Top 18 Air Rifle Scopes with Adjustable Reticles

Choosing the right air rifle scope can significantly enhance your shooting accuracy and enjoyment. Our comprehensive guide evaluates the most durable and precise scopes available, comparing their features, optical quality, and value for money to help you make an informed decision.

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Reviews

AGM Neith LRF Air Rifle Scope

This digital clip-on scope combines daytime hunting precision with exceptional night vision capabilities, featuring a 2560x1440 sensor that delivers crystal-clear visuals in any light condition. The integrated 1000-meter laser rangefinder eliminates range-finding errors, while the built-in 64GB storage records every shot with professional-grade video quality. Whether you’re tracking game in the twilight or seeking precise targets in complete darkness, this versatile scope keeps you covered.

Athlon Optics Argos HD Spotting Scope

The Athlon Optics Argos HD combines premium optical components with intuitive design elements for serious outdoor enthusiasts. The nitrogen-purged, waterproof body and wide 85mm objective lens gather plenty of light, while the BaK4 prisms and advanced multi-coating deliver sharp, color-true images from 20x to 60x magnification. The 16-ounce scope feels substantial in hand, with its rubber-coated aluminum construction providing excellent grip and protection.

Athlon Optics Talos 20-60x80 Spotting Scope

With its premium K9 glass prisms and fully multi-coated lenses, the Talos 20-60x80 delivers exceptional clarity and light transmission for all your observation needs. The nitrogen-purged tube provides superior waterproofing and thermal stability, while the rotating ring system offers unmatched flexibility for comfortable tripod mounting. Whether you’re target shooting at 100 yards or spotting wildlife from a distance, this durable spotting scope combines affordable pricing with reliable performance that surpasses its entry-level classification.

InfiRay Mini V2 1x 25mm Thermal Scope

With its compact design and flexible mounting options, the InfiRay MH25 V2 pairs a powerful thermal sensor with a responsive AMOLED display for clear, detailed visuals. Whether you’re scanning the horizon for wildlife or hiking through the woods, its intuitive operation and reliable performance make it a practical choice for outdoor enthusiasts who value both functionality and convenience.

Athlon Optics 20-60x86 Cronus G2 UHD Spotting Scope

At first glance, you might not suspect the Athlon Optics Cronus G2 of being a serious contender in the spotting scope market, but its surprisingly solid build quality and surprisingly intuitive operation mask its impressive technical capabilities. The scope’s advanced apochromatic lens system and ED glass deliver exceptional clarity and color accuracy, pulling back the curtain on distant scenes with remarkable precision. Whether you’re glassing for wildlife in shadowy forests or scanning open fields, the Cronus G2’s generous 86mm objective diameter and 20-60x zoom range give you the flexibility to react quickly to whatever comes into view, all while maintaining a surprisingly manageable 6.5-inch height that makes it incredibly practical for extended use in the field.

Athlon Optics Talos 20-60x80 Spotting Scope

The Athlon Optics Talos 20-60x80 spotting scope brings the distant into sharp focus, with its K9 glass prisms and fully multi-coated lenses delivering brilliant color and exceptional light transmission. Whether you’re watching wildlife, stargazing, or shooting at the range, this waterproof and fog-proof scope will provide clear views from 19.7 feet to 1,000 yards. The included tripod and carrying case make it a practical addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s gear collection.

Athlon Optics Ares G2 UHD

This impressive spotting scope excels at pinpointing details with its advanced glass and coatings that reduce color fringing and maximize light transmission. The hefty aluminum chassis feels solid in hand, though the higher-end price point might be a stretch for casual users who primarily need basic spotting capabilities. For dedicated observers and precision shooters, the enhanced resolution and light-gathering ability make every penny worth it.

Kowa TSN-88S 88mm Prominar

The Kowa TSN-88 Prominar takes optical design back to its roots with a pure fluorite crystal lens that delivers unmatched color brilliance and eliminates chromatic aberration. At 88mm, this objective lens sits at the heart of the scope, while enhanced coatings optimize light transmission across the entire color spectrum. The magnesium alloy construction combines toughness with lightweight portability, making it a reliable choice for both casual observers and dedicated enthusiasts who value natural color representation and detailed imaging.

