Hello, this is our comprehensive analysis of the 6 Best FFP Scopes for Air Rifle. When it comes to precision shooting with air rifles, having the right scope can make all the difference. Unlike centerfire rifles, air rifles often require optics that handle unique recoil patterns, offer close-range parallax adjustments, and deliver reliable accuracy across varying distances.
This is where First Focal Plane (FFP) scopes stand out. FFP scopes maintain reticle accuracy across all magnification levels, giving shooters consistent holdovers and range estimations whether shooting at short or extended distances.
With features like illuminated reticles, fully multi-coated lenses, and rugged, weatherproof construction, the 6 Best FFP Scopes for Air Rifle provide not only clarity and precision but also durability to withstand demanding environments.
6 Best FFP Scopes for Air Rifle
1. Hawke Sidewinder 30 FFP 4-16×50 Riflescope
The Hawke Sidewinder 30 FFP 4–16×50 riflescope stands out as an excellent choice for air rifle enthusiasts seeking precision, clarity, and durability in a versatile optic.
Built with a first focal plane (FFP) Mil Dot reticle, this scope ensures that holdover and windage marks remain accurate at every magnification level, making it especially useful for the unique pellet trajectories of air rifles. Whether you are target shooting at close ranges or stretching your air rifle’s performance out to 100 yards and beyond, the Sidewinder provides consistency and confidence.
Measuring 43.18 cm in length, with a width of 11.938 cm and a height of 9.652 cm, the Sidewinder strikes a balance between being compact enough for most air rifle setups while still offering a robust objective lens size for light transmission.
The scope’s 50mm objective lens delivers crisp, bright images, even in low-light conditions, which is crucial for dawn or dusk shooting. At 1.597 kg, it is a bit heavier than minimalist optics, but the solid build reflects its durability and ability to withstand recoil from both spring-piston and PCP air rifles.
Pros
- FFP Mil Dot reticle provides accurate holdovers at any magnification
- Wide 4–16× magnification range
- Large 50mm objective lens for excellent low-light performance
- Side parallax adjustment ideal for air rifle ranges
- Robust build with recoil resistance for springers and PCP rifles
- Crisp, clear optics with fully multi-coated lenses
- Versatile dimensions for different air rifle setups
Cons
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Heavy
2. Athlon Optics Talos 6-24×50 Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Athlon Optics Talos 6–24×50 riflescope delivers a powerful blend of affordability, clarity, and rugged construction, making it a solid choice for air rifle shooters seeking a versatile optic. With its wide 6–24× magnification range and large 50 mm objective lens, the Talos gives shooters plenty of reach and light-gathering ability, whether for long-range pellet testing, hunting, or precision plinking.
This scope features the ATMR1 SFP IR-Mil reticle, which is illuminated for better visibility in low-light environments. Whether shooting during dawn, dusk, or overcast conditions, the illuminated reticle helps you quickly acquire and hold your target, ensuring accuracy when natural light is fading.
The capped turrets provide a layer of protection against accidental adjustments in the field, while still allowing you to make corrections when necessary.
Durability is another hallmark of the Talos line. Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, this riflescope is engineered to withstand the rigors of the outdoors, from tough terrain to accidental bumps. Internally, it is nitrogen purged, preventing internal fogging and moisture build-up.
This ensures that the Talos remains fogproof and waterproof, giving you the reliability needed in shifting climates and when moving your rifle between warm indoor environments and cold outdoor air.
The inclusion of side parallax adjustment is particularly valuable for air rifle shooting. Pellet trajectories are sensitive to parallax errors, especially at varying distances, and having a side focus lets you fine-tune the sight picture for each range.
Pros
- Wide 6–24× magnification
- ATMR1 SFP IR-Mil illuminated reticle
- Side parallax adjustment
- Aircraft-grade aluminum body
- Nitrogen purging for fogproof and waterproof reliability
- Capped turrets prevent accidental zero shifts in the field
- Good balance of performance and affordability
Cons
- Illumination requires battery management for extended use
3. Presma Solar Powered 3-18X50 Precision Rifle Scope
The Presma Solar Powered 3–18×50 Precision Rifle Scope is an innovative optic that blends advanced technology with practical shooting features, making it an appealing choice for air rifle enthusiasts. With a versatile 3–18× magnification range and a 50 mm objective lens, it provides a crisp, bright sight picture for both close and long-range shooting.
The scope is designed to deliver maximized light transmission and minimized glare, ensuring clarity in challenging lighting conditions a crucial advantage for precision air rifle shooting where pellet placement is everything.
One of the standout features of this scope is its solar-powered illumination system. Equipped with orange, green, and blue tri-color reticle illumination, the Presma allows shooters to adapt their aiming point to different backgrounds and lighting environments.
The illumination system includes a last active color memory function and automated power-off, ensuring ease of use and extended battery life. This makes it especially practical for extended sessions in the field, where efficiency and reliability matter.
