You may have acquainted yourself with the hunting community, but do you know that there exist multiple types of firearms? So which kind of weapons will fit your hunting needs? Is there anything you can do to utilize your skills?
Luckily for you, the answer is yes, yes and yes. If you are a beginner and looking for a head start, we recommend that you begin with an air rifle. This is a popular choice for people who wish to take up sports hunting. Sounds excited?
But hold on, because the best part is on its way!
If you are a mediocre gunman, you can rely on an air rifle scope to maximize your hunting experience. A scope provides users with a sharp reflection and helps them to cover a broad area.
Should you intend on investing in an air rifle scope, then we have some good news for you. Below is our comprehensive guide on everything you need to know, as far as air rifle scopes are concerned!
Keep reading to find out more!
A comparison of five best air rifle scopes
| Product Name | Product Detail |
|---|---|
UTG 30mm Scope, Mil-dot  Highlights ● Magnification power from 4x - 16x. ● An integrated sunshade with flip-open caps for protection. ● Emerald lens coating for the highest quality images. | |
UTG BugBuster Scope  Highlights ● A mil-dot reticle that allows for precise target-lock. ● A dual illumination that accommodates different light conditions. ● Shock-proof and water-resistant. | |
UTG 3-12 X 44 30mm Compact Scope  Highlights ● A 36-color reticle that fits all hunting conditions. ● Emerald lens coating reinforced with lens caps and front sunshade. ● Highly durable even under extremely turbulent recoil. | |
Winchester Scope  Highlights ● An adjustable objective with a magnification power of 2-7 x 32. ● Automatic color corrected for all light conditions. ● Best fit for an air rifle or rimfire rifle. | |
Hawke Sport Optics Riflescope  Highlights ● 42mm objective with a magnification power of 6.5-20x. ● The design suited for lower mounting hardware. ● The optical system is multi-coated to ensure non-distorted images. |
In-depth review of top 5 air rifle scopes
1. UTG 30mm Scope, Mil-dot
The first product among the best air rifle scopes that we want you to have is a UTG 30mm Scope. There are many interesting features associated with this accessory that makes it a desirable purchase. Let’s find out together.
To avoid distorted images, UTG makes use of an emerald lens outer coat. This layer will maximize light transmission and provide users with the highest-quality reflection. Say goodbye to all the blurry optics, everyone!
Another reason why you should go for this product is its magnification power level. With an adjustable power selector of 4-16X44, hunters can zoom in and out effortlessly. And it only takes a few seconds to perform the trick, yay!
However, some customers have warned about the inconvenience of the sight adjustment handles. They are a bit sloppy, so they can’t cling onto the main tube.
Overall, for an extremely reasonable price range, a UTG 30mm Scope is a bargain for your air rifle. It is sturdy and a good value for money. What else to expect?
Pros:
- Affordability. A brand-new product only costs you up to $200, while a second-hand item comes roughly under $110.
- Mil-dot reticle. The design allows for easier lock-target.
Cons:
- The product is big in size, which means it is only compatible with specific designs of air guns.
2. UTG BugBuster Scope
Are you looking for a rifle scope that will fit your budget? Designed to be a more affordable version of the 30mm Scope, this BugBuster Scope from UTG will blow your mind with its merits.
Similar to its counterpart, BugBuster Scope prides itself on an emerald lens coating, allowing more light to be reflected. To boost the optics’ performance, BugBuster has incorporated a dual illumination of both colors red and green. It means you can adjust the use of your scope according to your will!
Another charm of this accessory lies in its endurance. With a platform perfectly sealed, UTG BugBuster Scope guarantees to be waterproof and fog-proof. Even better? BugBuster makes sure it can withstand the recoil of an air rifle by a shock-proof system.
But everyone, please be aware when it comes to the levers on the scope rings. They are not screwed in tightly, which can slip on and off around the tube. Oops!
Still, do not get put off from buying this product due to its minor setback. Generally speaking, UTG BugBuster Scope is a surprisingly decent air rifle scope that comes with a low price!
Pros:
- Affordability. The price range varies from $70 to $100 for a brand-new item, which fits the budget of most hunters.
- The handy flip-open caps ensure the utmost protection for the optics.
Cons:
- If you plan on a mediocre hunting game within a close range, then this product will live up to your needs. Otherwise, it will fail to deliver the best performance in professional hunting trips.
3. UTG 3-12 X 44 30mm Compact Scope
UTG has created a name for itself by crafting reliable rifle scopes that come at a reasonable price. Now, we would like to introduce another product that deserves to be known among the best air rifle scopes: a UTG Compact Scope.
With the signature emerald lens coating of UTG, Compact Scope makes sure you can receive the least distorted images. This feature is reinforced by the sunshade and flip-open caps, which can protect your optics from external factors.
And do not forget about the 36 colors customized into the scope that you can choose from. All you have to do is to press one button, and the shade will change for you. While the accuracy level remains stable, these colors will come into handy in unique lighting environments.
Still, you might be let down to learn that UTG Compact Scope is not as lightweight as the name indicates. Many customers have pointed out that the scope is pretty heavy to lift and install on the air rifle.
But besides this disadvantage, UTG Compact Scope is still worth your purchase. Not only is it inexpensive, but it is also efficient and powerful.
Pros:
- The product is shock-proof and water-resistant.
- The product comes with a lifetime warranty.
Cons:
- The magnification level beyond 10x can get blurry, especially when the light condition is unfavorable.
4. Winchester Scope
Next up on our list of the best air rifle scopes is an item from the brand Winchester. Together, let’s explore why this product is a fantastic choice for your air gun.
