Finding the right air rifle scope is crucial for accuracy and performance, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to get top-tier quality. A great scope under $300 can dramatically improve your target acquisition, precision, and overall shooting experience, whether you’re plinking in the backyard or hunting small game. The market is filled with options, making it essential to identify which features offer the best value for your specific needs.
This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best scopes available that deliver exceptional performance without exceeding your budget. We’ve evaluated key factors like optical clarity, durability, reticle type, and adjustment features to bring you a curated list of reliable picks for 2025. From close-quarters versatility to long-range precision, there’s an option here to enhance your air rifle’s capabilities.
Our Top Picks for Air Rifle Scopes
- UTG 3-9X40 1″ Hunter Scope, AO, Mil-dot
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Hunt-Plex Reticle
- Monstrum G3 6-24×50 FFP Rifle Scope
- Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 SFP Riflescope
- CVLIFE 3-9×40 Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope
- Airmax Riflescope 2-7×32 AO , 1″, AMX
- Monstrum G3 1-6×24 FFP Rifle Scope
- Vantage Riflescope 4×32 AO, Mil Dot
- UUQ 4-16X50 AO Rifle Scope with Laser
- UTG 3-9X32 BugBuster Scope, AO, RGB Mil-dot
UTG 3-9X40 1″ Hunter Scope, AO, 36-color Mil-dot, w/ Rings
Built on a True Strength Platform, this UTG scope is engineered to withstand the unique recoil of spring-piston air rifles. Its emerald lens coatings enhance light transmission for a bright, clear sight picture, while the completely sealed and nitrogen-filled body ensures reliable fogproof and rainproof performance in various weather conditions. The scope is built to be a durable and trustworthy companion for any air rifle enthusiast.
For precise shooting, it features premium zero locking and resetting target turrets that provide consistent and precise 1/4 MOA adjustments. The mil-dot reticle is excellent for range estimation, and the side-adjustable objective (AO) allows for parallax correction from 5 yards to infinity. This combination of features makes it a highly versatile and accurate scope for both close-range plinking and longer-distance targets.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Hunt-Plex Reticle Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom brings legendary American optics and ruggedness to an accessible price point. Its Advanced Optical System delivers exceptional resolution and clarity, with best-in-class glare reduction that keeps your view sharp even in harsh lighting conditions. The 3-9x magnification range offers great versatility, allowing you to quickly adapt from close encounters to more distant shots.
This scope is built to be lightweight and dependable, featuring a scratch-resistant lens system and capped, finger-click adjustments for secure and easy windage and elevation changes. The Hunt-Plex reticle provides a simple, uncluttered aiming point that is fast to acquire, making it an excellent choice for hunters who need a reliable and straightforward optic.
Monstrum G3 6-24×50 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope
For shooters who need high magnification for long-range air rifle shooting, the Monstrum G3 offers a 6-24×50 configuration. As a first focal plane (FFP) scope, the illuminated MOA reticle’s size changes with the magnification, meaning the ranging and holdover markings remain accurate at any power setting. This is a critical feature for precision shooting at varying distances.
The large 50mm objective lens gathers ample light for a bright image, while the adjustable objective (AO) allows for sharper target focus and parallax elimination. This scope is designed for tactical applications and long-distance target shooting where precise shot placement and range estimation are paramount.
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24 is defined by its speed and adaptability. A true 1x magnification on the low end provides a wide, unrestricted field of view for fast target acquisition at close ranges, functioning almost like a red dot sight. This makes it perfect for dynamic shooting scenarios or hunting in dense brush.
When you need more precision, you can dial the magnification up to 6x for engaged shots at mid-range distances. The illuminated BDC3 reticle is located in the second focal plane, meaning it remains a consistent size, and it includes useful holdover points for targets out to 650 yards. The included thread-in throw lever makes quick magnification changes effortless.
CVLIFE 3-9×40 Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope
The CVLIFE 3-9×40 scope is an outstanding budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice essential performance. It provides a versatile magnification range suitable for most air rifle activities, from plinking to pest control. The scope comes as a complete kit, including 20mm scope mounts, so you have everything needed to mount it on your rifle right out of the box.
