6 Best Air RIfle Scope

Best Air Rifle Scope  are essential tools for enhancing precision, accuracy, and overall shooting performance—whether you’re a beginner plinker or a seasoned airgun hunter. The right scope can dramatically improve your ability to hit targets at varying distances by offering clearer visuals, better magnification control, and reliable holdover references for pellet trajectories. Designed specifically to withstand the unique recoil patterns and shorter shooting ranges of air rifles, these scopes feature specialized optics, durable construction, and user-friendly adjustments. With countless models on the market, finding the best air rifle scope means choosing one that matches your rifle, shooting style, and specific needs.

Best Air RIfle Scope

1.Hawke Airmax 30 Compact

 

The Hawke Airmax 30 Compact is a purpose-built riflescope designed specifically for airgun shooters and precision hunters who demand exceptional clarity, rugged construction, and advanced reticle features. Engineered by Hawke, a leader in air rifle optics, this scope is tailored for modern compact airgun platforms such as bullpups and forward-loading rifles where space, weight, and optical performance all matter.

At the heart of the Airmax 30 Compact is a 30mm mono-tube chassis, precision-machined from aircraft-grade aluminium. This durable construction not only ensures long-lasting reliability but is also shockproof, waterproof, and nitrogen-purged to prevent internal fogging—ideal for use in any environment. The scope is built to handle the unique double recoil of spring-piston air rifles while maintaining zero.

Its compact design and short eye relief make it perfectly suited for close-fitting setups, while still offering a generous 6-24x magnification range that excels in both short- and long-range shooting.

With 16-layer fully multi-coated optics, the Airmax delivers stunning brightness and clarity across the entire zoom range. Whether you’re hunting pests at dawn or target shooting on a cloudy day, the scope provides a bright and distortion-free sight picture.

The AMX IR glass-etched reticle is specially calibrated for airgun ballistics. Based on a true 10x mil-dot system, it includes multiple holdover and windage aim points, making it ideal for dealing with the arc of pellet trajectories. The reticle features red illumination with six brightness settings and off positions in between, perfect for varying light conditions and dense foliage.

The Airmax 30 Compact features a side focus system for parallax correction from just 10 yards (9 meters) to infinity, enabling precise shot placement even at close ranges. Included is a 3-inch side focus wheel for even finer adjustment control.

It also comes equipped with 1/10 MRAD capped, resettable target turrets for reliable, repeatable adjustments with tactile feedback. The fast-focus eyebell and high-torque zoom ring ensure quick target acquisition and smooth magnification changes even in the field.

Key Specifications

• Brand: Hawke

• Model: Airmax 30 Compact 6-24×50 IR SF

• Magnification: 6x to 24x

• Objective Lens: 50mm

• Chassis: 30mm mono-tube, aircraft-grade aluminium

• Reticle: AMX IR (glass-etched, red illumination)

• Illumination: 6 brightness levels with intermediate off positions

• Parallax: Side focus – 10 yds (9 m) to infinity

• Field of View: 7.3 – 1.8 m @ 100 m / 21.9 – 5.5 ft @ 100 yds

• Eye Relief: 76 mm / 3″

• Length: 329 mm / 13″

• Weight: 670 g / 23.6 oz

• Color: Black

• Style: FFP (First Focal Plane)

• Material: Aluminium

• Included: CR2032 battery, lens cloth, lens covers, 3-inch side focus wheel

Pros

• Specifically engineered for air rifles, including springers and PCPs

• Compact and lightweight design ideal for bullpup configurations

• Excellent image clarity from 16-layer multi-coated optics

• Glass-etched AMX IR reticle ideal for pellet trajectory compensation

• Durable build: shockproof, waterproof, nitrogen purged

• Side focus parallax down to 10 yards – great for close-range shooting

• Illuminated reticle with 6 brightness levels for all lighting conditions

• High-quality, resettable MRAD turrets with tactile precision

• Covered by Hawke’s lifetime no-fault warranty

Cons

• Short eye relief may be limiting for some traditional rifles

2.UTG BugBuster 3-9×32 AO

 

 

The UTG BugBuster 3-9×32 AO riflescope is a legendary choice among air rifle shooters, rimfire enthusiasts, and tactical marksmen alike. Known for its rugged construction, crisp optics, and unmatched value, the BugBuster packs high-performance features into a compact and affordable design—making it one of the best scopes for air rifle users who demand versatility and precision in close- to mid-range shooting.

