5 Best Air Rifle Scopes with mil-dot Reticle

Best Air Rifle Scopes with Mil-Dot Reticle are essential tools for shooters who demand precision, consistency, and adaptability across varying distances. These scopes offer advanced range estimation, windage correction, and holdover capabilities through their dot-based reticle system, making them ideal for both tactical applications and long-range airgun shooting. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a passionate hunter, the right mil-dot scope can dramatically improve your targeting accuracy and overall shooting experience.

Best Air Rifle Scopes with mil-dot Reticle

1.IOR Valdada 4-28×50 40mm Recon Tactical FFP, Mil/Mil, Xtreme X1 Illum. Reticle

 

The IOR Valdada Recon Tactical 4-28×50 is an elite-class riflescope, engineered for long-range precision and rugged dependability. Built with a unique 40mm main tube, a rare find even among high-end optics, this scope is a powerhouse of mechanical integrity and optical brilliance. Designed by IOR Valdada in collaboration with military and tactical shooters, it’s not only a fantastic scope for extreme long-range centerfire rifles like the .338 Lapua or .50 BMG—but also an exceptional overkill (in the best way) for serious air rifle shooters who demand extreme precision, clarity, and tracking accuracy.

At its core is the Xtreme X1 illuminated mil-based reticle in the first focal plane (FFP), allowing consistent ranging and holdovers across all magnification levels. The clarity is exceptional thanks to German-made Schott HDF low dispersion glass, fully multi-coated with IOR’s proprietary MC-7 coatings. This combination provides breathtaking resolution, contrast, and color fidelity—on par with optics double the price.

What truly sets the Valdada Recon apart is its 40mm tube diameter, offering unparalleled mechanical stability and a massive 35 mils (≈125 MOA) of elevation travel. Combined with robust internal components, this makes the scope a beast for long-range shots—even beyond 2000 yards with the right rifle.

Despite the large tube, the scope is surprisingly compact at only 14 inches in length, preserving balance on most rifles, including high-end airguns. Its minimum parallax adjustment distance of 21 feet at 28x also makes it uniquely suited for closer targets—ideal for air rifle competitions or precision practice.

Technical Specifications

Pros

• Crystal-Clear Optics from premium German Schott HDF glass

• Huge elevation adjustment range (35 mils / ~125 MOA)

• 40mm tube provides unmatched structural stability

• FFP Mil/Mil reticle system ideal for tactical shooters and competition

• Extremely close parallax focus (21 ft @ 28x) – rare in tactical optics

• Robust and compact design at only 14 inches in length

• Xtreme X1 illuminated reticle with precise holds even at dusk

• True airgun compatibility despite being built for extreme recoil

Cons

• Heavy at 39 oz – not ideal for ultra-light builds

2. Hawke Sidewinder 30 SF 6-24×56

 

the Hawke Sidewinder 30 SF 6-24×56 stands out as a top-tier scope—especially for those who prioritize a precise mil-dot reticle system. Designed for long-range shooting, this optic delivers an outstanding combination of optical clarity, user-friendly features, and rugged durability, making it one of the best air rifle scopes with a mil-dot reticle on the market.

At the heart of its performance is the 20x Half Mil IR Reticle, a second focal plane (SFP) design etched into high-quality crown glass. This reticle includes precise half-mil spacing, with .2 mil outer markings and crosses on the lower portion—perfect for exact range estimation and accurate holdover corrections. It’s illuminated with a multi-LED, high-intensity red system, offering excellent visibility under low light conditions without obscuring the target.

Optically, the Sidewinder is built for excellence. With 18-layer fully multi-coated lenses, a 56mm objective lens, and ultra-wide angle 24° field of view, it ensures edge-to-edge clarity and superb light transmission. The scope incorporates low-dispersion glass, which enhances color fidelity and sharpness across all magnifications, from 6x up to 24x. Whether you’re hunting or competing, the image quality remains consistent and bright even at full zoom.

Functionality is just as impressive. The resettable locking turrets with a witness window provide tactile, repeatable adjustments in 1/10 MRAD increments, with a generous 20 MRAD elevation and windage range. The side focus parallax adjustment starts from 10 yards to infinity, aided by a removable 4″ index-matched sidewheel for precision rangefinding. Also included is a removable magnification throw lever, allowing shooters to quickly and easily adjust zoom levels on the fly.

Built into a 30mm aluminum tube, the scope measures 14.3 inches long and weighs 27.3 ounces, striking a great balance between size and sturdiness. It is shockproof, nitrogen purged, waterproof, and fog proof, ensuring performance in all environmental conditions. The 4″ eye relief and high-volume eyebox make it comfortable for extended shooting sessions, especially when mounted on powerful spring-piston or PCP air rifles.

