Finding the best air rifle scope might be a challenge, but if you know which ones will work with your own air rifle, the search process may not be so difficult. Your mission here is to up the accuracy of your airsoft rifle so you can get a better, precise shot on your targets each and every time you use it. You need a scope that not only provides you with the best accuracy but also provides you with crystal clear optics so you get the best image quality possible.
To help you find the best one for you, we’ve managed to put together a list of seven of the best air rifle scopes on the market.
Before we get to the list itself, we’ll talk briefly about whether or not all air rifle scopes are the same. Then, we’ll talk about the kind of characteristics that make an air rifle scope stand out among the rest of the pack.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Air Rifle Scope
- OUR TOP PICK: UTG 3-9X32 1" BugBuster Scope
- RUNNER-UP: CVLIFE 3-9x40 Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: OTW Rifle Scope 3-9X56 Red&Green Mil-dot Illuminated Optics
Comparison of the Best Air Rifle Scopes
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Are All Air Rifle Scopes The Same?
The short answer: no. They are not always the same. Most scopes come in different objective sizes and some are built with better quality and features than others on the market.
So that’s why it’s important to find one because of a certain characteristic or feature that makes it stand out among the rest. What characteristics make a great scope? That’s something for the next section.
How to Choose an Air Rifle Scope
As we’ve stressed, a lot of characteristics and features play a factor in why an air rifle scope stands out on the market. It’s the reason why they’ve made our review list, and it will be the reason why you’ll choose a scope for your own personal use. Here are some characteristics and features that you’ll need to pay attention to:
Price
There will be a handful of shoppers that will always look for the price tag before they even move on. It’s not because they’re cheapskates. It’s because they may not be able to afford something that’s higher end. As a rule, they need to find the best quality scope that fits within their budget. Even if it means spending slightly more, the quality and value will always trump how much of an investment you put in.
Image Quality
Image quality on your scope is key. Especially when you need something that won’t make your image blurry. You want it to be clear and in good definition. Also, you’ll need a scope that will have the right kind of adjustments to ensure that you get the best image quality period regardless of how you use your airsoft rifle.
Installation
The best scopes are always easy to install. This is the case with air rifles. Find the scope where it takes a few minutes to install and doesn’t require any kind of complex instructions or methods. Most airsoft rifles will even have mounts or rails of their own. So all you have to do is find a scope that is compatible with it and add it on.
Review of the Best Air Rifle Scopes
The following is a list of the seven best air rifle scopes that are currently on the market. These are among the most popular among air rifle users. It’s important that you take note of any characteristics and features that may be interesting to you.
Find the scope that is “good enough” to be considered your ideal scope and you’ll be happy with it and use it for the long-term. Now, let’s get started by taking a look at our “best overall” choice:
Best Overall:
UTG 3-9X32 1" BugBuster Scope
[amazon fields="B005UGIMNQ" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of recent buyers were satisfied with the scope. They were able to install it on their airsoft rifles fairly quickly. The zero-in was quick as well. Many users were able to boost their rifle’s accuracy considerably. One user had it added to his sniper rifle and managed to get it slightly beyond 100 yards.
Why it Stands Out To Us
This scope is solid beyond belief. You’d probably find this more on regular rifles than an airsoft rifle. Rest assured, you need a scope that is durable and built to take on the abuse and impact of some paint balling competition. That requires some running around and yes, bumps and bangs. The body is made from high-quality aluminum so it can take as much damage as possible without ever compromising your zero settings.
Who Will Use This Most
Expect this to be a favorite among paintballers. Especially those who are using airsoft rifles for on the ground combat or if they’re hiding somewhere with a good vantage point and an excellent airsoft sniper rifle. Either way, it’s a scope that will pick up on targets from various distances and will allow you a better chance to zero in on them and take a shot.
What Could Be Improved and Why
One possible improvement would be to make it so that the adjustments for the parallax are a little easier. Parallax can throw off the scope’s accuracy and effectiveness, and it will make your shots more off-kilter than most. They should be as easy to adjust as the windage and elevation adjustments included in the scope.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a scope that is considered the best of the best, then the UTG Bugbusters Scope might be what you’re looking for. This will fit on most airsoft rifles, so a scope like this will yield more enjoyment for your application of choice.
Runner-up:
CVLIFE 3-9x40 Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope
[amazon fields="B007UT3OFC" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers were able to easily zero in this scope. Once zeroed-in, they were able to shoot at their targets with precision and accuracy. One user said that since getting the scope, he’s been able to get an edge on his paintballing opponents. He knew when to hit them and where.
