Finding the right air rifle scope is crucial for accuracy and performance, but you don’t need to break the bank to get quality glass. A good scope under $300 can dramatically improve your target acquisition, clarity at various distances, and overall shooting experience. Whether you’re plinking in the backyard or hunting small game, the right optic makes all the difference.
This roundup is designed to help you navigate the best options available. We’ve compiled a list of ten highly-rated scopes that offer exceptional value, from trusted names to feature-packed models. From simple fixed-power optics to illuminated tactical setups, there’s a perfect scope here for every air rifle enthusiast looking to maximize their budget without compromising on performance.
Our Top Picks for Air Rifle Scopes
- Vantage Riflescope 4×32 AO, 1″, Mil Dot
- UUQ 4-16X50 AO Rifle Scope with Laser & Red Dot
- UTG 3-9X32 BugBuster Scope, AO, RGB Mil-dot
- Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope, Multi-X Reticle
- Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope (3-9X32, Silver)
- BSA 3-9X40 Sweet 22 Rifle Scope with Side Parallax
- Vantage Riflescope 3-9×40 AO, 1″, Mil Dot
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire, V-Plex
- BARSKA 3-12×50 IR Huntmaster Pro Riflescope
- NcStar Mark III Tactical 3-9×42 Scope
Vantage Riflescope 4×32 AO, 1″, Mil Dot
For shooters who prefer a simple, robust, and highly effective fixed-power scope, the Hawke Vantage 4×32 is a top choice. Its 11-layer fully multi-coated optics ensure excellent light transmission and clarity, providing a bright and sharp sight picture. The one-inch mono-tube chassis offers superior strength and durability, built to withstand the unique recoil of spring-piston air rifles.
Functionality is enhanced with user-friendly features like the fast focus eyebell and high-torque zoom ring for quick adjustments. The 1/4 MOA low-profile “no-snag” fingertip turrets are easy to adjust while minimizing the chance of accidentally moving your settings in the field. This scope delivers reliable performance in a straightforward package.
UUQ 4-16X50 AO Rifle Scope with Laser & Red Dot
If you’re looking for a complete targeting system, the UUQ package offers an impressive array of features. This scope provides versatile 4x to 16x magnification and a large 50mm objective lens, with an adjustable objective for parallax correction from 15 yards to infinity. The range finder reticle includes 5 levels of red and green illumination for use in various lighting conditions.
Beyond the scope itself, this kit includes a detachable green laser sight effective at over 300 yards, a holographic reflex red dot sight with a new electronic control system, and a 5-mode LED flashlight. The included remote pad allows for easy activation of the laser, making this an all-in-one tactical solution for advanced shooting scenarios.
UTG 3-9X32 BugBuster Scope, AO, RGB Mil-dot
The UTG BugBuster is a compact and powerful scope beloved by the airgun community. Its true strength lies in its robust construction and feature set tailored for close to mid-range shooting. The adjustable objective (AO) allows for parallax adjustment from an incredibly close 3 yards out to infinity, making it perfect for backyard plinking and pest control.
It features a red and green illuminated Mil-dot reticle, providing flexibility in low-light situations. Supplied with quality QD (Quick Detach) rings, this scope is ready to mount and zero. Its compact size avoids adding excessive weight or bulk to your air rifle, while its performance stands up to the demands of regular use.
Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope, Multi-X Reticle
The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn series is engineered for performance when light is at a premium. Its key advantage is the Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coating on all lenses, which maximizes light transmission during the first and last minutes of shooting light. This results in a noticeably brighter and clearer sight picture compared to standard scopes in this category.
This scope offers the classic and versatile 3-9×40 configuration, suitable for a wide range of airgun activities. A significant benefit is its extended eye relief, providing a generous margin of safety and making it easier to acquire a sight picture quickly. It’s a dependable, no-fuss optic from a trusted name in optics.
Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope (3-9X32, Silver)
The Simmons .22 Mag is a time-tested scope known for its reliability and value. Its one-piece tube construction offers greater strength and durability while keeping the overall weight down for a balanced feel on your air rifle. The fully coated optical system ensures bright, sharp images with high contrast for accurate shooting.
Built to handle the elements and the unique shock of air rifles, it is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. The simple Truplex reticle is uncluttered and easy to use, making it an excellent choice for beginners or anyone who prefers a straightforward aiming point. The silver finish also adds a classic look to your firearm.
BSA 3-9X40 Sweet 22 Rifle Scope with Side Parallax
The BSA Sweet .22 is specifically engineered for the trajectory of .22 caliber rifles, including air rifles. Its standout feature is the side parallax adjustment, which allows for precise focusing and parallax removal at specific distances. This is complemented by a multi-grain turret system that can be calibrated for different ammunition types.
The turrets feature a zero-reset function, making it simple to return to your baseline after making adjustments in the field. With a 1″ one-piece aluminum tube, it provides a solid platform that maintains zero. This scope is a specialist tool for shooters who want to maximize the accuracy of their .22 platform.
Vantage Riflescope 3-9×40 AO, 1″, Mil Dot
This Hawke Vantage model offers the versatility of variable 3-9x magnification paired with a 40mm objective lens. The adjustable objective (AO) is crucial for airgun use, allowing you to correct for parallax and maintain a clear sight picture at varying distances. Like all Vantage scopes, it features H2 optics for a crisp, color-accurate view.
It is built to be shockproof, watertight, and fogproof, ensuring reliable performance in all weather conditions. The low-profile turrets are capped to protect them from accidental bumps and the elements, and they provide precise 1/4 MOA adjustments. This scope strikes a great balance between performance, durability, and value.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire, V-Plex
Vortex Optics is renowned for its quality and unbeatable warranty, and the Crossfire II Rimfire is no exception. This scope is specifically designed for rimfire rifles and airguns, with a set-and-forget parallax setting that is optimized for typical shooting distances. The V-Plex reticle is a clean, simple design perfect for hunting and general target shooting.
It boasts a long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, allowing for fast target acquisition. The anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright, clear views, while the capped reset turrets are finger-adjustable for windage and elevation. It’s a rugged, dependable scope backed by a lifetime warranty.
BARSKA 3-12×50 IR Huntmaster Pro Riflescope
The BARSKA Huntmaster Pro is built for situations where light is fading. Its large 50mm objective lens gathers ample light, and the multi-coated optics enhance clarity and contrast. With a magnification range of 3x to 12x, it offers versatility for both close-range and more distant targets.
This model includes an illuminated reticle with multiple brightness settings, which can be a significant advantage in low-light conditions. It is constructed to be water, fog, and shock-proof, ensuring it can handle the rigors of field use. The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick reticle focusing for a sharp sight picture.
NcStar Mark III Tactical 3-9×42 Scope
The NcStar Mark III Tactical offers a robust design with tactical aesthetics and performance. Its 3-9x magnification provides flexibility for various shooting scenarios, while the 42mm objective lens offers a good balance between light-gathering capability and a manageable profile. The scope is built with durability in mind to withstand recoil and harsh conditions.
It features a tactical-style reticle suitable for range estimation and holdover, which can be beneficial for more advanced shooting. The construction typically includes features like a fast-focus eyepiece and precise adjustment turrets. This scope is a solid option for shooters who prefer a tactical look and feel on their air rifle.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Air Rifle Scope Under $300
So, you’re looking for a solid air rifle scope without emptying your wallet. I get it. The sub-$300 market is packed with options, and it can be a bit overwhelming. Having mounted and tested my fair share, I can tell you that a few key factors separate the good from the great. Let’s break down what you should really be paying attention to.
