We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Air Rifle Scopes 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Duplex Reticle Riflescope

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,171
Magnification
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
350 reviews

Magnification
This model’s magnification range perfectly suits hunting needs without overcomplicating long-range shots.
Reticle
Its well-designed reticle and solid tracking ensure the scope holds zero reliably under various conditions.
Durability and Weather Resistance
High-quality construction paired with a lifetime warranty instills confidence and reflects durable craftsmanship.

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 riflescope is a versatile choice for air rifle shooters needing a broad magnification range from 3x to 15x. This allows you to zoom in closely for long-distance shots or keep a wider view for nearby targets. Its 40mm objective lens is a good size, offering bright and clear images without being too bulky. The illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle helps with quick target acquisition, especially in low-light conditions, adding to its usability. The side focus parallax adjustment is particularly useful for air rifle users, as it helps keep your target sharp and avoids image distortion at various distances.

The 38.3 feet field of view at 100 yards gives you a decent viewing area, striking a good balance between zoom and visible scene. Durability is a strong point: the scope is waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, and features a special hydrophobic lens coating (Guard-ion) that repels dirt and water, making it suitable for outdoor use in various weather conditions. The CDS-ZL2 system allows precise elevation adjustments with a safety lock to prevent accidental changes, which supports consistent accuracy.

The scope’s weight at 16 ounces and its size might be a bit on the heavier side compared to some compact air rifle scopes, potentially affecting balance on lighter rifles. It doesn’t include night vision capabilities and is designed primarily with hunting in mind, which might be more than what casual plinking or target shooting demands. Its lifetime guarantee reflects confidence in its quality and durability. This scope fits well for serious air rifle shooters who want precision, reliability, and flexibility in various shooting conditions.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,171
Magnification
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
350 reviews

Magnification
This model’s magnification range perfectly suits hunting needs without overcomplicating long-range shots.
Reticle
Its well-designed reticle and solid tracking ensure the scope holds zero reliably under various conditions.
Durability and Weather Resistance
High-quality construction paired with a lifetime warranty instills confidence and reflects durable craftsmanship.
#2

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire, Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope - V-Plex Reticle

Rating
10.0
Eye Relief
Durability and Weather Resistance
Magnification

Most important from
13678 reviews

Eye Relief
Its generous eye relief and large eye box make target acquisition quick and comfortable without precise eye positioning.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durable construction with waterproof and fogproof features ensures reliable performance in varied outdoor conditions.
Magnification
The magnification range is versatile enough for typical rimfire distances, making it suitable for both hunting and target shooting.
Reticle
The simple V-Plex reticle aids fast aiming without distractions, ideal for quick target engagement.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Rimfire riflescope is a solid choice if you’re looking for a reliable and versatile scope for air rifles. Its zoom range from 2x to 7x offers flexibility for close to medium distances, making it suitable for a variety of shooting scenarios. The 32mm objective lens lets in enough light to provide clear and bright images, which is helpful in different lighting conditions. The V-Plex reticle is simple and effective, designed to help you aim quickly without too much distraction. One of the standout features is the long eye relief and large eye box, which means you can see the target easily without needing to position your eye exactly right every time — a real plus for comfort and speed.

While it doesn’t specify parallax adjustment, the ‘Rimfire’ version is typically optimized for shorter ranges common with air rifles, which should work well for most users. Its durable aircraft-grade aluminum body is built to withstand shocks, and it’s both waterproof and fogproof, so it can handle outdoor use in varied weather. The capped turrets allow you to reset zero easily after sighting in, which is convenient for maintaining accuracy. At about 14 ounces, it’s lightweight enough not to unbalance your rifle. The lifetime VIP warranty adds peace of mind, covering repairs or replacements if anything goes wrong (except for loss or intentional damage).

There’s no night vision capability and the fixed reticle brightness might not suit very low light conditions. Also, the scope lacks more advanced features like first focal plane reticle or detailed parallax adjustment, which might limit precision for more experienced shooters. This scope is a dependable, user-friendly option that matches the needs of most air rifle users, especially those hunting or target shooting at typical rimfire distances.

Rating
10.0
Eye Relief
Durability and Weather Resistance
Magnification

Most important from
13678 reviews

Eye Relief
Its generous eye relief and large eye box make target acquisition quick and comfortable without precise eye positioning.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durable construction with waterproof and fogproof features ensures reliable performance in varied outdoor conditions.
Magnification
The magnification range is versatile enough for typical rimfire distances, making it suitable for both hunting and target shooting.
Reticle
The simple V-Plex reticle aids fast aiming without distractions, ideal for quick target engagement.
#3

Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12x40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope - Dead-Hold BDC Reticle (MOA) , Black

Rating
8.2
Magnification
Durability and Weather Resistance
Reticle

Most important from
3125 reviews

Magnification
Its smooth zoom ring and solid construction make it feel like a premium optic at a fraction of the cost.
Durability and Weather Resistance
This scope consistently returns to zero with precise and reliable turret adjustments, outperforming even higher-priced competitors.
Reticle
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is exceptionally practical, making holdovers straightforward and effective in real-world hunting scenarios.

The Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12x40 riflescope offers a versatile magnification range from 4x to 12x, making it suitable for air rifle shooters who want flexibility for both close and medium distances. Its 40mm objective lens lets in plenty of light, providing bright and clear images in various lighting conditions. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is especially helpful for hunters or shooters who need to quickly compensate for bullet drop at different ranges without complex calculations. While this scope doesn’t explicitly mention parallax adjustment, many shooters find its eye relief comfortable and stable, which helps maintain a clear sight picture even during recoil. The field of view is decent at 32.4 feet, allowing users to track targets more easily.

Durability is a strong point—the aluminum body is shockproof, and the scope is fogproof and waterproof thanks to argon purging and O-ring seals, so it can handle outdoor conditions without issue. This is a second focal plane scope, so the reticle size remains constant as you zoom, which might affect precision holdovers at higher magnifications for some users. Additionally, it comes with a solid lifetime warranty that covers repairs for defects or damage but excludes loss or cosmetic wear.

This scope balances quality optics and rugged construction at a reasonable price, making it a good choice for air rifle enthusiasts who want reliable performance without extra bells and whistles like night vision or advanced parallax controls.

Rating
8.2
Magnification
Durability and Weather Resistance
Reticle

Most important from
3125 reviews

Magnification
Its smooth zoom ring and solid construction make it feel like a premium optic at a fraction of the cost.
Durability and Weather Resistance
This scope consistently returns to zero with precise and reliable turret adjustments, outperforming even higher-priced competitors.
Reticle
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is exceptionally practical, making holdovers straightforward and effective in real-world hunting scenarios.

Buying Guide for the Best Air Rifle Scopes

Choosing the right air rifle scope can significantly enhance your shooting experience, whether you're into target shooting, hunting, or plinking. The right scope will help you see your target more clearly, aim more accurately, and ultimately improve your overall performance. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your specific needs and preferences.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it determines how well you can see your target at various distances. Scopes typically come with fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and often more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer more flexibility. For close-range shooting (up to 50 yards), a magnification of 1-4x is usually sufficient. For medium-range (50-100 yards), 4-9x is ideal. For long-range shooting (beyond 100 yards), you might want 9x or higher. Choose based on the typical distance you will be shooting.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting the brightness and clarity of the image. Larger objective lenses (40mm and above) allow more light, which is beneficial in low-light conditions but can make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller objective lenses (32mm and below) are lighter and more compact but may not perform as well in dim lighting. Consider where and when you will be shooting to determine the right size for you.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. This is crucial for accuracy. There are various types of reticles, including duplex, mil-dot, and BDC (bullet drop compensator). Duplex reticles are simple and easy to use, making them great for beginners. Mil-dot reticles are useful for estimating range and windage, ideal for more advanced shooters. BDC reticles help compensate for bullet drop over long distances, which is useful for long-range shooting. Choose a reticle based on your shooting style and needs.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment allows you to correct the parallax error, which occurs when the target and the reticle are not on the same focal plane. This is important for maintaining accuracy, especially at longer distances. Scopes with parallax adjustment are often marked with ranges (e.g., 10 yards to infinity). For air rifle shooting, especially at varying distances, having a scope with adjustable parallax can be very beneficial. If you primarily shoot at a fixed distance, a scope without this feature may suffice.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope's eyepiece while still seeing the full field of view. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil air rifles. Scopes with longer eye relief (3-4 inches) are generally more comfortable and safer to use, as they reduce the risk of the scope hitting your eye during recoil. If you wear glasses or use a high-recoil air rifle, look for scopes with generous eye relief.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV is important for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Scopes with lower magnification typically offer a wider FOV, while higher magnification narrows it. If you are hunting or shooting moving targets, a wider FOV can be very beneficial. For stationary target shooting, a narrower FOV may be acceptable.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are crucial for ensuring your scope can withstand various environmental conditions and rough handling. Look for scopes that are shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof. These features ensure that your scope remains functional in different weather conditions and can handle the recoil of your air rifle. If you plan to shoot in diverse environments or during different seasons, investing in a durable and weather-resistant scope is essential.

FAQ