Choosing the Right Scope for an Airgun
Choosing the right scope for an airgun isn't quite the same as choosing an optic for a centrefire rifle. Airguns are often used at shorter distances, where parallax, focus and trajectory can become particularly important. Recoil characteristics also vary considerably between different types of airgun.
The right scope can make a noticeable difference to the sight picture and your ability to place shots consistently.
Here is a practical breakdown of the main things to consider when choosing an optic for an airgun.
1. Magnification: What Do You Actually Need?
More magnification isn't necessarily better. Higher magnification can narrow your field of view, make movement more noticeable and give you a shallower depth of field.
1–4x / 1–6x: Useful for short-range shooting, plinking and situations where a wider field of view and quick target acquisition are important.
3–9x / 4–12x: Versatile magnification ranges for general airgun shooting, allowing you to move between shorter-range work and more precise shooting at greater distances.
6–24x and above: Higher magnification can be useful for disciplines such as Field Target and benchrest shooting, where precise aiming at longer distances is important.
Rule of thumb: Think about the distances you actually shoot rather than simply choosing the highest magnification available. If most of your shooting is at shorter range, excessive magnification may offer little practical benefit.
2. Objective Lens Size: Light, Size and Practicality
The objective lens is the second number in a scope specification such as 3–9x40. A larger objective lens can allow more light to enter the scope, but the brightness and clarity of the image also depend on the scope's optical quality, coatings and magnification. Larger objectives generally add size and weight.
32mm–40mm: Compact and relatively lightweight. These sizes can make it easier to keep the scope mounted relatively low while maintaining a manageable overall setup.
44mm–50mm: Can provide a brighter sight picture in lower-light conditions, although the larger objective generally adds weight and may require higher mounts.
56mm and above: Large objectives can be useful in specialist applications where maximum light transmission is important, but the additional size and weight should be considered carefully.
The objective lens should therefore be considered alongside the magnification, mounting height and overall balance of the rifle.
3. Parallax Adjustment: Particularly Important at Short Range
Parallax can become an important consideration with airguns because many are used at distances considerably shorter than those for which some rifle scopes are originally designed.
A scope with a fixed parallax setting intended for much longer distances may not provide the best combination of focus and parallax correction at short range.
Adjustable Objective (AO) and Side Focus (SF) scopes allow the shooter to adjust the scope's focus and reduce parallax error at the intended shooting distance, within the scope's adjustment range.
AO – Adjustable Objective
- Pros: Straightforward design and often available at a lower price.
- Cons: The adjustment is made at the front of the scope, which can be less convenient from the shooting position.
SF – Side Focus
- Pros: Convenient adjustment from the shooting position and easy to use when changing distances.
- Cons: Can add size and complexity to the scope.
When choosing a scope for an airgun, check the manufacturer's stated parallax range rather than assuming that every scope will focus correctly at typical airgun distances.
4. Reticles: Duplex, Mil-Dot and Holdover Systems
Airgun pellets and other projectiles can have a pronounced trajectory, particularly as the shooting distance changes. A suitable reticle can therefore make holding over or allowing for trajectory changes easier.
Duplex: A simple and uncluttered reticle that works well for general shooting and provides a clear sight picture.
Mil-Dot and other subtension reticles: Additional marks can provide useful reference points for holdover and windage corrections once the trajectory of the particular rifle and ammunition combination has been established.
First Focal Plane (FFP): The reticle changes apparent size as magnification is adjusted, while the subtensions remain proportional to the target at different magnifications.
Second Focal Plane (SFP): The reticle remains the same apparent size as magnification changes. With some reticles, the stated subtension values therefore apply at a particular magnification setting.
There is no universally correct reticle. The best choice depends on the type of shooting, distances involved and personal preference.
5. Mounting Considerations and Recoil
Not all airguns behave in the same way, and recoil characteristics vary between different actions.
Spring-piston and gas-ram airguns can produce distinctive recoil and vibration as the piston or ram operates. This can place greater demands on a scope and its mounts than some other airgun systems.
When choosing an optic for a spring-piston or gas-ram airgun:
- Look for a scope that is specifically rated by the manufacturer for the intended type of airgun and its recoil characteristics.
- Choose mounts that are compatible with the rifle's rail type and the scope's tube diameter.
- Make sure the mounts are correctly positioned and securely tightened.
- Where the rifle provides a suitable recoil-stop facility, use it as recommended by the mount manufacturer.
PCP and CO2 airguns generally have different recoil characteristics from spring-piston rifles, but the correct scope and mounting system should still be selected for the particular rifle.
The Bottom Line
Choosing an airgun scope is really about matching the optic to the rifle and the way you intend to use it.
Think about:
- The distances you normally shoot.
- The magnification range you actually need.
- The parallax range of the scope.
- Objective lens size and overall weight.
- The type of reticle you prefer.
- The recoil characteristics of your airgun.
- The mounting system and rail on the rifle.
A more expensive scope isn't automatically the right scope. A well-matched optic that suits the rifle, shooting distance and intended use can be a much more useful choice than simply buying the highest specification available.
Related Gear
Pyramyd AIR has a dedicated range of rifle scopes and optics, including options designed for different airgun applications, magnification ranges, reticles and parallax requirements.
View Pyramyd AIR Optics
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What scope are you currently using?
Tell us your airgun, scope and typical shooting distance below. It would be interesting to hear what setups other Kieslers members are using.
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