technology and cascading dots that compensate for wind drift.
Furthermore, the scope features an all-metal construction to weather rough use and withstand the heavy recoil of air rifles. It has a lightweight design of 368.54 grams to disperse heavy recoil more effectively while being easy to maneuver within the field.
Moreover, the scope has a double internal spring-tension system that holds zero through shock, recoil and harsh vibrations. The other essential features included are a weatherproof construction, finger-adjustable low-profile turrets, and a power ring for easy magnification adjustment.
Features
- High-grade optical glass
- Double internal spring-tension system
- Waterproof and nitrogen-filled
- 3-9x magnification power
- Finger adjustable turrets
- Side focus parallax adjuster
- Robust steel housing
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight and durable
- Easy to use
- Great value for money
- Bright and clear views
Cons
- Mushy turrets
2) Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9×40 Riflescope
The Crossfire II 3-9×40 Riflescope is a low-cost yet durable variable-powered optic suitable for a wide range of air rifle shooting. The moderate 3-9x magnification makes it ideal for close to mid-range hunting and target practice where too much zoom power would be an overkill.
The picture quality the scope provides at each magnification level is outstanding. This is thanks to the 40mm objective lens that enhances performance even in poor lighting environments. Additionally, the optics are fully multi-coated to ensure the production of bright detail-rich images.
Air rifles are always tough on scopes due to the high recoil they generate. This Vortex scope is built with hunters in mind and has a rugged construction to ensure reliable performance even under the most intense recoil and rapid fire.
Furthermore, the optical tube is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to prevent rain and extreme humidity and temperature changes from fogging up the optics. Dependability is one of the highlights that make Crossfire II 3-9×40 one of the best air rifle scopes.
For additional convenience, this compact and lightweight scope comes with a fast-focus eyepiece for quick and easy focusing of the reticle. It also has low-profile capped turrets to prevent accidental adjustments and a long eye relief that guarantees great eye comfort during use.
Features
- Dead-hold BDC second focal plane reticle
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- 1-inch body tube
- 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustments
- 3-9x magnification
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Lightweight and compact design
- Accurate and easy to sight in
- Bright and clear optics
Cons
- Cheap plastic lens covers
3) BSA 3-9X40 Sweet 22 Rifle Scope
BSA 3-9X40 Sweet 22 is one of the best air rifle scopes for small game hunting and pest control. It is specifically designed for the .22LR and features a variable 3-9x magnification power for close to medium-range use.
This rifle scope is built and ready for use in all environments. It has a high-quality aluminum housing that is shockproof to take in the beating. It is also fog proof and waterproof to prevent moisture from entering and damaging the optics.
Weighing 19.90oz only, this .22lr rifle scope will do a good job of dispersing air rifle recoil and enhancing durability. Furthermore, it boasts a long eye relief of 4 inches that stays constant through the entire zoom range to maximize both glassing comfort and eye safety.
Optically, the scope features a large 40mm objective lens and fully multi-coated lenses. The lens coatings minimize internal light loss through reflection. This maximizes the amount of light transmitted and leads to the production of bright and clear image views.
Other than that, the scope features a side parallax adjuster and a 40 MOA windage and elevation adjustment range.
Features
- 30/30 duplex reticle
- Side parallax adjuster
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Shockproof, fog proof and waterproof
- 1-inch tube
- Aluminum housing
- 3-9x variable magnification
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Multi-gran turrets with zero reset
- Long and constant eye relief
- Accurate
- Great value for money
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
4) Athlon Optics Neos 4-12×40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope
Increase your success in the hunting field by pairing your air rifle with a dependable rifle scope. The Athlon Optics Neos 4-12×40 riflescope is one of the best air rifle scopes and has a litany of impressive facets to transform your air rifle into a hunting showpiece.
This variable-powered rifle scope packs premium precision at a price that is hard to beat. Additionally, it is simple to use and a great option for beginners and the youth. At around $150, this riflescope is a rare testament that performance can exceed the expectations a price tag suggests.
Built with a variable 4-12x magnification power, the scope has enough power to push your air rifle to its full power. The broad zoom range is complemented by a second focal plane reticle that retains its shape through the entire zoom range. The reticle is also illuminated to provide better visibility in low-lighting environments, and glass-etched to offer higher resistance against recoil.
