Today you will find the best Hawke scopes for air rifles. Air rifles have a wide range of applications. Over the past few years, the demand for air rifle scopes has surged and for good reasons.
A scope makes an air rifle fun to shoot with and gives you an edge when hunting or plinking compared to when you are using your bare eyes only.
That said, Hawke Optics is a household name in the scopes industry. It makes a plethora of high-quality air rifle scopes suitable for virtually every application. If you are looking to get into air rifle shooting, you should consider investing in a Hawke air rifle scope.
What Makes a Great Air Rifle Scope?
As with most products, it can be hard to find the right air rifle scope for your air gun given the multitude of models available on the market. Multiple features make a great air rifle scope and the first one is durability.
Great scope for an air rifle has to have a solid construction to not only enhance its years of service but also ensure that it stands up to the recoil air guns produce.
Secondly, the scope should be equipped with high-quality glass and good lens coatings. These two features are important to ensure that the images generated are sharp, clear and rich in color.
Furthermore, the scope should be weatherproof to survive rough use in all weather conditions. It should also have a reticle that is easy to use and one that stays clear in all conditions.
You will also want the scope to be lightweight and have a long eye relief of above 3.5 inches to ensure that your eye is kept safe from the heavy recoiling air guns.
5 Best Hawke Scopes for Air Rifles
A good scope will enhance your shooting precision, enlarge the small targets and make your shooting expedition more rewarding.
Here are our picks for the best Hawke scopes for air rifles that work well with most air rifle hunting and shooting activities. Let’s have a look.
#1) Hawke Sport Optics AirMax 2-7×32 AO Rifle Scope
Introducing a budget-friendly rifle scope with unbeatable optical prowess. The AirMax 2-7×32 AO Rifle Scope is engineered to help increase the accuracy of air guns. Its tough construction is one of the major highlights that makes it one of the best Hawke scopes for air rifles.
The rifle scope is loaded with an array of quality and reliable features that are specifically designed for air rifle use. It is also very simple to use, even for beginners. The intuitive design is one of the attributes that make it one of the best Hawke scopes for air rifles.
The scopes 2-7x magnification range make it ideal for short and medium-range applications. It has a 32mm objective lens that maintains a low profile and a duplex-ranging reticle that provides multiple aiming points to compensate for the notoriously unstable air pellet trajectories.
For fast and easy reticle focusing, the scope features a fast-focus eyepiece. In terms of construction, it boasts lightweight and durable aluminum alloy housing. The lightweight design disperses the recoil air rifle emits while the durable make ensures that the scope weathers any rough handling you subject it to.
This 1-inch tube scope is also O-ring sealed to be waterproof and dustproof, and filled with nitrogen to prevent the build-up of fog on the lenses internally and externally. Dependability and reliability are guaranteed by the robust construction of the scope.
Features
- 2-7x zoom range
- Modified Duplex SFP reticle
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Fast focus collar
- Side parallax adjustment
- Waterproof and fogproof
- 1-inch mono-piece main tube
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long eye relief
- Recoil-resistant and rated for use on most calibers
- Inexpensive
- Sleek and even finish
Cons
- Non-illuminated
#2) Hawke Sports Optics Endurance 2.5-10x50mm Rifle Scope
The Endurable 2.5-10x is arguably one of the best Hawke scopes for air rifles. Unmatched versatility makes this rifle stand out. The rifle scope is suitable for air rifle hunting, pest control, skill development and recreational shooting. It offers a wide-angle optical system to make target finding a breeze, in any condition.
Built with a vast 2.5-10x magnification, this rifle scope is suitable for use even at extended ranges. The 30mm body tube gives you sufficient room to make the necessary adjustments. It is also crafted from aluminum to offer long-term durability.
The eye relief of this scope is long enough to keep you safe from your high-recoiling air rifle. Further, the optics are fully multi-coated to provide sharp and vivid sight pictures by enhancing light transmission. It is also equipped with an illuminated reticle to enhance visibility in low-light settings.
