Top 9 Best Air Rifle Scopes In 2022 – Expert’s Advice & Buying Guide

Undoubtedly Scopes are part and parcel of a rifle and the mainstay of accurate shooting. If you have an air rifle yet are unable to decide which scopes would be best for it then, this article is for you.

You may know the functional act of air rifles is quite different from the others firearms. Similarly, Air rifle scopes are manufactured with the featured that suit perfectly with the gun. You cannot just use any scope you want to with an Air gun.

Another essential thing is before buying scopes there are some key factors that you must keep in our mind. Such as durability, magnification power, reticle type, adjusted objective, and so on. Almost all the scopes contain this factor but the considerable thing quality and activity.

What Is The Best Rifle Scope For Hunting?

In order to make sure you are getting the best rifle scope for hunting, it needs a bit of effort. The fact that you need to spend a lot of money for a scope is simply a myth. If you know what to look for in a rifle scope, you will definitely find out the best one for you. Here, we are sharing some easy tips to know if the scope is the best one for you.

Check the material

Most durable scopes are made from hard-anodized aluminum. Check out the build quality if it is crafted from aluminum or not.

Lens coating

Light transmission plays a very important role in making the scope a functional one. Without proper light transmission, you won’t be able to process the best image. So, make sure that the lens is well-coated.

Reticle Type

You have to ensure that the reticle is something you are familiar with. If it’s crosshair, then go for it. If it is mil-dot, then go for mil-dot. Don’t switch from one type to another.

Illumination

It’s best if you can find a scope that offers interior illumination for precise targeting. It will allow you to see the reticle even if it is dark around.

Eye relief

Check for wide eye relief as it will offer the most comfort for your eyes.

Fog and Waterproof

As you will be moving with the scope in the woods, it’s definite that it will be challenged by fog and rainwater. So, make sure it’s both fog proof and water-resistant.

What Magnification Do You Need?

 Contrary to what is popularly believed, it’s not true that the more you magnify, the better you can see. Experts believe that if you are magnifying too much, the image will be completely blurred and you won’t be able to see your target correctly. Moreover, the zooming will distort the image to some extent to make it worse.

That’s why scope experts suggest that it’s best to keep the magnification between 4X to 12X max. It will ensure image quality and proper light transmission. So, no matter how much you have spent on a variable scope, make sure you don’t go beyond 12X magnification.

1 Min Quick Overview – Best Air Rifle Scopes

• Editor’s Pick: Hammers 3-9x32AO Air Rifle Scope
• People’s Choice: BARSKA 3-12×40 AO Airgun Scope
• Best For Dual-Reticle: UTG 3-9X40 AO Mil-Dot Scope
• Best For Reticle Illumination: Crosman Centerpoint 4-16x40mm Riflescope 
• Best For Lens Coating: UTG 4×32 TS Full Size Mil-dot Scope
• Best For Magnification: Hawke Airmax 30mm SF Riflescope
• Best For Anti-Reflection: Hawke Sport Optics Airmax EV 4-12x40AO AMX Riflescope
• Best Budget Pick: UTG 4-16X44 30mm Scope
• Best For Image Processing: Bushnell 614124 Banner Dusk & Dawn Riflescope

Table of Content:

World’s best air rifle scopes are right down below. We have shortlisted depending on the facts, features, and customer reviews. So, you can easily select the best case for you without any hassle and confusion.

Comparison Table:

Since different types of rifles require different types of scopes for adjustment. So, it’s really hard to select the best ones without proper study and research on it. Before selecting the best scopes, we roamed lots of websites and considered experts’ opinions, and then precisely put all the accumulated information here.

