When it comes to maximizing the performance of your PCP air rifle, the right scope is essential. PCP air rifles are renowned for their accuracy, power, and versatility in competitive shooting and hunting fields. In this comprehensive buying guide, we will explore some of the best scopes for PCP air rifle and help you find a model tailored to your specific shooting needs.
Air rifles have unique recoil patterns. Some have a forward recoil pattern and others are bi-directional. This calls for a durable and well-made scope capable of withstanding recoil and repeated use. Moreover, PCP air rifles are known for their precision at extended ranges, making a scope with crips-clear optics and precise adjustments essential for taking advantage of the rifle’s full potential.
What Makes a Great Scope for PCP Air Rifle
The best scope for a PCP air rifle is made of several features that work together to ensure reliable performance in all shooting fields. These features include:
Quality Optics
Firstly, the scope should feature high-quality glass for sharp image clarity. The lenses should also be coated to reduce glare and enhance performance in low light conditions.
Variable Magnification
Furthermore, the scope needs to have adjustable magnification for shooting at varying distances.
Parallax Adjustment
Parallax adjustment is also critical for air rifles, as many shots are taken at close distances where standard firearm scopes may struggle.
Durable Construction
The best scopes for PCP air rifles should be well built with hard-wearing materials to withstand repeated use and recoil generated.
Generous Eye Relief
It is also important for the scope to have a generous eye relief that keeps the shooter safe from scope-related injuries and guarantees great glassing comfort with or without eyewear.
Best Scopes for PCP Air Rifle
1) Hawke Sport Optics Airmax EV 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Reticle: AMX
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP
- Eye Relief: 3. 5 inches
- Weight: 18.4 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Length: 12.7 in
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Illumination Type: Non-Illuminated
The Hawke Sport Optics Airmax EV 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope is the best scope for PCP air rifle. It offers a solid combination of value, durability, and performance for both recreational and professional shooting.
The scope’s AMX reticle is designed specifically for air guns. It provides multiple aim points that help compensate for trajectory drop and wind drift, making it ideal for long-range shooting. Furthermore, the reticle is housed on the second focal plane (SFP) reticle so it remains the same size regardless of magnification.
With 12.7 inches in length and a relatively lightweight design at 18.4 oz, the scope balances well on various PCP air rifle setups. Besides, the 3.5-inch eye relief provides comfort during extended shooting sessions, ensuring that you can maintain a proper shooting position without eye strain.
Durability is another impressive feature of the scope. It is built in a 1-inch tube with high-quality aluminum to stand the test of time. Over and above that, the precise 0.25 MOA adjustment click value offers reliable elevation and windage adjustments for fine-tuning accuracy. These incremental adjustments, combined with a MOA adjustment type, make it easy to dial in your shots, whether you’re in the field or at the range.
Pros
- AMX reticle with holdover points for easy bullet drop compensation
- Lightweight design at 18.4 oz and compact 1-inch tube diameter
- 3.5 inches of eye relief for comfortable shooting
- Precise 0.25 MOA click adjustments
- Durable and reliable construction
Cons
- Lacks reticle illumination
2) Leapers UTG 3-9x40mm Hunter Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Tube Diameter: 1-Inch
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Eye Relief: 3.2 – 3.9 in
- Field of View: 11.5 – 34.5 ft at 100 yds
- Weight: 21.1 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Length: 12.6 in
TheLeapers UTG 3-9x40mm Hunter Rifle Scope is a budget-friendly optic that offers impressive performance for both hunting and target shooting. It is easy to use and suitable for shooters of all levels.
Featuring a magnification range of 3-9x, the scope provides ample flexibility for medium to long-range engagements. The 1-inch tube design is compact yet durable, fitting most standard mounts without adding excessive weight to your setup. Additionally, the scope has a generous eye relief of 3.2 to 3.9 inches to give a comfortable and forgiving eye box.
With a second focal plane (SFP) reticle, the scope ensures that the reticle size remains consistent throughout the magnification range, offering clarity and reliability for shooters who prefer an easy-to-see reticle when adjusting magnification. It is also built with precision 1/4 MOA per click adjustments for accurate windage and elevation corrections.
Regarding portability, the scope weighs 21.1 ounces. The lightweight design coupled with the compact length make it portable without compromising durability. Besides, it is built for rugged conditions where it holds zero well even under heavy recoil. The scope is also resistant to fog and rain, making it a reliable companion in adverse weather.