ThermX HS1 Thermal Imaging Scope

The HS1 thermal scope pairs a surprisingly capable sensor with an intuitive touch. At just half a pound, it feels like a revelation - a premium thermal experience in a pocket-sized package. The 14-degree field of view strikes a fantastic balance, whether you’re tracking game at 100 feet or peering into the darkness around your campsite. While it excels for spotting and tracking, its limitations as a rifle sight mean it’s best kept handy as a backup or for shotguns where its fixed settings excel.

Axcel AVX-31 Scope Lens Combo

Crafted for precision shooting, the Axcel AVX-31 scope lets you mix and match parts to fine-tune your setup. With interchangeable components like torque indicators and brightness controls, it’s designed to handle whatever shooting condition you throw at it. The stainless steel construction and ambidextrous design show that this scope means business.

Leupold Gold Ring HD Spotting Scope

Whether you’re glassing for elk at dawn or calling shots on public land, this compact spotting scope packs serious optical power into a surprisingly light package. Leupold’s DiamondCoat2 optical coating and Extra Low Dispersion glass deliver crystal-clear views, while the generous 1.18” eye relief lets you rock those hunting glasses without hassle. The straight-tube design might take some getting used to, but the 12-40x zoom delivers fantastic close focus and a generous 52-foot field of view at 1,000 yards. Drop it from a backpack or accidentally off a boat, and this durable glass will still be spot-on when you fire it up.

Riton 5 Primal 15-45x60 AGLD SPT Scp

Riton has constructed their optics line with experienced shooters in mind, crafting a scope that can handle whatever you dish out in the field. The 15-45x60mm magnification range gives you plenty of power for both close-range and distant targets, with the 60mm objective lens gathering plenty of light for crystal-clear views in low-light conditions. The fully multi-coated optics and waterproof construction ensure your precision shots won’t be compromised by fog or rain.

ATN Auxiliary Ballistic Laser 1000

This rangefinder pairs with ATN smart scopes via Bluetooth to automatically adjust point of impact based on target distance, with an accurate 1-yard (or 1-meter) range up to 1000 yards (or meters). The compact aluminum body, weighing just over 12 ounces, mounts easily to any ATN Smart HD riflescope with its two-screw attachment system. The included CR123A battery provides 12 hours of continuous use, while the integrated sunshade protects the laser during daylight stalking.

Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD spotting scope

Spotting scopes come down to two things: glass quality and durability, and the Leupold SX-5 nails both. Its DiamondCoat 2 lenses slice through light like a hot knife through butter, while the waterproof, fog-proof body shrugs off whatever weather gods decide to dish out. Whether you’re glassing for elk at dawn or spotting for your sniper team, this scope has the clarity and reach to make your heart sing at 1,200 yards.

Excalibur Dead-zone Scope

This compact crossbow scope lives up to its promise, delivering clear sight pictures and pinpoint accuracy. Whether you’re taking the first shot of the season or returning to your favorite hunting spot, it nails the basics of visibility and ease of use. The scope has proven itself multiple times over, with users hitting their marks consistently out to 60 yards. Its 32mm objective lens collects plenty of light, making it a solid choice for both daytime and early morning hunts.

Bushnell 15-45x60 T Series FDE Flp

The Bushnell 15-45x60 T Series combines impressive magnification with thoughtful design elements like a versatile Mil-Hash reticle and fully multi-coated optics. At just 23.4 ounces, it handles surprisingly well despite its 60mm objective lens. Most users praise its clarity and the convenience of the Picatinny rail mounting system, though a few noted minor issues like reticle artifacts at maximum zoom.

Killer Instinct Lumix 4x32 Crossbow Scope

This crossbow scope combines clear vision through its high-quality optics with intuitive adjustments for quick target acquisition. The illuminated red and blue reticle helps spot targets in low light, while the durable black finish and compact design make it a practical choice for both beginners and experienced archers. The scope’s solid build and reliable performance have earned praise from users who appreciate its precision at moderate distances.

Killer Instinct Lumix Speedring Scope

The Killer Instinct Lumix scope delivers sharp targeting in any light with its infrared illumination and precise 1.5 to 5x magnification. Built for durability, the metal body protects the lenses while the spring-loaded covers keep them clean until you’re ready to shoot. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced hunter, this scope helps you hit your mark every time.

