5 Best scope for air rifle Reviews-Buyer Guide 2021
With an awesome new air rifle, you must have an air rifle scope for perfect hunting .
Whether you’re a beginner or expert in using an air rifle best scope withstand the unique vibration and double recoil of an air rifle.
With lots of options in the market to choose from, getting the best is quite hard and unless you’re really lucky, you will have to spend lots of hours researching for the best air rifle scope that also have fair prices and that’s where we come in.
To make things easier for you, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best air gun scope for 2021 with pricing and performance factors and durability all taken into consideration.
With the guide and reviews below, there’s no way you could go wrong as far as making an informed choice on an air rifle scope is concerned.
Why get an air rifle scope
- It’s able to withstand the vibrations of air rifles
- You get a higher level of accuracy
- They’ve got a higher magnification
How to choose the best scope for your air rifle
With 10 of the best just a click away, it’s time to know every tip and trick regarding air rifle scopes before you go ahead and buy one. Here’s a buying guide that’ll make it easier for you to make your choice.
Which type of air rifle scope is the best?
Depending on your intended use, there are two types of air rifle scopes you could choose from- either the fixed or the variable air rifle
Variable air rifle scope
As the name suggests, a variable lair rifle scope needs you to alter the magnifications of the image. They are best for use when hunting large game at longer distances.
On a scope that is denoted as 3-9×32, it means that the image can be magnified 3 to nine times and the 32 is normally the size of the objective lens that is measured in millimeters.
The larger the objective lens size, the brighter the image will be.
Even with the convenience of being able to hunt larger game at far away distances, the downside to getting a variable air rifle scope is that you’ll have to deal with a lot of adjustments to get the image the way you’d want it.
Fixed air rifle scope
Unlike variable air rifle scopes, the fixed air rifle scopes, on the other hand, can’t be adjusted and the optics, in this case, are denoted like so 4X32 such that with an objective lens that’s 32mm in size, you can magnify the image as much as 4 times.
They are convenient for targeting smaller targets at a close-range distance.
The overall weight
Getting the best scope for air rifle with weight as a priority is entirely a matter of personal opinion. Depending on your physical limitation, you can pick out the rifle that you can handle easily.
With a lightweight scope, it’s going to be easy to move around with it. on the other hand, a heavier scope, if used while you’re on the same spot will give you a more stable shot.
The nature of the optics
Most importantly, you need to know how well the optics hold up as they’re the most delicate and most important part of your scope.
In addition to the magnification power, the scope should offer good eye relief for comfortable viewing. The optics can be multicoated depending on your preference, also ensure that it is moisture resistant such that it won’t let in any water and also shouldn’t allow water to settle on the lenses.
Top 3 Comparison chart
To save you the hassle of reading through each of the 10 air rifle scope reviews, we’ve put together the comparison chart below that is a side by side comparison of the best-priced scopes with the major features on each one of them outlined.
2021’s 10 best air rifle scopes for the money
From our reviews, you’ll have a look at the kind of pellet gun scopes that are worth pairing up with your air rifle. There’s no better way to find the best scope for air gun- you deserve the best.
1. Hawke Sport Optics Sidewinder:
(Most durable rifle scope)
When budget is not a problem and you’re all about getting the ultimate air rifle scope, perhaps you should try this one out. It has got a large magnification range, an amazing objective diameter, and long-lasting construction.
Features a low position mounting
The scope comes with a smaller 42-millimeter diameter objective lens that allows it to be mounted on a lower position on the rifle which allows you to keep your head low so as to achieve better alignment with the barrel.
Comes with a 30-millimeter monotube body
For the build quality, the scope has got a 30-millimeter mono-tube body. The body has got a shockproof, waterproof and fog proof construction. This way, you can always count on the scope in wet environments and with the shockproof design, it will be able to withstand the recoil of the air rifle.
Includes fully multi coated optics
As for the optics, it has got an optical system that is fully multi coated which provides both bright and clear images even in low lighting conditions. To add on to the brightness of the image in low lighting conditions, the large 42mm objective lens will ensure optimal light intake.
The scope also features an illuminated red/green aiming dot which gives you 5 levels of brightness so that you get to have optimum performance in different lighting conditions and with the fully floating 20X ½ mil-dot, you get aiming precision.
Pros
- Includes a fog proof, waterproof and shockproof construction
- Features multi-coated optics for bright images in different lighting
- It’s got an aiming dot for optimal performance in different lighting and precision
Cons
- It might take some time to get the adjustments right for first-time users
2. Visionking Rifle Scope 10-40×56 Red & Green Illuminated
The accuracy of the Visionking Rifle Scope is amazing, it comes with durable build quality, the magnification is adjustable and with the amazing optics, there’s no way you could go wrong with this scope
Features a durable build quality
By incorporating one of the strongest constructions you could get on an air rifle scope, the Visionking Rifle Scope will be giving you one of the best experiences.