The most outstanding feature of this air rifles scope lies in its adjustability. With a flexible objective that allows for changes in windage and elevation, Winchester Scope gives hunters a convenient experience with handling their firearms.
Furthermore, Winchester Scope has a cross-hair reticle that will fit most hunting purposes. All you have to do is to aim the gun at your prey and let the reticle lock the target for you.
However, it is worth noticing that the rings attached to the main tube do not have any stop pin. If you want to make sure your scope remains sturdy on the air gun, you will have to buy separate rings.
In summary, an air gun scope from Winchester will be your best bet, especially if you are looking for something under $70. It is a real bargain that comes with quality, everyone!
Pros:
- The product comes with a built-in mounting hardware.
Cons:
- The design of the product is quite bulky.
5. Hawke Sport Optics Riflescope
Do you want to be a real-life version of Hawkeye in Avengers? Luckily for you, Hawke Sport Optics is here to make your dream come true. Let us introduce a well-known air rifle scope from this brand, and see how it is worth being the best.
Hawke Sport Optics stands out in this list because it is the only high-end product. With a price range up to $700, this product can be off the table for the majority of average customers.
But if you can afford such a luxury, then do not forget to look into the merits of Hawke Sport Optics. With a 42mm objective lens, this air rifle scope gives you a peripheral vision and a broader view of the hunting area.
An even more impressive feature lies in the scope’s adjustable brightness level. With five unique settings, you can freely change the state of light transmission, making it possible to go hunting at any time of the day. Hurray!
Overall, Hawke Sport Optics should be your top choice if you want to go for something substantial. It may cost you quite an amount of money in the first place, but you will not regret it!
Pros:
- The reticle is in mil-dot form, which allows for better lock-target.
- The optical system comes with a multi-coated shell for better protection.
Cons:
- The price range makes this product an unpopular choice, especially among the mediocre hunting community.
What is the best air rifle scope?
Tada, now it is time for our final review. After weighing up the pros and cons of each product, we believe the best air rifle scope should go to UTG 30mm Scope!
With a price range under $180, UTG 30mm Scope tops the chart when it comes to affordability. Some people may be concerned about the performance of this seemingly middle-end scope, but rest assured!
Because UTG 30mm Scope can be on par with any other high-end air rifle scopes. The magnification power is impressive for all hunting purposes. The reticle has a mil-dot design that supports easier target-lock, which increases the level of accuracy.
The list of UTG 30mm Scope’s merits can go on and on. One thing we know for sure – however – is that UTG 30mm scope is the best air rifle scope that you can get. Go ahead and check for yourself!
Things to consider when choosing the best air rifle scope
1. Type of scope
There are two primary types of air gun scopes that you may want to take into consideration before making a purchase.
The first type we are referring to is fixed air gun scopes. A fixed air gun scope cannot adjust its magnification power, which means you do not have to worry much once the scope is already on set.
The second type of air gun scopes is a variable scope. The name itself indicates your ability to adjust the magnification power as much as you like. While this scope makes long range hunting less challenging, it can be quite complicated to install and operate.
2. Recoil rating
An air gun uses pressurized air to trigger a shot, meaning there will be a specific amount of recoil. A gun’s recoil rating is another factor you have to weigh up when it comes to choosing the best air rifle scope.
Have a look at your potential air gun purchase. If it is PCP (pre-charged pneumatic) or a single-cock pneumatic, then you can assume safely that all types of air gun scopes can go with it.
Still, if your gun functions as a spring air rifle, then you have to do your homework. There are specialized scopes designed to match the recoil rating of each air gun, and there is no concrete guide to that. Gotta figure out on your own!
3. Optics
There are many concerns about optics that you have to pay attention to. The level of clarity is
This durable substance will help to improve your grip of the scope, and can effectively increase the accuracy of your shot.
4. Reticle
A reticle is essentially your screen, where you can lock the target and fire your rifle. Available on the market are different types of reticles, so you need to slow down and pick out something that will work well for your needs.
Ideally, a reticle with marks or single dots spread vertically and horizontally will do the trick. These two lines will assist you in elevating the position of your goal correctly. Thus, your final shot will stand a higher chance of success.
FAQs
1. What is the best mounting hardware for air gun scopes?
Air gun scopes are pretty small in size, so you should find compatible mounting hardware. We highly recommend that you choose medium mounts since they are adaptable to the majority of air guns.
2. What are some suggestions of gun scopes based on your type of shooting?
If you are out hunting for tiny creatures within a close distance, a 4X32 fixed scope will be best for you. But if your hunting ground is a bit larger than that, you may consider using a variable scope.
3. Can you install a rifle scope on your air gun?
The answer is a solid no. An air rifle scope has to endure the recoil and the vibration coming out when you fire a bullet. Unfortunately, a rifle scope will not be able to perform the tricks.
No matter what you do, remember not to put a rifle scope on your air firearm. The result can be fatal!
4. How far can an air gun fire?
The distance that a bullet can travel varies up to 400 yards, which are roughly 366 meters.
5. Is an air gun fatal?
If shot at a close range, a bullet coming out from an air gun can cause severe injuries. In the worst case possible, it can even kill.
But rest assured that if a bullet travels farther from 150 yards – which are roughly 137 meters – then it will not be able to inflict serious harm.
To Sum Up
All in all, we highly recommend that you have a look at our best choice – a UTG 30mm Scope. Not only is it within everyone’s budget, but it is also worth for value and highly efficient.
If you are still pondering over your choices, bookmark this article for future reference! You will never know when you need to seek professional advice for the best air rifle scope.
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