Why it Stands Out To Us
This scope is durable, provides crystal clear images, and it's easy to adjust. We can go as far as to say that it’s one of the simplest scopes to use. Plus, it will be easy to install on most rifle mounts. Once added on, there is no question of how far you can go with it. It may not reach out and touch something like a regular sniper rifle, but it will make an airsoft sniper rifle go the distance.
Who Will Use This Most
As expected, this will be a scope that will be best used by paintballers. However, some will be able to use this for the purpose of animal control. Yes, an airsoft rifle isn’t just for recreational purposes. Some airsoft rifles will need a scope that will make warding off the invasive critters easier than ever.
What Could Be Improved and Why
A possible improvement would be to widen the clip so it fit on more Picatinny rails or other rail systems that are installed on the rifle. This will make the scope much more useable for many more airsoft rifle users.
Bottom Line
If you want an airsoft rifle scope that is solid, easy to use, and will give you reliable service for a long time then the CVLife Scope can be that scope for you. Just install, zero it in, and you’ll be good to go for whatever application you use your airsoft rifle for.
Best for the Money:
OTW Rifle Scope 3-9X56 Red&Green Mil-dot Illuminated Optics
[amazon fields="B01CBPVZJG" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers were able to attach this scope rather easily to their rifles. Once completed, they were able to make their shots a little more accurate in both daylight and low-light settings. One user said that he uses it for his airsoft rifle for paintballing. The reticle used for low-light or night settings is much better than his previous scope, which lacked a lot of the features this scope has.
Why it Stands Out To Us
This has both a red and green illuminated reticle. Each one is designed to serve a purpose in either light condition. Obviously, you’ll know which one is more effective. Green is better in the day, while red takes home the gold in almost any low-light or night time setting. Aside from the reticles, this scope makes its money as one of the most affordable, but durable scopes on the market.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be a favorite among paintballers and even animal control applications. Especially when those invasive critters show up at night and stir up some trouble on your property. Thankfully, you won’t need to make much noise to ward them off (or harm them). Just use your rounds of choice and they’ll run off and think twice about the next opportunity.
What Could Be Improved and Why
If there are reports of misalignment, then it might be an issue on the quality control end. That’s when the manufacturer needs to make sure that every scope is aligned right out of the box before they are shipped out and ready for sale on the market. It will save time and frustration for many users.
Bottom Line
The OTW Rifle Scope is what you’ll need if you want a great rifle scope that doesn’t break the bank. It will most certainly make its money as a recreational scope or even a scope used to take on the invasive critters digging up your lawn at night. Either way, it’s reliability is unmistakable.
Best Night Vision Scope:
ATN X-Sight II HD 3-14 Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This scope was mostly used by those who wanted to defend their property against the critters who always kept digging up their lawns, gardens, and other parts of their property. One user said he was able to see through the scope with the night vision equipped without any issues. The image quality was clear and he was able to see much better in the dark. Some other users have often found this useful in recreational applications as well.
Why it Stands Out To Us
This scope will stand out in both a daytime and nighttime setting like no other scope can. On top of that, you can use it to record your activities. So you can use it to film your rounds of paintball and study up on what you might have done better against your opponents. Or you can use it to document the moment you came face to face with the varmint that started destroying your property and scared off with your airsoft rifle.
Who Will Use This Most
This scope will be mostly used by those who use their rifles for animal control use. But don’t render it as useless for the recreational users. Either way, the day time and night time settings will serve a purpose. Plus, you get some high-definition image quality either way. At this point, it’s the ultimate scope that will be a great fit for most airsoft rifles.
What Could Be Improved and Why
There should be improvements made to where the zero can stay in place even when you have to maintain the scope or change the batteries. Another thing that can be changed is the weight of the scope. It might be a little heavy due to the added technology, but there is always room for the possibility of making it lighter without sacrificing the quality.
Bottom Line
If you want a scope that is effective both during the day and night, the ATN X-Sight II will definitely be the one you want to add to your favorite airsoft rifle. No matter how you use it, it makes using your air rifle scope a lot more enjoyable than ever.
Best Under $100:
Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope
[amazon fields="B000KOSB34" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This scope has made a lot of new buyers happy. Especially when they’re looking for something that is excellent in quality and doesn’t cost them an arm and a leg. One user said that the image quality is so sharp, he swears that he must have paid the wrong price for it. Other than that, it shoots quite accurately and with such precision that it would also qualify as a nice scope for target practice.
