10 bestAir Rifle Scopesof May 2025
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1

Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO IR Riflescope 1"
Hawke

9.9
2

Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO Riflescope 1"
Hawke

9.8
5% off
3

Paike 4-16x40 AOE Rifle Scope Red and Green Illuminated Scope with Mount
Paike

9.7
6% off
4

BSA EMD 3-9x40 Essential TELESCOPIC Air Gun Rifle SCOPE Sight + 11mm 3/8" Mounts
BSA

9.4
5

Gamo 4x32 Air Rifle Scope +11mm Dovetail Mount Telescopic Sight Hunting VE4X32WR
Gamo

9.2
Other
6

Hawke Airmax First Focal Plane 6-24×50 SF IR Riflescope 30mm
Hawke

9.0
7

Hawke Airmax Compact 4-16x44 IR SF Riflescope
Hawke

8.8
8

Hawke Airmax Touch 3-12×32 SF IR Scope 30mm
Hawke

8.5
9

Hawke Airmax 30 WA SF 4-16x50 Riflescope
Hawke

8.2
10

Fast Mount Riflescope 3-9x40 AO Mil Dot
Fast Mount

8.0
A Guide to Selecting the Best Air Rifle Scopes
Choosing the right air rifle scope can significantly enhance your shooting experience, whether you're into target shooting, hunting, or pest control. The right scope will help you see your target more clearly, aim more accurately, and ultimately improve your performance. When selecting a scope, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs and preferences.
Magnification
Magnification refers to how much closer the scope can make the target appear. This is important because it allows you to see details that would be difficult to discern with the naked eye. Scopes typically come with fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and often more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer flexibility for different shooting distances. If you primarily shoot at close range, a lower magnification (e.g., 3x to 9x) will suffice. For longer distances, higher magnification (e.g., 10x to 24x) may be necessary.
Objective Lens Diameter
The objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting the brightness and clarity of the image. Larger diameters (e.g., 40mm to 50mm) are better for low-light conditions and provide a brighter image, but they can also make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller diameters (e.g., 20mm to 32mm) are more compact and lighter, suitable for daytime shooting and easier to handle.
Reticle Type
The reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle types can affect your shooting accuracy and ease of use. Common types include duplex, mil-dot, and illuminated reticles. Duplex reticles are simple and easy to use, ideal for general shooting. Mil-dot reticles provide additional reference points for estimating distance and windage, useful for long-range shooting. Illuminated reticles are visible in low-light conditions, beneficial for dawn or dusk hunting. Choose a reticle type based on your shooting environment and personal preference.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope at which you can see the full image. This spec is crucial for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil air rifles. Longer eye relief (e.g., 3 to 4 inches) allows you to maintain a safe distance from the scope, reducing the risk of injury from recoil. Shorter eye relief (e.g., 1 to 2 inches) may be acceptable for low-recoil rifles but can be less comfortable for extended use. Consider your rifle's recoil and your comfort when choosing eye relief.
Field of View
Field of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV allows you to see more of the surrounding area, which is helpful for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Narrower FOV provides a more focused view of the target but limits peripheral vision. If you need to track fast-moving targets or hunt in dense environments, a wider FOV is beneficial. For precision shooting at stationary targets, a narrower FOV may be sufficient.
Parallax Adjustment
Parallax adjustment helps ensure that the reticle remains in the same position relative to the target, regardless of eye movement. This is important for maintaining accuracy, especially at longer distances. Scopes with parallax adjustment allow you to fine-tune the focus to eliminate parallax error. If you shoot at varying distances, a scope with adjustable parallax (often marked as AO or side focus) is advantageous. For fixed-distance shooting, a scope with fixed parallax may be adequate.

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