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10 Best Air Rifle Scopes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

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

Magnification: 3-15x
Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
Reticle: Illuminated FireDot Duplex
Parallax Adjustment: Side focus
Field of View: 38.3 feet
Durability and Weather Resistance: Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, hydrophobic

Chosen by 1313 this week

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 (1 inch) CDS Duplex Reticle Riflescope

Magnification: 3x to 9x
Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
Reticle: Duplex CDS
Field of View: 13.6 Feet
Durability and Weather Resistance: waterproof, fogproof, shockproof

Vortex Optics Venom 5-25x56 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7C (MOA) Reticle

Magnification: 5-25x
Objective Lens Diameter: 56mm
Reticle: EBR-7C
Eye Relief: 3.6 Inches
Durability and Weather Resistance: Waterproof and fogproof

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

Magnification: 2-7x
Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
Reticle: V-Plex
Eye Relief: long eye relief
Durability and Weather Resistance: aircraft-grade aluminum, waterproof, fogproof

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 (1 inch) Hunt-Plex Reticle Riflescope

Magnification: 3x to 9x
Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
Reticle: Hunt-Plex
Eye Relief: 3 Inches
Durability and Weather Resistance: waterproof, fogproof, shockproof

Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x50 (1 inch) CDS-ZL Duplex Reticle Riflescope

Magnification: 4.5x to 14x
Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
Reticle: Duplex
Eye Relief: 3 Inches
Field of View: 2.53 Degrees
Durability and Weather Resistance: waterproof, fogproof, shockproof

Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes - EBR-2C (MOA) Tactical Reticle, Black

Magnification: 6-24x
Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
Reticle: First Focal Plane
Parallax Adjustment: side parallax
Eye Relief: 3.9 Inches
Durability and Weather Resistance: shockproof, waterproof, fogproof

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

Magnification: 4-12
Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
Field of View: 32.4 Feet
Durability and Weather Resistance: Aluminum, shockproof, fogproof, waterproof
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,313
Magnification
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
345 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 by1,313
Magnification
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
345 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

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 (1 inch) CDS Duplex Reticle Riflescope

Rating
8.5
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
697 reviews

Reticle
The Hunt Plex reticle is simple and effective, making target acquisition straightforward.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Lightweight yet durable, this scope is perfect for a deer or bear hunting rig.

The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope is designed for hunters and shooting enthusiasts looking for a reliable scope that performs well in various conditions. With a magnification range of 3x to 9x and a 40mm objective lens, this scope offers a decent field of view (13.6 feet), making it versatile for different shooting scenarios. The Duplex CDS reticle is user-friendly, allowing for quick target acquisition, which is crucial during hunting.

One notable strength is its durability. Made from 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum, it is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring it can withstand harsh environments and heavy recoil. The Twilight Light Management System is another highlight, extending shooting light availability and improving clarity, especially in low-light conditions. The precision adjustments for windage and elevation provide confidence in long-term performance and accuracy.

The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope offers great quality, solid construction, and user-friendly features, making it suitable for most hunters and recreational shooters. The lifetime warranty adds peace of mind, showcasing the brand's confidence in its product's durability and performance.

Rating
8.5
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
697 reviews

Reticle
The Hunt Plex reticle is simple and effective, making target acquisition straightforward.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Lightweight yet durable, this scope is perfect for a deer or bear hunting rig.
#3

Vortex Optics Venom 5-25x56 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7C (MOA) Reticle

Rating
8.5
Magnification
Field of View

Most important from
776 reviews

Magnification
The magnification of this scope is mind-blowing and perfect for long-range shooting.
Field of View
Reaching out close to 600 yards is no problem with this scope.

The Vortex Optics Venom 5-25x56 First Focal Plane Riflescope is designed for hunters and shooting enthusiasts who seek precision and clarity in long-range shooting. With a wide magnification range of 5-25x, users can easily adjust the scope for various distances, making it versatile for both target practice and hunting. The large 56mm objective lens diameter enhances light transmission, allowing for brighter images even in low-light conditions, which is beneficial during early dawn or dusk hunts.

One notable strength of the Venom scope is its XD Optical System that provides impressive edge-to-edge sharpness and significantly reduces chromatic aberration. This feature ensures that your sight picture is clear and detailed, which is crucial when identifying targets at long distances. The EBR-7C reticle is another highlight, as it maintains accuracy across the entire magnification range, aiding in quick target acquisition and measurement.

Durability is a strong point with nitrogen purging and O-ring sealing, making this scope waterproof and fogproof, ideal for rugged outdoor environments. The Armortek coating on the lenses protects against scratches and oils, ensuring longevity. Vortex's unlimited lifetime warranty is an attractive feature that adds to the product's appeal, providing peace of mind for buyers. The Vortex Venom 5-25x56 stands out as an excellent choice for those serious about long-range shooting, offering clarity, durability, and precision.

Rating
8.5
Magnification
Field of View

Most important from
776 reviews

Magnification
The magnification of this scope is mind-blowing and perfect for long-range shooting.
Field of View
Reaching out close to 600 yards is no problem with this scope.

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.

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