The RXR glass reticle adds further value with its dual-function design: the Quick Targeting Round X Circle aids in fast target acquisition, while the range estimation function supports precise long-range shot placement.
Combined with the scope’s first focal plane design, this ensures accurate holdovers and ranging at any magnification setting. These features are particularly useful for air rifle shooters who deal with steep pellet trajectories and frequent range adjustments.
Pros
- Wide 3–18× magnification range
- 50 mm objective lens for bright, crisp images with reduced glare
- Solar-powered tri-color reticle illumination
- Last active color memory function and automated power-off
- RXR glass reticle
- FFP design
- Pin tumbler coil spring system
Cons
- Bulky
4. Sightron SIII PLR 6-24×50 Zero Stop FFP
The Sightron SIII PLR 6–24×50 Zero Stop FFP riflescope is built for shooters who demand precision, versatility, and rugged performance in a high-end optic. With a 6–24× magnification range, it provides air rifle enthusiasts the flexibility to engage targets at varying distances, from close to extended ranges, making it ideal for everything from backyard benchrest shooting to advanced field-target competition.
The 50 mm objective lens enhances light transmission, ensuring bright, clear sight pictures in a variety of lighting conditions.
At the heart of this scope’s design is its first focal plane (FFP) reticle, which maintains accurate subtensions for range estimation and holdovers at every magnification. This feature is particularly valuable for air rifle shooting, where pellet trajectories can vary significantly, and accurate holdover points are essential for consistent accuracy.
Coupled with the illuminated reticle, the SIII PLR provides excellent visibility in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk, giving shooters a distinct advantage during extended shooting sessions.
Another standout feature is the Zero Stop mechanism, which allows quick and reliable return to your preferred zero setting after dialing for elevation adjustments. This makes it easier for air rifle shooters to experiment with long-range pellet drops while ensuring they can always come back to their baseline zero with confidence.
Built to withstand tough conditions, the SIII PLR is engineered for long-term reliability. Its robust construction, crisp optical clarity, and shooter-focused design make it a professional-grade optic that translates seamlessly into air rifle applications.
Pros
- 6–24× magnification range
- 50 mm objective lens
- FFP reticle ensures accurate ranging
- Illuminated reticle improves visibility in low-light environments
- Zero Stop feature enables fast, reliable return to original zero
- Exceptional tracking and repeatability, trusted in precision shooting disciplines
- Rugged and durable construction suitable for demanding use
Cons
- Pricey
5. Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 10-40×56 Riflescope
The Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 10-40×56 Riflescope is a versatile, feature-packed optic that proves itself as one of the best options for air rifle enthusiasts seeking high precision. Built with a wide magnification range from 10x to 40x, this scope offers the kind of detail and clarity required for both short and long-range shooting.
Its 0.125 MOA click value and 50 MOA total adjustment range give shooters a high level of precision, allowing for fine-tuned adjustments to ensure accuracy shot after shot.
One of the standout features is the parallax adjustment from 15 yards to infinity, making it perfectly suited for air rifles, which often require closer focus than traditional centerfire scopes. This flexibility ensures sharp reticle-to-target focus whether you’re practicing at close range or stretching out to longer distances.
In addition, the Precision Zero Stop system provides a highly dependable way to return to your original zero. Even in complete darkness or without visual reference, the system locks you back into your set zero with an audible and tactile stop, giving peace of mind in demanding shooting conditions.
The optics are fully multicoated, reducing glare and increasing light transmission, resulting in brighter, sharper images compared to scopes with single coatings. Combined with its large 56mm objective lens, this ensures excellent clarity even in lower-light conditions, such as dawn or dusk shooting sessions.
Furthermore, its waterproof construction adds durability, safeguarding the scope against rain, moisture, and even accidental submersion.
Although the model features a second focal plane (SFP) reticle, which means the reticle remains the same size at all magnifications, many hunters and target shooters prefer this design. It provides a consistent visual reference point, making it reliable for consistent aiming without the reticle becoming too small at higher magnifications.
Pros
- Wide 10–40x magnification range for versatile short- and long-range shooting
- 0.125 MOA click value allows for extremely fine adjustments
- 50 MOA total adjustment provides flexibility for precision shooting
- 15 yards to infinity parallax adjustment, ideal for air rifles
- Precision Zero Stop system ensures reliable return to zero
- Fully multicoated optics improve brightness and clarity
- Large 56mm objective lens gathers more light for low-light performance
- Waterproof construction ensures durability in harsh conditions
- SFP reticle design maintains a constant reticle size across magnification
- Designed specifically for hunting applications
Cons
-
Large size and weight could be cumbersome on lightweight air rifles
6. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 Riflescope is a premium option that blends tactical-grade features with versatile performance, making it one of the top choices for air rifle shooters who demand precision and reliability.
With its 5–25x magnification range, this scope adapts easily to both close-range plinking and long-range target shooting, ensuring that air rifle enthusiasts can push the limits of accuracy at varying distances.