Engineered on UTG’s proven True Strength Platform, the BugBuster is shockproof, fog proof, and rainproof—making it field-ready in virtually any weather condition. The nitrogen-filled, completely sealed 1-inch tube is coated with emerald lenses to ensure maximum light transmission for a bright, clear image across its 3-9x magnification range.

The adjustable objective (AO) allows for parallax correction from as close as 3 yards to infinity, a critical feature for airgun shooters who regularly engage targets at close range. Whether you’re taking aim at a backyard pest or dialing in for target practice, the BugBuster offers quick target acquisition and sharp clarity.

This scope features a range-estimating mil-dot reticle, providing precise aiming points for windage and elevation holdovers—particularly helpful for air rifle trajectories that can be more pronounced at longer distances. The dual red/green illumination enhances visibility in low light or high-contrast environments, while the large field of view and generous eye relief make it suitable even for close-quarters scenarios.

Tactical shooters will appreciate the lockable and resettable turrets with ¼ MOA per click adjustments, allowing for precise zeroing and consistent performance shot after shot. It’s a scope that delivers high-end features without the high-end price.

The BugBuster comes fully equipped for quick deployment, including high-quality flip-open lens caps, a 2-inch sunshade to reduce glare, and quick-detach (QD) mounting rings for easy installation and removal. It’s a complete optic system straight out of the box—no extra accessories needed.

 Key Specifications

• Brand: UTG

• Model: BugBuster 3-9×32 AO

• Magnification: 3x to 9x

• Objective Lens Diameter: 32mm

• Tube Size: 1 Inch

• Reticle: Range-Estimating Mil-dot

• Illumination: Dual-color (Red/Green)

• Parallax Adjustment: AO from 3 yards to infinity

• Click Value: 1/4 MOA per click

• Eye Relief: Generous (suitable for high-recoil and CQB use)

• Construction: True Strength Platform, sealed and nitrogen-filled

• Finish: Matte Black

• Included Accessories: 2″ Sunshade, Flip-open Lens Caps, QD Rings

• Weather Resistance: Shockproof, Fog proof, Rainproof

Pros

• Exceptional value for its feature set

• Adjustable objective down to 3 yards – perfect for air rifles

• Red/green illuminated mil-dot reticle for versatility in lighting conditions

• Zero-locking and resettable turrets with tactile precision

• Comes with sunshade, QD rings, and lens caps included

• Compact and lightweight for easy mounting on small or bullpup air rifles

• Fully sealed and weather-resistant for reliable outdoor use

Cons

• 32mm objective lens limits low-light performance compared to larger optics

3. Leapers UTG 4-16×44 SWAT

 

The UTG 4-16×44 SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) AccuShot riflescope is a precision-engineered optic that strikes the perfect balance between tactical versatility and long-range accuracy. Built on UTG’s rock-solid True Strength Platform, this scope is ideal for air rifle shooters who demand durability, clarity, and advanced functionality in all shooting conditions.

Whether you’re hunting small game, zeroing in on distant targets, or plinking at the range, this scope delivers with its 4-16x magnification, side parallax adjustment, and multi-color reticle illumination—all packed into a robust 30mm tube with industry-leading lens coatings.

The UTG 4-16×44 SWAT is constructed from high-quality aircraft-grade aluminum, then nitrogen-filled and fully sealed to make it shockproof, fogproof, and rainproof. It’s ready for real-world conditions, including the harsh recoil produced by spring-piston air rifles.

