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10 Best Airgun Scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Duplex Reticle Riflescope

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,124
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle Type

Most important from
349 reviews

Magnification
Its FireDot second focal plane reticle and versatile magnification perfectly suit typical hunting distances without overcomplicating the setup.
Objective Lens Diameter
The scope delivers exceptional clarity and is straightforward to adjust, enhancing the shooting experience.
Reticle Type
Its FireDot second focal plane reticle and versatile magnification perfectly suit typical hunting distances without overcomplicating the setup.

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 riflescope is a versatile and high-quality choice for hunters and shooting enthusiasts looking for a reliable airgun scope. Its wide magnification range (3x to 15x) makes it suitable for both close and more distant targets, while the 40mm objective lens offers a good balance between light gathering and compact size. The illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle helps with quick target acquisition in varying light conditions, though it doesn’t include night vision compatibility.

One of the standout features is the CDS-ZL2 elevation adjustment system with ZeroLock, which allows precise and repeatable dial settings without accidental changes. The side focus parallax adjustment is handy for fine-tuning focus from different shooting positions, improving accuracy. The scope’s field of view is fairly wide at 38.3 feet, giving a good sight picture for improved situational awareness. Durability-wise, this scope is built tough with waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction, plus hydrophobic lens coatings that repel water and dirt, so it stays clear with minimal maintenance. It’s made from aluminum and weighs about 1 pound, which is manageable but slightly heavier than some ultra-light models.

Though the scope lacks night vision compatibility and is positioned at a premium price point, the lifetime warranty and excellent customer support add good value and peace of mind. This scope is a solid pick for serious hunters or shooters who want precise adjustments, clear optics, and rugged reliability in an airgun or rifle scope.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,124
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle Type

Most important from
349 reviews

Magnification
Its FireDot second focal plane reticle and versatile magnification perfectly suit typical hunting distances without overcomplicating the setup.
Objective Lens Diameter
The scope delivers exceptional clarity and is straightforward to adjust, enhancing the shooting experience.
Reticle Type
Its FireDot second focal plane reticle and versatile magnification perfectly suit typical hunting distances without overcomplicating the setup.
#2

Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x50 (1 inch) Hunt-Plex Riflescope

Rating
8.2
Field of View

Most important from
236 reviews

Field of View
Super clarity, great light gathering.

The Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x50 (1 inch) Hunt-Plex Riflescope offers a strong set of features that cater well to hunting enthusiasts. With a magnification range of 4-12x, it provides versatility for both close and long-range shooting. The 50mm objective lens diameter ensures a bright image, which is essential for low light hunting situations. The Hunt-Plex reticle in the second focal plane stays the same size regardless of magnification adjustments, making it ideal for quick target acquisition in various lighting conditions.

Additionally, the scope's advanced optical system delivers excellent light transmission and glare reduction, ensuring clear and sharp images. The durable aluminum construction, combined with hardened surface coatings, makes this riflescope highly resistant to scratches and harsh environments. Being waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof further enhances its reliability in the field. However, the scope does not include parallax adjustment, which might be a drawback for precise long-range shooting.

Given its robust features, the VX-Freedom 4-12x50 is a solid choice for hunters looking for a reliable and clear riflescope for various shooting distances.

Rating
8.2
Field of View

Most important from
236 reviews

Field of View
Super clarity, great light gathering.
#3

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 (1 inch) Hunt-Plex Reticle Riflescope

The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 Hunt-Plex Riflescope is a solid choice for hunting enthusiasts, offering a versatile magnification range of 3x to 9x. This allows for flexibility in both close-range and long-range shooting scenarios. The 40mm objective lens diameter ensures good light transmission, aiding visibility during extended glassing sessions.

The Hunt-Plex reticle is designed with recreational hunters in mind, providing clear and precise aiming points without being overly complicated. One notable feature is Leupold's Advanced Optical System, which excels in glare reduction and offers remarkable resolution and clarity. This can be particularly beneficial in harsh lighting conditions, such as at dawn or dusk when game activity peaks. The scope is also 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, adding to its durability and reliability in various environmental conditions.

With a decent eye relief of 3 inches, it ensures comfort and safety, preventing scope eye injuries during recoil. However, it lacks night vision capabilities, which might be a drawback for those who need to hunt in low-light conditions. Additionally, it does not have parallax adjustment, which can be a limitation for very precise long-distance shots. The Leupold VX-Freedom scope is well-suited for recreational hunters who prioritize robustness, clarity, and ease of use. Its lifetime warranty further adds to its appeal, ensuring long-term support and customer satisfaction.

Buying Guide for the Best Airgun Scopes

Choosing the right airgun scope can significantly enhance your shooting experience, whether you're into target shooting, hunting, or plinking. The right scope will help you see your target more clearly and improve your accuracy. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your specific needs and preferences.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it determines how well you can see your target at various distances. Scopes come with fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and often more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer more flexibility. For close-range shooting, a lower magnification (1-4x) is sufficient. For medium-range, consider 5-9x, and for long-range shooting, 10x or higher might be necessary. Choose based on the typical distance you will be shooting.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting the brightness and clarity of the image. Larger diameters (40mm and above) allow more light, which is beneficial in low-light conditions but can make the scope heavier. Smaller diameters (32mm and below) are lighter and more compact but may not perform as well in dim lighting. Consider where and when you will be shooting to decide the right size for you.
Reticle TypeThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle types serve different purposes. Simple crosshairs are good for general use, while more complex reticles with additional markings can help with range estimation and bullet drop compensation. Illuminated reticles are useful in low-light conditions. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style and needs. For example, hunters might prefer a reticle with range-finding capabilities, while target shooters might opt for a fine crosshair for precision.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment allows you to correct the parallax error, which occurs when the target and the reticle are not on the same focal plane. This is important for maintaining accuracy, especially at longer distances. Scopes without parallax adjustment are typically set for a specific distance (usually 100 yards). If you plan to shoot at varying distances, a scope with adjustable parallax (often found on the side or the objective lens) can be very beneficial. Consider your typical shooting distances to determine if this feature is necessary for you.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope at which you can see the full field of view. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil airguns. Longer eye relief (3 inches or more) is generally better, as it allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from the scope. If you wear glasses or use a high-recoil airgun, prioritize scopes with generous eye relief to avoid discomfort or injury.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV allows you to see more of the area around your target, which is useful for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Lower magnification scopes typically offer a wider FOV. If you need to track fast-moving targets or want a broader view of your surroundings, opt for a scope with a wider FOV.

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