Choosing the right air rifle scope is a game-changer, and it’s not a decision to take lightly. As a former Marine, I know that precision, reliability, and clarity under pressure are what separate a good shot from a great one. Whether you’re pest controlling in the barn, target shooting at the range, or hunting small game, your scope is your most critical link to the target. The wrong piece of glass can turn a satisfying day into a frustrating one, wasting pellets and missing opportunities.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of the 11 best air rifle scopes for 2025. I’ve tested these scopes based on the same principles we valued in the field: rugged construction, clear optics, and repeatable adjustments. I’ve considered everything from budget-friendly options for plinking to high-end glass for serious hunters. My goal is to cut through the marketing jargon and give you a straight-shooting review to help you make an informed purchase that you won’t regret.
11 Best Air Rifle Scopes in 2025
- UTG 3-12X32 AO BugBuster Scope
- Hawke Sport Optics Vantage IR Riflescope
- BSA Tactical MIL-DOT Air Rifle Scope
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II AO Riflescope
- ATN ThOR 4 384×288 Thermal Rifle Scope
- Nikon Prostaff P3 Airgun Scope
- Hammers 3-9x40AO Airgun Scope
UTG 3-12X32 AO BugBuster Scope
Let’s kick things off with a true workhorse, the UTG BugBuster. This scope is practically legendary in the airgun community for a reason. It’s built like a tank, featuring a one-piece tube that can handle the unique reverse recoil of spring-piston air rifles that destroy lesser scopes. The true strength is its AO (Adjustable Objective) that focuses down to a super-close 3 yards, making it perfect for backyard pest control where your targets are often up close and personal. The Mil-dot reticle is etched on the glass, so even if your batteries die, you still have a reliable aiming point.
From my testing, the optics are surprisingly clear for the price point. The turrets offer a positive, audible click, which is great for making precise adjustments on the fly. It also comes with flip-open lens caps, which is a nice touch that protects your glass without needing a separate purchase. While it’s not the lightest scope on the market, the trade-off for its durability is more than worth it. If you need a no-nonsense, reliable scope for a magnum springer or a PCP that you actually use hard, the BugBuster is a top contender.
Pros
- Extremely durable construction for springer air rifles
- AO adjusts down to 3 yards for close-range shots
- Includes flip-open lens caps right out of the box
Cons
- Can feel a bit heavy on lighter rifles
- Eye relief can be a bit tight at higher magnifications
Hawke Sport Optics Vantage IR Riflescope
When you step up to the Hawke Vantage, you’re entering the realm of serious airgun optics. Hawke designs their scopes specifically for air rifles, so you know the internals are built to last. The glass quality is a noticeable step up from budget options; the image is bright, sharp, and color-true from edge to edge. I’m a big fan of their Half Mil Dot reticle—it’s clean, uncluttered, and perfect for both holdover and rangefinding. The inclusion of an Illuminated Reticle (IR) is a great feature for low-light conditions at dawn or dusk.
What really sets this scope apart is the precision of the adjustments. The turrets are crisp and reliable, and they track true, which means when you dial in for a longer shot, the point of impact moves exactly as expected. The side-focus parallax adjustment is smooth and allows for precise focusing from 10 yards to infinity. This scope feels like a professional tool. It’s not the cheapest option, but for the shooter who demands optical clarity and repeatable performance, the Hawke Vantage is an outstanding value.
Pros
- Excellent, bright glass with sharp resolution
- Precise and reliable turret adjustments
- Side-focus parallax for easy adjustment
Cons
- Higher price point than entry-level scopes
- Illumination settings could be more granular
BSA Tactical MIL-DOT Air Rifle Scope
BSA is another brand that knows airguns inside and out. This tactical model offers a lot of features for the money, including a 30mm main tube which allows for more windage and elevation adjustment travel compared to standard 1-inch tubes. The Mil-dot reticle is versatile for calculating holdover, and the overall design has a clean, functional look. The turrets are resettable to zero, which is a handy feature if you frequently change between different pellet types or shooting distances.
