The 7 Best Scopes for PCP Air Rifles have gained popularity among hunters, target shooters, and pest controllers due to their accuracy, consistency, and power. To unlock their full potential, pairing them with the right optic is essential.
The 7 Best Scopes for PCP Air Rifles combine clarity, precision, and durability, ensuring reliable performance in various shooting conditions. From adjustable magnification for versatile range use to robust reticles that aid in holdover and windage corrections, these scopes are designed to complement the unique characteristics of PCP airguns.
Whether you’re stalking small game, taking precise long-range shots, or practicing at the range, the right scope can elevate your shooting experience to the next level.
7 Best Scopes for PCP Air Rifles
1. Hawke Airmax 30 Compact Riflescope
The Hawke Airmax 30 Compact is a compelling optic designed with the airgun shooter in mind. Built by Hawke a brand well known for producing airgun-friendly scopes this model delivers a balance of magnification range, parallax control, robust build, and illuminated reticle in a relatively compact package. Below are the key features, followed by an assessment of its strong points and shortcomings for PCP air rifle users.
The scope offers a 3 to 12× magnification range. On the lower end (3×) you have enough field of view for short-range shots, quick target acquisition, or even moving targets. The upper end (12×) permits more precision at longer distances, allowing fine aiming and holdover adjustments that many PCP shooters demand.
Its 40 mm objective lens helps gather adequate light to maintain image brightness, contrast, and clarity, especially under dawn or dusk conditions though it’s not the biggest lens around, it’s a solid trade-off between size, weight, and optical performance.
The illuminated reticle is a valuable luxury for PCP users. In low-light or shaded forest settings the reticle illumination (often in red or green in Hawke’s lineup) makes it easier to pick up the aiming mark quickly without overwhelming brightness. This aids in twilight shots or when tracking targets in dim light.
The compact design helps reduce bulk without compromising on the optical qualities PCP shooters expect.
Though the style is compact, this scope is clearly built for rifles (compatible devices listed: rifle). With its magnification range, reticle, and parallax adjustments, the Hawke Airmax 30 Compact is suited for both hunting and target work with PCP air rifles.
Its construction and feature set help resist typical recoil, vibration, and environmental factors.
Pros
- Ample magnification range
- 30 mm main tube allows more
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Durable
- Its 40 mm objective lens
Cons
- Heavy
2. Hawke Sport Optics Airmax EV 4-12x40AO AMX Riflescope
The Hawke Sport Optics Airmax EV 4-12x40AO AMX is a scope that blends precision optics with airgun-specific design features, making it one of the top contenders for PCP air rifles. With its fully multi-coated lenses, adjustable objective parallax control, and glass-etched AMX reticle, it delivers the clarity, precision, and durability that PCP shooters demand. Add in the included Match Mount 1-inch 2-piece ring set, and you’re getting a scope designed to go straight onto your rifle with confidence.
The Airmax EV 4-12x40AO uses fully multi-coated lenses with 16 layers of coating, ensuring exceptional light transmission and sharp clarity. Whether shooting in bright daylight or under cloud cover, the image remains crisp and distortion-free.
Its glass-etched AMX reticle is purpose-built for air rifles, giving precise holdover points for elevation and windage. The fast-focus eyebell further enhances usability, letting you adjust quickly to achieve a razor-sharp sight picture.
One of the standout features is the wide view optical system, designed with airgunners in mind. This expanded field of view allows you to quickly acquire targets and maintain situational awareness, whether you’re hunting small game or engaging in precision target shooting.
Air rifles are particularly sensitive to parallax error at close-to-mid ranges. The adjustable objective (AO) on this model provides precise parallax correction, ensuring your reticle stays accurate across different distances. This feature makes it a strong fit for PCP rifles, which excel in accuracy at 20–100 yards where parallax can make or break a shot.
Pros
- 16-layer fully multi-coated lenses
- Glass-etched AMX reticle
- Offers precise holdovers for airgun trajectories
- Wide view optical system
- Adjustable objective
- Rugged construction handles varied weather and recoil
- Includes Match Mount ring set for easy, secure mounting
Cons
-
Slightly heavy
3. Vortex Crossfire HD Second Focal Plane, 30mm Tube Riflescopes
The Vortex Crossfire HD Second Focal Plane (SFP) riflescope is a strong contender for PCP air rifle shooters who demand high-resolution optics, dependable reticle performance, and rugged durability. With its versatile 6–18× magnification, HD optical system, and reliable Dead-Hold BDC reticle, this scope provides a great balance between long-range precision and low-light hunting performance.