Best Air Rifle Scopes	It’s best for	Dimension	Material	Color	Weight
Hammers 3-9x32AO Air Rifle Scope	Editor’s Pick	14.7 x 3.2 x 2.5 inches	Aluminum alloy	Black	1.65 Pounds
BARSKA 3-12×40 AO Airgun Scope	People’s Choice	16 x 3 x 3 inches	Aluminum	Black	1 Pounds
UTG 3-9X40 AO Mil-Dot Scope	Best For Dual-Reticle	1 x 1 x 1 inches	Aluminum	Black	1.32 Pounds
Crosman Centerpoint 4-16x40mm Riflescope	Best For Reticle Illumination	16 x 6 x 2.9 inches	Aluminum	Black	1.17 Pounds
UTG 4×32 TS Full Size Mil-dot Scope	Best For Lens Coating	11.65 x 2 x 2 inches	Aluminum	Black	13.1 Ounces
Hawke Airmax 30mm SF Riflescope	Best For Magnification	9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 inches	Aluminum	Black	1.7 pounds
Hawke Sport Optics Airmax EV 4-12x40AO AMX Riflescope	Best For Anti-Reflection	19.9 x 5.5 x 5.7 inches	Aluminum	Black	2.94 Pounds
UTG 4-16X44 30mm Scope	Best Budget Pick	17.4 x 4.23 x 3.45 inches	Aluminum	Black	0.95 pounds
Bushnell 614124 Banner Dusk & Dawn Riflescope	Best For Image Processing	16.4 x 3.1 x 2.4 inches	Aluminum	Black	0.94 pounds

Best Air Rifle Scopes in 2021 – Top 9 Expert Picks

There are so many air rifle scopes are available in the market. Among them, you need to choose the one that fits best with your need and budget. But if you do not have any pre- acknowledgment about their features and advantages it would be a tough task for you.

When it comes to select the best scopes for air rifles or any firearms good observation matters. To give you a well-detailed idea, we are going to describe the best scopes for an air rifle in detail below.

Have a look at the Comparison table To Pick the Best Air Rifle Scope for Money

First and foremost, let us introduce them. A list of the best air rifle scopes is given below. Generally, speaking, air rife is the kind of gun that is facilitated with the scope of compressing air.

Some air rifle has a reservoir where compressed air stored but modern air rifles have projectile through which air, that produced by external pump discharge. Read More on the best rimfire scope! Best Air Rifle Scopes for The Money

Now the time has come to prove why these five belong at the top of the list. We described these five ones by one with their features and advantages below:

1. Editor’s Pick: Hammers 3-9x32AO Air Rifle Scope

We have selected this scope as the best air rifle scope for its one-piece mount system. It is very easy to mount on the rifle. And it also has three clamping screws with a stop pin for keeping the scope firmly fitted, so that it cannot move while making a shoot. These matte black multi-coated scopes fit on a 3/8″ dovetail notch and 12 ¾ “long.

It has super magnification power as well. An interesting thing is, though it provides a minimum 3x magnification range, it can reach up to a maximum of 9x power with the 32mm lens. It produces a sharp iron sight even in darkness. The blurry view of a scope can changes the movement of your bullets.

To make a clear hit on your target with an air rifle this scope does an inimitable job. It is shockproof so, there is no chance of going blurry after a heavy shot. Having this under an affordable price range with all these magnificent features is such a luxury. Therefore, we were bound to put this on our top list.

Technical Details

• Dimension: 14.7 x 3.2 x 2.5 inches
• Weight: 1.65 Pounds
• Minimum Magnification: 3X
• Maximum Magnification: 9X
• Reticle type: Mil-dot
• Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm

 Hammers Air Rifle Scope Features

• Up to 9X zoom with the clear magnification system
• Standard 1-inch single-piece tube construction for durability
• Fingertight adjustment system for comfortable control
• Anodized matte finish for scratch and shockproof feature

2. People’s Choice: BARSKA 3-12×40 AO Airgun Scope

One special advantage of an air rifle is its two-way recoil. This recoil can resist the reticle loss on scopes. BARSKA  3-12*40 AO provides 3x to 12x magnification power which allows you to bring the target into clear focus and helps to find the range.

It eliminates the parallax from 10 yards to infinity range with an air gun. This black Matte mil-dot has a waterproof 40mm lens and fully coated optics with a 1″ constructed tube. It is finger adjustable and easy to mount on the standard rifle.

For both serious and general-purpose uses this high-valued quality scope will provide the real zest of shooting with its fully coated optics and 100 yards parallax-free field of vision.

It has a high recoil capability and single tube construction with 30/30. The windage and elevation turrets with the 1/4 MOA adjustments allow you to hit the impact point without any funny business. This superb Barska 3-9×40 air rifle scope is fully coated and shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof features.

