The 7 Best Scopes For Pellet Rifles are multipurpose firearms that fire pellets, which are tiny, cylindrical projectiles. These rifles are widely used for recreational shooting, small-game hunting, target shooting, and pest management. Pellet guns are quieter and less expensive to run than conventional firearms because they use compressed air, CO2 cartridges, or spring-piston motors to drive the pellets.
Although the 7 Best Scopes For Pellet Rifles come in a variety of calibers, the most popular ones are.177 and.22. Because of its faster velocity and flatter trajectory, the.177 caliber is frequently used for target shooting; on the other hand, the.22 caliber has more impact and is therefore perfect for hunting and controlling pests. Modern pellet rifles may use CO2-powered, break-barrel, or pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) systems, and they can be single-shot or multi-shot.
One major benefit of 7 Best Scopes For Pellet Rifles is their accuracy; several of them can fire accurate bullets at distances of at least fifty yards. Their accuracy is further improved with high-quality optics, particularly for long-range shooting or hunting. Pellet rifles are appropriate for both novice and expert shooters due to their minimal recoil and quieter operation.
7 Best Scopes For Pellet Rifles
1. Hawke Vantage 3-9×40 AO Mil-Dot
The Vantage 3-9×40 AO offers a magnification range of 3x to 9x, making it ideal for short- to mid-range shooting. The 40mm objective lens provides ample light-gathering capability, ensuring bright, clear images in various lighting conditions. The fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission and reduce glare for better clarity.
The Mil-Dot reticle is a favorite among shooters for its versatility. It provides multiple aiming points for holdover and windage corrections, making it suitable for distance estimation and compensating for bullet drop. This feature is especially useful for hunting or shooting in varying conditions.
The low-profile turrets allow for precise windage and elevation adjustments with clear, audible clicks. Each click adjusts by 1/4 MOA, providing shooters with fine control over their point of impact. The fast-focus eyepiece ensures quick reticle adjustments for a crisp view.
A standout feature of the scope is its adjustable objective (AO), which allows shooters to correct parallax and achieve precise focus. The parallax adjustment can be made from 10 yards to infinity, ensuring accuracy at both close and long distances.
Specifications
- Second Focal Plane
- Fully Multi-Coated
- Waterproof, Shockproof, and Fogproof
- Nitrogen Purged
- Tube Diameter is 1 inch (25.4mm)
- Eye Relief is 89mm
- Magnification is 3-9x
- Objective Lens Diameter is 40mm
2. UTG 3-9×32 AO BugBuster
The UTG 3-9×32 AO BugBuster riflescope is a well-liked and adaptable optic made to deliver outstanding performance for a range of shooting uses. This scope is well-known for its affordability, tough construction, and amazing features, making it a great option for shooters on a tight budget and outdoor enthusiasts.
The UTG BugBuster offers a 3-9x magnification range, making it suitable for both close- and mid-range shooting. Its 32mm adjustable objective (AO) lens allows users to eliminate parallax, ensuring sharp focus from 3 yards to infinity. This is particularly beneficial for precision shooting, small game hunting, and plinking.
The scope features a mil-dot reticle with 9 dots in each direction, providing accurate range estimation and holdover points for windage and elevation adjustments. This reticle enhances versatility, especially for shooters engaging targets at varying distances.
The UTG 3-9×32 BugBuster is built with durability in mind. It boasts a True Strength Platform that ensures a shockproof, fog-proof, and rainproof performance, even in harsh conditions. The scope’s robust construction allows it to withstand heavy recoil, making it suitable for airguns, rimfire, and centerfire rifles.
Its compact design, at just 8.1 inches long and weighing approximately 13.9 ounces, makes it lightweight and easy to maneuver. This is particularly ideal for AR-style rifles or other platforms where weight and size are critical considerations.
The BugBuster scope includes premium zero-locking and zero-reset turrets that provide precise and consistent adjustments with audible clicks. The 1/4 MOA per click adjustment ensures accuracy and repeatability. The inclusion of red and green dual illumination allows shooters to adapt to varying light conditions, enhancing reticle visibility during dawn, dusk, or in shaded environments.
Specifications
- 1/4 MOA per click
- 3-9x magnification range
- 32mm adjustable objective
- Tube Diameter is 1 inch
- Length is 8.11 inches (206mm)
- Weight is 13.9 ounces
- Shockproof, Fogproof, and Rainproof
- High-quality Quick-Detach (QD) rings
3. Barska 4-16×50 AO Varmint Rifle Scope
The Barska 4-16×50 AO Varmint Rifle Scope is dependable scope made to shoot accurately for long-range target and varmint hunting applications. For shooters looking for precision on a budget, this scope, which is well-known for its practical features and cost, provides good performance.
The adjustable objective is a standout feature, enabling parallax correction from 10 yards to infinity. This is particularly useful for precision shooting, as it eliminates parallax errors and ensures targets appear sharp and in focus at any distance.
