Looking for the Best air rifle scope? Read on as we go through the best comprehensively, looking at their features, pros, cons, and more.
Best Air Rifle Scope-8 Top Picks
1) Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44mm Rifle Scope
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2) Hawke Sport Optics Airmax 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
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3) ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x70mm Smart HD Day/Night Rifle Scope
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4) Barska 3-12×40 AO Air Gun Rifle Scope
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5) Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Riflescope
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6) Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope
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7) TASCO 3-9x40mm AO Air Gun Scope
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8) Hatsan Optima AO 3-12x50mm Rifle Scope
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Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Air Rifle Scope
- Fixed vs Variable Scopes
Fixed scopes are preset at a single magnification and cannot be adjusted. They have the advantage of being easier to maintain and set because once sighted in, you’ll rarely have to worry about calibrating it.
On the other hand, variable air rifle scopes can be adjusted to different zoom levels. However, they can require often adjustment and refinement because the moving parts sometimes become misaligned. Nevertheless, variable scopes are more versatile as they can be used for long range hunting or mid to close-range shooting.
- Objective lenses
The objective lenses of any scope are important because they control the amount of light that passes into the scope at any given time. A larger objective lens creates a brighter and clearer picture, particularly in low light conditions. Also, larger objective lenses determine the scope’s ultimate ability to magnify a target, therefore, a larger objective lens achieves a greater magnification than a smaller objective.
- Magnification
The magnification power of the scope you require needs to be something that you consider in relation to what you intend to use your air rifle. For sports or long-distance shooting competitions, a higher magnification fixed zoom scope might make sense. A mid-range variable zoom scope is ideal for hunters while small magnification scopes are ideal for small pest control.
- Size of the tube
30mm tubes are found on some of the best air rifle scopes. The extra 4mm of tube diameter over and above the standard 26mm scope tubes enables these scopes to be built more rigidly and fit larger internal lenses. Larger internal lenses enhance light transmission, and ultimately image quality.
- Weatherproof
The best air rifle scopes are not that cheap. Ensure that the scope you choose is capable of handling the rough terrain and recoil from your air rifle as well as your style of hunting or shooting.
It should be in a position to withstand any impact or shock. Nitrogen purging is found in rifle scopes of this price range. It provides fog-proof benefits against condensation and temperature changes. Watertight scopes with O-rings seal guarantee that the internal systems are kept dry even in wet weather conditions.
Best Air Rifle Scope FAQs
- What is the best mounting hardware for air gun scopes?
Air gun scopes are small in size, therefore you should find compatible mounting hardware. Medium mounts are highly recommended because they are adaptable to the majority of air guns.
- My scope does not have enough elevation adjustment, I can’t zero it in.
This problem is quite common and all you are required to do is put a shim in between the rear mount and the scope, this will realign it putting your scope closer to your barrel and giving you the extra elevation required.
- Which is the best, fixed or variable zoom scope?
The answer to which zoom scope is the best depends on personal taste and preference. If the shooting activity you intend to engage in involves shooting at a constant distance all the time, a fixed zoom scope will be ideal. On the other hand, if you are going to be shooting at different distances, a variable zoom scope will be better. Fixed zoom scope is ideal for shooting long-range which the best air rifle scopes do.
- What is parallax?
Parallax occurs when viewing distant targets and the reticle appears to shift or move. Adjustable objectives or side focus adjustment knobs enable the shooter to eliminate parallax by dialing in on the distance of the target
- What kind of magnification should I use?
This depends on the shooting activity you are engaged in. If shooting at moving targets or short-range, you should use low magnification. Game hunting and mid-range target shooting require medium-level magnification while long-range shooting requires high magnification
- What are windage and elevation?
You might want to change your aiming point by shifting it. Windage is the adjustment that lets you shift your aiming point horizontally while elevation enables you to move the aiming point up and down.
Conclusion
Before you make up your mind on the best air rifle scopes to buy, first consider your needs. This will greatly help in your decision-making. In addition, any rifle is only as good as the optics you put in it, therefore keep in mind that you will generally get what you pay for.
We hope that this review is helpful and informative enough to help you make the best decision.
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