Finding the right optic for your air rifle doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. With a budget of under $100, you can significantly enhance your accuracy and shooting experience. The market is filled with options that offer surprising clarity, durability, and features typically found on more expensive models.
Whether you’re plinking in the backyard, hunting small game, or just enjoying target practice, a quality scope is a game-changer. This roundup focuses on scopes and sights that deliver reliable performance without the hefty price tag. We’ve compiled a list of the top contenders for 2025 to help you make an informed decision and get the most value for your money.
Our Top Picks for Affordable Air Rifle Scopes
- CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50 AOE Red and Green Illuminated
- Primary Arms Classic Series Compact Red Dot Sight Gen II
- CVLIFE 3-9×40 Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope
- UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope, AO, RGB Mil-dot
- Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope (3-9X32, Silver)
- Crosman CenterPoint Optics CP4032 4x32mm Duplex Reticle
- CenterPoint Optics LR416AORG2 Red/Green 4-16x40mm
- NcStar STP3942GV2 3-9×32 Mark Iii Tactical Gen Ii
- Barska 3-12×50 AO Rifle Scope with Mil-Dot Reticle
CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50 AOE Red and Green Illuminated
For shooters who need high magnification for long-range precision, the CVLIFE 6-24×50 scope is a compelling option. Its large 50mm objective lens gathers ample light, providing a bright sight picture even in low-light conditions. The variable 6-24x magnification gives you the flexibility to engage targets at various distances with clarity.
This model includes red and green illuminated reticle options, which can be a significant advantage when aiming against complex or dark backgrounds. With a field of view of 28 feet at 100 yards, tracking moving targets becomes more manageable. It also comes with a free mount, making it a complete, ready-to-install package right out of the box.
Primary Arms Classic Series Compact Red Dot Sight Gen II
If speed is your priority, a red dot sight like the Primary Arms Classic Series is an excellent choice. This compact sight is perfect for close to medium-range shooting, allowing for fast target acquisition with both eyes open. Its daylight-bright illumination ensures the red dot is visible even in direct sunlight, so you can maintain your focus on the target.
Durability and battery life are key strengths here. The sight offers an impressive 1,000-hour battery life on a medium setting using a single CR2032 battery, which is included. It comes with a removable Picatinny rail mount and a bikini lens cover for protection, offering great value and immediate usability.
CVLIFE 3-9×40 Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope
The CVLIFE 3-9×40 scope represents a classic and versatile configuration that suits a wide range of air rifle activities. The 3-9x magnification is ideal for most hunting and target shooting scenarios, providing a good balance between field of view and zoom power. The R4 reticle offers a clean sight picture for accurate shot placement.
This scope is designed for user convenience, arriving with 20mm scope mounts so you can install it immediately. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss optic that delivers reliable performance. For those seeking a dependable scope for general use without extra complexity, this model is a solid contender.
UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope, AO, RGB Mil-dot
The UTG BugBuster is a highly regarded scope in the airgun community, known for its compact size and robust feature set. Its key advantage is the Adjustable Objective (AO), which allows for parallax adjustment from 3 yards to infinity. This feature is particularly beneficial for airgunners who often shoot at varying close ranges.
It includes a red and green illuminated Mil-dot reticle, providing aiming solutions for holdover and windage. The scope is built on a 1-inch tube and comes with QD (Quick Detach) rings, adding to its versatility and ease of use. Its shockproof construction is well-suited to handle the unique recoil of spring-piston air rifles.
Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope
The Simmons .22 Mag is a trusted name for rimfire and airgun enthusiasts. Its one-piece tube construction offers greater strength and durability while keeping the overall weight down for better handling. The fully coated optics ensure bright, sharp images with high contrast, making it easier to identify your target.
This scope is built to withstand the elements, being fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. The classic Truplex reticle is simple and uncluttered, perfect for quick, ethical shots while hunting. Its reliable performance and proven track record make it a go-to option for many shooters.
Crosman CenterPoint Optics CP4032 4x32mm Duplex Reticle
For those who prefer a fixed-power scope for its simplicity and reliability, the Crosman CenterPoint CP4032 is an excellent choice. The 4x magnification is sufficient for most plinking and hunting situations within typical air rifle ranges. The one-piece tube construction and duplex reticle provide a durable and straightforward aiming solution.
This scope is engineered to be a workhorse, with a design that is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. The CenterPoint Advantage lens coating reduces light loss and limits glare, resulting in a clearer view. It’s a purpose-built airgun scope that offers dependable performance shot after shot.
CenterPoint Optics LR416AORG2 Red/Green 4-16x40mm
The CenterPoint LR416AORG2 is a feature-rich scope that bridges the gap between close and long-range shooting. Its 4-16x magnification range offers great versatility, while the 40mm objective lens and multi-coated lenses work together to provide vivid, sharp images with excellent clarity in various lighting conditions.
A standout feature is the TAG Series drop-compensating reticle, which can be calibrated for different ballistic trajectories. Combined with the red and green illumination, this scope gives you advanced tools for making precise shots at extended distances, which is rare to find in this price category.
NcStar STP3942GV2 3-9×32 Mark Iii Tactical Gen Ii
If you prefer a tactical aesthetic and setup, the NcStar Mark III offers that distinctive look without a high cost. The 3-9×32 configuration provides a versatile zoom range suitable for multiple applications. Its design often includes features common to tactical systems, such as multiple turret caps and a robust housing.