I found the performance to be solid and dependable. It holds zero well on gas-ram and PCP rifles, and the image is clear enough for most shooting scenarios. It’s a great option if you want a tactical-style scope without spending a fortune. The eye relief is generous, which is good for safety and comfort. While the glass clarity isn’t quite on par with a Hawke or Vortex, it’s more than adequate for plinking, pest control, and medium-range target work. For a budget-friendly tactical scope, the BSA delivers where it counts.
Pros
- 30mm tube provides greater adjustment range
- Resettable turrets are convenient for load development
- Good value for a tactical-style scope
Cons
- Optical clarity is good but not exceptional
- Somewhat basic lens coatings
Vortex Optics Crossfire II AO Riflescope
Vortex is famous for its VIP Warranty—absolutely unconditional and transferable. If you break it, they fix it, no questions asked. That alone makes the Crossfire II a fantastic choice. But it’s not just about the warranty; this is a quality piece of glass. The anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide a bright, clear sight picture. The Adjustable Objective (AO) on this model is crucial for airgunners, allowing you to eliminate parallax error at various distances, which is key for accuracy.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is simple and effective, especially if you’re not comfortable with Mil-dots. It’s a clean reticle that doesn’t clutter the view. I’ve used Vortex scopes on everything from .22LRs to big-bore air rifles, and they always perform. The construction is solid, and the adjustments are precise. For a shooter who wants peace of mind and a high-quality optic from a top-tier company, the Vortex Crossfire II AO is a very smart investment that you’ll likely never need to replace.
Pros
- Unbeatable VIP Warranty for life
- Very clear glass with excellent light transmission
- Simple and effective BDC reticle
Cons
- Slightly higher price than direct competitors
- BDC reticle may not be for purists who prefer Mil-dot
ATN ThOR 4 384×288 Thermal Rifle Scope
Now we’re moving into the realm of high-tech, night-time dominance. The ATN ThOR 4 is a thermal scope, and it completely changes the game for nocturnal pest control. This isn’t just for military use anymore; serious airgunners are using these to take care of problem animals after dark legally and safely. The ability to see the heat signature of a rat or raccoon in total darkness is a massive advantage. The image is clear, and features like one-shot zero, video recording, and ballistic calculators are built right in.
This is a significant investment, but if your needs justify it, there’s nothing else like it. The battery life is good, and the interface is relatively intuitive for such a complex device. It’s heavy and requires a learning curve, but the capability it provides is unmatched. For the airgunner who needs to operate effectively 24/7, a thermal scope like the ATN ThOR 4 is the ultimate tool. It turns night into day and gives you a decisive edge.
Pros
- Allows for effective shooting in total darkness
- Loaded with smart features like recording and ballistics
- Revolutionary for serious nocturnal pest control
Cons
- Very high cost
- Heavy and requires a significant learning curve
Nikon Prostaff P3 Airgun Scope
Nikon brought its legendary optics expertise to the airgun world with the Prostaff P3. The
Hammers 3-9x40AO Airgun Scope
If you’re on a tight budget but still need a scope that can handle a springer, the Hammers scope is worth a long look. It’s specifically marketed as being airgun-rated, which is the first thing you should check for. The 3-9x magnification is the sweet spot for most airgun applications, and the 40mm objective lens gathers a decent amount of light. The AO is a critical feature that many budget scopes omit, so its presence here is a big plus for achieving accuracy.
For the price, the performance is impressive. It holds zero reasonably well on less powerful springers and all gas-piston and PCP rifles. The optics are functional, though don’t expect the crystal-clear view of a $300 scope—there can be some chromatic aberration around the edges, especially in bright light. But for a beginner setting up their first break-barrel or for a plinking rifle where you don’t want to invest a lot, the Hammers scope gets the job done without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Very affordable price point
- Springer-rated construction
- Includes an Adjustable Objective
Cons
- Optical quality is basic with some edge distortion
- Turrets are a bit mushy compared to premium models
Buying Guide: 11 Best Air Rifle Scopes in 2025 | Ranked by a Marine
Let’s get straight to it. Picking the right scope for your air rifle isn’t the same as picking one for a powder burner. I learned this the hard way. The unique two-recoil impulse from a spring-piston air rifle can destroy a standard rifle scope in short order. You need a scope built to handle that specific punishment. Based on my experience, here’s what to look for when you’re shopping for the 11 best air rifle scopes in 2025.