The 30mm tube design incorporates UTG’s emerald lens coatings, which are known for delivering maximum light transmission and image clarity. The scope maintains exceptional performance in both bright daylight and low-light scenarios, giving shooters consistent visuals no matter the environment.

With a magnification range of 4x to 16x, the AccuShot is versatile enough for close-range engagements and long-distance precision shooting. The quick power selector ring allows for rapid zoom changes, helping shooters stay responsive in dynamic scenarios.

At the heart of the scope is the EZ-TAP Illumination Enhancing (IE) system, which features dual-color (red/green) reticle modes and an astonishing 36 color combinations in multi-color mode—making this scope adaptable to virtually any lighting condition or visual preference. A 1-click memory function returns to your last used color/brightness setting instantly.

The Mil-dot range estimating reticle enhances accuracy with holdover points and windage references, while the Side Wheel Adjustable Turret (SWAT) allows for precise parallax correction from just 10 yards to infinity, critical for air rifle shooters targeting at varying distances.

Equipped with zero-locking and zero-resettable turrets, the AccuShot gives shooters ¼ MOA click adjustments with tactile, audible feedback for reliable tracking and repeatability. These turrets are built for serious users who make frequent elevation and windage corrections in the field.

Included in the box are high-quality flip-open lens caps, a built-in integral sunshade to reduce glare, and UTG’s Max Strength Twist Lock Picatinny/Weaver rings, providing a rock-solid mounting solution for most rifles out of the box.

Key Specifications

• Brand: Leapers UTG

• Model: 4-16×44 SWAT AccuShot

• Tube Diameter: 30mm

• Magnification: 4x to 16x

• Objective Lens: 44mm

• Reticle: Mil-dot Range Estimating

• Illumination: Red/Green + 36 Multi-Color (EZ-TAP IE System)

• Parallax Adjustment: SWAT Side Focus – 10 yards to infinity

• Click Value: ¼ MOA per click

• Field of View @ 100 yds: 24.4 ft (4x) – 6.8 ft (16x)

• Weatherproofing: Shockproof, Fogproof, Rainproof

• Accessories: Flip-open caps, Integral sunshade, UTG Max Strength Twist Lock Rings

• Material: Aircraft-grade Aluminum

• Finish: Matte Black

Pros

• Excellent light transmission with multi-emerald lens coatings

• Extremely durable build for springer and PCP air rifles

• Side focus (SWAT) down to 10 yards—perfect for airgun distances

• Innovative reticle illumination with 36 color modes and memory function

• Lockable/resettable target turrets with tactile ¼ MOA adjustments

• Comes with all mounting hardware and accessories—ready out of the box

• Built-in sunshade reduces glare during daylight shooting

• Generous field of view for scanning and target acquisition

Cons

• Slightly heavier than compact scopes—may not suit ultra-light builds

4.Hawke Vantage IR 4-12×50 AO

 

 

The Hawke Vantage 4-12×50 AO is a top-tier riflescope designed for air rifle shooters and hunters who demand clarity, reliability, and rock-solid performance—without breaking the bank. Combining Hawke’s H2 optical system, a large 50mm objective lens, and adjustable parallax, this scope excels in everything from small game hunting to target shooting, especially in low-light conditions.

Built around a 1-inch mono-tube chassis, the Vantage offers robust structural integrity to handle recoil from air rifles and powder burners alike. Whether you’re zeroing in from a bench or tracking moving targets in the field, the Vantage’s fast focus eyebell and high-torque zoom ring deliver precise control and a crisp sight picture every time.

Reliable Optics. Rugged Construction.

The Vantage 4-12×50 AO is equipped with 11-layer fully multi-coated optics that produce excellent brightness, color fidelity, and contrast. The wide magnification range allows for flexibility in varying target distances, making it an ideal companion for both short-range pest control and longer-range varmint shooting.