Its 40mm objective lens offers a good balance between light-gathering capability and a compact profile. The R4 reticle with a simple crosshair design is easy to use for shooters of all experience levels, providing a clear aiming point without unnecessary clutter.
Airmax Riflescope 2-7×32 AO
Specifically tailored for airguns, the Airmax 2-7×32 scope features a generous 80 MOA of elevation and windage adjustment. This extensive adjustment range is particularly beneficial for air rifles, which often have more pronounced projectile trajectories than firearms. The lower 2-7x power range is ideal for most common air rifle shooting distances.
The optics are fully multi-coated with 16 layers to ensure exceptional clarity and light transmission. The adjustable objective (AO) lens corrects for parallax and allows for a sharp focus, while the rubber-coated Posi-Grip power selector knob provides a secure and comfortable grip for easy magnification changes.
Monstrum G3 1-6×24 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope
This Monstrum G3 variant offers the advantages of a first focal plane (FFP) reticle in a versatile 1-6x magnification range. The illuminated MOA reticle provides accurate holdover and windage corrections at any magnification level, which is invaluable for rapid engagement at unknown distances. The true 1x setting is excellent for fast, both-eyes-open shooting.
You can adjust the reticle illumination through multiple brightness intensities, ensuring optimal visibility against any background, especially in low-light conditions. This scope is a solid tactical choice for air rifle users who need a versatile optic that performs well from close quarters out to several hundred yards.
Vantage Riflescope 4×32 AO, Mil Dot
If you prefer a fixed-power scope for its simplicity and reliability, the Vantage 4×32 is a compelling option. The fixed 4x magnification is sufficient for most air rifle applications and eliminates the complexity of variable power rings. The mil-dot reticle provides basic range estimation and holdover points for more precise shot placement.
The scope boasts 11 layers of fully multi-coated optics for excellent clarity and brightness. Its 1-inch mono-tube chassis offers superior strength and durability, while the low-profile “no-snag” turrets and fast-focus eyebell contribute to a user-friendly and efficient shooting experience.
UUQ 4-16X50 AO Rifle Scope with Laser and Flashlight
The UUQ scope is a feature-packed all-in-one system for the shooter who wants maximum utility. It offers a broad 4-16x magnification range and a large 50mm objective lens, suitable for everything from medium to long-range shooting. The package includes a detachable green laser sight that is visible over 300 yards and can be controlled with a remote pressure pad.
In addition to the illuminated range-finder reticle, this set comes with a holographic reflex red dot sight for instant target acquisition and a multi-mode LED flashlight. This comprehensive kit is designed for hunters who operate in various lighting conditions and want multiple aiming systems at their disposal.
UTG 3-9X32 BugBuster Scope, AO, RGB Mil-dot, QD Rings
The UTG BugBuster is a compact and robust scope specifically designed with air rifles in mind. Its shorter overall length makes it an ideal fit for many air rifle platforms without being cumbersome. It comes equipped with Quick Detach (QD) rings, allowing for easy mounting and removal while often maintaining zero, which adds great flexibility for your setup.
This scope features an adjustable objective for parallax correction and the unique RGB mil-dot reticle, which offers illumination in multiple colors to suit different lighting conditions and target backgrounds. Built with UTG’s renowned durability, it is a shockproof, fogproof, and rainproof scope ready for hard use in the field.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Air Rifle Scope Under $300
When I’m looking for a new air rifle scope, especially with a budget of $300, I know I need to focus on a few key features that really matter. It’s easy to get lost in the specifications, but for this price point, you can get a fantastic scope that will handle the unique demands of an air rifle if you know what to look for.
First and foremost, you need a scope built for an air rifle. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick. Spring-piston air rifles produce a unique double-recoil—a forward jolt followed by a backward kick—that can destroy a scope designed for a firearm. I always look for scopes that are specifically advertised as “air gun rated” or that mention being built to withstand spring-piston recoil. This is the most critical factor for longevity.