Construction-wise, the scope is made from aircraft-grade aluminum. It is heat treated to provide greater strength and the durability needed to handle to withstand the roughest terrains. On top of that, it is waterproof and fogproof to be usable in both favorable and unfavorable weather conditions.
To top it all off, this rifle scope features fully multi-coated optics that significantly enhance light transmission to provide bright and crisp clear image views.
Features
- A second focal plane glass-etched reticle
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Heat-treated 1-inch single-piece main tube
- 25 MOA windage and elevation adjustment
- 4-12x magnification power
Pros
- Lightweight and durable construction
- Illuminated reticle
- Extremely clear glass
- Inexpensive
Cons
- The eye relief is short
5) Hawke Vantage 3-9×40 Rifle Scope
Redefine your air rifle hunting experience with an efficient scope. As one of the best air rifle scopes, the Hawke Vantage 3-9×40 rifle scope will boost your shooting confidence and all your air rifle shooting activities more fun. It is compatible with a wide range of air guns and is very simple to install and use.
This rifle scope is built to offer unrivaled durability. It has a durable anodized aluminum housing that is tough enough to withstand fierce recoil and any other abuse that comes it’s way.
Better yet, the main tube is nitrogen-filled to drive out internal moisture and keep the optics fog-free. It is also O-ring sealed to be ready for whatever nature has in store for it.
The picture quality the scope yields is another thing that makes it ideal for air rifle use. It has fully multi-coated optics that yield bright and vivid image views from sunrise to sunset.
Furthermore, the 40mm objective lens draws in more light to enhance low-light performance while still maintaining a low profile.
To complement the optical performance of the scope are covered turrets that guard against accidental adjustments. The scope is also built with a fast collar and knurled rheostat to help you adapt to the rapidly changing situation quickly.
Features
- 3-9x zoom range
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Knurled Posi-Grip adjustment collar
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Low profile covered turret caps
- 1” single-piece main tube
- Anodized aluminum alloy body
- Waterproof and nitrogen-filled
- 100 MOA windage and elevation adjustment range
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Illuminated reticle
- Durable and accurate
- Crisp clear and quality glass
Cons
- Doesn’t hold zero
6) Leapers UTG 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope
Leapers UTG 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope is another high-quality and versatile optic ideal for air gun shooting. It is an excellent enhancement to every firearm where it guarantees effectiveness and great performance in any environment.
The scope features a variable zoom power that is functional throughout the entire range. Its reticle is housed on the second focal plane and is illuminated to enhance the contrast between it and the target in all lighting conditions.
Additionally, the scope offers a wide field of view at each zoom power to help with rapid target finding. Embark on your next hunt fully prepared by mounting an efficient scope on your air rifle.
Construction-wise, it has a 30mm body made from aircraft-quality aluminum. With the sturdy construction, the scopes stand up to the test of time and withstand the fierce recoil of air rifles. Furthermore, it is completely sealed and nitrogen-filled to provide a lifetime of waterproof and fogproof performance.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Emerald lens coatings
- 30mm main tube
- 36-color multi-color mode
- Aircraft-quality aluminum housing
- Side parallax adjustment
- Zero locking and zero resetting target turrets
Pros
- Multi-color reticle illumination
- Great low-light visibility
- Clear and vivid optics
- Affordable
Cons
- Heavy
7) Swampfox Tomahawk 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
The Swampfox Tomahawk 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope offers the best balance between performance, durability and affordability. It is ideal for virtually all air rifle shooting and hunting applications at close to mid-range.
With the true 1x optical performance, the scope and its reticles are designed to work like a red dot sight at close ranges. You will be able to keep both eyes as you shoot and increase your situational awareness while still maintaining focus on the target.
Furthermore, the scope’s zoom power goes all the way up to 6x to enhance your odds of taking a clean shot for long-range targets. The reticle included is put on the second focal plane to retain its size at each zoom setting and is illuminated for use in low-light environments.
To ensure quick magnification adjustment, the scope comes with a built-in throw lever. It also features a fast-focus adjustable collar for quick reticle focusing and zero-reset turrets that provide more flexibility than the zero-lock turrets.