Why it Stands Out To Us
The scope is durable and affordable. Those are two of the best things that every budget shopper wants, be it a scope or some other accessory for their airsoft rifles. To start, it’s durable thanks to the high-quality aluminum construction. The adjustments are easy to use as well. So if you’re shooting too far to the right or too high up, then you can make the adjustments on the fly. Affordable? Absolutely. Easy to use? Worth every penny.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be popular among the users who want to scare off all kinds of varmint and small critters. They’ll dig up your lawn if nothing is done about it. Plus, your property is a very important asset. When the time comes to sell you don’t want it to get devalued because of some damage made by small creatures.
What Could Be Improved and Why
This scope should already be ready to mount with the use of a rifle’s scope mount or Picatinny rails. It will make the scope much easier to install and use rather than make it difficult. This means getting rid of the ring mounts altogether. This scope can do much better when mounted on flat surface scope mounts.
Bottom Line
If you use your airsoft rifle for the purpose of animal control, you want a scope that will get the job done without breaking the bank. That’s where the Simmons Truplex scope comes into play. Once you install this, you’ll won’t find any other scope that will make the varmint squirm and think twice before messing with you or your property.
Best From BSA:
BSA Optics Outlook Air Rifle Series 3-9x40mm Scope
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This scope made using an airsoft rifle a lot more enjoyable for most users. They were able to install this with the greatest of ease and used it for recreational purposes. Some of them were able to up their paintball game considerably thanks to the increase in accuracy and precision in their shots.
Why it Stands Out To Us
The BSA brand is known for making some good scopes for outdoor recreational use. This scope was no different. It’s durable, weather-resistant, and does its job as intended. In other words, it’s doing what an air rifle scope should be doing.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be widely used by those who are paintballers or shooting off-targets with their favorite air rifle scope. Either way, they’ll enjoy the benefit of some crystal clear optics and a reticle that will deliver a precise, accurate shot right where they want it.
What Could Be Improved and Why
One improvement we can suggest is making sure that the adjustments are easy. Especially when you need to make them on the fly if your shooting is a little off. Another possible improvement is investigating why the scope tends to lose its zero at times and make the correct adjustments to prevent that from happening in the future.
Bottom Line
The BSA Optics Outlook Air Rifle scope will be your best friend in the recreational field if you intend to find a scope that’s best for day time use. Once installed, you’ll give your favorite airsoft rifle the boost in accuracy it deserves.
Best From Hammers:
Hammers 3-9x32AO Air Rifle Scope
[amazon fields="B001BXVCMU" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of recent buyers were satisfied with the scope. This was a favorite among most paintballers and target shooters. The image quality is clear as a bell and delivered accurate shots. One user said that he was able to make some adjustments to the objective when things appeared out of focus.
Why it Stands Out To Us
The scope is made from the Hammers brand, another name known for making some really good scopes for airsoft rifles. As expected, they made it so that it could handle the rigorous uses of recreational applications like paintballing. The accuracy was top notch and is proven to fit on a lot of airsoft rifles.
Who Will Use This Most
Expect this to be another scope that will be heavily favored among recreational users. They will use this with the intent to increase their hit probability against moving targets (and even paper targets if they choose). This will also come in handy if they need to make quick adjustments on the fly
One improvement that should be considered is making it so the eye relief is a little better. This way, it can make the image quality with some magnification levels a little clearer. Shallow eye relief and higher magnification levels don’t always go hand in hand.
Bottom Line
If you’re familiar with the Hammers brand, then you’ll know that their Air Rifle Scope will be a reliable scope to use for your airsoft rifle. It will take minutes to install and zero-in. Once you’re all set, you are ready for battle and hours of fun.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
Aside from the characteristics and features, there are some other aspects that you’ll need to consider before making a final decision on which scope to purchase. It’s important to mull these over before you decide. Here are the following aspects that you’ll need to pay attention to:
What's My Intent and Purpose?
Are you using an airsoft gun for recreational purposes? Are you using it for animal control? A good scope can be used for general purposes. However, some scopes that are useful in general can excel in an application like target shooting.
Which Size is Best For me?
The objective of the scope will come in different sizes. The larger the objective, the wider the field of view will be. A wide field of view and quick target acquisition go hand-in-hand. As an extra convenience, you can adjust it so the scope remains in focus at all times.
Do I Need Mounts?
Almost any air rifle you find will have a rail or scope mount that will be able to accept a lot of scopes. So it might be important to find a scope that will be compatible with straightforward flat mounts or a Picatinny rail. Alternatively, you can also settle for scope ring mounts if you feel more comfortable using them.
Conclusion
The best air rifle scope for you is out there. Find one that will give you a good amount of reach and will be able to boost the hit probability of every target you fire at. Once installed, you’ll have an accessory for your air rifle that you can depend on each time you use it.
