How To Choose A Scope For Air Rifle?

ByBuffalo Rifles Blog

How to Choose a Scope for Your Air Rifle

Air rifles are a popular choice for hunters, target shooters, and hobbyists alike. They’re relatively affordable, easy to use, and offer a lot of versatility. But if you want to get the most out of your air rifle, you need to make sure you have the right scope.

A good scope can help you improve your accuracy, make it easier to track moving targets, and see your target in low-light conditions. But with so many different scopes on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different factors you need to consider when choosing a scope for your air rifle. We’ll also recommend some specific scopes that we think are worth considering.

So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced air rifle shooter, read on for all the information you need to choose the perfect scope for your needs.

| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|—|—|—|
| Criteria | What to look for | Example |
| Magnification | The magnification of a scope is the amount that it magnifies the target. The higher the magnification, the closer the target will appear. However, higher magnification also makes the target smaller in your field of view. | A 4x scope will magnify the target 4 times. |
| Objective lens diameter | The objective lens diameter is the size of the lens at the front of the scope. A larger objective lens diameter gathers more light, which can improve image quality in low-light conditions. | A 40mm objective lens will gather more light than a 30mm objective lens. |
| Eye relief | Eye relief is the distance between the eyepiece and your eye when you have the scope adjusted for a clear view. If the eye relief is too short, you will have to put your eye too close to the scope, which can be uncomfortable and can cause eye strain. | A 10mm eye relief will allow you to have a comfortable viewing experience. |

A scope is an essential accessory for any air rifle, as it allows you to accurately aim and hit your target. There are many different types of scopes available on the market, each with its own set of features.

When choosing a scope for your air rifle, it is important to consider the following factors:

  • Magnification
  • Objective lens diameter
  • Field of view
  • Eye relief
  • Reticle
  • Turrets
  • Adjustment range
  • Waterproofing
  • Shockproof
  • Weight
  • Price

In this article, we will discuss each of these factors in detail and help you choose the best scope for your air rifle.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Scope for an Air Rifle

Magnification

The magnification of a scope is the amount that it magnifies the image of your target. The higher the magnification, the closer the target will appear.

For air rifles, a magnification of 4x to 12x is typically sufficient. If you are shooting at targets that are close to you, you will not need as much magnification. If you are shooting at targets that are far away, you will need more magnification.

Objective Lens Diameter

The objective lens diameter is the diameter of the lens at the front of the scope. The larger the objective lens diameter, the more light the scope will gather. This can be beneficial in low-light conditions.

For air rifles, an objective lens diameter of 30mm to 50mm is typically sufficient. If you are shooting in low-light conditions, you may want to consider a scope with a larger objective lens diameter.

Field of View

The field of view is the area that you can see through the scope. The wider the field of view, the more of your surroundings you will be able to see.

For air rifles, a field of view of 30 degrees to 50 degrees is typically sufficient. If you are hunting in thick brush or other areas where you need to be able to see your surroundings, you may want to consider a scope with a wider field of view.

Eye Relief

Eye relief is the distance between the eyepiece of the scope and your eye. If the eye relief is too short, you will not be able to see the entire image through the scope. If the eye relief is too long, you will have to move your head back and forth in order to see the entire image.

For air rifles, an eye relief of 3 inches to 4 inches is typically sufficient. If you wear glasses, you may need a scope with a longer eye relief.

Reticle

The reticle is the crosshairs or other markings that are located in the center of the scope. The reticle can help you to aim your air rifle and hit your target.

There are many different types of reticles available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most popular reticles for air rifles include:

  • The dot reticle: This reticle is simply a single dot in the center of the scope. It is easy to use and is a good choice for beginners.
  • The cross-hair reticle: This reticle consists of two lines that cross in the center of the scope. It is more versatile than the dot reticle and can be used for a variety of shooting applications.
  • The mil-dot reticle: This reticle is based on the metric system and consists of a series of dots and lines. It is a good choice for long-range shooting.

Turrets

The turrets are the knobs on the top and side of the scope that you use to adjust the magnification and focus.

Adjustment Range

The adjustment range is the amount that you can adjust the magnification and focus of the scope. The greater the adjustment range, the more precise you can be when aiming your air rifle.

Waterproofing

A waterproof scope is a good choice if you plan on shooting in wet conditions. Waterproof scopes are designed to keep water out of the lenses and other internal components.