Next, I consider the reticle. For general plinking and pest control, a simple duplex reticle is often perfect. It’s clean and easy to use. If I plan on doing a lot of shooting at varying distances, a Mil-Dot or BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle is a huge help. These reticles have markings that help you aim higher or lower to account for the pellet’s arc, which means less fiddling with the turrets and faster follow-up shots. I also prefer a first focal plane (FFP) reticle if I can find it, as the reticle size changes with magnification, keeping your holdover points accurate at any power. However, second focal plane (SFP) scopes are more common in this price range and are still very effective.
Magnification is another big one. A 3-9x40mm is the classic, all-around workhorse for a reason. It gives you enough power to see your target clearly at medium ranges but a low enough setting for quick target acquisition up close. If most of my shooting is in dense woods or under 50 yards, I might even look at a fixed 4x power scope for its simplicity and often brighter image. For those wanting to reach out further, a 4-12x or 6-18x scope becomes attractive, but remember that higher magnification often means a narrower field of view and can amplify image shake.
Finally, I pay close attention to the turrets and the overall build quality. I like exposed turrets that are easy to adjust, with clear, tactile clicks so I can feel each adjustment. The tube diameter is important too; a 1-inch tube is standard, but a 30mm tube generally allows for more internal adjustment range and can be a bit more robust. Look for scopes with a one-piece tube construction for better durability. By focusing on these elements—air gun compatibility, a useful reticle, appropriate magnification, and solid construction—you can confidently find one of the 10 best air rifle scope under $300 – top picks for 2025 that will serve you well for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I just use a regular firearm scope on my air rifle?
This is probably the most important question. Spring-piston and gas-ram air rifles have a unique two-way recoil impulse. The piston slams forward, and then the gun recoils backward. This violent, reverse-jerking motion can destroy the internal components of a scope that’s only built to handle the single, straight-back recoil of a powder firearm. Scopes made for air guns have reinforced internal parts and different erector spring systems to survive this punishment.
What does “AO” or “Side Focus” mean, and do I need it?
AO stands for Adjustable Objective, and it’s a feature I find incredibly useful. It’s a dial on the end of the scope (or on the side with a Side Focus model) that lets you adjust for parallax. Parallax error is when the reticle appears to move on the target if your eye isn’t perfectly centered. By adjusting the AO to your exact shooting distance, you eliminate this error, resulting in much greater precision. For shooting at small targets or varying distances, an AO is a near-essential feature.
Is a 4x fixed scope good enough for an air rifle?
Absolutely. A fixed 4x scope is a fantastic, no-nonsense option for many airgunners. It’s simple, reliable, and often provides a very bright and clear image because it has fewer internal lenses than a variable-power scope. It’s perfect for most plinking, close-range pest control (inside 30-40 yards), and hunting in dense brush where a wide field of view is more important than high magnification.
How important is the lens coating on a scope?
Lens coatings are very important for image quality. They reduce glare and internal reflections, which increases light transmission. A scope with fully multi-coated lenses will provide the brightest and clearest sight picture, especially in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. When comparing scopes, I always check the coating description. Fully multi-coated is the best, followed by multi-coated, and then simply coated. It’s one of the key factors that separates a good scope from a great one, even within a budget.
What maintenance does an air rifle scope need?
Fortunately, scopes don’t need much maintenance. The main thing is to keep the lenses clean. I use a soft lens brush or blower to remove dust first, then gently wipe with a microfiber cloth designed for optics. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or rough materials. Beyond that, just make sure the mounting rings are tight (check them periodically after the first few shooting sessions) and store the rifle in a case to protect the scope from bumps and moisture.
Can I find a reliable scope for my air rifle without spending a fortune?
Yes, you definitely can. The market for affordable optics has improved dramatically. A budget of $300 puts you in a great position to get a feature-packed, durable scope that is specifically designed for air rifles. You can find models with good glass, solid construction, and important features like AO and mil-dot reticles. While you might be looking at one of the 10 best air rifle scope under $300 – top picks for 2025, even options below $150 can be perfectly serviceable for casual use, as long as they are explicitly air gun rated.