What’s more, is that the scope is IPX7 waterproof and impact resistant up to 1,100G forces. It also features fully multi-coated optics to ensure high levels of light transmission in poorly lit environments.
Features
- -2 to +2 fast focus diopter
- Tactical turrets with zero reset
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 100 MOA windage and elevation adjustment range
- 30mm main tube
- Glass-etched illuminated reticle
- True 1x magnification
Pros
- Bright and clear sight picture
- Illuminated reticle
- Lightweight and durable
- High-quality glass
Cons
- The turrets are not covered
Further Reading
- Best Scopes for Savage 220
- Rimfire Scopes for 200 Yards
- Best Riflescopes for Hunting
- Best Leupold Scopes for 30-30
Best Air Rifle Scopes Buyer’s Guide & FAQS
Criteria for Choosing The Best Air Rifle Scopes
If you are buying an air rifle scope for the first time or you are in the market for an upgrade, the following are the important factors to look for when making your selection.
Usage
The primary thing to consider is the kind of application you will be using the air rifle scope for. Is it for pest control, small game hunting, recreational shooting, or any other use? By being activity-specific, you will have a pleasant time finding the best scope for your needs.
Magnification Type
There are two types of scope magnification; variable and fixed. A variable-powered scope has an adjustable magnification power. Fixed power scopes on the other hand have a zoom power that is fixed.
Both are good for air rifle shooting but in certain areas. If you regularly use your air rifle for one specific activity and at constant ranges, it is best to get a fixed power scope.
On the other hand, a variable-powered scope is what you need if you use the scope for different applications across varying ranges.
Read: Best Varmint Scopes for 223
Parallax Correction
Parallax is one of the main causes of failing to place a clean shot when using an air rifle. It is therefore important to get a scope whose parallax is adjustable to get rid of this problem.
Most air rifle scopes have the parallax adjustment put on the side for easy access. Some also feature an adjustable objective that allows for easy parallax elimination from 10 yards upwards.
Durability
Solid construction is a feature that every air rifle-rated scope should have. It should be shockproof to withstand the heavy recoil and vibrations air rifles produce.
Additionally, the best air rifle scopes must have a robust body that is fully waterproof and fogproof to guarantee unimpeded field use.
Read: Best Hawke Scopes for Air Rifles
Eye Relief
Another feature that makes a great air rifle scope is eye relief. With the high recoil these firearms generate, you are more predisposed to getting hit by the scope as it recoils.
To avoid this, there must be some distance between your eye and the scope’s eyepiece which is called eye relief.
For safe and comfortable shooting with an air rifle, look for a scope that has an eye relief that is longer than 3.5 inches.
Read: Best Vortex Scopes for 450 Bushmaster
What Magnification Do You Need
Getting a scope with the right magnification power will go a long way to make your air rifle scope worthwhile. Air rifles are widely used for recreational target shooting, small game hunting, pest control and skill development.
In most cases, these activities take place at close to medium ranges. Generally, a variable-powered scope with about 9x maximum magnification is sufficient for close to long-range use.
It offers a great balance of a wide field of view at close ranges and better target acquisition at medium ranges. However, if you plan to use the scope for long-range use, look for a scope with at least 10x magnification.
Read: Best Muzzleloader Scopes
Best Air Rifle Scopes FAQs
Q: What Size Scope is Best for An Air Rifle?
It depends on your needs and individual preferences. You can get a scope with a fixed zoom power if you plan to use it for shooting at constant ranges.
Alternatively, a variable power scope with 3-9x zoom power is a great all-around scope for close to medium-range applications.
Q: What Do Numbers in a Scope Represent?
Magnification power and the size of the objective lens respectively. So, in a 4-12x40mm scope, for example, 4-12x is the magnification power which is variable and 40mm is the objective lens diameter.
Conclusion
Mounting a quality scope on your air rifle will help you make the most out of your shooting or hunting applications.
Each of the air rifle scopes we have mentioned above is air rifle-rated and comes with all the essential features you need to enhance the performance of your air rifle. Hopefully, this guide has helped you find a model that perfectly matches your needs.