Technical Details

• Dimension: 16 x 3 x 3 inches
• Weight: 1 pound
• Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
• Eye relief: 4.2 inches
• Material: Aluminum
• Reticle type: Mil-dot

 BARSKA  3-12*40 AO Features

• Wide 40mm objective lens diameter for wide view
• Up to 9X optical zoom capacity for a clear view
• Fully-coated lens for efficient light transmission system
• 1-inch tube diameter for more room to process light

3. Best For Dual-Reticle: UTG 3-9X40 AO Mil-Dot Scope

Like BARAKA it is not only waterproof but also shock, fog, and even rainproof. It is filled with nitrogen and possessed wind and elevation adjustments. The lens of this perfect scope is beryl-coated to ensure the highest clarity. This 40mm AO provides an empathic and clean picture without any shifting problem.

It can correct parallax down to 5 yards to infinity, and the reticle allows you to line up your target precisely. This variable scope has 9 x magnification powers which may be beyond your expectations. Apart from the focus and zoom adjustments help you to shoot the impact point accurately. For windage and elevation adjustments, there is an uncapped knob with a lighted reticle.

This mil-dot is very effective and stable and, when it zeroed it remains unchanged so that you can shoot the place of the target where you have targeted exactly. So this true hunter scope is bound to be your favorite one as it comes under a decent price range with all these excellent features.

Technical Details

• Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
• Minimum Magnification: 3X
• Maximum Magnification: 9X
• Weight: 1.32 pounds
• Click Adjustment: ¼ MOA
• Adjustable Parallax: 5 yards

 UTG 3-9X40 AO Mil-Dot Features

• It comes with dual reticle colors for situational application
• 36-color multicolor brightness option for any environment
• It comes with a flip-open lens cap for the safety of the lenses
• EZ-TAP illumination system for maximum visibility

4. Best For Reticle Illumination: Crosman Centerpoint 4-16x40mm Riflescope

Crosman CenterPoint scope is a one-piece metal scope that has a one-inch tube that is perfectly rated for both firearms and air rifles. Its lens is multicoated and strongly resistant to the dust accumulating. Moreover, it is water, fog, and rainproof. A flip-up lens cap is also there for protecting the lens from any particles.

It is easy to mount on the gun as it has a 1-inch pica-tinny scope ring. This helps the scope to stick perfectly to the rail of the rifle.  To add variety to your shooting it provides 4-16x magnification power that produces a parallax-free view by keeping the impact point unchanged.

The most notable specialty of this excellent scope it can adjust itself automatically with the distortion of the target. Its Dual reticle allows you both close-up and fast-moving shoot with a clear image.

This Mil-dot hunter reliable scope comes with nitrogen and shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof design. The surprising thing is that it provides tools for free windage and elevation adjustments. This powerful scope allows you to hunt in any lighting conditions. You can also change the reticle if you have to. And if you feel uncomfortable with the light reticle, you can switch the light off and the reticle and, it will get black forthwith.

Technical Details

• Dimension: 16 x 6 x 2.9 inches
• Weight: 1.17 Pounds
• Minimum Magnification: 4X
• Maximum Magnification: 16X
• Reticle type: Mil-dot
• Multi-Coated: Yes `

 Crosman CenterPoint scope Features

• From 4X to 16X magnification system
• Dual-illumination mil-dot reticle for both day and night application
• Multi-coated lens for better light transmission
• Flip-up lens cap for lens-safety

5. Best For Lens Coating: UTG 4×32 TS Full Size Mil-dot Scope

This 4*32 TS new-gen full-size power scope possessed a Mil-dot reticle with the internal sunshade. Flip-up lens cover for protecting the lens from unexpected particles. This hunter master scope is shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof. It works great in handling the reverse recoil of an air rifle.

This variable affordable scope has a finger adjustable turret for windage and elevation adjustment and the easy mountain. With long-term durability and super clarity, this parallax adjustable scope is bound to place itself on the top side of your favorite scope list.

It has a strong body construction and filled with nitrogen and is sealed 100 percent. With the 4x magnification power, it provides you amazing clarity and vision for super accuracy. This sapphire has a mil-dot wire reticle with w/e target knobs. It provides a decent field of view (32′) with the 32 mm angled objective lens.