Parallax correction is handled via a side focus knob, allowing users to fine-tune focus from 100 yards and beyond—a vital feature when precise shot placement is required. The 30/30 Duplex reticle, a variant of the classic L4, provides clear aiming points without clutter, making it well-suited to both beginners and experienced shooters.

The scope is also nitrogen-purged, making it shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof, so it performs reliably in all weather and terrain conditions. It’s built to handle all calibers and is backed by Hawke’s No-Fault Lifetime Warranty for peace of mind.

Key Specifications

• Brand: Hawke

• Model: Vantage 4-12×50 AO

• Optical System: H2

• Magnification: 4x to 12x

• Objective Lens: 50mm

• Reticle: 30/30 Duplex (Second Focal Plane)

• Tube Diameter: 1 Inch Mono-tube

• Parallax: Adjustable Side Focus (Fixed at 100 yards / 91m)

• Field of View @ 100 yds: 26.2ft (4x) – 8.7ft (12x)

• Exit Pupil: 12.5mm – 4.2mm

• Eye Relief: 3.5 inches / 90mm

• Click Value: 1/4 MOA

• Elevation & Windage Adjustment Range: 80 MOA

• Turrets: Low Profile, Capped, Finger-Adjustable

• Lens Coating: 11-Layer Fully Multi-Coated

• Focus Type: Fast Focus Eyebell

• Power Selector: Knurled Posi-Grip

• Length: 13.4 inches / 341mm

• Weight: 16.8 oz / 477g

• Weatherproofing: Waterproof, Shockproof, Fog Proof

• Warranty: Hawke No-Fault Lifetime Warranty

Pros

• Bright, clear optics with 11-layer multi-coated lenses

• Side focus AO provides accurate parallax correction

• Rugged mono-tube design built for recoil and harsh use

• Lightweight and well-balanced for air rifles

• Simple, uncluttered 30/30 Duplex reticle – ideal for general shooting

• Excellent eye relief and generous field of view

• Hawke’s lifetime warranty ensures long-term value

• Low-profile, capped turrets resist accidental adjustments

Cons

• No illuminated reticle, which may limit low-light versatility

• Parallax is fixed from 100 yards, less ideal for ultra-close airgun ranges

5.CenterPoint 4-16×40 AO

 

 

The CenterPoint 4-16×40 AO TAG Series Riflescope offers outstanding performance and reliability for air rifle shooters and hunters alike. Built to withstand the rigors of the outdoors, this scope combines powerful magnification, advanced reticle technology, and rugged durability—all at an exceptional value.

With a 4-16x variable zoom range and a 40mm objective lens, the scope is optimized for both close- and long-range shooting. Whether you’re engaging small game at 25 yards or sighting in targets at 100+, the clarity and precision delivered by the multi-coated lenses will give you a clear edge. It’s also equipped with adjustable parallax (AO) to maintain sharp focus at various distances—ideal for the loopy trajectories of airgun pellets.

The standout feature of this scope is the TAG (Trajectory Aiming Guide) Bullet Drop Compensating Reticle, which removes the guesswork from long-range shots. Pre-calibrated out to 600 yards, this reticle is designed to match popular bullet/load combinations, offering multiple aim points for holdover without the need for mental math or range estimation.

Once you’ve calibrated your ammunition to the reticle, just align your target with the appropriate drop marker—precision becomes second nature. The illuminated reticle offers dual-color (red/green) illumination, giving you optimal visibility in low-light conditions like dawn, dusk, or shaded environments.

Encased in a 1-inch tube crafted from durable materials, the CenterPoint scope is shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof, ensuring consistent performance in all environments. Whether it’s mounted on a springer air rifle or a .22 LR, this optic holds zero and resists harsh recoil with ease.

