Looking for a scope to elevate the performance of your .177 air rifle? Look no further. We have rounded up the best 177 air rifle scopes to help you find the perfect fit for your shooting needs.
The .177 air rifles are widely used for general shooting and are the only caliber that can be used for bullseye target shooting anywhere in the world. Because of this, they are believed to be more accurate than popular air gun calibers.
Field target is one competitive shooting sport in which a .177 air rifle places the shooter at a distinct advantage, especially when accompanied by the right scope. So today will look at some of the best .177 air rifle scopes.
Features to Look for in An Air Rifle Scope
Knowing the differences between regular scopes and air gun scopes is the first step to finding the best optic for your .177 air rifle. People get away with using a regular scope on their air rifles but it’s important to understand that it’s not the right tool for the job.
Air rifle scopes are built to withstand the bidirectional recoil of an air rifle. An air rifle recoils backward and forwards and a regular scope is designed to handle backward recoil only. The right scope for your .177 air scope should be recoil rated to handle the shocks from both recoils.
Parallax correction for air rifle scopes should be set at 10 meters unlike in regular scopes which are set at 100m. A scope for air rifles should have a parallax adjustment to eliminate the optical illusion and facilitate precise shot placement at close range.
High-quality construction is paramount for an air rifle scope. The glass fitted on the lenses should be top-quality to ensure maximum light transmission and clarity in all lighting conditions. The tube housing the optics should be constructed of resilient materials that can put up with rough weather conditions.
Another fundamental attribute of .177 air rifle scopes is glass-etched reticles. The recoil produced by air rifles can easily distort the reticle after a few rounds and glass-etched reticles withstand the high recoil and maintain their position.
7 Best 177 Air Rifle Scopes | Best Air Gun Scopes
When looking for a quality scope for your .177 air rifle, you will come across numerous options and picking the right tool can be a taxing process. To help you find the right fit we have reviewed the creme de la crème.
These air rifle scopes boast exceptional clarity, outstanding light transmission and superb quality. Equipping your air gun scope with top-quality scope will help you achieve the perfect shot in any weather.
1) Hawke Sport Optics Airmax 4-12x50AO Rifle Scope
The Hawke Sport Optics Airmax 4-12x50AO Rifle Scope is a special rifle scope that is specially designed to withstand the double recoil that comes with the Springer air rifle. For this reason, it is easily one of the best 177 air rifle scopes.
Equip your air gun with this scope and boost its performance to the next level. This rifle scope not only withstands recoil but also comes with hard-to-beat optics that have been described as world-class. It has 16 layers of fully multicoated optics thus providing clear, bright and crisp images.
The Hawke Airmax Airgun Scope also provides a sufficient field of view with the lowest magnification giving a field of view of 29.9 feet and the highest magnification of 11 feet. This comes as no surprise given its wide objective lens diameter.
This rifle scope also features an integrated adjustable objective for accurate focus and to eliminate parallax error to infinity. It comes with an AMX glass etched reticle with multiple aim points specially designed for air rifle pellet trajectories to improve accuracy. The reticle is also engineered to withstand recoil.
The rifle scope also provides a very good eye relief of up to 3.5 inches, ensuring clarity of images through the scope. This scope is also water and fog proof owing to its nitrogen-purged optics, ensuring its durability in the harshest weather conditions
Features
- 16-layer fully multi-coated optics
- Integrated adjustable objective for parallax adjustment
- 1-inch mono-tube chassis
- ¼ MOA low profile no-snag fingertip turrets
- Fast focus eye bell
Pros
- Withstands high recoil
- Great eye relief
- Water, shock, and fogproof
- Unbeatable glass clarity
- Wide optical system
- Comes with a Hawke lifetime worldwide warranty
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
2) BSA Optics Outlook 3-9x40mm Air Rifle Scope
The BSA Optics Outlook 3-9x40mm Air Rifle Scope is one of the best 177 air rifle scopes for those on a budget. This rifle scope is part of the BSA optics Outlook line that was purposely made to withstand the bidirectional recoil produced by air rifles.