It is nitrogen filled, waterproof and fog proof all of which make it moisture resistant and can be counted on in wet conditions. When it comes to taking in the recoil of your pellet rifle, there is the 3000g shock proofing that makes this happen.
The scope also has a high-grade aluminum body tube with a matte black finish for superior ruggedness.
Extreme distance target
For you to have a better chance of hitting far away targets, there’s the 35mm main tube. The scope offers a 10x-40x magnification that brings the image closer than most scopes and the optics are fully multi coated so you can use it in different lighting conditions.
Has a high level of accuracy
For pinpoint accuracy, it’s got a super accurate glass-etched illuminated military reticle with thin crosshairs.
The wind age and elevations turrets with 1/8 MOA clicks hence providing a more accurate performance and they also ensure that the scope is zeroed for better long-range shooting experience.
Pros
- Has got multicoated optics for use in different lighting situations
- It features a 3000g shockproof design
- Has nitrogen filled waterproof and shockproof construction
Cons
- The instructions on getting it to focus are unclear
3. Monstrum Tactical 4-16×50 First Focal Plane (FFP) Rifle Scope
Intended to give you a bang for your buck is the G2-FFPS41650-R line of the Monstrum tactical scope. As simple a design as it has, it packs a lot more power in addition to having an amazing build quality for use on an air rifle.
Includes an illuminated Mil-dot reticle for accuracy
For the fastest estimation, the reticle is always visible without any illumination but in addition to this, for low light environments, it can be lit either red or green for better visibility.
The reticle also features a touch button-controlled illumination for both the red and the green with multiple brightness intensities.
To add on to the accuracy, the objective is adjustable. This is a 50mm-diameter objective lens which lets in enough light and for precision, the magnification range is from 4-16x
Durable aluminum constriction
For the build quality, it features a durable 6061-grade aircraft grade aluminum that’s going to hold up quite well in protecting the optics on the inside as you use it on your air rifle.
Additional features
Other than the amazing build quality and good optics, the air rifle has got a spring-loaded flip-up lens cover, there’s a detachable honeycomb sunshade, it comes with a carrying bag and there’s a CR2032 3V battery already installed for the reticle.
Pros
- Features a 6061 aircraft grade aluminum
- Has got illuminated reticles for better precision
- Includes a 4-16 zoom with a 50mm objective lens for clear images
Cons
- You might need alternate heights for the mounts as they’re a little taller
4. UTG 4-16X44 30mm Scope
For a mid-range, this might just be the best scope for air rifle you’ve been missing out on. The magnification is dependable, it’s got a strong construction and with the flexibility to use it in different lightings and weather conditions, it’s worth taking a look at.
Features a quick power selector ring
So as to give you accurate target acquisitions and zooming in it not only has a 4X-16X magnification power but there is also a selector ring present. This way, you get the accuracy setting correct quite fast
Also…
There’s premium zero lockable and resettable target turrets that’ve got a consistent and precise ¼ MOA per click adjustment. There is also a side wheel adjustable turret for parallax adjustment that starts at 10 yards all the way to infinity.
Features a mil-dot range estimating reticle
There is also a mil-dot range estimating reticle which also has got a built-in integral sunshade for optimal aiming and shooting performance.
Includes a reliable illuminating system
The scope also features an innovative EZ-TAP illumination enhancing system with red/green in dual color modes and 36 colors in multi-color modes for use in different lighting conditions
Also…
There is the 30mm main tube, you get room for a large range of elevation and windage adjustment which adds on to the accuracy. The tube is nitrogen filled and has multi-coated lenses while at the same time being shockproof, fog proof and rainproof
Pros
- Has got an illumination enhancing system for different lighting conditions
- Features a mil-dot range estimating reticle
- Features a shockproof, fog proof and windproof 30mm tube
Cons
- The illumination lights up a portion of the interior tube
UTG EZ-TAP Outdoor MS Rings Scope: (The runners up )
We’re nearly halfway done and with this one, you get a lower magnification power but it’s equally a dependable scope for air rifle as the previous one. Here’s what you should look forward to.
A strong build quality
The scope has a 30-mm tube that is sealed and nitrogen-filled with a shockproof, rain-proof and fog-proof capability. For optimal performance, the impact of each scope is analyzed based on different test parameters hence making it one of the best pair ups on your air rifle.
Has got lockable and resettable turrets
For consistent and crisp windage and elevation adjustments, the turrets have a locking and resettable feature which also contribute to proper zeroing of the scope.
There is a side wheel adjustable turret for parallax correction in views from 10 yards to infinity.
