Choosing the right air rifle scope is a critical decision that can make or break your accuracy in the field. Unlike firearms, air rifles produce a unique dual-recoil impulse that can destroy scopes not built to handle it. A scope that can’t withstand this shock will lose its zero quickly, leaving you frustrated and missing your mark.
As a Marine, I’ve learned to rely on equipment that performs under pressure. My experience with optics in various conditions has taught me what features truly matter for precision shooting. This roundup is built on that hands-on knowledge, ranking scopes based on optical clarity, durability, turret reliability, and overall value to help you make a confident choice for your air rifle.
Our Top Picks for Air Rifle Scopes
- Airmax 30 FFP Riflescope 6-24×50 SF
- Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 Riflescope
- Airmax Riflescope 3-9×40 AO, 1″, AMX
- Daisy Winchester Outdoor Products 2-7 x 32 AO Scope
- Discovery Optics HD 4-24×50 SFIR FFP Rifle Scope
- HatsanUSA Optima 3-12X50AO Scope
- Gamo Air Gun Scope LC4X32 with Rings
- CVLIFE 3-9×40 Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope
- CenterPoint Optics LR416AORG2 Illuminated Riflescope
- UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope, AO, RGB Mil-dot
Airmax 30 FFP Riflescope 6-24×50 SF
For the serious long-range airgun shooter, the Airmax 30 FFP represents a top-tier option. Its first focal plane (FFP) design means the AMX IR reticle’s subtensions remain accurate at any magnification level. This is a critical feature for making precise holdover and windage corrections on distant targets without any complex calculations.
The 6-24x magnification range and large 50mm objective lens provide a bright, clear sight picture even in low-light conditions. Built on a robust 30mm tube, this scope is engineered from the ground up to handle the punishing recoil of magnum spring piston air rifles, ensuring long-term reliability and consistent point of impact.
Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 Riflescope
The Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 is a formidable competitor in the tactical-style air rifle scope category. Its first focal plane APLR2 MOA reticle is glass-etched, providing exceptional durability against airgun recoil. As you change magnification, the reticle scales perfectly with your target, allowing for rapid and accurate ranging and holdovers at any power setting.
This scope also includes an illuminated reticle, which is a significant advantage during the critical low-light hours of dawn and dusk when many pests are active. The overall construction is solid, offering reliable performance for shooters who need advanced features without an excessive cost.
Airmax Riflescope 3-9×40 AO
If you need a scope you can absolutely trust on a recoiling springer, the Airmax 3-9×40 is a proven workhorse. It’s specifically designed and tested to survive the harsh reverse recoil of powerful air rifles. The glass-etched reticle is a key feature here, as wire reticles in lesser scopes can break under the repeated shock.
With its 16-layer fully multi-coated optics, this scope provides a bright and sharp image. The adjustable objective (AO) allows for parallax correction from 10 yards to infinity, making it versatile for everything from close-range pest control to longer target sessions. The low-profile turrets are robust and resist accidental snags or adjustments.
Daisy Winchester Outdoor Products 2-7 x 32 AO Scope
This Daisy Winchester scope is an excellent entry-level option, particularly for youth shooters or those with lower-powered air rifles. The 2-7x magnification range is very versatile, with 2x power being ideal for fast acquisition on close-range targets and 7x providing enough zoom for more precise shots at moderate distances.
The inclusion of an adjustable objective is a valuable feature at this price point, as it helps eliminate parallax error and improves accuracy. Its simple, durable cross-hair reticle is easy to use, making it a straightforward and reliable choice for plinking and casual target shooting.
Discovery Optics HD 4-24×50 SFIR FFP Rifle Scope
The Discovery Optics HD scope packs high-end features into a very competitive package. As a first focal plane scope, it allows you to use the reticle for accurate measurements and holdovers at any magnification setting. The side focus parallax adjustment is a convenient feature for long-range shooters who need to make quick adjustments.
Built with a solid, machined torus erector system, this scope is advertised as recoil-proof, making it a strong candidate for magnum air rifles. Combined with full multi-coated lenses for a clear image and premium sealing for waterproof and fog-proof performance, it represents significant value for its capability set.
HatsanUSA Optima 3-12X50AO Scope
Hatsan is known for producing robust air rifles, and their Optima scope is built to match. The generous 50mm objective lens gathers a lot of light, resulting in a bright sight picture that is beneficial in wooded areas or during the early morning and evening. The 3-12x zoom range offers a good balance between field of view and magnification.
A key convenience is that this scope comes with dovetail mounts included, so you have everything you need to mount it directly to your airgun right out of the box. This makes it a complete, ready-to-install package for Hatsan air rifle owners and others with standard 11mm dovetail rails.
Gamo Air Gun Scope LC4X32 with Rings
Simplicity and value are the hallmarks of the Gamo 4×32 scope. With a fixed 4x magnification, it removes any complexity—you just look through and shoot. This makes it an ideal choice for beginners or for air rifles used primarily at consistent, medium ranges.
The package includes mounting rings and lens covers, providing a complete setup without the need for additional purchases. It’s a durable, no-frills optic designed specifically for the airgun market, offering a straightforward upgrade over iron sights for improved accuracy.
CVLIFE 3-9×40 Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope
The CVLIFE scope is one of the most budget-friendly ways to get a variable 3-9x magnification on your air rifle. It comes as a kit with 20mm scope mounts, making it a very accessible option for those just getting started. The R4 reticle provides a simple, uncluttered sight picture for fast target acquisition.
While it may not have the advanced features or recoil resistance of more expensive models, it represents a solid value for low to medium-power air rifles used for plinking and casual shooting where extreme precision is not the primary goal.
