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10 Best Air Rifle Scopes 2025 in the UK

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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

Hawke Airmax First Focal Plane 6-24×50 SF IR Riflescope 30mm

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,350
Magnification
Parallax Adjustment
Magnification
Clear, sharp optical quality makes distant targets easy to see.
Parallax Adjustment
Crisp, precise click adjustments for elevation and windage enhance accuracy.

The Hawke Airmax First Focal Plane 6-24×50 SF IR Riflescope is a solid choice for hunting enthusiasts who demand precision. With a magnification range of 6-24x, this scope allows you to zoom in on distant targets with clarity. The 50mm objective lens diameter is generous, letting in plenty of light for clear images during dawn or dusk. The first focal plane reticle is a notable feature, meaning it will scale with magnification, aiding in accurate holdover estimations at any zoom level. This is particularly beneficial for long-distance shooting.

One of the strengths of this model is its aluminum construction, which ensures durability while keeping the weight to a manageable 27 ounces. The eye relief is suitable for rifles, providing comfort and safety from recoil. Additionally, the scope's parallax adjustment allows for fine-tuning focus at varying distances, enhancing accuracy.

However, some users might find the scope's weight to be on the heavier side, which could affect balance when mounted. The Weaver Mount compatibility is crucial to note as it limits the mounting options to rifles with this specific setup. The need for a CR123A battery, although included, is an additional consideration for users in terms of replacements and availability.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,350
Magnification
Parallax Adjustment
Magnification
Clear, sharp optical quality makes distant targets easy to see.
Parallax Adjustment
Crisp, precise click adjustments for elevation and windage enhance accuracy.
#2

Vortex Viper 6.5-20x50 PA Rifle Scope Mil Dot Reticle Multi Coated Waterproof

Rating
9.8
Magnification
Eye Relief
Magnification
Excellent clarity, even at high magnification in low light.
Eye Relief
Phenomenal eye relief, providing an instant clear view as soon as you place your cheek on the stock.

The Vortex Viper 6.5-20x50 PA Rifle Scope with Mil Dot Reticle is a robust option for hunting enthusiasts. Its magnification range (6.5-20x) offers versatility, making it suitable for both close and long-distance targeting. The 50mm objective lens diameter is substantial, allowing for excellent light transmission and brighter images, which is crucial for low-light conditions. The Mil Dot Reticle provides precise aiming points, which are beneficial for accurate shooting.

Multi-coated lenses enhance the clarity and brightness of the view, which is a significant strength of this scope. With waterproof construction, it is durable and suitable for use in various weather conditions. The scope is relatively lightweight at 1.35 pounds, making it easier to handle and mount on a rifle. Additionally, the scope requires a CR2032 battery, which is not included, adding a minor inconvenience.

This scope appears to be a solid choice for hunters looking for a reliable and versatile aiming solution.

Rating
9.8
Magnification
Eye Relief
Magnification
Excellent clarity, even at high magnification in low light.
Eye Relief
Phenomenal eye relief, providing an instant clear view as soon as you place your cheek on the stock.
#3

Hawke Airmax Compact 4-16x44 IR SF Riflescope

Rating
9.6
Reticle Type
Parallax Adjustment
Reticle Type
The AMX reticle is fantastic for field target, especially with the helpful parallax adjustment wheel.
Parallax Adjustment
The AMX reticle is fantastic for field target, especially with the helpful parallax adjustment wheel.

The Hawke Airmax Compact 4-16x44 IR SF Riflescope is a versatile aiming scope designed for hunting enthusiasts. It offers a magnification range from 4x to 16x, making it suitable for both short and long-range targeting, which is a major strength for varied hunting scenarios. The 44mm objective lens diameter ensures decent light transmission, providing clear images in different lighting conditions. Additionally, it features an illuminated reticle (IR), which aids visibility in low light situations, enhancing the user experience during dawn or dusk hunts.

With a compact design and a weight of 621 grams, it remains manageable for users who need to carry their gear over long distances. The scope comes with a Weaver Mount, simplifying the mounting process on compatible rifles. Furthermore, the parallax adjustment is a useful feature for maintaining accuracy at varying distances, which is particularly beneficial for precision shooting.

The scope's 30mm objective lens diameter might not be as large as some other models, potentially limiting its performance in extremely low-light conditions compared to scopes with larger lenses. It remains a viable option for those seeking a reliable riflescope from a reputable brand like Hawke. As a mid-range option in the riflescopes category, it balances cost with functionality, appealing to hunters who value compactness and versatility.

Rating
9.6
Reticle Type
Parallax Adjustment
Reticle Type
The AMX reticle is fantastic for field target, especially with the helpful parallax adjustment wheel.
Parallax Adjustment
The AMX reticle is fantastic for field target, especially with the helpful parallax adjustment wheel.

Buying Guide for the Best Air Rifle Scopes

Choosing the right air rifle scope can significantly enhance your shooting experience, whether you're into target shooting, hunting, or pest control. The right scope will help you see your target more clearly, aim more accurately, and ultimately improve your performance. When selecting a scope, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs and preferences.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the scope can make the target appear. This is important because it allows you to see details that would be difficult to discern with the naked eye. Scopes typically come with fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and often more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer flexibility for different shooting distances. If you primarily shoot at close range, a lower magnification (e.g., 3x to 9x) will suffice. For longer distances, higher magnification (e.g., 10x to 24x) may be necessary.
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 (e.g., 40mm to 50mm) are better for low-light conditions and provide a brighter image, but they can also make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller diameters (e.g., 20mm to 32mm) are more compact and lighter, suitable for daytime shooting and easier to handle.
Reticle TypeThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle types can affect your shooting accuracy and ease of use. Common types include duplex, mil-dot, and illuminated reticles. Duplex reticles are simple and easy to use, ideal for general shooting. Mil-dot reticles provide additional reference points for estimating distance and windage, useful for long-range shooting. Illuminated reticles are visible in low-light conditions, beneficial for dawn or dusk hunting. Choose a reticle type based on your shooting environment and personal preference.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope at which you can see the full image. This spec is crucial for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil air rifles. Longer eye relief (e.g., 3 to 4 inches) allows you to maintain a safe distance from the scope, reducing the risk of injury from recoil. Shorter eye relief (e.g., 1 to 2 inches) may be acceptable for low-recoil rifles but can be less comfortable for extended use. Consider your rifle's recoil and your comfort when choosing eye relief.
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 surrounding area, which is helpful for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Narrower FOV provides a more focused view of the target but limits peripheral vision. If you need to track fast-moving targets or hunt in dense environments, a wider FOV is beneficial. For precision shooting at stationary targets, a narrower FOV may be sufficient.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment helps ensure that the reticle remains in the same position relative to the target, regardless of eye movement. This is important for maintaining accuracy, especially at longer distances. Scopes with parallax adjustment allow you to fine-tune the focus to eliminate parallax error. If you shoot at varying distances, a scope with adjustable parallax (often marked as AO or side focus) is advantageous. For fixed-distance shooting, a scope with fixed parallax may be adequate.