Includes a range estimating mil-dot reticle
The UTG EZ-TAP has got a 36-color mil-dot which is precise and allows you to hit almost anything you aim at, the optics are also colored for use in different lighting conditions.
Pros
- Features a shockproof design
- Has got a 36-color mil-dot for different outdoor applications
- Waterproof & rainproof design for performance and durability
Cons
- Though it’s short, it’s a little too heavy
UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope: our recommendation
Yet another one from UTG is the BugBuster. Despite having a magnification that’s lower than the previous one, it’s all the same a worthy mid-range air rifle scope with amazing build quality, performance, and operation.
Delivers maximum light transmission
The rifle features a rather large 1-inch tube with an emerald coating which ensures maximum light transmission and considering it has a 32mm objective lens, there should be enough light intake.
For accuracy, there’s a range estimating Mil-dot reticle for optimal aiming and shooting with an adjustable objective from 3 yards to infinity
Has got dual illumination for versatility
There is also a red/green dual illumination feature for versatile applications but in addition tothis, you also get a large field of view and a friendly eye relief
Durable build quality
Since it is to be used on an air rifle scope, it is completely sealed and nitrogen filled and in addition to this both fog proof and rainproof for use in different weather conditions.
Most importantly, it features a shockproof design that should be ideal in taking in al the vibrations from your air rifle.
Pros
- Includes a dual illumination for versatility
- A fog proof, rainproof and shockproof construction
- Includes a range estimating mil-dot for optimal aims and shots
Cons
- The eye relief is limited
Mantis 3-9×32 mm AO Mil-Dot Air Rifle Scope
Despite its simple appearance, the level of versatility on this scope is uncompromised. The design renders it a worthy scope for both airsoft rifles and other firearms. The images delivered are of high quality and the construction top of the line for its price.
Features a heavy-duty aluminum construction
Designed for long-term applications, this rifle scope features rugged enough construction capable of withstanding the recoil of an air rifle. The scope is also waterproof and fog proof with aluminum construction, a combination that makes it ideal for the toughest shooting environments
Utmost image clarity
This Mantis scope features a 32mm objective lens that will take in enough light to give you a clear picture and more so, it has got a mil-dot reticle, a parallax adjustment that is down to five yards which makes shooting quite easy.
Easy to use and simple adjustments
Mounting it is easy but what makes this the best scope for air rifle is the simplicity in making the windage and elevation adjustments- simply remove the covers on each of the turrets and make the necessary adjustment.
Pros
- Includes a mil-dot reticle for accuracy.
- Features a durable weatherproof and shockproof construction
- Easy to use with easy mounting and minimal adjustments
Cons
- The only downside is that there’s not enough information on getting the repairs
BSA Rifle Scope with Rings, 4-12 X 40
For most hunting and shooting situations, I’d recommend this riflescope to anyone. Offering both rimfire and centerfire applications. Let’s see what makes it the best scope for air rifle, shall we?
The optics are fullycoated
The objective lens on this BSA special series scope is 40mm which lets in enough light to give you bright images. To ensure it’s dependable for use in different lighting conditions, the optics are fully coated.You’ll also be getting a 4x-12x zoom that gets your targets much closer
The scope also has a ¼ MOA wind age and elevation adjustments for better accuracy and you will also be getting a 30/30 duplex reticle
A weatherproof and sturdy construction
For reliable outdoor use, the scope has got a weatherproof, fog proof and shockproof design which deems it a good enough scope for an air rifle.
Pros
- Large magnification with a 40mm objective lens for clarity
- Durable weatherproof and shockproof design for use on air rifles
- Fully multicoated optics for use in different lighting
Cons
- Might take some time to get it zeroed for first-time users
Winchester by Daisy Outdoor Products 2-7 x 32 AO: best budget rifle scope
Despite being a budget rifle scope, you do get a variable magnification and more so, the build quality is amazing, the optics are great and you can count on it for unmatched accuracy.
Features 2-7 x 32 optics
With the scope, you’ll be getting a magnification adjustment of between 2x and 7x zoom that gets distant targets closer. The objective lens, on the other hand, is 32mm in diameter and should take in just the right amount of light for clear images.
Shockproof and fog proof design
The design features a shockproof design that is able to withstand the recoil of an air gun conveniently. The scope is also fog proof hence ideal for use in humid conditions without the compromising clarity or damage to the optics.
Includes an adjustable objective
Depending on the range you set the scope at, the objective can be adjusted so as to eliminate the parallax thus giving you a more accurate shot.
Pros
- Includes cross hair reticles for accuracy
- Shockproof and waterproof design for performance
- Features an adjustable objective for parallax adjustment.
Cons
- It doesn’t hold zero for very high-powered rifles