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10 Best Air Rifle Scopes 2025 in the UK

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO Riflescope 1"

The Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO Riflescope is equipped with a number of notable features that cater well to air-rifle enthusiasts. The scope offers a magnification range of 3x to 9x, which is versatile for both short and medium-range shooting. The 40mm objective lens diameter allows for a decent amount of light to enter, aiding visibility in various lighting conditions. Its 11 layer fully multi-coated optics enhance clarity, making it easier to spot and aim at targets accurately.

The adjustable objective (AO) provides parallax correction, which can help maintain accuracy at different distances, a crucial feature for precision shooting. The 1 inch split-tube chassis adds durability and strength, ensuring the scope can withstand frequent use and harsh environments. The ¼ MOA low profile turrets are designed to be 'no-snag', making adjustments smooth and hassle-free without catching on clothing or equipment. Additionally, the fast focus eyebell and high torque zoom ring aid in quick target acquisition and adjustment, beneficial during dynamic shooting situations.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The scope's weight is 0.47 kilograms, which might add noticeable heft to your rifle setup. Also, parallax adjustment can be a bit tricky for beginners, requiring some practice to master. The product dimensions are relatively large, which may not be convenient if storage space or a compact setup is a priority. Despite these points, the Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO Riflescope is a reliable choice for those looking for an adjustable and durable scope, particularly suited for air-rifles.

#2

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

Rating
9.8
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
9.8
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.

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.