Scopes and sights will instantly improve your performance on the range or while hunting small game.
In low light conditions, it is not easy to acquire your target with stock iron sights.
A scope or sight will provide you a visible reticle in all lighting conditions that not only allows you to engage your target quickly but also increases your accuracy.
Note: You need to be at least 18 years of age to purchase any of the below air rifles, as well as adhere to the local laws governing their usage.
What to Consider When Buying an Air Rifle/Pistol Scope
Scopes and sights are performance enhancing accessories that are a must for long distance shooting.
To ensure you get the right accessory, you need to know the different sights, how much magnification you need, and the scope’s durability.
Type of Sight
You can mount red dot, reflex, and scopes to many air weapons if you have the required mounting hardware.
Even if your air pistol or rifle does not include the mounting platform you need, you can purchase adapters in most cases.
If you need an adapter, check out this site: www.AirgunDepot.com
Magnification
Reflex and red dot sights have 1x magnification which is perfect for short to medium distance shooting.
Scopes can offer 16x magnification, which is perfect for medium to long distance shooting.
Durability
While you are at the range or hunting small game, the weather may take a change for the worse.
When this happens, you will want your gear to be waterproof, shockproof, and durable.
Below are the 14 best air rifle and pistol scopes.
#1. UTG Hunter IR 3-9×40 AO
- Reticle: .25 MOA
- Magnification: 3x – 9x
- Weight: 21.1 oz.
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $124.99
The UTG Hunter IR 3-9×40 AO was created with airgunners in mind to provide you a crystal clear image of your target with its emerald-coated optics.
The scope is excellent for precision shooting at various ranges with 3x to 9x magnification.
An excellent feature of the UTG Hunter is that the .25 MOA reticle’s color can change to ensure that you do not lose your target.
It comes with 36 reticle colors to choose from for a customized targeting experience.
The bright mil-dot reticle is perfect for all lighting conditions, including cloudy days.
It can withstand the elements with its durable design that is fog proof, shockproof, and rainproof.
With everything included to attach it to your weapon, the UTG Hunter IR 3-9×40 AO is perfect for any long distance shooter.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
#2. UTG SWAT IR 3-12×44 AO
- Reticle: .25 MOA
- Magnification: 3x – 12x
- Weight: 23.2 oz.
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $154.99
The UTG SWAT IR 3-12×44 AO provides shooters with up to 12x magnification making it one of the best long range air rifles scopes available.
Much like the Hunter IR 3-9×40, it includes an adjustable 36 color mil-dot reticle for better target acquisition in various settings.
To give you the best zero, it comes with .25″ windage and elevation adjustments and 10 yards to infinity parallax modifications.
With an emerald coating on the lens, you will have superior visibility for target practice or small game hunting.
It includes everything you need to attach to your air rifle to include Weaver/Picatinny rings and 2 hex wrenches.
It is a bargain at $154.99 and will assist you with providing tight shot groups.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
#3. UTG CQB BugBuster IR 3-9×32 AO
- Reticle: .25 MOA
- Magnification: 3x – 9x
- Weight: 13.9 oz.
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $117.99
The UTG CQB BugBuster IR 3-9×32 AO will provide you with a sharp picture that pops.
UTG secured the top three spots on this list for their value, function, and durability.
The BugBuster is like the Hunter IR 3-9×40 AO but with a few key differences.
It is more lightweight without sacrificing durability and is designed for close quarters combat.
The scope has parallax adjustments starting at 3 yards instead of 5 for a closer zero.
A downside is that the BugBuster does not have a 36-color adjustable reticle and instead has either a red or a green reticle option.
This is not a game changer for most people, but it may be worth spending the extra $7 if that is important to you.
Like the other UTG scopes already mentioned, it has an outstanding limited lifetime warranty.
It is also shockproof, fog proof, and rainproof.
You can not go wrong with this or the other UTG scopes on this list.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
#4. CenterPoint Optics 32mm Open Reflex Sight
- Reticle: 1 MOA
- Magnification: 1x
- Weight: 5.5 oz.
- Water Resistant: Not Specified
- Price: $39.99
The CenterPoint Optics 32mm Open Reflex Sight is perfect for any close range shooting with its 1x magnification and 1 MOA reticle.
With unlimited eye relief, you will get pinpoint accuracy no matter how far your head is from the reflex sight.
You have the option of 4 different reticles that are available in either green or red.
It comes with an integrated weaver mount making it perfect for air pistols or rifles.
