8 Best Scopes for Pellet Guns

Outdoor Moran is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More

Looking for the Best scopes for pellet guns? Read on as we go through the best on the market.

A pellet basically refers to a non-spherical lead or alloy material missile specifically made for air gun shooting. An air gun that uses such pellets is assumably called a pellet gun.

Being highly multifunctional, pellet guns are commonly used in hunting and pest control and are more accurate compared to BB air guns thanks to the shape of the pellet and the use of powerplants.

The concept of pellet guns is to injure individuals and cause pain and they are effective over short ranges of up to 500 yards.

However, when shot at a closer range, sensitive parts can be hit causing death. Whether you are a skilled hunter or just training, pellet guns are a good accompanying tool when going out into the field.

They are specially designed to offer maximum range and force in the safest way possible for beginners and young hunters.

When precision is key, fixed magnification or variable magnification scopes are needed to precisely hit your target.

Pellet scopes are designed with high recoil resistance to withstand the double-specific recoil produced by pellet air guns.

They are made with high-quality lenses that offer clear and bright images in low-light conditions. They are designed with adjustments and settings to suit your specific shooting needs.

 

Best Scopes for Pellet Guns

 

1) CVLIFE 2.5-10x40mm Illuminated Scope

CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope with 20mm Mount

Pros

  • Strong aircraft aluminum construction
  • Waterproof/fog-proof and shockproof
  • Red & Green Illumination
  • Ample Eye relief
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
  • Magnification: 2.5- 10 x
  • Reticle: Dead-Mil-dot
  • Tube Diameter: 1 in
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Field of View, Linear: 11.53′ – 34.86′ ft at 100 yds
  • Eye Relief: 3 – 4 in

 

2) UTG 3-9X40 1″ Hunter Scope

UTG 3-9X40 1" Hunter Scope, AO, 36-color Mil-dot, w/ Rings

Pros

  • Shockproof, Fogproof and Rainproof
  • EZ-TAP Illumination Enhancing (IE) System
  • Premium Zero Locking and Zero Resetting Target Turrets
  • Parallax Adjustable from 5 Yds
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
  • Magnification: 3 – 9 x
  • Reticle: Mil-dot
  • Tube Diameter: 1 in
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Field of View, Linear: 11.5 – 34. 5 ft at 100 yds
  • Eye Relief: 3.2 – 3.9 in

 

3) Simmons 3-9x32mm Riflescope

Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Riflescope

Pros

  • HydroShield lens coating
  • Fully-coated optics deliver bright, sharp images
  • QTA quick target acquisition eyepiece
  • Rugged construction
  • TrueZero Windage and Elevation Dials
  • Water/fog and shockproof

 

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
  • Magnification: 3 – 9 x
  • Reticle: Truplex
  • Tube Diameter: 1 in
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Field of View, Linear: 33 – 11 ft at 100 yds
  • Eye Relief: 3.75″

 

 

 

4) Hawke Vantage Vantage 3-9×40 AO Riflescope

Hawke Vantage Riflescope 1"

Pros

  • Fully multi-coated optics
  • Superior strength
  • Fast focus eyepiece
  • Adjustable Objective parallax
  • Aluminum construction
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
  • Magnification: 3 – 9 x
  • Reticle: 30/30
  • Tube Diameter: 1 in
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Field of View, Linear: 12.7 – 39 ft at 100 yds
  • Eye Relief: 3.5 in

 

5) ATN ThOR LT 3-6x50mm Thermal Rifle Scope

ATN ThOR LT 3-6x50mm Thermal Rifle Scope

Pros

  • Black hot/white hot viewing modes
  • Ultra-low power consumption
  • One shot zero
  • Weather resistant
  • Recoil resistant
  • Classic Ergonomic Design
  • Easy to mount and use
  • Comfortable eye relief
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
  • Magnification: 3 – 6 x
  • Reticle: Dead-Multiple
  • Tube Diameter: 30mm
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Field of View: 11×8.3 degrees
  • Eye Relief: 90mm
  • Range-475m

 

 

 

6) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope

Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24 Riflescope

Pros

  • Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
  • Impact and shock resistant
  • Anti-reflective coatings
  • Water/fog and shockproof
  • Fast Focus Eyepiece
  • Illuminated Reticle

 