Specifications

• Magnification: 6-24x

• Objective Lens: 56mm

• Tube Diameter: 30mm

• Reticle: 20X Half Mil IR (SFP)

• Field of View: 21.3–5.4 ft @ 100 yards

• Eye Relief: 102mm (4″)

• Exit Pupil: 0.37″–0.09″

• Adjustment Range: 20 MRAD (1/10 MRAD increments)

• Parallax: Side focus, 10 yds to infinity

• Glass: Low dispersion crown glass

• Coating: 18-layer fully multi-coated lenses

• Weight: 27.3 oz

• Length: 14.3 inches

• Waterproof/Shockproof/Fog proof: Yes

• Illumination: Red (multi-LED)

• Warranty: Hawke No-Fault Lifetime Warranty

Pros

• Precision half mil-dot reticle with additional .2 mil markings

• Crystal-clear glass with 18-layer multi-coating

• Side focus parallax down to 10 yards – perfect for airguns

• Locking turrets with witness window for tracking adjustments

• Excellent low-light performance with illuminated etched reticle

• Comes with useful accessories: throw lever, sidewheel, lens caps

• Built tough: shockproof, waterproof, fog proof

• Backed by Hawke’s no-fault lifetime warranty

Cons

• SFP reticle doesn’t scale with magnification (some may prefer FFP)

3 Tangent Theta TT525P Professional Marksman 5-25x56mm

 

the Tangent Theta TT525P Professional Marksman 5-25x56mm stands at the pinnacle of optical engineering. Though originally designed for military and tactical professionals, this scope is also one of the best air rifle scopes with a mil-dot reticle, especially for high-end PCP airguns used in precision shooting or competitive field target applications.

The Gen 2 XR reticle, housed in the first focal plane, is a highly refined mil-based design that provides a clear and intuitive holdover grid. With 0.1 MRAD adjustment, shooters can make precise corrections at any range without ambiguity. The etched reticle remains proportional throughout the 5-25x magnification range, making it ideal for rangefinding and consistent aiming regardless of zoom level. The illuminated reticle enhances visibility in low-light or high-contrast scenarios, offering a tactical advantage for dawn or dusk airgun hunting.

Optically, the TT525P sets a gold standard. Its 56mm objective lens and 34mm main tube allow for superb light transmission and a massive field of view. The image through the scope is breathtakingly clear—sharp from edge to edge, even at full magnification. Every component, from the low-dispersion glass to the precision-ground lenses, is built for elite-level clarity, contrast, and color fidelity.

One of its standout features is the mechanical precision of the turret system. The TT525P features tool-less re-zeroing, tactile and repeatable clicks, and a highly regarded double-turn elevation turret with a lockable zero stop and elevation indicator window. The turrets are often described as the most mechanically accurate in the industry. Combined with robust construction, this makes the scope virtually impervious to recoil, shock, or extreme environmental conditions—qualities prized in high-powered air rifle platforms.

Although it comes at a premium price point, the Tangent Theta TT525P is a professional-grade optic that provides unmatched performance for those who demand the absolute best. Its durability, precision, and intuitive mil-dot-based reticle make it an exceptional tool for serious air rifle shooters engaged in long-range targeting or high-stakes competitions.

Specifications

• Magnification: 5-25x

• Objective Lens Diameter: 56mm

• Main Tube Diameter: 34mm

• Reticle: Gen 2 XR (mil-dot grid, FFP)

• Adjustment Increments: 0.1 MRAD

• Reticle Illumination: Yes

• Turrets: Double-turn elevation turret, zero stop, locking windage

• Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)

• Model Number: 800100-0001

• Construction: Aircraft-grade aluminum, waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof

• Re-zeroing: Tool-less turret re-zeroing

• Use Case: Precision air rifle shooting, tactical use, long-range competition

 Pros

• Unmatched mechanical precision and turret tracking

• First focal plane mil-dot reticle for accurate ranging and holdovers

• Incredibly sharp glass with superior light transmission

• Rugged military-grade construction – built to last

• Illuminated Gen 2 XR reticle for low-light shooting

• Tool-less turret zeroing and lockable controls

• Exceptional reliability and return-to-zero accuracy

• Ideal for high-powered PCP air rifles

 Cons

• Very expensive – overkill for casual shooters

4.Vortex Razor HD Gen II 3-18×50

 

 

the Vortex Razor HD Gen II 3-18×50 stands as one of the best scopes with a mil-dot-style reticle available today. Originally engineered for long-range tactical use, this scope delivers everything a serious airgun shooter needs: mil-based accuracy, tactical adjustability, and rugged durability. Its size and design make it an ideal match for precision PCP air rifles or competition shooting platforms.

