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10 Best Air Rifle Scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

SIG SAUER Tango-MSR LPVO 1-6X24mm Waterproof Fog-Proof Rugged Tactical Hunting Rifle Scope | Second Focal Plane/F2 | Illuminated MSR BDC-6 Reticle, Black

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,483
Magnification
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
510 reviews

Magnification
The scope is very clear and bright, even with some minor distortion at 1X.
Reticle
The illuminated reticle with 11 brightness levels works well, although higher settings are needed for daylight visibility.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Holds zero nicely after hundreds of rounds on different rifles.

The SIG SAUER Tango-MSR LPVO 1-6X24mm Tactical Rifle Scope is a solid choice for hunting and tactical use, providing a versatile magnification range from 1x to 6x, which makes it suitable for both short and mid-range shooting. The 24mm objective lens ensures a bright and clear image, while the illuminated MSR BDC-6 reticle with 11 brightness levels allows for precise shot placement in various lighting conditions. This is particularly useful during dawn or dusk hunts when lighting is not optimal.

The scope boasts impressive durability with a waterproof and fog-proof design, thanks to nitrogen-purged internal optics and a sealed external housing. This means it can perform reliably in adverse weather conditions, making it a dependable companion in the field. Additionally, the included flip-back lens covers and ALPHA-MSR 1 piece aluminum cantilever mount enhance its practicality and ease of use.

It is worth noting that the second focal plane design means the reticle does not scale with magnification changes, which might be a drawback for some users who prefer first focal plane scopes for more accurate range estimation at various magnifications. The weight of 2 pounds might also be on the heavier side for some users, especially when combined with other hunting gear. The SIG SAUER Tango-MSR LPVO is well-regarded for its performance and reliability, making it a strong contender for those looking for a sturdy and versatile rifle scope.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,483
Magnification
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
510 reviews

Magnification
The scope is very clear and bright, even with some minor distortion at 1X.
Reticle
The illuminated reticle with 11 brightness levels works well, although higher settings are needed for daylight visibility.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Holds zero nicely after hundreds of rounds on different rifles.
#2

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope, Duplex CDS (174182) (174182)

Rating
9.6
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
506 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
9.6
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
506 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

Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x50 (1 inch) Hunt-Plex Riflescope

Rating
9.3
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
200 reviews

Durability and Weather Resistance
Excellent product at an affordable price with fantastic clarity and well-made construction.

The Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x50 Hunt-Plex Riflescope is designed with hunting in mind, offering a solid performance for outdoor sports enthusiasts. It features a magnification range of 4-12x, making it versatile for various distances. The 50mm objective lens allows for bright and clear images, even in low-light conditions.

The Hunt-Plex reticle, positioned in the second focal plane, remains consistent in size, making it ideal for low-light hunting scenarios. The scope is also equipped with Leupold's Advanced Optical System, which provides superior light transmission and glare reduction, ensuring clarity and sharpness in various lighting conditions. The product is built to be durable with hardened surface coatings and meets military standards for scratch resistance.

Its waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction ensures it can withstand harsh outdoor environments. Additionally, it's designed, machined, and assembled in the USA, which speaks to its quality and reliability. However, some potential drawbacks include its lack of night vision capability and the reliance on a rail mount for attachment, which might limit compatibility with some rifles. The Leupold VX-Freedom is a reliable and robust choice for hunters looking for a scope that performs well under various conditions and offers great value for its price.

Rating
9.3
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
200 reviews

Durability and Weather Resistance
Excellent product at an affordable price with fantastic clarity and well-made construction.

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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