Included with the scope are lens covers, Picatinny-compatible mounting rings, and a CR2032 battery, so you can get shooting right out of the box.

Key Specifications

• Magnification: 4-16x

• Objective Lens: 40mm

• Reticle: TAG (Trajectory Aiming Guide), illuminated (Red/Green)

• Tube Diameter: 1 inch

• Parallax: Adjustable Objective (AO)

• Lens Coating: Multi-coated for clarity and brightness

• Construction: Shockproof, Waterproof, Fog-proof

• Illumination: Dual-color (Red & Green) with included CR2032 battery

• Compatibility: Picatinny/Weaver mount (rings included)

• Included Accessories: Lens covers, rings, battery

• Effective Range: Calibrated up to 600 yards (TAG reticle)

Pros

• Excellent value for a high-magnification scope with AO

• TAG reticle simplifies long-range shooting and eliminates guesswork

• Red and green illumination improves low-light targeting

• Multi-coated lenses provide crisp, bright images

• Robust and weather-resistant build for field durability

• Comes with all necessary accessories (rings, battery, lens covers)

• Adjustable objective ensures sharp focus at all distances

Cons

• Slightly bulky for ultralight air rifles

6.Hatsan Optima 3-9×32

 

 

The Hatsan Optima 3-9×32 riflescope is a solid, no-nonsense optic built for air rifle shooters who demand dependability and accuracy without excessive weight or bulk. With a variable 3-9x magnification, this scope offers versatility for both close-range plinking and moderate-distance targeting, making it ideal for everything from backyard shooting to small game hunting.

Designed with a 1-inch tube diameter, the scope features a lightweight and compact profile that fits seamlessly on most air rifles. The Optima is equipped with dovetail mounts, ensuring a straightforward installation process on standard 11mm dovetail rails. It’s a great match for shooters seeking a plug-and-play solution that delivers dependable performance out of the box.

Featuring ¼ MOA click adjustments, the Hatsan Optima allows for precise zeroing and easy windage and elevation correction. Whether you’re compensating for distance or adjusting on the fly in the field, these crisp, repeatable adjustments ensure you’re always on target. Although basic in design, the Optima’s straightforward layout is user-friendly and perfect for those looking for a simple, effective scope.

Key Specifications

• Magnification: 3-9x

• Objective Lens Diameter: 32mm

• Tube Diameter: 1 inch

• Click Adjustment: ¼ MOA per click

• Mount Type: Dovetail mounts included (11mm)

• Reticle Type: Standard Duplex (non-illuminated)

• Construction: Lightweight and durable alloy housing

• Finish: Matte black

• Model: Hatsan Optima HA90500

Pros

•  Versatile 3-9x magnification for a range of shooting distances

•  Lightweight and compact, ideal for air rifles

•  Precise ¼ MOA click adjustments for fine-tuning

•  Comes with dovetail mounts for easy installation

•  Durable design suitable for recreational and small game use

Cons

• Non-illuminated reticle may be harder to use in low light

Also read;5 Best Scope for PCP Air Rifle

Factor to Consider when Choosing Best Air Rifle Scope

1. Magnification Range

Magnification determines how closely you can view your target. For air rifles, a variable magnification scope—such as 3-9x or 4-16x—is ideal because it provides flexibility for both short- and mid-range shooting. Low magnification (3x–6x) works best for quick target acquisition at closer distances (10–50 yards), while higher magnification (12x–24x) helps with precision at longer ranges. Choose a magnification range based on your typical shooting distance and whether you’re hunting, plinking, or target shooting.

2. Objective Lens Diameter

The objective lens size, typically measured in millimeters, affects how much light enters the scope. Larger lenses (40mm–50mm) gather more light, producing a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions such as dusk or dawn. However, bigger lenses can add weight and require higher mounting rings. For most air rifle users, a 40mm–50mm lens strikes a good balance between image clarity and practicality.