Features
- Waterproof and fogproof
- 5-10x magnification
- 18 -layer fully multi-coated optics
- Wide-angle optical system
- 1/4 MOA exposed and locking turrets
- 30mm mono-tube chassis
- Glass-etched illuminated reticle
Pros
- Reticle illumination
- Long eye relief
- Solid construction
Cons
- The parallax is not adjustable
#3) Hawke Sports Optics Vantage 4-12×50 IR Rifle Scope
As one of the best Hawke scopes for air rifles, the Vantage 4-12×50 IR makes shooting easy, even in low-light conditions. It is built with a large 50mmm objective lens to draw in more light inside. All its optics are then fully multi-coated to boost the transmission of light and enhance color contrast.
Complementing the stunning optical performance of this rifle scope is a lightweight yet durable aluminum housing that stands up to anything you subject it to. The 1-inch main tube is also coated with an anodized finish that keeps it scratchproof and free of rust.
Moreover, the scope comes with a partially illuminated crosshair reticle that is customizable for most lighting conditions. It is also built to survive in virtually any weather condition as it is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed.
Features
- Fast-focus collar
- Second focal plane Mil-Dot reticle
- 4-12x zoom range
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 1” mono-piece main tube
- Waterproof and fog proof
Pros
- Accommodating eye relief
- Lightweight and durable housing
- Recoil-resistant and rated for use on most calibers
- Excellent low-light visibility
Cons
- Fixed parallax
- Limited to 200 yards
#4) Hawke Sports Optics Vantage HD 3-9×40 AO 30/30 Rifle Scope
Next up, we have the Vantage HD 3-9×40 AO 30/30 Rifle Scope. If you mainly use your air rifle for hunting and pest control, this optic will make a handy companion. It is inexpensive, easy to use and suitable for use in all weather conditions.
It employs fully multi-coated optics which deliver excellent image clarity in all lighting and weather conditions. To ensure the speedy acquisition of targets, the scope employs a fast focus eye bell. It is also equipped with a high torque zoom ring that guarantees swift magnification adjustments.
Regarding construction, this product has a durable mono-tube chassis that offers excellent weatherproof and shockproof capabilities. It also features an adjustable objective for image focusing and parallax correction.
Features
- 11-layer fully multi-coated optics
- Side focus control for parallax adjustment
- Adjustable objective
- 3-9x variable magnification
- Fast focus eye bell
- 1/4 MOA low-profile turrets
- The high torque zoom ring
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
Pros
- Edge-to-edge clarity
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- Good eye relief
Cons
- Not illuminated
#5) Hawke Optics Sports Sidewinder FFP 4-16x50mm MRAD Rifle Scope
The Sidewinder FFP 4-16x50mm rifle scope is an ultra-versatile piece of glass that works well with a wide range of air rifles. It features a variable 4-16x zoom power that is sufficient to cover targets at various distances.
This rifle scope utilizes a reticle put on the first focal plane. The reticle is illuminated and has 6 different brightness intensities for visibility in nearly all lighting conditions. Besides, the scope employs high-grade, low-dispersion glass which provides crystal-clear sight images from dawn to dusk.
Like any other Hawke rifle scope, this model is built to survive in all weather conditions. It is nitrogen-purged to be fogproof and thermal resistant and sealed on both ends to lock out moisture and dirt. Overall, it makes an excellent optic for every avid hunter out there.
Features
- First focal plane reticle
- Resettable locking turrets
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Removable magnification throw lever
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- High-grade low dispersion glass
- 4-16x magnification
- 30mm main tube
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Precise parallax
- Illuminated reticle with 6 brightness settings
- Great turrets with crisp clicks
- Stunning low-light visibility
Cons
- Slightly heavy
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Choosing the Best Hawke Scopes for Air Rifles
When looking to buy an air rifle scope, you will be presented with multiple models. Below is a quick rundown of the key features you should consider when making your selection.
Magnification
With air rifle scopes, you don’t require that much magnification power. A moderate-powered scope with 9x maximum magnification will do. It will offer a wide field of view at close quarters and also enhance your target acquisition speed at extended ranges.