CenterPoint Optics LR416AORG2 Illuminated Riflescope
CenterPoint’s illuminated scope offers a unique drop-compensating reticle that can be calibrated for your specific pellet and velocity. This “set and forget” system can be very effective for hunters who frequently take shots at varying distances and want a quick-holdover solution.
The 4-16x magnification provides plenty of flexibility, and the multi-coated lenses ensure a clear image. The red and green illumination with multiple brightness settings helps the reticle stand out against dark or busy backgrounds, improving target contrast in challenging lighting.
UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope, AO, RGB Mil-dot
The UTG BugBuster is a compact and feature-packed scope that has earned a loyal following in the airgun community. Its true strength lies in its versatility; the AO (Adjustable Objective) provides precise parallax adjustment down to 3 yards, making it perfect for close-quarters pest control in barns or backyards.
It includes a full-featured RGB Mil-dot reticle with red and green illumination options. Notably, it often comes packaged with high-quality, quick-detach (QD) rings, allowing you to remove and re-mount the scope without losing your zero. This combination of compact size, close-range focus, and robust features makes it a unique and highly practical choice.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in the 10 Best Air Rifle Scopes in 2025
As a Marine, I learned that your optic is a force multiplier. It doesn’t matter how good your rifle is if you can’t see your target clearly. The same principle applies to air rifles. Picking the right scope isn’t about grabbing the one with the highest numbers; it’s about matching the tool to the job. Let’s break down what really matters when you’re looking at the 10 best air rifle scopes in 2025.
First and foremost, you need a scope built to handle a spring-piston or gas-ram air rifle. These guns have a unique double-recoil impulse—they kick forward and backward—that can destroy a scope designed for a regular firearm. Always look for scopes that are specifically labeled as air rifle rated. This isn’t a suggestion; it’s a requirement if you want your investment to last.
Next, consider the reticle. For most airgun shooting, a simple duplex reticle is fantastic. It’s uncluttered and gets you on target fast. If you’re doing pest control at varying distances, a Mil-Dot reticle can be helpful for holdover points. The new hotness is First Focal Plane (FFP) scopes, where the reticle size changes as you zoom. This is great for precision holdovers at any magnification, but it adds cost. For most airgun ranges, a good Second Focal Plane (SFP) scope is more than enough.
Objective lens size and magnification are often misunderstood. A huge 50mm lens doesn’t automatically mean a brighter image; it often just means a heavier scope you have to mount higher. For most airgun work, a 40mm or 44mm objective is the sweet spot. For magnification, a 3-9x or 4-12x variable power scope is incredibly versatile. It gives you a wide field of view for close, quick shots and enough zoom to reach out to 50-60 yards with precision. You don’t need a 6-24x scope for a 30-yard shot in your backyard.
Finally, pay attention to the turrets and focus. Look for turrets that are easy to adjust, with positive clicks you can feel. A side focus or adjustable objective (AO) is non-negotiable for air rifles. Because we shoot at much closer distances than centerfire rifles, you need to be able to correct for parallax. A scope without AO will have a blurry target and reticle at 20 yards, making accurate shooting almost impossible. Get the one with the adjustable knob on the side or the objective bell.
FAQ
Why can’t I use a regular firearm scope on my air rifle?
You might get away with it on a PCP or CO2 air rifle, but it’s a huge gamble on a springer. The recoil from a spring-piston air rifle is brutal in both directions. It’s not a single push like a powder burner; it’s a sharp, vibrating jolt. Scopes not built for this will lose their zero, have internal components break, and generally fail prematurely. Always opt for a scope specifically engineered for the task to protect your gear and your sanity.
What does “AO” or “Side Focus” mean, and why do I need it?
AO stands for Adjustable Objective, and Side Focus is the same idea, just with the knob on the side of the scope. This knob lets you adjust the parallax of the scope. Parallax error is when the reticle appears to move on the target if you shift your head. For airgunners shooting at 10, 20, or 30 yards, this is a massive problem. An AO/Side Focus lets you dial the scope to the exact distance you’re shooting, eliminating that error and giving you a crystal-clear image. It’s a must-have feature.
Is a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope better for air rifles?
It can be, but it’s not essential for everyone. In an FFP scope, the reticle grows and shrinks as you change magnification. This means your Mil-Dot or BDC holdover marks are accurate at every power setting. This is fantastic for long-range pest control where you need to make a precise holdover shot quickly at an unknown magnification. For the vast majority of plinking and hunting within 50 yards, a Second Focal Plane (SFP) scope is simpler, often cheaper, and gets the job done perfectly well.
How much should I spend on a good air rifle scope?
This is the eternal question. You can find decent, air rifle-rated scopes starting around $100. These will work for casual plinking. For serious pest control or target shooting, I recommend looking in the $200 to $400 range. In this bracket, you get much better glass clarity, more reliable turrets, and tougher construction. Remember, your scope is your connection to the target. Skimping on it makes the whole system less effective. When you look at the 10 best air rifle scopes in 2025, you’ll see a range of prices, but the mid-tier options often offer the best value.
What’s the best magnification for a .22 air rifle?
The “best” magnification depends entirely on what you’re doing. If you’re hunting squirrels in thick woods at 20-30 yards, a low power like 2-7x or 3-9x is ideal because it gives you a wide field of view to acquire moving targets. If you’re punching paper at 50 yards, a 4-12x or 6-18x scope lets you see your holes clearly. My go-to, all-around recommendation for a .22 air rifle is a 3-9x or 4-12x scope. It provides the versatility needed for 95% of airgun applications.