3. Reticle Type and Illumination

Reticles come in various styles—such as duplex, mil-dot, and BDC (bullet drop compensating)—and choosing the right one impacts aiming accuracy. For air rifles with loopy trajectories, mil-dot or BDC reticles are particularly useful as they offer multiple holdover points for different distances. Illuminated reticles (red/green or multi-color) improve visibility in low light or against cluttered backgrounds, but should have adjustable brightness settings to prevent glare.

4. Parallax Adjustment (AO or Side Focus)

Parallax is a focus error that occurs when the reticle and target image are not in the same plane, often noticeable at close distances common in airgun shooting. An adjustable objective (AO) or side focus turret allows you to correct parallax at different ranges—especially important for precise shot placement. Look for scopes that adjust down to 10 yards or even 3 yards for maximum versatility in airgun use.

5. Build Quality and Recoil Resistance

Air rifles—especially spring-piston models—produce a unique dual-direction recoil that can damage poorly built scopes. A rugged, airgun-rated scope with a mono-tube construction, shockproof design, and nitrogen purging is essential. Scopes like those from Hawke, UTG, and CenterPoint are specifically engineered to handle this recoil and prevent internal damage over time.

6. Optical Clarity and Coating

High-quality optics are vital for accurate shooting. Scopes with fully multi-coated lenses reduce glare and improve light transmission, resulting in a clearer, sharper image. This is especially valuable during dawn or dusk hunts. Look for coatings like “emerald” or “multi-layer” glass treatments, as these significantly enhance the visual performance of the scope.

7. Adjustment Turrets and Zero Retention

Turrets allow you to fine-tune elevation and windage, with most offering ¼ MOA or 1/10 MRAD adjustments. Look for resettable and lockable turrets, which help maintain zero and make quick adjustments without accidental shifts. This is particularly helpful when transitioning between ranges or in variable wind conditions. Smooth, tactile clicks are a sign of turret quality.

8. Weight and Mounting Compatibility

Air rifles are often lighter than centerfire rifles, so it’s important that your scope doesn’t make the setup too front-heavy. Lightweight scopes with compact designs are better for balance and handling. Also, ensure the scope includes or is compatible with Picatinny or Weaver rings, depending on your rifle’s rail system. A scope that’s too large may also require taller rings, affecting cheek weld and eye alignment.

Frequently Asked Question Best Air Rifle Scope

1. What magnification is best for an air rifle scope?

Answer: It depends on your shooting range. For general airgun use (plinking or small game hunting), a 3-9x or 4-12x magnification is ideal, offering a good balance of field of view and zoom. For long-range target shooting, scopes with 16x to 24x magnification provide the precision needed for distant shots. Always match the magnification to your typical shooting distance and purpose.

2. Can I use a regular rifle scope on an air rifle?

Answer: Not always. Spring-piston and gas-ram air rifles produce a unique two-way recoil that can damage standard rifle scopes. It’s essential to choose a scope rated for airgun use, which means it’s built to withstand that recoil. Brands like Hawke, UTG, and CenterPoint offer airgun-rated scopes designed for durability and consistent performance.

3. What is an AO (Adjustable Objective) and do I need it?

Answer: An AO or Adjustable Objective allows you to fine-tune the focus and eliminate parallax error at different distances—especially helpful in airgun shooting where targets are often closer than 100 yards. If you’re shooting at ranges under 50 yards or want pinpoint accuracy for small targets, an AO scope is highly recommended.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the best air rifle scope involves balancing clarity, durability, precision, and functionality to suit your specific shooting needs. Whether you’re target shooting, hunting small game, or honing your skills at various distances, the right scope enhances accuracy and confidence. Key features such as adjustable parallax, reliable reticles, high-quality lens coatings, and airgun-rated construction ensure consistent performance and long-term value. By focusing on factors like magnification range, build quality, and ease of use, shooters can find a scope that not only complements their rifle but also elevates their overall experience in the field or at the range.