The 4-16x magnification range allows shooters to engage targets at varying distances, from medium to long range. Combined with a large 50mm objective lens, the scope provides excellent light-gathering capability, ensuring bright and clear images even in low-light conditions, such as dawn or dusk.
The scope features a mil-dot reticle, which helps shooters estimate range and windage adjustments with ease. This reticle type is ideal for varmint hunters and target shooters who require quick holdover references. Fully coated optics enhance light transmission, delivering crisp and high-contrast visuals.
The scope is equipped with 1/8 MOA click adjustments for windage and elevation, allowing precise fine-tuning for accurate shot placement. The finger-adjustable turrets make zeroing straightforward and repeatable, ensuring consistent results.
The Barska 4-16×50 AO Varmint Scope is ideal for a variety of shooting applications, including hunting small game, plinking, and long-range target shooting. Its versatility, combined with a wide magnification range and parallax adjustment, makes it a practical choice for varmint hunters and precision shooters.
Specifications
- 1/8 MOA click adjustments
- Features a mil-dot reticle
- 4–16x magnification
- 50mm is the objective lens diameter.
- The tube has a diameter of 1 inch.
- Sturdy aluminum structure
- It weighs roughly 22.3 ounces.
- It is 15.9 inches long.
- 3.6 inches is the eye relief.
4. CenterPoint TAG 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope LR394RG2
The CenterPoint TAG 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope LR394RG2 is a reasonably priced and adaptable optic made to satisfy the demands of target shooters and hunters who want accuracy and dependability. This scope, which was made with longevity and affordability in mind, works well for medium-range shooting with a variety of calibers and firearms.
The scope offers a magnification range of 3-9x, making it flexible for close to mid-range shots. At 3x magnification, users can quickly acquire targets at close distances, while the 9x setting provides ample magnification for accurate shots at extended ranges. The 40mm objective lens gathers sufficient light for a bright, clear image, particularly in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk.
The CenterPoint TAG 3-9x40mm scope features a TAG (Trajectory Aiming Guide) reticle, designed to simplify bullet drop compensation. This illuminated reticle provides quick and accurate holdovers for known distances, making it easier to adjust for elevation without complicated manual calculations. The reticle has both red and green illumination settings, allowing users to optimize visibility in varying lighting conditions.
The scope can operate in harsh weather conditions and on rough terrain because it is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof. It is a reliable option for outdoor settings because of its single-piece tube structure, which increases its robustness. The scope has accurate elevation and windage turrets that can be adjusted by 1/4 MOA to fine-tune accuracy. Point-of-impact performance can be dependable and repeatable when shooters set a parallax-free focus at 100 yards.
Specifications
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof
- 1/4 MOA adjustments
- Offers a magnification range of 3-9x
- Multi-coated lenses reduce glare
- Features precise windage and elevation turrets
- Eye relief of approximately 3.5 inches
5. Leapers UTG 4-16×44 AO Compact Scope
The Leapers UTG 4-16×44 AO Compact Scope is a small and adaptable riflescope made for a range of shooting uses, such as target practice, hunting, and tactical use. With a 44mm objective lens and a 4–16x magnification range, this scope provides accuracy and versatility for both close-quarters and long-range shooting, making it a popular option for shooters who need dependable performance under a variety of circumstances.
The 4-16x magnification range provides a wide field of view at lower magnifications for close-range shooting, while the higher magnification is ideal for precision shooting at longer distances. The 44mm objective lens allows for plenty of light transmission, improving clarity and brightness even in low-light conditions. The adjustable objective (AO) offers parallax adjustment, allowing users to eliminate parallax errors at various distances, improving accuracy.
The scope comes with a Mil-dot reticle, which is ideal for range estimation, windage, and elevation adjustments. The Mil-dot reticle provides a grid of dots that help the shooter estimate distances and adjust for bullet drop and windage. This feature is particularly useful for long-range shooting and tactical applications.
The Leapers UTG 4-16×44 AO Compact Scope is built with durability in mind. It features a shockproof, fogproof, and rainproof design, making it suitable for use in a variety of weather conditions. The scope’s construction ensures that it can handle the recoil of high-powered rifles, ensuring long-term reliability.
The turrets are designed for precision adjustments, with click-value adjustments for windage and elevation. The scope provides 1/4 MOA adjustments, which give shooters fine control over their shots. The turrets are also resettable to zero, allowing for quick adjustments when switching between shooting distances.
Specifications
- Second focal plane
- 4–16x magnification
- The objective lens’s diameter is 44 mm.
- The tube has a 1-inch diameter.
- It is 12.20 inches long.
- Mil-dot or other reticle choices
- Each click is 1/4 MOA.
- Shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof
- 3.2 inches is the eye relief.
6. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane (SFP) riflescopes are frequently used by hunters and competitive shooters due to their low cost, strong build, and outstanding performance. A fantastic option for both inexperienced and seasoned shooters, the Strike Eagle series is made to be dependable and versatile in a range of shooting scenarios.