The Crossfire HD riflescope is built with an HD Optical System, using carefully selected glass elements to reduce chromatic aberration and deliver sharp resolution with edge-to-edge clarity. For PCP users, this means you can clearly see small targets, like pests or paper, at extended ranges without distortion. The color fidelity is excellent, providing a natural and bright sight picture.
To further boost performance, the lenses are fully multi-coated with anti-reflective coatings across all air-to-glass surfaces. This increases light transmission, which is especially valuable when shooting at dawn or dusk. For PCP shooters who often hunt small game in wooded areas or shaded conditions, the improved brightness and clarity make a noticeable difference.
The scope is equipped with the Dead-Hold BDC reticle, trusted for its holdover and windage guidance. This makes it perfect for air rifles where pellet drop and drift need to be compensated at varying distances.
Adding to this, the illuminated floating center dot allows for rapid, precise aiming in low-light scenarios. Whether you’re shooting at 25 yards or stretching your PCP rifle out to 100 yards, the reticle supports fast and accurate adjustments.
The fast focus eyepiece ensures quick reticle focusing, making target acquisition seamless in both timbered terrain and open fields. The scope also features adjustable parallax, a must-have for PCP rifles, since airgun trajectories vary greatly by distance. This ensures the reticle remains accurate and sharp across your shooting range.
Pros
- HD Optical System delivers sharp resolution and edge-to-edge clarity
- Fully multi-coated lenses enhance brightness in low-light conditions
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Adjustable parallax improves accuracy at variable distances
- Fast focus eyepiece allows quick reticle adjustment
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction is durable and weather-resistant
Cons
- Expensive
4. Leapers UTG 3-12X44 30mm Scope
The Leapers UTG 3-12×44 riflescope has long been a favorite among PCP air rifle shooters for its balance of affordability, durability, and reliable optical performance. Built on UTG’s well-regarded True Strength Platform, this scope is designed to handle the unique recoil of air rifles while delivering consistent accuracy.
With its wide magnification range, emerald-coated lenses, and robust construction, it’s a practical choice for both target shooters and hunters looking to maximize their PCP rifle’s potential.
The 3-12× magnification makes this scope highly versatile, suitable for short- to mid-range airgun shooting. Whether you’re plinking at 25 yards or engaging small game at 100 yards, the magnification range provides both a wide field of view and the ability to zoom in for precision shots.
The 44 mm objective lens combined with multi emerald-coated lenses optimizes light transmission, ensuring clear, bright images even in challenging light conditions.
The scope is built on UTG’s True Strength Platform, which ensures reliability under repeated recoil and use. It is nitrogen-filled and completely sealed, giving it shockproof, fogproof, and rainproof performance.
This ruggedness makes it particularly well-suited for PCP rifles, which may not generate the same recoil as powder burners but still benefit from optics that can withstand vibrations and environmental stress.
Pros
- Wide 3–12× magnification range
- Multi emerald-coated lenses deliver bright, clear images
- Built on rugged True Strength Platform for long-lasting durability
- Shockproof, fogproof, and rainproof performance
- 30 mm tube with 44 mm objective
- Precise 0.25 MOA click adjustments for accuracy
- Comes with a limited lifetime warranty
Cons
-
Eye relief could be a bit tight for some shooters
5. SIG SAUER Buckmasters 3-9x40mm 1″ Tube Second Focal Plane
The SIG SAUER Buckmasters 3-9x40mm SFP Riflescope stands out as a versatile and dependable optic designed for hunters who demand precision and durability. With its 3x optical system and low-dispersion glass, this scope delivers sharp, clear images across all magnification levels, making it a reliable choice for both close-range and extended-range PCP air rifle shooting. Its balance of clarity, magnification, and ruggedness makes it highly practical for field use.
One of the key highlights is the Hellfire Buckmasters BDC illuminated reticle. Placed in the second focal plane, the reticle offers six brightness settings to adapt easily to different lighting conditions whether you’re hunting in shaded timber or during low-light twilight hours.