Weighing in at only 5.5 oz. it is super lightweight and compact at only 3.25″ long.
CenterPoint backs their sight with a limited lifetime warranty.
The CenterPoint Optics 32mm Open Reflex Sight is perfect for speed drills and quick target acquisition.
If you are looking for a solid performer at a great price, this may be the sight for you.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
#5. BSA 30mm Red Dot Sight
- Reticle: 5 MOA
- Magnification: 1x
- Weight: 5 oz.
- Water Resistant: Not Specified
- Price: $33.59
The BSA 30mm Red Dot Sight is a high-performance red dot sight at an excellent price.
Built with a Picatinny/Weaver base, it can quickly attach to your favorite air rifle or pistol.
The 30mm tube provides you an extensive field of view, and the 5 MOA reticle makes it easy to acquire your target.
You can stay on the move with unlimited eye relief while taking down targets since you do not need to worry about your head placement.
To provide precise shots every time, the sight comes with .5″ windage and elevation adjustments.
If you want a red dot sight for close quarters shooting, the BSA 30mm Red Dot Sight is an excellent option at a great price.
It’s definitely the best air rifle scope for the money, all things considered.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
#6. Mantis 3-9×32 AO
- Reticle: .25 MOA
- Magnification: 3x – 9x
- Weight: 16 oz.
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $71.99
The Mantis 3-9×32 AO is a heavy-duty scope that is constructed out of high-grade aluminum.
The aluminum body also makes it super lightweight coming in at only 1 lb.
With durability in mind, the Mantis is fog proof, waterproof, shockproof, and it comes with a limited 1-year warranty.
It has a .25″ mil-dot reticle that provides a solid point of aim.
You can magnify your target up to 9x for precise shooting.
It also has a parallax adjustment of 5 yards to infinity to provide a clear picture no matter how far your target is from you.
The durable design, powerful magnification, and visibility make the Mantis 3-9×32 AO an excellent choice.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
#7. Hawke Vantage IR 4-12×50 AO
- Reticle: .25 MOA
- Magnification: 4x – 12x
- Weight: 21.2 oz.
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $209.99
The Hawke Vantage IR 4-12×50 AO is the second most expensive scope on this list but do not let the price tag scare you because it is packed full of features.
It is a great all-around scope with a magnification of up to 12x, making it perfect for long-distance shooting.
To take full advantage of the range of this scope, you will need a high-FPS air rifle or pistol.
It includes a 1″ mono-tube chassis that is 13.7″ long and weighs only 21.2 oz.
The .25″ MOA red or green reticle can easily sight in on your target with 10 yards to infinity parallax adjustment.
The reticle has 5 green and 5 red illumination settings for clear visibility in low light settings.
It is designed to last and is shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof.
The Hawke Vantage IR 4-12×50 AO is perfect for those who want a long-range scope with a 50mm objective lens.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
#8. UTG 1×39 CQB Target Dot Sight
- Reticle: .5 MOA
- Magnification: 1x
- Weight: 13.1 oz.
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $79.99
The UTG 1×39 CQB Target Dot Sight has a .5 MOA green or red T-Dot reticle, providing faster target acquisition.
It has flexible eye relief and has a wide 85′ field of view with a 39mm objective lens.
With a 42mm center height, it has co-witnessing for rear and front sights.
It is quick and easy to attach and detach the UTG 1×39 CQB Target Dot Sight to your air rifle or pistol with the patented quick-detach lever lock.
The scope also includes an integrated sunshade, which prevents glare and optimizes the amount of light that enters the sight.
It is barely noticeable on your weapon with a weight of under a pound, making it comfortable for all-day shooting.
You get a 2-year limited warranty and the quality that you expect from UTG.
If you are looking for a solid dot sight for your air pistol or rifle, the UTG 1×39 CQB Target Dot Sight is a top pick.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
#9. CenterPoint TAG Series IR 4-16×40 AO
- Reticle: Not Specified
- Magnification: 4x – 16x
- Weight: 17.44 oz.
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $99.99
The CenterPoint TAG Series IR 4-16×40 AO provides some serious magnification of up to 16x, making it perfect for long distance shooting.
With a 40mm objective lens, you can get clear visibility of your target at extreme distances.
The reticle has a TAG style that can alternate between red and green.
It has a 10 yds to infinity AO parallax setting to provide a sharp image no matter how far your target is.
You get a 6.3′ to 25′ field of view at 100 yards for better situational awareness.