At the heart of this scope is the EBR-7C reticle, a mil-dot-style reticle with refined features specifically tailored for long-range engagement. Housed in the first focal plane, it maintains proportionality across all magnifications—essential for accurate rangefinding and holdovers. The reticle’s windage tree, located in the lower quadrants, offers shooters rapid and intuitive elevation and wind corrections. Smart reticle design places the numeric markers outside the windage dots, keeping the central field of view clean and uncluttered.

The L-TEC turret system provides exceptional tactical feedback with locking mechanisms that prevent accidental dial movement—a must for field use. A visual rotation indicator helps you track turret revolutions, a small but crucial feature during complex long-range adjustments. These turrets are not just accurate—they’re engineered for precision and durability, even under rugged conditions.

Optical performance is equally impressive. The Razor HD Gen II features an APO optical system with high-density, extra-low dispersion glass, offering razor-sharp clarity, rich contrast, and edge-to-edge brightness. All lenses are fully multi-coated with XR Plus anti-reflective coatings, dramatically boosting light transmission even in challenging conditions. A side parallax knob and illumination dial are smartly integrated for quick adjustments, and a fast-focus eyepiece allows users to bring the reticle into sharp clarity instantly.

Constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope is argon purged, waterproof, and fogproof, ensuring it stands up to harsh weather, shock, and recoil. The Armortek coating on the lenses resists oil, dirt, and scratches, making it ideal for field and competitive environments alike.

 Specifications

• Magnification: 3-18x

• Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm

• Main Tube Diameter: 34mm

• Reticle: EBR-7C (mil-dot-style, FFP)

• Turret System: L-TEC with locking mechanism & visual rotation indicator

• Parallax: Side adjustable (integrated with illumination)

• Glass: High-density, extra-low dispersion APO lenses

• Lens Coating: XR Plus fully multi-coated, anti-reflective

• Construction: Aircraft-grade aluminum (one-piece)

• Weatherproofing: Argon purged, waterproof, fogproof

• Durability: Armortek coating, shock-resistant

• Use Case: Precision air rifles, long-range shooting, tactical applications

Pros

• EBR-7C FFP mil-dot-style reticle offers advanced windage/elevation holdovers

• APO optical system provides exceptional clarity and brightness

• L-TEC turret system with locking and rotation indicator enhances precision

• Integrated parallax and illumination control for streamlined operation

• Tough construction – waterproof, fogproof, shockproof

• Armortek lens coating resists dirt, scratches, and oil

• Ideal for serious air rifle shooters who want high-end performance

 Cons

• Premium price point may be too high for casual shooters

5.Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56mm F1

 

 

The Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56mm F1 is a premium optic engineered for the most demanding precision shooters—and it easily earns its place among the best air rifle scopes with a mil-dot reticle. While designed for long-range tactical and hunting applications, its performance translates perfectly to high-end airgun setups, particularly those used in competitive field target or precision pest control. With a powerful magnification range, first focal plane functionality, and robust build quality, the ATACR F1 offers unmatched optical performance and reticle precision.

One of its standout features is the exceptional ED glass, which delivers crisp, bright, and color-true images across all lighting conditions. Even at full 25x magnification, the scope produces edge-to-edge sharpness, thanks to its superior lens coatings and carefully crafted optical system. Whether you’re tracking quarry at dusk or punching paper in shaded conditions, the visual fidelity remains pristine.

The first focal plane (FFP) reticle ensures consistent subtensions across the magnification spectrum. This means your holdover points, windage marks, and ranging scales remain accurate—a major advantage for dynamic shooting scenarios where magnification needs to change on the fly. Paired with the HORUS TREMOR3 illuminated reticle, the scope enables fast, intuitive target engagement using the built-in Accuracy 1st – Speed Shooting Formula. This advanced reticle provides a visual grid of elevation and windage references, making it easy to make real-time ballistic adjustments without touching the turrets.

Construction-wise, the ATACR F1 is built like a tank. Its 34mm aircraft-grade aluminum tube, waterproof seals, and shockproof design have been rigorously tested to withstand harsh field environments. It holds zero flawlessly even on hard-recoiling air rifles, making it a trusted choice for those who shoot in rugged conditions. The turret system, with tactile clicks in either 0.1 MRAD or 0.25 MOA, ensures accurate and repeatable adjustments with generous internal travel: 120 MOA/35 MRAD for elevation and 80 MOA/24 MRAD for windage.

From glass quality to build precision and reticle design, this scope is overbuilt in all the right ways, ensuring it performs without compromise in every shot.