Its second focal plane reticle remains a constant size throughout magnification changes, giving shooters a clear and consistent aiming point without becoming cluttered at higher zoom levels.
Shooters who rely on dialing adjustments for bullet drop and wind compensation will appreciate the laser-etched turrets, which offer crisp, tactile clicks for reliable adjustments. The RZR Zero Stop is a standout feature, enabling a fast and foolproof return to zero after making multiple elevation adjustments.
The fiber optic rotation indicator adds another layer of user-friendliness by allowing quick confirmation of turret position, which is particularly handy during extended shooting sessions. Combined with the adjustable parallax, these features make the Viper PST Gen II an excellent match for air rifles requiring precise shot placement at variable distances.
Optically, this scope excels with extra-low dispersion glass, which enhances resolution and color fidelity, and XR fully multi-coated lenses that maximize light transmission for crisp, bright images. The Armortek coatings further safeguard the lenses from scratches, dirt, and oil, ensuring long-lasting optical clarity even under frequent use.
With a field of view ranging from 24.1 to 4.8 ft at 100 yards, the scope provides situational awareness at lower magnifications while allowing precision target acquisition at higher zoom levels.
Pros
- Wide 5–25x magnification range
- Laser-etched turrets provide precise and repeatable adjustments
- RZR Zero Stop allows quick, reliable return to zero
- Fiber optic rotation indicator
- Extra-low dispersion glass improves clarity and color accuracy
- XR fully multi-coated lenses boost brightness and resolution
- Armortek lens coatings
- Waterproof and fog-proof
- Durable single-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Illuminated reticle with 10 intensity settings
Cons
-
Relatively heavy and large
6 Best FFP Scopes for Air Rifle Buying Guide
Magnification
The magnification range of an FFP scope plays a crucial role in determining its versatility. For air rifles, a moderate to high magnification. Lower magnification provides a wider field of view for fast target acquisition, while higher magnification helps in precision shooting at extended ranges. Choosing the right magnification depends on whether you primarily shoot small game at moderate distances or engage in long-range target practice.
Reticle Design and Illumination
FFP scopes offer the advantage of reticles that scale with magnification, ensuring accurate holdovers and range estimation at all zoom levels. For air rifles, reticles with mil-dot, BDC or specialized ranging designs are especially useful for accounting for pellet drop and wind drift.
Additionally, illuminated reticles improve visibility in low-light conditions such as dusk or dawn, allowing you to maintain accuracy even when ambient light is poor.
Lens Quality and Coatings
Optical clarity is vital for precision shooting. Look for scopes with fully multi-coated lenses and extra-low dispersion glass, which enhance light transmission, reduce glare, and improve image sharpness and color fidelity. For air rifle use, this means clearer target identification and improved performance during challenging lighting conditions.
Durability and Build Quality
Air rifles, especially those with spring-piston mechanisms, can produce unique recoil patterns that demand robust optics. Scopes built from aircraft-grade aluminum provide excellent strength without adding unnecessary weight. Durability features like shock resistance, waterproofing, and fog proofing through nitrogen or argon purging ensure the scope can withstand harsh weather and sudden temperature shifts.
Weight and Size
The overall size and weight of the scope should complement the balance of your air rifle. A heavy, bulky scope may affect handling, especially on lightweight rifles. On the other hand, a solid, full-sized scope with a 50–56mm objective lens provides superior light transmission but adds weight. Finding the right balance ensures you get the performance you need without compromising maneuverability, particularly important for hunters who carry their rifles for extended periods.
Read:
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6 Best FFP Scopes for Air Rifle FAQs
- What magnification range is best for air rifles?
The best magnification depends on your shooting application. For general hunting and plinking, a 3–12x or 4–16x range is sufficient, offering a balance between field of view and precision. If you plan on long-range target shooting, higher magnification scopes such as 6–24x or even 10–40x are better suited, though they may add weight to your setup.
- Do I need an illuminated reticle on an FFP air rifle scope?
While not absolutely necessary, an illuminated reticle can be very beneficial for shooting in low-light conditions, such as dawn, dusk, or dense woodland environments. The illumination makes the reticle more visible against dark backgrounds, helping you maintain accuracy when natural light is poor.
- How important is parallax adjustment for air rifles?
Parallax adjustment is crucial for air rifle scopes because many air rifle shots are taken at closer ranges than firearms. Scopes with parallax adjustment that starts at 10–15 yards allow for precise aiming and eliminate parallax errors at short distances. A side focus adjustment is especially convenient, as it allows quick corrections without changing your shooting position.
Conclusion
Selecting the 6 Best FFP Scopes for Air Rifle comes down to balancing clarity, durability, magnification range, and user-friendly adjustments. Whether you are target shooting at long distances or hunting in low-light conditions, a well-chosen FFP scope ensures your reticle remains accurate and your shots stay consistent. Investing in a quality FFP scope is more than an upgrade it’s a step toward unlocking your air rifle’s full potential.