The robust construction helps it stand out as one of the best 177 air rifle scopes. This rifle scope features an adjustable objective for accurate focus and to eliminate parallax error from 10 feet to infinity. It also comes with a Mil-Dot glass etched reticle.
It has a 3.7-4 inch eye relief which is more than sufficient and offers a wider field of view of 34.5 feet and 11 feet at the lowest and highest magnification respectively. Achieve the perfect shot by equipping your .177 air rifle with this scope.
This BSA rifle scope offers fully multi-coated lenses that ensure clear and bright images are transmitted through the scope. It also has a fast-focus eyepiece that ensures fast and precise target acquisition.
This rifle scope is also very durable coming with a one-piece aluminum body with a matte finish that ensures no light is reflected off of it. It is also fog proof and waterproof and can thus be used on chilly mornings without your vision being compromised as well as on rainy days.
Features
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 35 W/E Adjustment Range
- ¼ MOA click value
- Two-piece Dovetail mount
- Second Focal plane
Pros
- Clear optics
- Lightweight
- Shockproof
- Water and fogproof
Cons
- Limited one-year warranty
- Non-illuminated
3) Burris Droptine 4.5-14x42mm SFP Rifle Scope
The Burris Droptine 4.5-14x42mm SFP Rifle Scope is another great choice for your .177 air rifle. It is the largest scope in the Droptine family. This scope is great for long-range shooting and is very reasonably priced.
It is the only Droptine model with an adjustable parallax focus, 50 yards to infinity, which is necessary when targets are closer and further away. The scope features a non-illuminated ballistic plex reticle on the second focal plane that is ideal for the hold-off shooting style, popular among long-range shooters.
It comes with high-quality precision-ground glass that is multi-coated thus offering superb low-light capability with glare resistance. This ensures clear and bright images are seen through the scope.
This rifle scope also has a great reel in optical features. It comes with a long eye relief of up to 3.8 inches and a linear field of view of 22 feet and 7.5 feet at the lowest and highest magnification respectively.
The rifle scope also has low-profile turrets that are finger adjustable and a separate eyepiece and power ring that allow flip-up lens caps. The precision internal assemblies are double–spring-tensioned ensuring that recoil is well received. This is especially important for air rifles, making it one of the best 177 air rifle scopes.
Features
- Ballistic Plex reticle
- Second focal plane
- Aircraft grade aluminum
- MOA adjustment type
- ¼ MOA adjustment click value
- Hi-Lume Multi-coated lens
- Variable magnification
Pros
- Excellent light transmission
- Durable
- Shockproof
- Water and fog proof
- Burris forever warranty
Cons
- Quite heavy
4) Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope
Another great choice for your .177 air rifle is the Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope. The zoom range coupled with the lightweight and lean design of the Conquest V6 3-18x50mm scope makes it ideal for hunting and sports shooting.
The 3x setting is perfect for hunting in the thick timber or under tree canopies during low-light conditions. With the 18x magnification setting mid- to long-range hunting and shooting are mastered.
With over 100 minutes of elevation adjustment, long-range hunting and shooting can be accomplished at greater distances with this scope. The compact design is reliable, easy to mount on hunting rifles, and has features that perform as well as its optics.
This model is available with capped elevation and windage turrets, with a simple yet highly effective duplex style #6 reticle. You can also select from external elevation and windage turret options that incorporate Zeiss’ highly desired Ballistic Stop. The Ballistic Stop assures you of your zero every time by creating a most solid and definitive stop at zero.
This riflescope yields spectacular image clarity and unmatched performance this is due to its T star 6 layer multi-coatings, and fluoride lenses that provide 92% light transmission.
The sophisticated optical package of this scope is protected by an aluminum housing built for whatever nature throws at it. Rain, snow, dust, dirt, and fingerprints are easily addressed by the LotuTec protective lens coating.