Pros
- Affordable and good value for the price
- Versatile magnification range
- SFP reticle simplifies target acquisition at all magnification levels
- Easy-to-use 1/4 MOA adjustment
Cons
- Narrow eye relief at maximum magnification
3) Hawke Sport Optics Airmax EV 3-9x40mm AO Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Reticle: AMX
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Weight: 18.3 oz
- Length: 12 in
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Adjustment Type: MOA
As one of the best scopes for PCP air rifles, the Hawke Sport Optics Airmax EV 3-9x40mm AO Rifle Scope is a high-performance optic built with versatility in mind. The scope is particularly well-suited for air rifle enthusiasts seeking precision and reliability.
One of its standout features is the AMX reticle. This reticle is housed in the second focal plane and offers excellent precision for holdover and windage adjustments. Furthermore, the scope boasts an adjustable objective for parallax correction and improving accuracy at various distances.
Optically, the scope has 16-layer fully multi-coated optics for exceptional clarity. It also features a wide-view optical system ideal for varmint/air guns. Additionally, the scope’s generous eye relief ensures comfortable and flexible shooting experiences, with or without eyeglasses,
Durability is another feature that makes the scope a good purchase. It is built with a single-piece, anodized aluminum tube to withstand abuse and recoil. Additionally, the optical tube is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed. This makes it waterproof and fog-proof for reliable performance across different environmental conditions.
Pros
- Versatile magnification
- Lightweight yet durable construction
- 16-layer fully multi-coated optics for exceptional clarity
- Wide-view optical system for easy target identification
Cons
- Non-illuminated
4) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×50 BDC (MOA) Riflescope
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
- Weight: 14.5 oz
- Length: 12.0 in
- Eye Relief: 3.8″
- Field of View: 34.1-12.6′
- Tube Size: 1-inch
The Vortex 3-9×50 Crossfire II riflescope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line. It harbors an array of high-quality features that make it an ideal options for both hunting and shooting.
The scope features a Dead-Hold BDC reticle put in the rear focal plane. The reticle is good for hunting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is a concern.
To help the reticle serve its purpose, this rifle scope features anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses that fight glare and enhance light transmission to provide bright and clear views for the user. Besides, the long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box enable one to quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target. The scope also features a fast focus eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing.
Regarding construction, this optic is built to last. It features a single piece 1-inch tube constructed from aircraft grade aluminum. The robust construction ensures strength and shockproof performance. Additionally, the scope is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to delivers waterproof and fog-proof performance.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight design
- Bright and clear optics
- Robust and reliable construction from air-craft grade aluminum
- Generous eye relief
- Exceptional low-light performance
Cons
- Non-illuminated
5) Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second
- Field of View (ft @ 100 yds): 32 ft. @ 3X to 11 ft. @ 9X
- Weight: 13 oz
- Eye Relief: 6″
- Tube Size: 1-inch
- Windage and Elevation Range: 60 MOA
The Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope is one of the best scopes for PCP air rifle for use in low-light conditions. It offers exceptional performance in low light conditions making a perfect choice for seasoned hunters.
With the variable 3-9x magnification range, this rifle scope is suitable for various shooting scenarios, from close-range encounters to mid-range shots. The 40mm objective lens provides a bright and clear sight picture by collecting more light inside the optics. Furthermore, the multi-coated optics enhance light transmission and reduce glare for optimal clarity.
The riflescope’s durability is also noteworthy. It features a rugged, shockproof construction that can withstand the rigors of heavy recoil and harsh weather conditions. Its classic design is complemented by an easy-to-adjust, fingertip-controlled windage and elevation turrets that ensure quick and accurate adjustments in the field.
Additionally, the Bushnell Banner is equipped with a Ballistic Drop Compensator (BDC) reticle, which is particularly useful for long-range shooting. This reticle allows for quick holdover corrections and helps shooters achieve greater accuracy without needing constant adjustments. Over and above that, the scope has a parallax-free design at 100 yards minimizes the impact of parallax error, ensuring that the reticle stays on target even if the shooter’s eye is not perfectly aligned.
Pros
- Ultra-long eye relief
- Superior low-light visibility
- Lightweight design for easy carrying in the field
- Durable construction
Cons
- Limited field of view at the highest magnifications
6) Burris Fullfield II Hunting Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second
- Field of View: 33 low – 13 high (ft. @ 100 yds.)
- Eye Relief: 3″
- Weight: 368.54 Grams
- Length: 12″
- Windage and Elevation Range: 50 MOA
Next up, we have the Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm Hunting Scope. It is a popular and premium traditional hunting scope suitable for budget-conscious buyers.
