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10 Best Air Rifle Scopes 2025 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

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 by1,489
Magnification
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
512 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 by1,489
Magnification
Reticle
Durability and Weather Resistance

Most important from
512 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 1.5-4 x 20mm Riflescope, Pig-Plex (174177) (174177)

Rating
9.4
Reticle

Most important from
348 reviews

Reticle
The reticle is outstanding.

The Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4 x 20mm Riflescope is a solid choice for hunting enthusiasts looking for reliability and performance. This scope offers a magnification range from 1.5x to 4x, which is suitable for close to mid-range shooting. The 20mm objective lens, though smaller than some alternatives, is adequate for basic hunting needs, providing a clear and bright image thanks to Leupold's Twilight Light Management System. This feature is particularly useful for low-light conditions, adding up to 10 extra minutes of shooting light and reducing glare.

The Pig-Plex reticle is designed specifically for hunting, offering clear and precise aiming points that are easy to use. However, this scope doesn't feature a parallax adjustment, which might be a limitation for those who require precise long-range shots. The eye relief is comfortable, ensuring good head positioning without strain, and the field of view is reasonable for its magnification range. Durability is one of the strong points of this scope. It is made from 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum and is 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, making it capable of withstanding harsh outdoor conditions.

The lenses are scratch-resistant to military standards, ensuring longevity and clear vision. The scope is also designed, machined, and assembled in the USA, a testament to its quality and craftsmanship. Weighing just 1.05 pounds, it is relatively lightweight, making it easy to handle and mount on your rifle. The lifetime guarantee offered by Leupold provides peace of mind, ensuring that any issues will be addressed without hassle. While the Leupold VX-Freedom may not have all the advanced features of higher-end models, it excels in providing a reliable and durable option for hunting purposes.

Rating
9.4
Reticle

Most important from
348 reviews

Reticle
The reticle is outstanding.

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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