Shockproof

A shockproof scope is a good choice if you plan on shooting air rifles that produce a lot of recoil. Shockproof scopes are designed to withstand the shock of recoil without damaging the lenses or other internal components.

Weight

The weight of a scope is an important consideration, especially if you plan on carrying your air rifle for long periods of time. A lightweight scope will be easier to carry and less tiring to use.

Price

The price of a scope is another important consideration. Scopes can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The price of a scope will depend on the features that it offers.

**

How To Choose A Scope For Air Rifle?

What is a Scope?

A scope is an optical device that is used to magnify the target and make it easier to aim. It is typically mounted on top of the air rifle and is used for both target shooting and hunting.

What are the Different Types of Scopes?

There are two main types of scopes that are used for air rifles: fixed power scopes and variable power scopes.

  • Fixed power scopes have a single magnification power, which is usually between 4x and 12x. These scopes are typically used for target shooting, as they provide a consistent magnification power for every shot.
  • Variable power scopes have a variable magnification power, which can be adjusted from low magnification to high magnification. These scopes are typically used for hunting, as they allow the shooter to adjust the magnification power to match the range of the target.

What Features Should I Look for in a Scope?

When choosing a scope for your air rifle, there are a few things that you should keep in mind.

  • Magnification power: The magnification power of the scope will determine how large the target will appear in the field of view. For target shooting, a scope with a magnification power of between 4x and 12x is typically sufficient. For hunting, a scope with a variable magnification power of between 4x and 24x is a good option.
  • Objective lens diameter: The objective lens diameter is the size of the lens at the front of the scope. A larger objective lens will gather more light, which can be beneficial in low-light conditions. For target shooting, a scope with an objective lens diameter of between 32mm and 40mm is typically sufficient. For hunting, a scope with an objective lens diameter of between 40mm and 50mm is a good option.
  • Eye relief: Eye relief is the distance between the eyepiece of the scope and the shooter’s eye. A scope with adequate eye relief will allow the shooter to see the entire field of view without having to strain their eyes. For target shooting, a scope with an eye relief of between 3 inches and 4 inches is typically sufficient. For hunting, a scope with an eye relief of between 4 inches and 5 inches is a good option.
  • Field of view: The field of view is the area that can be seen through the scope at a given magnification power. A wider field of view can be beneficial for target shooting, as it allows the shooter to see more of the target. For hunting, a narrower field of view can be beneficial, as it allows the shooter to focus on the target.
  • Reticle: The reticle is the crosshairs or other aiming point that is located in the center of the scope. There are a variety of different reticles available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. For target shooting, a simple duplex reticle is typically sufficient. For hunting, a more complex reticle with multiple aiming points can be beneficial.
  • Waterproof and fog-proof: A scope that is waterproof and fog-proof will be able to withstand the elements, making it a good option for hunting or shooting in wet or humid conditions.
  • Price: The price of a scope can vary significantly, depending on the features that are included. For target shooting, a budget-friendly scope with basic features is typically sufficient. For hunting, a more expensive scope with more features may be a better option.

How to Mount a Scope on an Air Rifle

Choosing the Right Rings or Bases

The first step in mounting a scope on an air rifle is to choose the right rings or bases. The rings or bases will need to be compatible with the air rifle and the scope.

  • Air rifle: The air rifle will need to have a dovetail rail or a Picatinny rail in order to mount a scope.
  • Scope: The scope will need to have a set of rings or bases that are compatible with the dovetail rail or Picatinny rail on the air rifle.

Installing the Rings or Bases

Once you have chosen the right rings or bases, you can install them on the air rifle.

  • DOVETAIL RAIL:

1. Remove the bolt that is holding the rear sight in place.
2. Slide the rings or bases onto the dovetail rail.
3. Tighten the screws on the rings or bases until they are snug.
4. Replace the rear sight.

  • PICATINNY RAIL:

1. Remove the

How do I choose the right magnification for my air rifle scope?

The magnification of a scope is the amount it magnifies the target. The higher the magnification, the closer the target will appear. However, higher magnification also makes the target appear smaller, which can make it more difficult to aim.

For air rifles, a magnification of 4x to 12x is typically sufficient. If you will be shooting at targets that are close, a lower magnification will be better. If you will be shooting at targets that are far away, a higher magnification will be better.

What is the difference between a first focal plane (FFP) and second focal plane (SFP) scope?

In a first focal plane scope, the reticle is located in the first focal plane. This means that the size of the reticle remains the same regardless of the magnification. In a second focal plane scope, the reticle is located in the second focal plane. This means that the size of the reticle changes as the magnification changes.