First and foremost, you need to think about recoil. This is the big one that many new airgunners miss. Spring-piston and gas-ram air rifles produce a unique double-recoil impulse—a sharp forward and backward jerk—that can destroy a scope not built for it. A scope designed for a powder-burning firearm often won’t last long. You need a scope that’s specifically rated for spring-piston air rifles. Look for this phrase in the product description; it’s non-negotiable for your rifle’s longevity.
Next, consider the reticle and the turrets. For most plinking and pest control within 50 yards, a simple duplex reticle is often all you need. If you’re planning on doing more precise shooting or holdovers at varying distances, a Mil-Dot or BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle becomes incredibly useful. Paired with that, check the turrets. Are they exposed or capped? Exposed turrets are great for quick adjustments on the fly, but capped turrets protect your settings from being accidentally knocked out of zero, which I find perfect for hunting.
Finally, don’t get hypnotized by massive magnification numbers. For the vast majority of air rifle use, a 3-9×40 or a 4-12×40 scope is more than enough. A larger objective lens (the front lens, like the 40 in 3-9×40) gathers more light, which is helpful in low-light conditions at dawn or dusk. Just remember, a bigger objective lens might require higher mounting rings. Also, pay close attention to the focus or parallax adjustment. Cheaper scopes often have a fixed parallax, usually set at 100 yards, which isn’t ideal for the closer ranges we typically shoot with air rifles. A scope with an adjustable objective (AO) allows you to correct for parallax error at specific distances, like 10 yards all the way out to infinity, giving you a much clearer and more accurate sight picture. When you’re picking from the 10 best air rifle scope under $300 – top choices 2025, prioritizing a model with AO will make a world of difference in your shooting precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I just use a regular firearm scope on my air rifle?
This is probably the most common question I see. The reason boils down to recoil mechanics. A spring-piston air rifle doesn’t just kick straight back like a centerfire rifle. It has a sharp, reverse recoil that creates a lot of vibration. Scopes built for firearms have internal components that aren’t designed to handle this specific stress. Over time, this will shake the scope’s internals loose, leading to a loss of zero or complete failure. An air rifle rated scope is built with tougher, more robust internal parts to withstand this unique punishment.
What does “AO” mean, and do I need it?
AO stands for Adjustable Objective. It’s a ring on the end of the scope (opposite the eyepiece) that allows you to adjust for parallax. Parallax error is when the reticle appears to move on the target if you shift your head. By adjusting the AO to the exact distance you’re shooting, you eliminate this error, which is crucial for precision. For close-range shooting with an air rifle—say, under 50 yards—an AO is highly recommended. It helps ensure that what you see is exactly where the pellet will hit.
Is a higher magnification always better?
Not at all. In fact, super high magnification can be a hindrance. It narrows your field of view, makes it harder to find your target quickly, and amplifies image shake from your heartbeat and breathing. For most airgun applications, a top-end magnification of 9x to 12x is perfectly sufficient. I find that a 3-9x scope is the most versatile option for the majority of hunters and plinkers. It gives you a wide field of view for close, fast-moving targets and enough zoom for precise shots at longer ranges.
How important is lens coating?
Lens coatings are very important for image quality and light transmission. They reduce glare and internal reflections, resulting in a brighter, sharper, and higher-contrast image. This is especially valuable during early morning or late evening when light is low. Look for terms like “fully multi-coated” which means all air-to-glass surfaces have multiple layers of coating. This is a feature you’ll often find in the better 10 best air rifle scope under $300 – top choices 2025 models and it makes a noticeable difference compared to a scope with just coated or no coatings.
What kind of mount should I use with my new scope?
You can’t just slap a scope on with any rings. You need a set of sturdy, one-piece or two-piece mounts designed for the specific recoil of an air rifle. I strongly recommend a one-piece mount because it provides more stability and distributes the recoil forces more evenly along the rifle’s rail. Also, make sure the mounts are the correct size for your scope’s main tube diameter (almost always 1 inch in this price range) and that they are the right height to allow for a proper cheek weld without the objective bell hitting the rifle barrel.