This scope is built to handle recoil and maintain zero, making it a suitable companion for your air rifle. The tactical styling is not just for looks; it often translates into a rugged and functional piece of equipment that can withstand rigorous use in the field.
Barska 3-12×50 AO Rifle Scope with Mil-Dot Reticle
The Barska 3-12×50 AO scope offers a great balance of mid-range magnification and superior light gathering. The 50mm objective lens is excellent for dawn or dusk shooting, and the 3-12x zoom gives you flexibility for different scenarios. The Adjustable Objective (AO) is crucial for correcting parallax at various distances.
Equipped with a Mil-Dot reticle, this scope provides helpful reference points for range estimation and bullet drop compensation. It comes with rings, making it another complete package ready for mounting. This scope is a strong option for shooters who need a bit more power and a larger lens without a significant investment.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Air Rifle Scope Under $100
When I’m looking for the best air rifle scope under $100, I know I have to be smart about my choices. You won’t get all the bells and whistles of a premium scope, but you can absolutely find a reliable optic that will make your shooting more accurate and fun. The key is knowing which features are non-negotiable and which ones you can compromise on.
First and foremost, I always check if a scope is specifically rated for air rifles. This is the most critical factor. Spring-piston airguns produce a unique double-recoil—a forward “jump” followed by a backward kick—that can destroy a scope not built to handle it. Standard firearm scopes often can’t take this punishment and will lose their zero or break internally. Look for scopes that are explicitly marketed as “airgun rated” or “springer rated.”
Next, I consider the optics and coatings. For under $100, you’re not getting fully multi-coated lenses, but you should look for at least a “coated” lens. This thin layer of magnesium fluoride reduces internal reflections and increases light transmission, giving you a brighter and clearer sight picture than uncoated glass. A foggy, dim scope is useless, so this is a area where I don’t cut corners.
Magnification and objective lens size are next on my list. A variable magnification like 3-9×40 is a fantastic all-rounder. The 3x power is great for closer, faster shots, while the 9x lets you zoom in for more precise pellet placement at longer distances. The “40” refers to the objective lens diameter in millimeters; a larger lens gathers more light, which is helpful in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk.
Finally, I look at the reticle and adjustment turrets. For a budget scope, a simple Duplex reticle is my go-to. It’s uncluttered and effective for most shooting. I also make sure the turrets are finger-adjustable and offer positive, audible clicks. This tells me I can make reliable windage and elevation adjustments and that they will hold their setting. A solid one-piece tube construction, typically 1 inch in diameter, is also preferable as it’s more durable and better at holding nitrogen for fog-proof performance. By focusing on these key areas—airgun rating, lens coating, sensible magnification, and reliable adjustments—I can find a scope that punches well above its price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are scopes under $100 actually any good for my air rifle?
Yes, absolutely. While they won’t have the same level of optical clarity or feature set as a $500 scope, the market for affordable optics has improved dramatically. Many brands now offer scopes that are perfectly capable for plinking, pest control, and casual target shooting. The key is to manage your expectations and prioritize durability (specifically, air rifle rating) over fancy extras. For the vast majority of airgun owners, a well-chosen sub-$100 scope will be a massive upgrade over iron sights and will last for years.
What’s the most important feature to look for in a budget air rifle scope?
Without a doubt, it’s ensuring the scope is built to handle the unique recoil of an air rifle. Spring-piston guns are the toughest on scopes, but even gas-ram and PCP rifles can benefit from a scope designed for the platform. An air rifle rated scope has stronger internal components and construction to survive the violent, two-way jolt. Buying a scope not rated for airguns, even a more expensive one meant for a .22LR, is a gamble you will likely lose.
What does “AO” or “Adjustable Objective” mean, and do I need it?
AO stands for Adjustable Objective. It’s a ring on the end of the scope (the objective bell) that you can turn to focus the reticle and correct for parallax error at a specific distance. Parallax error is when the reticle appears to move on the target if your eye isn’t perfectly centered. For close-range shooting (under 30 yards) or if you shoot at varying distances, an AO is very helpful for precision. It’s a common feature on many of the best air rifle scopes under $100, and I find it to be a valuable addition for improving accuracy.
Can I use a .22LR firearm scope on my air rifle?
I strongly advise against it. The recoil impulse is completely different. A .22LR firearm produces a single, sharp push backward. A spring-piston airgun has that double-jolt I mentioned earlier. The internal springs and erector system in a firearm scope are not designed to cope with this, and the repeated shock will eventually break the scope or cause it to not hold its zero. Always choose a scope that the manufacturer confirms is safe for air rifles.
What magnification is best for a general-purpose air rifle scope?
For a do-it-all scope, I find a 3-9x variable power to be the sweet spot. The 3x setting gives you a wide field of view for tracking moving targets or shooting at shorter ranges, making it much easier to acquire your target. The 9x setting provides enough magnification for precise shot placement on small targets out to 50 yards or so. It’s a versatile range that works well for everything from backyard plinking to small pest control.
Is a larger objective lens always better?
Not always. A larger objective lens (like a 50mm vs. a 40mm) does gather more light, which can be beneficial in dim conditions. However, it also means the scope must be mounted higher on the rifle to clear the barrel, which can compromise your cheek weld and shooting comfort. For most daytime airgunning, a 40mm or 44mm objective lens provides an excellent balance of light gathering and a low, comfortable mounting height.