FFP scopes are generally considered to be more accurate, as the reticle does not change size when the magnification changes. However, SFP scopes are often less expensive.

What are the different types of reticles?

There are many different types of reticles available for air rifle scopes. The most common type is the crosshair reticle. Crosshair reticles have two vertical lines and two horizontal lines. The center of the crosshairs is called the “crosshair intersection” or “POI” (point of impact).

Other types of reticles include the dot reticle, the mil-dot reticle, and the duplex reticle. Dot reticles have a single dot in the center. Mil-dot reticles have a series of dots that are spaced evenly apart. Duplex reticles have a thick line in the center and two thinner lines on either side.

The type of reticle you choose will depend on your shooting needs. If you are a target shooter, you may want a reticle that has a fine crosshair. If you are a hunting shooter, you may want a reticle that has a bold dot or mil-dot.

What are the different types of air rifle scopes?

There are two main types of air rifle scopes: fixed-power scopes and variable-power scopes. Fixed-power scopes have a single magnification, while variable-power scopes allow you to change the magnification.

Fixed-power scopes are typically less expensive than variable-power scopes. However, variable-power scopes offer more flexibility, as you can change the magnification to match the distance of your target.

What are the factors to consider when choosing an air rifle scope?

There are several factors to consider when choosing an air rifle scope. These factors include:

  • Magnification: The magnification of the scope will determine how close the target will appear.
  • Focal plane: First focal plane scopes are generally considered to be more accurate, as the reticle does not change size when the magnification changes.
  • Reticle: The type of reticle you choose will depend on your shooting needs.
  • Price: Air rifle scopes can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars.

How do I install an air rifle scope?

Installing an air rifle scope is a relatively simple process. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the scope or the air rifle.

To install an air rifle scope, you will need:

  • The air rifle scope
  • A set of Allen wrenches
  • A screwdriver
  • A cleaning cloth

1. Remove the factory-installed scope from the air rifle.
2. Clean the mounting rings and the air rifle with a cleaning cloth.
3. Align the mounting rings with the air rifle.
4. Tighten the mounting rings to the air rifle with the Allen wrenches.
5. Mount the scope to the mounting rings.
6. Tighten the scope to the mounting rings with the Allen wrenches.

Once the scope is installed, you can zero it in. To zero in the scope, you will need to shoot a group of shots at a target. Adjust the scope until the group of shots is centered on the target.

How do I maintain an air rifle scope?

To maintain an air rifle scope, you should:

  • Clean the scope regularly with a cleaning cloth.
  • Keep the scope dry.
  • Avoid dropping the scope.
  • Store the scope in a safe place.

By following these tips, you can help to extend the life of your air rifle scope.

Choosing the right scope for your air rifle can be a daunting task, but it’s one that’s important to get right. The scope you choose will have a significant impact on your accuracy and enjoyment of the sport. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve discussed the key factors to consider when choosing a scope, as well as some of the best options on the market. By following these tips, you’ll be able to choose a scope that’s perfect for your needs and help you take your air rifle shooting to the next level.

Here are some key takeaways from this guide:

  • The most important factors to consider when choosing a scope are magnification, objective lens diameter, eye relief, and field of view.
  • Magnification refers to the amount of zoom the scope provides. A higher magnification will allow you to see targets at a greater distance, but it will also make it more difficult to track moving targets.
  • Objective lens diameter refers to the size of the lens at the front of the scope. A larger objective lens will gather more light, which can improve image quality in low-light conditions.
  • Eye relief is the distance between the eyepiece and your eye when you’re looking through the scope. A good eye relief will allow you to comfortably see the entire image without having to strain your eyes.
  • Field of view refers to the amount of area you can see through the scope at once. A wider field of view can be helpful for tracking moving targets.

With so many different scopes on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. By considering the factors discussed in this guide, you can narrow down your choices and find a scope that’s perfect for your needs.

Here are some of the best air rifle scopes on the market:

  • Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12x40mm Riflescope – This is a great option for beginners and those on a budget. It offers a wide range of magnification, a bright and clear image, and a comfortable eye relief.
  • Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope – This is a more expensive option, but it offers excellent performance. It features a high-quality optical system, a rugged construction, and a lifetime warranty.
  • Bushnell Trophy XLT 3-9x40mm Riflescope – This is a good option for hunters and target shooters. It offers a bright and clear image, a wide field of view, and a durable construction.

Similar Posts