It includes a limited lifetime warranty and a CR2032 to power the scope.
If you are looking for a 16x scope on a budget, the CenterPoint TAG Series IR 4-16×40 AO is your best option.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
#10. UTG Hunter IR 4-16×40 AO
- Reticle: .25 MOA
- Magnification: 4x – 16x
- Weight: 22.3 oz.
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $142.99
Think of the UTG Hunter IR 4-16×40 AO as the older brother to the Hunter IR 3-9×40.
It has all the same outstanding features, but it has a magnification up to 16x, making it a solid choice for long distance shooting.
It has a 36-color illumination-enhanced .25″ mil-dot reticle making it perfect for any lighting conditions.
It is 14.57″ long and weighs only 22.3 oz.
The scope comes with everything you need including a flip-open lens caps, 1 CR2032 battery, 2 hex wrenches, and high Weaver/Picatinny rings.
With the included limited lifetime warranty, this scope’s value can not be beaten.
If you are on a tight budget, go with the CenterPoint, but go with UTG Hunter if you have a large budget.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
#11. Hatsan 1×30 Red Dot Sight
- Reticle: .5 MOA
- Magnification: 1x
- Weight: Not Specified
- Water Resistant: Not Specified
- Price: $29.99
Hatsan’s 1×30 Red Dot Sight is the lowest priced sight/scope on this list, but that does not mean they cheaply made it.
It has the standard 1x magnification found on most red dot sights and has a 30mm objective lens for an excellent field of view.
With unlimited eye relief, you can quickly acquire and engage your target.
It mounts to a dovetail platform and has a quick-detach standard dovetail base.
If you want a budget red dot sight that will give you quick, precise shooting in low light environments, look no further than Hatsan’s 1×30 Red Dot Sight.
It also includes a limited 1-year warranty.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
#12. Hawke 30 SF Compact IR 4-16×44 Airmax, Ill. AMX
- Reticle: AMX Reticle
- Magnification: 4x – 16x
- Weight: 21.9 oz.
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $389.99
At $389.99, the Hawke 30 SF Compact IR 4-16×44 Airmax, Ill. AMX is the most expensive scope on this list.
This premium scope has excellent features that set it apart from the other scopes on this list and would be the top pick if it was not for the price point.
It has a glass-etched red-illuminated AMX reticle, and the lens has 16 coated layers for better clarity.
The reticle has 6 levels of brightness for superior low light targeting.
This scope has a wide-angle lens for better downrange situational awareness.
The scope can take on the elements since it is waterproof, shockproof, and nitrogen purged.
With a side focus parallax correction, you will have excellent visibility from 10 yards to infinity.
While it’s a bit expensive, it’s easily considered as one of the best air rifle scopes available for sale right now.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
#13. Hatsan Optima 3-9×40 AO
- Reticle: Not Specified
- Magnification: 3x – 9x
- Weight: 19 oz.
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $79.99
Hatsan’s Optima 3-9×40 AO provides solid performance with a magnification up to 9x, giving you precise aim.
With the parallax being adjustable, you will have crystal clear visibility from 10 yards to infinity.
The scope includes a mil-dot reticle and has a 40mm objective lens, and is easily considered one of the best air rifle scopes on the market.
Not only is the scope waterproof, but it is also shockproof, fog proof, nitrogen-filled, and has a fully coated optical lens.
This competitively priced 9x air rifle scope also includes a 1-year warranty.
Hatsan’s Optima 3-9×40 AO may be right for you if you want a balance of function and value.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
#14. Hawke Micro Reflex Dot 3 MOA
- Reticle: 3 MOA
- Magnification: 1x
- Weight: 2.5 oz.
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $129.99
Hawke constructed the Micro Reflex out of aluminum for added durability.
The aluminum is lightweight, and the sight only weighs 2.5 oz.
For additional clarity and protection, the lens is fully multi-coated with 25 layers of protection.
The 3 MOA reticle provides quick target acquisition with unlimited eye relief.
The reflex sight comes with an 8-stage digital brightness control for precise shooting in low light environments.
A unique feature of this sight is that if movement is not detected for 5 minutes, the sight will automatically turn off to save battery life.
Hawke designed it with an integrated weaver mount for easy installation on your favorite air pistol or rifle.
It also has a 2-year limited warranty.
It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com
See Also
14 Best Red Dot Sights for Pistols, ARs, and Shotguns
12 Best Reflex Sights
10 Best Military Grade Binoculars
References / Resources
Air Gun Laws in the US
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