If you are a beginner or you shot constantly at the same distance, go for a fixed power scope. These scopes are not only inexpensive but also very easy to use.
Lens Diameter
Magnification and objective lenses go hand in hand. If a scope has a high magnification power, it should also have a large objective lens to ensure that the images generated at every magnification power are crisp and clear. A large objective lens also provides a wide viewing angle.
However, bigger is not always better. The larger the objective the heavier and bulkier a scope becomes. A tip is to get a scope with not more than 40mm aperture.
Read: Best Scopes for Mini 30
Durability
Air rifles are known to emit fierce recoil. It is for this reason that you should invest in a well-made scope. If you get a cheap-low quality scope, the recoil will end up damaging it and you will be back in the market looking for another scope.
The best Hawke scopes for air rifles feature robust aluminum construction. Aluminum is a lightweight yet durable material that offers greater shockproof performance and recoil resistance.
In addition to quality construction, the scope should be weatherproof. This will make it ideal for use under any weather condition.
Eye Relief
The next factor you should take into account is eye relief. This is the maximum distance between the scope and your eye.
Given the high recoil that air rifles emit, it is best to have a long eye relief of more than 3.5 inches at every magnification setting. This will help reduce the chances of going back home with an injured eye.
Read: Best Crossbow Scopes for Hunting
Weight
Irrespective of what you plan to use the scope for, ensure that you buy a lightweight model. If the scope is heavy, you will have a hard time using it with an air rifle.
Besides, it will be cumbersome to carry in the field. The best Hawke scopes for air rifles have a lightweight design which makes them easy to use and carry in the field.
First Focal Plane or Second Focal Plane
With scopes, the reticle is put either on the first or second focal plane. The difference between the two is that a first focal plane reticle changes its size with a change in magnification, while the second focal plane counterpart maintains a constant size.
Typically, scopes that have their reticle housed in the front focal plane are best for long-range shooting and hunting. This is because they stay true at every zoom setting and help with holdover corrections.
For air rifle use, it is best to get a second focal plane scope. They provide greater accuracy at close quarters. A second focal plane air rifle scope is also simpler to use and cheaper as well.
Read: Best 45-70 Scopes
What is the Best Scope Magnification for Air Guns?
The best scope magnification for air guns depends on how far you will be shooting and the intended use. Given that air guns are ideal for close to medium-range shooting, you have the flexibility to choose either a fixed or a variable power scope.
In most cases, choosing a variable power scope with moderate magnification is the best. A 3-9x scope will be ideal for most air rifle applications, especially for beginners.
However, you are not limited to this zoom range. If you are a seasoned shooter and precision is what you are looking for in an air rifle scope,
Difference Between Air Rifle Scope and Riflescope
There are two main differences between air rifle scopes and riflescopes. The first one is parallax. If an air gun scope has a fixed parallax, it will be set closer than that in a rifle scope. This is because air rifles are used at close ranges from 5 yards to 100 yards or more.
The second difference is in the quality of construction. An air rifle scope must be created to combat the high recoil most air rifles produce. You will therefore find that air rifle scopes have a higher recoil resistance rating compared to rifle scopes.
Read: Best Varmint Scopes for 223
Why Choose Hawke Sports Air Rifle Scopes?
Choosing Hawke Sports Air rifle scope is choosing a high-quality optic gear that will last for a long. These scopes are designed by air gunners for air gunners.
All Hawke air rifle scopes harbor high-end features to provide superior accuracy in any condition. They are built to last, are very easy to operate and most of their models are available at a reasonably affordable cost.
Final Shot
Finding the best Hawke scopes for air rifles doesn’t have to be a taxing task. We have done the homework for you and outlined the worthy optics to pair with your air rifle.
Whether you are controlling the pests on your farm, hunting small game, or plinking in your backyard, your air rifle deserves any of the scopes we have mentioned above. Look at the important features that make the air rifle scope good for your needs, then choose accordingly.