Whether you're shooting at targets or using an air rifle outdoors, choosing suitable optics can make a big difference. Anyone who has spent time with both Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) systems and Spring/Gas-Ram Break Barrels will know that the two platforms can place different demands on a scope.
What works well on one type may not necessarily be suitable for the other.
1. Break Barrel Air Rifles
Break barrels have a different recoil impulse from PCP air rifles because of the movement of the internal piston.
Things worth considering include:
- Airgun-rated optics: Check that the scope is suitable for the type of air rifle being used.
- Mounting: A secure mounting system is important, particularly on spring-powered rifles.
- Parallax adjustment: An adjustable objective or side focus can be useful when shooting at shorter distances.
PCP air rifles generally have much less mechanical movement than spring-powered rifles, giving shooters a wider choice of optics.
Things worth considering include:
- Reticle: Different reticle designs suit different shooting preferences and conditions.
- Magnification: Higher magnification can be useful for target shooting, while lower magnification can provide a wider field of view.
- Weight and balance: A large scope can add considerable weight, so it is worth considering how the complete setup feels to carry and use.
Break Barrel
- Airgun-suitable scope
- Secure mounting
- Close-focus capability can be useful
- Consider scope weight and balance
- Generally offers greater flexibility in scope choice
- AO or side-focus options can be useful
- Reticle choice depends on intended use
- Consider scope weight and overall balance
What scope are you currently using on your break barrel or PCP?
Have you found that one type of optic works particularly well for your setup?
Tell us about your air rifle and scope combination and share your experiences with other members.