Buyer’s Guide

Air rifle scopes enhance your shooting accuracy and target acquisition, making them essential for competitive shooting and precision hunting. Understanding their components and features will help you choose the right scope for your air rifle.

Size and Eye Relief

The scope’s size affects both your carry comfort and the field of view. Measure your rifle’s scope rail to find a compatible scope. Eye relief determines how far your eye can be from the scope for proper viewing. Most air rifles have sufficient eye relief, but shorter options are available for close mounting.

Magnification Settings

scopes offer multiple magnification settings, allowing you to adjust the zoom level. Lower magnifications are ideal for long-distance shooting where you need a wide field of view. Higher magnifications are better for closer targets but reduce your field of view. Consider a scope with adjustable magnification to suit different shooting situations.

Reticle and Target Acquisition

Reticles come in various designs, from simple dots to complex crosshairs with holdovers for different distances. For beginners, illuminated reticles with red dots or simple crosshairs are easier to use. More experienced shooters may prefer Mil-Dot reticles for their precise ranging capabilities.

Waterproofing and Shock Resistance

Air rifle scopes often encounter harsher conditions than hunting scopes. Look for waterproofing ratings (IPX4 or higher) and shock resistance to protect the optical elements. These features ensure the scope remains functional after being dropped or exposed to weather.

FAQ

What is an air rifle scope, and how does it differ from a standard air rifle?

An air rifle scope is an optical device that attaches to an air rifle to enhance target acquisition and shooting accuracy. Unlike standard air rifles, which typically rely on iron sights, scopes project a magnified image of the target through a series of lenses, allowing for finer targeting precision.

Key features of air rifle scopes include magnification power, objective lens diameter, and reticle design. Higher magnification allows for better target detail but reduces the field of view. Objective lens diameter affects light transmission and image brightness, while the reticle provides aiming points or patterns.

What magnification power is suitable for air rifle scopes?

Most air rifle scopes offer magnification ranging from 4x to 16x, with common choices being 4x, 6x, and 8x. Higher magnifications (10x-16x) are suitable for longer ranges and more demanding shooting conditions.

For general shooting, 4x-6x magnification provides a good balance of target detail and field of view. Higher magnifications (8x-12x) are recommended for competitive shooting, target practice, and long-range hunting applications.

How do I choose the right objective lens diameter?

Objective lens diameter directly impacts light transmission and image brightness. Common sizes range from 30mm to 50mm, with larger diameters generally providing brighter, clearer images in low light conditions.

Smaller lenses (30mm-40mm) are lighter and less expensive, making them suitable for portable hunting rifles. Larger lenses (40mm-50mm) provide better light capture and are ideal for competitive shooting and target practice in poor lighting conditions.

What types of reticles are available for air rifle scopes?

Standard air rifle reticles include simple dots, horizontal lines, and crosshairs. More advanced models feature mil-dot reticles for precise measurement and hold-over calculations, or illuminated reticles for improved visibility in low light.

For basic shooting, simple reticles are sufficient. Hunters and competitive shooters often prefer illuminated mil-dot reticles for their precision and versatility in different shooting situations.

How important is parallax correction in air rifle scopes?

Parallax adjustment ensures that the reticle remains in focus with the target at various distances. Most air rifle scopes offer parallax compensation up to 100 yards, with some premium models offering up to 1,000 yards.

Proper parallax adjustment is crucial for accurate shooting, especially at longer ranges. Scopes without parallax adjustment become increasingly inaccurate past their maximum setting, making them unsuitable for precision shooting beyond 100 yards.

What maintenance requirements do air rifle scopes have?

Basic maintenance includes cleaning the exterior lens surfaces with appropriate lens cleaner and cloth. Regular cleaning prevents dust accumulation, which can degrade image quality and cause shooting disturbances.

Some advanced scopes require more frequent attention to internal components. Regularly check for proper reticle illumination, correct parallax settings, and secure mounting bases. Professional scope maintenance is recommended every 2-5 years to ensure optimal performance.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I receive compensation from qualified purchases at no cost to you.