Technical Details

• Dimension: 11.65 x 2 x 2 inches
• Weight: 13.1 ounces
• Range of Magnification: 4X
• Eye relief: 3.4 inches
• Field View: 32 feet
• Click Adjustment: ¼ MOA

UTG 4×32 TS Full-Size Mil-dot Features

• The tube is totally nitrogen-purged for a fog-free look
• Flip-up lens cover to safeguard the lenses
• ¼ MOA click adjustment system for superior and precise targeting
• Sapphire-coated lens for brilliant light transmission system

6. Best For Magnification: Hawke Airmax 30mm SF Riflescope

On number 6, we have the Hawke Airmax 30mm Powerful Rifle scope. Made from rugged and strong aluminum, this one is one of the most durable on our list. Then again, the robust structure plays a huge role in tackling the double recoiling of the rifle. So, this one safeguards you from the shock, as well.

Further, its impressive 50mm wide lens comes with a lot of surprises. Firstly, the lens here is coated with 16 layers of multi-coating. This gives it a superior light transmission system for excellent image quality. So, you can get a clear and smooth bright image through the lens for easy targetting.

Moreover, the glass-etched reticle can mitigate recoil, as well. On the other hand, the reticle is illuminated with smooth lighting to keep it bright even if the surrounding is darker. Not to mention, the fast-focus option here makes it really easy to focus within seconds. Then again, you can zoom up to 16 times to make sure you hit the bull’s eye!

Technical Details

• Dimension: 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 inches
• Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Minimum Magnification: 4X
• Maximum Magnification: 16X
• Eye relief: 4 inches
• Objective Lens diameter: 50mm

Hawke Airmax Features

• Long eye relief of 4 inches for comfortable eye placement
• 16-layer multi-coated lens for excellent light transmission system
• 50-mm wide lens diameter for wider field view
• 10 yards of parallax adjustment for no-trembling target setting

7. Best For Anti-Reflection: Hawke Sport Optics Airmax EV 4-12x40AO AMX Riflescope

Another Hawke Riflescope that’s one of the best air rifle scopes for hunting, is the Hawke Sport Optic Airmax EV 4-12x40AO. Similar to the previous one, this one also comes with rigid construction and a superior light transmission system. Starting with the light transmission, the riflescope boasts of a 16-layer coating on the lens.

To clarify, the layers on the lens make it really easy to view through the tube. It allows optimum lighting in different conditions to illuminate the reticle for a precise target setting. Moreover, the Glass-etched AMX reticle on the lens is also quite illuminated for you to properly target at your hunt. Thanks to its wide-view option, it gets pretty convenient to look beyond your reticle size.

Then again, the superior construction of the riflescope makes it a standout from many. Apart from the fact that it remains shockproof against impacts, it can endure scratches, as well. Moreover, it’s fog and waterproof, too. Overall, the rugged making makes it a perfect choice to use in any weather condition.

Technical Details

• Dimension: 19.9 x 5.5 x 5.7 inches
• Weight: 2.94 Pounds
• Objective Lense Diameter: 40 mm
• Lens layer: 16
• Minimum Zoom: 4X
• Maximum Zoom: 12X

Hawke Sport Optic Airmax Features

• Made from solid aluminum to ensure long term durability
• 40mm objective lense diameter works great for wide view
• 16-layer lens coating for amazing light transmission
• Glass-etched AMX reticle allows a top-class view

8. Best Budget Pick: UTG 4-16X44 30mm Scope

UTG 4-16X44 30mm Scope is one of the best high end air rifle scopes we have come across. From construction to its excellent light transmission system, this solid scope is truly a shining star among other options. Speaking of its lighting system, the lens comes with an Emerald coating that allows unparalleled light transmission. This gives you the clearest of images possible.

Further, the scope comes with 2 different reticle colors – Green and Red. The best part is, you can change the color with just a click in seconds. No matter how the environment is around you, you can change the reticle color and the light option in it pretty fast. To clarify, there are 36 different color options in the scope that you can choose depending on the light condition around you.

Moreover, the build quality of the scope is quite impressive. The tube here is totally nitrogen-filled and O-sing sealed. So, you can rest assured that the tube is completely fog-free. Then again, it’s also waterproof, as well. Not to mention, it’s totally shock and impact-proof, too.