First and foremost is build quality and shock resistance. This is non-negotiable. Look for scopes that are specifically labeled as “airgun rated.” These have reinforced internal components that can take the repeated, reverse-jolt of a springer or gas ram rifle. Putting a regular centerfire scope on a powerful spring-piston air rifle is a surefire way to waste your money. The lenses will come loose, the reticle will break, and it’ll lose zero faster than you can blink.
Next, consider the type of reticle. For pest control and hunting, a simple duplex reticle is often all you need—it’s clean and gets the job done. But if you’re doing a lot of target shooting at varying distances, a mil-dot or MOA-based reticle can be a huge help for holdover without adjusting your turrets. I personally prefer illuminated reticles for low-light conditions, but remember, more features usually mean more weight and a higher price tag.
Magnification range is another key factor. A lot of folks think they need massive magnification, but for most air rifle ranges (inside 75 yards), a 3-9x40mm scope is a fantastic and versatile choice. It gives you a wide field of view for closer, quicker shots and enough power to see your target clearly at distance. If you’re primarily bench-rest shooting, you might want to go higher, like a 4-16x. But for a general-purpose air rifle, a 3-9x or 4-12x is the sweet spot.
Finally, pay attention to the adjustment turrets and the parallax setting. Good, tactile turrets that track accurately are essential for precision. For air rifles, an Adjustable Objective (AO) or Side Focus (SF) parallax adjustment is a game-changer. It allows you to focus the image and eliminate parallax error at the shorter distances typical of airgun shooting—something fixed-parallax scopes set for 100 yards can’t do. Being able to dial the parallax down to 10 yards makes a world of difference in clarity and accuracy.
FAQ
What makes an air rifle scope different from a regular scope?
The main difference is the internal construction. Air rifles, especially spring-piston models, produce a unique double-recoil that puts incredible stress on a scope’s internals. A scope built for the 11 best air rifle scopes in 2025 is engineered with heavier-duty springs, stronger erector tubes, and more robust mounting for the lenses to survive this shock. A standard centerfire rifle scope isn’t built for this and will likely fail prematurely.
Can I use a .22LR scope on my air rifle?
This is a common question, and the answer is: it depends, but usually it’s a bad idea. If your air rifle is a PCP (Pre-Charged Pneumatic) or a CO2 model with very mild recoil, a .22LR scope might survive. However, if you have a spring-piston or gas ram air rifle, the recoil impulse is completely different and much harsher. I would not recommend risking it. It’s always safer to invest in a scope that is explicitly rated for magnum spring-piston airguns.
What does “AO” or “Side Focus” mean on a scope?
AO stands for Adjustable Objective, and Side Focus is a similar feature where the knob is on the side of the scope. Both allow you to adjust the parallax. Parallax error is when the reticle appears to move on the target if you shift your head. By adjusting the AO or Side Focus knob to match the exact distance to your target, you eliminate this error, resulting in greater accuracy. This is especially important for airguns because we often shoot at much closer ranges than traditional firearms.
Is a higher magnification scope always better?
Not at all. Higher magnification amplifies every little movement you make, making it harder to hold steady. It also narrows your field of view, which can make acquiring a close-range target difficult. For most practical airgun shooting—pest control, plinking, hunting—a magnification in the 3-9x or 4-12x range is more than sufficient. Save the high-magnification scopes for dedicated target rifles that are shot from a solid rest.
How important is lens quality?
Extremely important. Lens quality determines how much light gets to your eye, which affects image brightness and clarity, especially during dawn or dusk. Look for terms like fully multi-coated lenses. This means all air-to-glass surfaces have multiple layers of anti-reflective coating, maximizing light transmission. A cheaper scope with poor coatings will have a dimmer, hazy image compared to a quality scope.
What is the best way to mount an air rifle scope?
Proper mounting is critical. You need sturdy, airgun-specific scope rings. A one-piece mount is often more robust than two separate rings. The most important step is to stop the scope from creeping forward under recoil. You can use a scope stop pin that fits into a hole on the rail, or a mount with an arrestor pin that butts up against the end of the dovetail rail. Always torque the ring screws to the manufacturer’s specification with a proper torque wrench to avoid damaging your scope.