The BDC holdover dots extend out to 500 yards, making long-range shooting more manageable, and the reticle is also compatible with the Buckmasters 1500 Rangefinder (sold separately), adding another layer of precision for hunters who like pairing optics with rangefinding technology.
Durability is another area where this scope shines. Built with an IPX6 waterproof rating, and designed to be shockproof and fog-proof, the Buckmasters 3-9x40mm is ready for unpredictable field conditions.
The inclusion of lay-flat flip-back lens covers ensures the lenses stay protected when not in use. At just 14.7 ounces, it maintains a lightweight profile without compromising ruggedness, making it comfortable to mount on PCP air rifles without excessive weight.
Adaptability is further enhanced by the integrated thread-in throw lever, which allows for quick magnification adjustments on the fly. Whether zooming in for a precise shot or zooming out for a wider field of view, the scope transitions smoothly.
Pros
- Clear, sharp images
- Hellfire Buckmasters BDC illuminated reticle with 6 brightness settings
- Holdover dots effective out to 500 yards
- Durable IPX6 waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof construction
- Includes flip-back lens covers for protection
- Integrated throw lever for fast magnification adjustments
- Lightweight (14.7 oz) yet rugged design
Cons
- Maximum magnification of 9x may not satisfy extreme long-range shooters
6. Burris Fullfield II Hunting Scope, Ballistic Plex Reticle
The Burris Fullfield II Hunting Scope is a popular and premium choice among traditional hunters, offering exceptional performance at an affordable price point. Built with high-grade optical glass, it delivers excellent brightness, sharpness, and long-lasting durability, making it well-suited for PCP air rifle shooters who demand precision in a rugged, dependable optic.
One of its standout features is the impressive 20x magnification, which gives hunters the power to reach out to long-range targets with ease. Paired with a large 50mm objective lens, the scope collects plenty of light, ensuring a bright, clear view even in low-light conditions like early mornings or dusk hunts.
The Ballistic Mil-Dot reticle enhances the scope’s versatility by providing reliable holdover points and windage references. This feature is particularly useful when shooting at extended distances, allowing shooters to compensate quickly for bullet drop and crosswinds. Combined with Burris’s reputation for quality optics, the reticle design helps maximize accuracy and confidence in the field.
Pros
- High-grade optical glass for clear, bright, and sharp images
- 20x magnification for excellent long-range performance
- 50mm objective lens
- Ballistic Mil-Dot reticle
- Rugged and durable design built for field use
- Affordable pricing for a premium-quality hunting scope
Cons
- Heavy
7. Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 1-8×24 Riflescope
The Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 1-8×24 riflescope is a versatile and durable optic designed to perform under demanding conditions, making it an excellent option for PCP air rifle users. Built with precision in mind, this scope offers a 0.5 MOA click value and 100 MOA total adjustment, ensuring fine-tuned accuracy and flexibility across different shooting scenarios.
The 100-yard fixed parallax setting is optimized for stability and sharpness, particularly useful for hunting and medium-range shooting applications.
Its fully multicoated optics effectively reduce reflected light while maximizing light transmission, providing a much brighter and clearer image compared to standard single-coated lenses. This feature makes a significant difference in maintaining target visibility, especially in low-light conditions often encountered in the field.
For hunters who often shoot at dawn or dusk, the illuminated reticle enhances visibility and allows precise aiming in environments with low ambient light. The etched glass reticle adds durability and shock resistance, ensuring it withstands the recoil from PCP air rifles while maintaining reticle clarity and alignment.
Additionally, the second focal plane (SFP) design ensures that the reticle remains the same size at all magnifications, offering a consistent visual reference regardless of zoom level. This feature makes it easier for hunters to use holdover points and quickly adjust without losing confidence in their aim.
Pros
- 0.5 MOA click adjustments
- Fully multicoated optics deliver bright, sharp images with excellent clarity
- Illuminated reticle enhances visibility in low-light conditions
- Etched glass reticle
- SFP design keeps reticle size constant across magnifications for ease of use
- Rugged build designed for hunting and field reliability
Cons
-
SFP design may not suit shooters who prefer FFP
Factors to consider when choosing the 7 Best Scopes for PCP Air Rifles
Magnification
One of the first things to evaluate is the magnification range. PCP air rifles are versatile and often used for both short- and medium-range shooting, so a scope with variable magnification such as 3-9x, 4-12x, or even 6-18x allows you to adapt to different shooting conditions. Lower magnification provides a wider field of view for quick target acquisition at closer ranges, while higher magnification gives you the precision needed for longer-distance shots.