 Specifications

• Magnification: 5–25x

• Objective Lens Diameter: 56mm

• Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)

• Tube Diameter: 34mm

• Click Value: 0.1 MRAD or 0.25 MOA

• Elevation Adjustment Range: 120 MOA / 35 MRAD

• Windage Adjustment Range: 80 MOA / 24 MRAD

• Eye Relief: 3.5 in / 90 mm

• Field of View @ 100 yd: 18.7 ft (5x) / 4.9 ft (25x)

• Exit Pupil: 8.3 mm (5x) / 2.3 mm (25x)

• Reticle: HORUS TREMOR3, Illuminated

• Weatherproofing: Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof

• Build: Aircraft-grade aluminum housing

 Pros

• ED glass offers elite-level brightness, clarity, and color fidelity

• First focal plane reticle maintains subtension accuracy at any zoom

• HORUS TREMOR3 reticle enables fast holdovers and precise wind calls

• Extensive elevation and windage travel for dialing long-range shots

• Rugged and field-tested for hunting and tactical use

• Illuminated reticle improves visibility in low light

• Ideal for high-powered PCP air rifles or long-range pellet shooting

 Cons

• Heavy and large – may be too much for small or entry-level air rifles

Also read;5 Best Air Rifle Scope with Parallex Adjustment

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Air Rifle Scopes with Mil-Dot Reticle

1. Reticle Type and Design

Not all mil-dot reticles are the same. Look for scopes with well-spaced, clearly marked mil-dot or mil-hash reticles. Advanced designs like the HORUS TREMOR3 or EBR-7C offer detailed windage and elevation hold points, which are ideal for precision shooting.

2. Focal Plane (FFP vs. SFP)

In First Focal Plane (FFP) scopes, the reticle scales with magnification, so holdovers and mil readings remain accurate at any zoom level. Second Focal Plane (SFP) scopes keep the reticle size constant, which means mil values are only accurate at a specific magnification.

3. Magnification Range

Choose magnification based on your typical shooting distance. For general air rifle use, 3-12x or 4-16x is sufficient, while 5-25x or 6-24x is ideal for long-range precision and field target competition.

4. Optical Quality

Look for scopes with ED (extra-low dispersion) glass, multi-coated lenses, and wide objective lenses (50mm or more) for better light transmission and image clarity—especially in low-light environments.

5. Parallax Adjustment

Air rifles often shoot at close ranges (10–50 yards), so adjustable parallax is essential. Choose scopes with side focus or adjustable objective (AO) that allow parallax correction down to 10 yards or less.

6. Turret Precision and Tracking

Turrets should offer repeatable, tactile clicks—ideally in 0.1 MRAD increments for mil-dot scopes. Features like zero-stop, turret locking mechanisms, and rotation indicators improve precision during adjustments.

7. Durability and Build Quality

Your scope should be shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof, especially for spring-powered or high-recoil PCP air rifles. Look for one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tubes, preferably 30mm or 34mm in diameter for greater strength and adjustment range.

8. Illuminated Reticle and Usability

An illuminated mil-dot reticle is valuable in low-light situations. Also consider eye relief, eyebox comfort, fast-focus eyepiece, and reticle visibility at both high and low magnifications to ensure quick target acquisition and comfort during extended shooting sessions.

Frequent Asked Question Best Air Rifle Scopes with Mil-Dot Reticle

1. What is the purpose of a mil-dot reticle on an air rifle scope?

A mil-dot reticle allows shooters to estimate range, compensate for bullet drop, and adjust for windage using the dots spaced at regular intervals (milliradians). It’s especially useful for long-range air rifle shooting where external factors like wind and gravity affect pellet trajectory more noticeably than with firearms.

2. Are first focal plane (FFP) mil-dot scopes better for air rifles than second focal plane (SFP)?

FFP scopes maintain accurate subtensions at all magnification levels, making them ideal for dynamic rangefinding and holdover shooting. This is particularly beneficial for air rifle competitions and long-distance pest control. However, SFP scopes may offer a clearer view at lower magnifications and are often preferred for general-purpose or hunting use.

3. Do I need parallax adjustment on a mil-dot air rifle scope?

Yes. Since air rifles are commonly used at shorter ranges (10–50 yards), parallax adjustment—especially down to 10 yards—is essential. It ensures the reticle stays on target even if your eye position shifts, which is crucial for accurate shooting at varying distances.

Conclusion

Choosing best air rifle scope with a mil-dot reticle can significantly elevate your shooting accuracy, especially at varying distances and in changing wind conditions. With the right combination of optical clarity, precise tracking, durable construction, and a well-designed reticle system, shooters can experience greater confidence and consistency in the field or on the range. Whether you’re a competitive marksman or a dedicated airgun hunter, investing in a reliable mil-dot scope ensures you’re equipped for precision with every shot.