The selling point of this rifle scope is its optical clarity. It is built with high-grade optical glass that provides excellent brightness and clarity with lasting durability. Moreover, the Hi-Lume Multi-coated lenses aid in low-light performance and glare elimination, increasing your success rate in the hunting fields.
Construction-wise, the scope features a durable, integrated eyepiece design with a no-slip grip for easy adjustment in the field. The positive steel-on-steel adjustments assure repeated accuracy while the durable, stress-free, solid 1-piece outer tube withstands shock and vibrations of even the heaviest recoil.
Furthermore, the scope is waterproof and nitrogen-filled to prevent fogging, even in cold and rain. It is also lightweight, easy to install, and easy to use even for beginners.
Pros
- High-performance optical glass
- Lightweight construction
- Fully waterproof and fog-proof
- Affordable
Cons
- Narrow eye relief
7) ATN ThOR LT 3-6x50mm Thermal Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 3 – 6 x
- Tube Diameter: 30mm
- Display Resolution: 1280×720 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Resolution: 120×160 pixels
- Reticle: Multiple
- Eye Relief: 90 mm
The ATN ThOR LT 3-6x50mm Thermal Rifle Scope is another impressive optic ideal for PCP air rifles. Being an entry in the thermal optics market, it offers robust blend of functionality and affordability that makes it ideal for hunting.
With a 3-6x magnification range, 50mm objective lens, and 1280×720 pixels display resolution, the scope delivers clear, crisp thermal imagery that is highly effective for both day and night hunting. The 30mm tube provides a solid, durable platform, ensuring the scope remains stable and secure even under recoil.
Furthermore, the scope is built with ease of use in mind. It features an intuitive interface and user-friendly controls make it accessible to both novice and experienced shooters, allowing for quick adjustments and settings changes. The thermal resolution is commendable for its price range, providing detailed heat signatures that enhance target identification and situational awareness.
In terms of durability, the TN ThOR LT is built to withstand the rigors of harsh environments. Its rugged construction is both shockproof and weather-resistant, making it suitable for a variety of outdoor conditions.
Long battery life is another notable feature that makes it one of the best scopes for PCP air rifle. It offers extended operation hours to ensure you can rely on it throughout your hunting sessions.
Pros
- High 384×288 thermal sensor ensures clear and detailed thermal imaging
- Wide objective lens that provides a bright and clear field of view
- Durable construction to withstand harsh weather conditions and rough handling.
- Long-lasting battery ensures extended usage without frequent recharges.
Cons
- Limited magnification range
Next Read: 7 Best Air Rifle Scopes for Springers
Criteria for Choosing the Best Scopes for PCP Air Rifles
These are the key factors you should consider when looking to buy a scope for yourPCP air rifle.
Intended Purpose
What do you intend to use the scope for? Is it for hunting, competitive shooting, recreational shooting, or any other application? Be activity-specific and choose a scope that blends best with your shooting needs.
Magnification
Higher magnification allows for more precise aiming at longer distances. For PCP air rifles, a magnification range of 4-16x or 6-24x is often suitable, depending on your shooting needs and range. However, if you primarily shoot at shorter distances, a lower magnification range such as 3-9x might be sufficient.
Reticle Type
The reticle helps you aim accurately. The popular reticles for PCP air rifle scopes include mil-dot, BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation), and illuminated reticles.
Choose a reticle that suits your shooting style and preferences. For precise shooting, a mil-dot or fine crosshair reticle can be advantageous.
Adjustments and Turrets
Turrets allow you to make adjustments for windage, elevation, and parallax. The best scopes for PCP air rifle are built with precise and easy-to-adjust turrets. A side parallax adjustment is also helpful for eliminating parallax error.
Durability and Build Quality
The next important thing to consider is durability and build quality. PCP air rifles can produce significant recoil, so the scope needs to withstand it. You should also choose a scope that is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof to ensures longevity and reliable performance in all kinds of weather conditions.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the distance from your eye to the ocular lens where you get a full, clear sight picture. Adequate eye relief prevents scope bite and allows for comfortable shooting. Look for scopes with at least 3.5-4 inches of eye relief.
Optical Quality
It is also important to look at the optical quality of the scope. High-quality optics enhance clarity, brightness, and color contrast. The best scopes for PCP air rifles also feature fully multi-coated lenses to reduce glare and enhance optical performance in low-light conditions.
Final Words
Investing in a high-performance scope is key to pushing your PCP rifle to its full potential. The scopes we have mentioned in this guide offer a good balance of magnification, durability, and clarity suitable for PCP air rifles. Hopefully, you are now able to find a quality reliable model to revolutionize your shooting.