Objective Lens
The diameter of the objective lens directly impacts light transmission and image brightness. Larger objective lenses, like 44mm or 50mm, gather more light, which improves clarity in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk hunting.
However, bigger lenses can add weight and bulk, so it’s important to strike a balance between light-gathering ability and portability based on your shooting style.
Reticle Design
The reticle is a crucial feature for accuracy. Many scopes for PCP rifles come with specialized reticles like Ballistic Plex, BDC, or Mil-Dot, which provide holdover points and windage adjustments. Illuminated reticles are particularly useful in low-light environments, while etched glass reticles offer durability and precision.
The right reticle will help you compensate for pellet drop and environmental factors, enhancing consistency and confidence in your shots.
Durability and Build Quality
The 7 Best Scopes for PCP Air Rifles can produce noticeable recoil, so your scope needs to be tough enough to handle repeated use without losing zero. Look for scopes built from aircraft-grade aluminum or other durable materials, with features like shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof construction.
Nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed designs further ensure the scope performs reliably in all weather conditions. A strong build ensures long-term performance and protects your investment.
Optical Quality
Clarity and brightness are essential for precise shooting. High-quality scopes feature fully multicoated lenses that maximize light transmission and minimize glare, providing clear, sharp images even in challenging lighting conditions.
Some scopes include HD or low-dispersion glass, which reduces chromatic aberration and improves color fidelity. Better optical quality translates directly into improved target visibility and accuracy.
Parallax Adjustment
Parallax adjustment is especially important for PCP air rifle shooters because pellet trajectories can vary significantly over distance. Scopes with adjustable objectives (AO) or side focus allow you to fine-tune the parallax at different ranges, ensuring the reticle stays aligned with your target. This feature improves accuracy for both short-range pest control and long-range hunting, making it an essential consideration for precision shooting.
Weight and Size
While performance features are crucial, the physical weight and size of your scope also matter. Larger scopes with big objective lenses and high magnification ranges may deliver superior optics but can make your rifle heavy and unwieldy.
Compact and lightweight scopes are easier to carry and better suited for quick shots in the field. The ideal choice depends on whether you prioritize portability for stalking game or higher performance for stationary long-range shooting.
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FAQs of the 7 Best Scopes for PCP Air Rifles
- What magnification is best for a PCP air rifle scope?
The ideal magnification depends on how you plan to use your PCP air rifle. For general hunting and pest control at close to medium ranges, a 3-9x or 4-12x scope is usually sufficient. For long-range precision shooting, higher magnification scopes such as 6-18x or 20x can provide the extra detail needed for accurate shot placement.
- Do PCP air rifles need special scopes?
Yes, PCP air rifles benefit from scopes designed to handle their unique recoil and trajectory patterns. While they don’t generate as much recoil as spring-piston air rifles, PCP rifles still require durable, shockproof optics that hold zero consistently. Scopes with parallax adjustment are especially valuable, as pellet ballistics are more affected by distance compared to centerfire rifles.
- Is an illuminated reticle necessary for PCP air rifle scopes?
An illuminated reticle isn’t strictly necessary but can be extremely helpful. For hunters who shoot in low-light environments, such as dawn or dusk, illumination improves visibility of the reticle against darker backgrounds. It allows quicker target acquisition and greater accuracy, especially when paired with fully multicoated lenses for better light transmission.
- What size objective lens is best for PCP air rifles?
Objective lens size determines how much light the scope gathers. A 40mm to 44mm objective lens is often ideal, offering a good balance of brightness and manageable weight. Larger lenses, such as 50mm, provide superior low-light performance but add extra bulk and may require higher mounting rings. For a PCP rifle setup, choosing the right balance between clarity and portability is key.
Conclusion
Choosing the 7 Best Scopes for PCP Air Rifles comes down to finding the perfect balance of magnification, optical quality, durability, and reticle design that fits your needs. From compact, lightweight optics for close-range hunting to powerful high-magnification models for long-distance precision, today’s market offers options for every shooter.
By considering the above factors you can select a scope that maximizes accuracy and confidence in every shot. A well-matched scope doesn’t just enhance your rifle it enhances your overall shooting success.