 Technical Details

• Dimension: 17.4 x 4.23 x 3.45 inches
• Weight: 0.95 pounds
• Minimum Magnification: 4X
• Maximum Magnification: 16X
• Eye Relief: 3.2 inches
• Field of view: 24.4 feet

UTG 4-16X44 30mm Scope Features

• Emerald lens coating for excellent light transmission system
• Two different reticle colors for different environments
• 1-click quick access to the reticle color and brightness
• EZ-TAP Illumination Enhancing technology

9. Best For Image Processing: Bushnell 614124 Banner Dusk & Dawn Riflescope

Finally, we wrap up our best air rifle scopes review with the Bushnell 614124 Riflescope. Now, if you are more interested in image processing than the other features in the scope, then this one might interest you. Why? Well, this scope has a low-light management system that can work under any circumstances.

Then again, it has a dusk and dawn brightness option, referred to as DDB, that works great for a hunter. It can easily activate the brightness option that is suitable for the situation around you. Together with the Low-light management, this system offers crystal clear images even if it’s darker. Thanks to its anti-reflective coating on the lens that makes it a very good choice for both day and night.

Furthermore, the scope features a fast-focus eyepiece. If you are not quite into setting your eyes slowly and make a move, then fast focusing is a blessing for you. All you need to do is simply put your eyes on the scope and turn those turrets. This will get you to set your target in no time!

Technical Details

• Dimension: 16.4 x 3.1 x 2.4 inches
• Weight: 0.94 pounds
• Minimum Magnification: 4X
• Maximum Magnification: 12X
• Objecitve Lens diameter: 40mm
• Material: Aluminum

Bushnell 614124 Riflescope Features

• Dusk & Dawn Brightness system for the best lighting
• Low-light riflescope offers excellent service in darker areas
• Anti-reflective coatings for easy light transmission
• Fast-focus eyepiece for quick setting of target

Why Are the Air Rifle Scopes Different from Other?

A novice or a new shooter often makes a mistake by considering all the scope in the same manner. No, all the scopes are not the same in any sense. The terrible thing is if you try to adjust a sniper scope to an air rifle, the scope will not work at all.

The first thing which makes air rifles different from general firearms is their double recoil. The way of firing is also different. With firearms, you fire the bullet by pressing the trigger and, you release bullets by muzzling up. But in terms of air rifles, the scenario is different. In this case, you have a spring to worry about and, you need to release the gas by pushing the piston.

Scopes of normal firearms may bother you for their distortion as they cannot handle the extra shaking while making fire but air rifle scopes are designed and modified for a strong mount on the rifle, and its double recoil can easily handle the shaking.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

Who makes the best air rifle scopes?

Most of the quality scopes come from some renowned manufacturers. Among them, Barska, UTG, Nikon, and some others are notable.

Do air rifles need special scopes?

Yes, an air rifle needs a special scope. The scope can withstand the recoil and vibration of an air rifle. That is why the scope is special, and you should choose the air rifle-specified scopes only.

Can you use an air rifle scope on a real rifle?

You can use the air rifle scope on the real rifle, but here’s something you should know. The air rifle is not made like the other rifle scopes, and that is why they cannot take the hard recoil impact.

So, the air rifle is not suitable for those rifles which have a hard recoil impact. And you won’t be able to shoot your target accurately when with such bad recoil.

What are the best general air rifle scopes?

It varies from user to user. And an air rifle scope might not be the best functioning for all the users. But no one says that the enlisted air rifle scopes are not good; rather, the scopes are recommended by the professionals.

Are air gun scopes different?

Yes, the air gun scopes are different from the regular gun scopes. And the air gun scopes cannot be used with general-purpose firearms such as Ak or AR series.

What are the best air rifle scopes?

We have already recommended to you the best scopes for the air rifle above. The scopes are suggested by an air rifle specialist. So, you can choose any from this list without any hesitation.

Do air rifles have recoil?

The answer is ”YES”, initially. Let me explain. It is true that all CO2 and pneumatic guns recoil. But the air rifle recoils so little that is quite acceptable. As the recoil is so little, it can be said that they have no recoil compared to the other recoiling firearms. That’s it.

Summary

Air rifle scopes are not some other planet things. They just come with a different characteristic and purpose. As we have early mentioned that firearms need scopes according to their types and features.

The double recoiled air rifles need scopes that are compatible and suit best with them. We have evaluated some of the best scopes, that available in the market for air rifles here. Every scope does not possess the same feature rather, each one has its specialty

You can choose the one that fits your budget and air gun. You can also check out, detailed reviews for picking the best rifle scope for the money.