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
  • Magnification: 1-6 x
  • Reticle: Dead-AR-BDC3
  • Tube Diameter: 30mm
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Field of View, Linear: 19.2 – 116.5 ft at 100 yds
  • Eye Relief: 3.5 in

 

 

 

7) Hatsan Optima 3-12x50AO Scope

Hatsan Optima 3-12X50AO Scope

Pros

  • Water, fog, and shock resistant
  • Fully Multi-Coated
  • Adjustable Front Objective
  • Aluminum construction

 

 

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
  • Magnification: 3 – 12 x
  • Reticle: Dead-Mil-Dot, V-Plex
  • Tube Diameter: 1 in
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Field of View, Linear: 7.3 – 33.5 ft at 100 yds
  • Eye Relief: 2.56 – 3.07 in

 

 

 

8) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope

Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope

Pros

  • Hard Anodized Finish
  • Capped Reset Turrets
  • Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Construction
  • Adjustable Objective
  • Fast Focus Eyepiece
  • Fully Multi-Coated
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
  • Magnification: 3 – 9 x
  • Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC/ V-Brite/V-Brite
  • Tube Diameter: 1 in
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Field of View, Linear: 12.6 – 34.1 ft at 100 yds
  • Eye Relief: 3.8 – 4.4 in

 

 

 

 

See Also

 

Factors to Consider for the Best Scopes for Pellet Guns

Other than buying a trusted and reputable brand, it is important to also consider some specifications featured in individual scopes. They allow you to buy what is more convenient for you and most importantly, what suits your expertise and needs.

Focus adjustment- focal adjustment mostly helps if you are wearing glasses or your position prevents you from being near the scope’s eyepiece.

Types of air gun rifle scopes- the fixed scopes have constant magnification normally with lower magnification power that is ideal for short-range shooting. The variable scopes on the other hand have varying power magnification settings. This type of scope allows you to change the magnification power to suit your needs.

Objective lens- other than adjustable parallax, always look for scopes with high-quality lenses that are fog proof or rainproof. This will provide you with images with the best clarity even in low light or wet conditions.

Reticle types- there are different types:

  • Crosshair reticles are ideal for target shooting
  • Duplex reticles have thick outer lines for easy viewing and thin inner lines for precision. They are much used by hunters and shooters.
  • Mil-dot reticles are designed with notches that help you make calculations based on the bullet drop and wind. They are ideal for long-range shooting by more experienced shooters.
  • Illuminated reticles provide a good target view in low-lighting conditions.

Eye relief- generous eyepiece and heavy recoil help you protect your eyes and eyebrows.

Magnification- whether shooting at long or short ranges, it is good to understand whether each scope offers variable magnification adjustments.

FAQs

What are pellet guns used for?

Pellet guns use pellets and are popular for hunting and pest control. They are intended to injure individuals and cause pain. They are convenient for the short-range shooting of 500 yards.

Can you use any scope on a pellet gun?

Pellet gun scopes are made to withstand the unique vibration and double recoil of a pellet gun. Firearm scopes are not specialized as such hence are not supposed to be used with pellet guns.

How good are Hawke Scopes?

Hawke scopes are designed with a sleek style and look. They are lightweight, easy to use, reliable, and easily adjustable. Hawke scopes are reasonably priced and have great reviews of 4-5 stars in different shops.

What does AO on a scope mean?

AO stands for Adjustable Objective. The term caught on since the adjustment feature was incorporated into the rotating objective of parallax adjusting scopes.

What do the numbers on a rifle scope mean?

The two common numbers on riflescopes describe the specification of individual scopes. The first number is the magnification while the second number identifies the diameter of the objective lens. For example; a specification indicated as 6.5×30 describes a scope with 6.5× magnification and 30mm objective lens diameter.

What does parallax-free at 100 yards mean?

When aiming at a target 100 yards away through your scope, the point of aim can stay the same regardless of the position or up/down movement of your eye. This is possible in rifle scopes which are set to be Parallax Error-Free at 100 yards.

Conclusion

Finding the Best scopes for pellet guns can be hard, especially one that can work in all weather and light conditions. However, the right scope will give you a stress-free shooting experience regardless of how experienced you are.

The scopes featured in this review are selected from the best brands and well researched to ensure you get the best performance.