The Strike Eagle SFP riflescopes feature a reticle that remains the same size throughout the magnification range. This is particularly useful for shooters who prefer to use the reticle for quick target acquisition at lower magnifications and for engaging targets at varying distances without having to adjust for changes in reticle size. While SFP scopes are not ideal for long-range precision shooting where an accurate holdover is critical, they are highly effective for close to mid-range engagements.
The Strike Eagle SFP riflescopes come in several magnification ranges, with the most popular being the 1-6x24mm and 4-24x50mm options. The 1-6x model is perfect for close-quarters engagements, while the 4-24x model is great for longer-range shooting, offering flexibility for both tactical and hunting purposes.
The riflescope features tactical-style turrets that allow for easy and precise adjustments for windage and elevation. The turrets are also resettable to zero, making field adjustments quicker and simpler.
Specifications
- Second Focal Plane (SFP) Reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- O-ring sealed for waterproof performance.
- Fog-proof due to nitrogen purging.
- Shockproof for rugged use.
- Aluminum fabrication of aircraft quality
- Shock and impact resistant
- Coatings that don’t reflect light
- Shockproof and water/fog resistant
- Eyepiece with Fast Focus
- Bright Reticle
7. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope
A flexible and reasonably priced optic, the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope is made for hunters, shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts who want excellent performance without going over budget.
The 3-9x zoom range, paired with a 40mm objective lens, provides a flexible field of view. The 3x magnification is ideal for closer-range shots, while the 9x magnification allows for more accurate shots at longer distances. The 40mm objective lens helps gather light, ensuring a bright and clear image, even in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk.
The Crossfire II features a second focal plane reticle, meaning the reticle remains the same size regardless of magnification. This simplifies ranging and holdovers since the reticle’s subtensions (spacing between lines) do not change as you zoom in or out. While this may not be ideal for long-range precision shooting, it’s perfectly suited for typical hunting and target shooting scenarios.
The Crossfire II is built to withstand harsh environments. It is constructed with a single-piece tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum, which ensures strength and resistance to recoil. Additionally, it is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, making it waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof—ideal for all-weather hunting and shooting.
Specifications
- 40mm objective lens
- 3-9x zoom range
- Second Focal Plane
- 1-inch tube
- Windage and elevation adjustments
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Factors to consider when choosing the 7 Best Scopes For Pellet Rifles
Magnification
The magnification range is crucial when selecting a scope for a pellet rifle. A fixed or variable magnification scope with a range of 3x to 9x is ideal for most pellet rifle applications. For target shooting, a higher magnification allows for fine adjustments and greater accuracy, while for pest control, a lower magnification (around 3x) may be sufficient. Look for scopes with a versatile zoom range to accommodate different distances and shooting conditions.
Objective Lens
The objective lens size influences the amount of light that enters the scope, affecting the brightness and clarity of the image. Larger objective lenses (around 40mm to 50mm) provide better light gathering, making them ideal for low-light conditions. However, larger lenses can add bulk and weight. A 32mm to 40mm objective lens is typically sufficient for pellet rifles, striking a balance between light transmission and compactness.
Reticle Type
The reticle is the aiming point within the scope. For pellet rifles, consider reticles that allow for precise holdovers and windage adjustments, such as mil-dot or duplex reticles. Mil-dot reticles are popular for long-range shooting, as they can be used for range estimation and bullet drop compensation. A simple crosshair or duplex reticle may be sufficient for shorter-range shooting.
Durability
The 7 Best Scopes For Pellet Rifles can generate considerable recoil, which may affect the scope’s longevity and performance. Opt for scopes that are specifically designed to withstand the recoil of pellet rifles. Look for scopes that are shockproof, waterproof, and fog-resistant to ensure they function reliably in all weather conditions. A sturdy, nitrogen-purged housing will prevent fogging, which is crucial for clear sight pictures in humid conditions.
Weight and Size
Since pellet rifles are often lightweight, a heavy scope can affect the balance and handling. Choose a scope that complements the weight of your rifle. Compact and lightweight scopes are generally easier to handle and less cumbersome for extended shooting sessions.
7 Best Scopes For Pellet Rifles FAQs
- What type of reticle should I choose for a pellet rifle scope?
A mil-dot or duplex reticle is commonly preferred for pellet rifles. These reticles help with range estimation and holdover, which can be useful when shooting at varying distances.
- Is eye relief important for pellet rifle scopes?
Yes, adequate eye relief is crucial for comfort and safety, especially with spring-piston air rifles, which produce more recoil. A larger eye relief (around 3.5 inches or more) is preferred to prevent scope bite.
- What is the best type of scope for a spring-powered pellet rifle?
For spring-powered pellet rifles, a scope that is specifically rated as “airgun” or “springer-rated” is recommended. These scopes are built to withstand the unique recoil from spring-powered air rifles.
Conclusion
In the end, When choosing the 7 Best Scopes For Pellet Rifles. the shooter’s requirements, the type of weapon, and the intended application determine which scope is appropriate for a pellet gun. Models from companies like Hawke, UTG, and Vortex are popular options since they provide a variety of features catered to airgun aficionados. best wishes for your next hunting travels.