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10 Best Air Rifle Scopes 2026 in the United States

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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.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,493
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Eye Relief

Most important from
369 reviews

Magnification
The versatile magnification range combined with a bright 40mm objective lens ensures sharp visuals in various lighting conditions.
Objective Lens Diameter
The versatile magnification range combined with a bright 40mm objective lens ensures sharp visuals in various lighting conditions.
Eye Relief
Comfortable eye relief and a broad field of view provide good situational awareness during hunting or target practice.
Field of View
Comfortable eye relief and a broad field of view provide good situational awareness during hunting or target practice.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durability is exceptional with waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof features, plus a hydrophobic coating that keeps lenses clear and low maintenance.

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 is a versatile riflescope well-suited for air rifle users who want a clear, reliable optic for hunting or target shooting. Its magnification range from 3x to 15x offers flexibility for both close and longer-range shots, and the 40mm objective lens provides a bright, sharp image even in lower light. The Fine Duplex reticle is simple and effective, ideal for quick target acquisition without clutter. One standout feature is the CDS-ZL2 system, which includes a custom dial allowing you to precisely adjust for bullet drop and lock your zero to prevent accidental changes—this is especially helpful in varied shooting conditions. The side focus parallax adjustment allows you to fine-tune focus quickly from any position, improving accuracy. Eye relief is comfortable, and the field of view at 38.3 feet is broad enough for good situational awareness.

Durability is a strong point here; the scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, with a tough aluminum build and a hydrophobic lens coating that resists dirt and water. This makes it low maintenance and dependable outdoors. On the downside, some might find the weight (around 1.2 pounds) a bit heavy compared to lighter scopes designed specifically for air rifles, which could affect balance on lighter setups. Also, it does not have night vision capabilities, so it's best suited for daylight use.

Though it is priced toward the higher end, the lifetime guarantee and quality craftsmanship provide peace of mind. This scope suits air rifle users who want a durable, high-quality optic with advanced features for precise shooting, especially in hunting scenarios.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,493
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Eye Relief

Most important from
369 reviews

Magnification
The versatile magnification range combined with a bright 40mm objective lens ensures sharp visuals in various lighting conditions.
Objective Lens Diameter
The versatile magnification range combined with a bright 40mm objective lens ensures sharp visuals in various lighting conditions.
Eye Relief
Comfortable eye relief and a broad field of view provide good situational awareness during hunting or target practice.
Field of View
Comfortable eye relief and a broad field of view provide good situational awareness during hunting or target practice.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Durability is exceptional with waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof features, plus a hydrophobic coating that keeps lenses clear and low maintenance.
#2

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x56 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Duplex Reticle Riflescope

Rating
9.1
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
58 reviews

Objective Lens Diameter
Its large 56mm objective lens gathers light impressively, providing a bright sight picture even in low-light conditions.
Reticle
The illuminated FireDot reticle features multiple brightness settings and smartly powers off after inactivity, then instantly reactivates with movement.
Parallax Adjustment
The side parallax adjustment takes a little getting used to but significantly improves accuracy on long-range shots once mastered.
Field of View
The scope delivers exceptionally crisp and clear images, maintaining sharpness all the way to the edges of the lens.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Despite its robust build and larger objective lens, the scope isn’t overly heavy and fits well on a variety of rifles.

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x56 is a versatile riflescope well-suited for air rifle shooting, offering a wide magnification range from 3x to 15x. This range provides flexibility for aiming at both close and distant targets. The large 56mm objective lens gathers ample light, ensuring a bright and clear view, particularly in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk. It features an Illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle, which aids in easily identifying the aiming point without cluttering the sight picture.

A notable feature is the side focus parallax adjustment, especially useful for air rifles as it keeps targets sharp at varying distances. This side adjustment design allows for quicker and easier parallax correction. Additionally, the scope offers a generous field of view (38.2 feet at 100 yards), facilitating the tracking of moving targets. The eye relief is comfortable enough to protect the shooter's eye from recoil.

Durability is a strong aspect of this scope; it is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, constructed from sturdy aluminum and assembled in the USA. This ensures reliable performance under various weather conditions and rough handling. The inclusion of Motion Sensor Technology for the illuminated reticle efficiently conserves battery life by turning off the light when the scope is not in use and reactivating it instantly upon movement. Weighing approximately 2.1 pounds, it may be heavier than some lighter air-rifle scopes, potentially affecting balance on smaller rifles. While it offers high-quality optics and advanced features, its price and capabilities may exceed the needs of casual shooters seeking a simpler, budget-friendly option.

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x56 stands out as a premium, well-built riflescope that excels in clarity, flexibility, and durability. It is an excellent choice for serious air rifle shooters who require precision and dependable performance across a variety of conditions.

Rating
9.1
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
58 reviews

Objective Lens Diameter
Its large 56mm objective lens gathers light impressively, providing a bright sight picture even in low-light conditions.
Reticle
The illuminated FireDot reticle features multiple brightness settings and smartly powers off after inactivity, then instantly reactivates with movement.
Parallax Adjustment
The side parallax adjustment takes a little getting used to but significantly improves accuracy on long-range shots once mastered.
Field of View
The scope delivers exceptionally crisp and clear images, maintaining sharpness all the way to the edges of the lens.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Despite its robust build and larger objective lens, the scope isn’t overly heavy and fits well on a variety of rifles.
#3

Bushnell Match Pro ED 5-30x56 Riflescope - ED Prime Glass, Illuminated Deploy MIL 2 Reticle for Precision Shooting

The Bushnell Match Pro ED 5-30x56 is a strong contender for shooters who want precision and versatility in an air-rifle scope. Its magnification range of 5 to 30 times allows you to zoom in closely on distant targets, making it excellent for long-range shooting. The large 56mm objective lens helps gather plenty of light, which means you’ll have a bright, clear sight picture even in low light conditions. The Deploy MIL 2 illuminated reticle offers 11 brightness levels and clear markings for precise aiming, which is a real advantage in varying light or weather situations. The scope’s locking turrets are easy to adjust and hold zero firmly, helping you maintain accuracy during extended use. Its eye relief and field of view are comfortable for most users.

Durability is another highlight—the scope is waterproof and fogproof with a special coating that repels moisture and dirt, so it will stand up to tough outdoor conditions. At 2 pounds, it’s a bit on the heavier side, which might affect balance on lighter air rifles. This scope suits serious target shooters and hunters who need reliable performance and detailed adjustments. For those seeking lighter or simpler options, there may be alternatives with fewer advanced features. For precision, durability, and a wide zoom range, this Bushnell scope is a solid choice.

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