Features
- External turrets for windage and elevation adjustment
- Adjustable parallax
- Waterproof and fogproof construction
- Shockproof to withstand air gun recoil
- Reliable internal components
- Strengthened 30mm tube
- Superb glass for unbeatable clarity
- Precision mechanics for flawless performance
Pros
- Great light transmission
- Lightweight for mobile hunters
- Durable
- High-quality optics
- Exceptional long-range performance
Cons
- Expensive
- Non-illuminated reticle
5) Bushnell Engage 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
The Bushnell Engage 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope is another reasonable choice. It represents the latest evolution in Bushnell optics. The new Deploy MOA reticle features 1-MOA windage and elevation hash marks and can reach short and mid-range targets.
The Engage 4-12×40 riflescope is a classic mid-range configuration improved with EXO Barrier and the new Deploy MOA reticle and a 40mm objective for maximum brightness. The outstanding light transmission makes it one of the best 177 air rifle scopes.
While this scope is not illuminated and might not be ideal in low-light situations, its fully multi-coated lenses with anti-reflective coating on all air-to-glass surfaces deliver bright, high-contrast images, ensuring top-notch clarity during the day and in moderately low-light situations.
This Bushnell rifle scope provides a long eye relief of up to 3.5 inches and a linear field of view of 29 feet and 10 feet at the lowest and highest magnification respectively.
The Deploy MOA reticle of this scope is Compatible with multiple calibers including the 177. This reticle is also thin ensuring it doesn’t obscure the target. The reticle also has MOA hash marks that aid in windage and elevation holdovers.
Features
- Second Focal Plane reticle
- MOA-based capped elevation and windage turret
- IPX7 waterproofing
- 60/60 MOA windage and elevation adjustment
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- EXO barrier
- Side focus parallax
Pros
- Bushnell Ironclad lifetime warranty
- Water and fogproof
- Very durable
- Fairly priced
Cons
- Unreliable in very low light environments
6) Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope is another superb choice for your .177. This rifle scope is the ultimate long-range optic for hunting, target shooting, or competitive match events. This portfolio matches the .177 air rifle almost perfectly, making it top contention as one of the best 177 air rifle scopes.
Vortex Optics designed this 4-16×24 Diamondback to provide all the benefits of a tactical scope without unnecessary bulk or features that would impact optical clarity and performance.
These Rifle Scopes come with exposed turrets that offer unparalleled tracking performance, and the advanced optical system provides crisp, clear images even at maximum magnification.
Extra-low dispersion glass and fully multi-coated lenses create a bright, high-resolution sight picture with true colors throughout. This diamondback provides a long 3.8-inch eye relief and a wide linear field of view of 26.9 feet and 6.7 feet at minimum and maximum magnification respectively.
A fast-focus eyepiece helps you lock onto your target quicker, and the ribbed magnification ring allows for fast, easy adjustments to ensure you don’t miss that perfect shot.
The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×24 Rifle Scope is protected by a tough yet lightweight aluminum housing that is completely waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.
Built to handle harsh weather conditions and powerful recoil, the Vortex Diamondback Tactical Scope is perfect for any occasion and pairs perfectly with a 177 air rifle.
The matte black hard anodized finish increases the scope’s durability while also eliminating glare to keep you hidden in the brush while you scout whitetails from a distance.
Features
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- First Focal Plane reticle
- Light aircraft-grade aluminum
- 20 yards to infinity parallax and focus range
- Ring mount
- Variable magnification
Pros
- Very durable
- Great optics
- Lightweight
- Recoil resistant
Cons
- Non-illuminated
7) Simmons Whitetail 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope
Finally, we have the Simmons Whitetail 2-7x32mm, a classic by Simmons that provides expert design. This scope guides your aim on target with every shot, providing accurate, ethical and fun hunting experiences.
It is also designed to be shockproof to withstand strong recoil from shooting your rifle making it near perfect as the best .177 air rifle scope.
This scope has one of the longest eye relief of any rifle scope on the market at a whopping 4.3 inches. It also registers a very wide field of view of 45 feet and 13 feet at the lowest and highest magnification respectively.
This Simmons classic also boasts excellent optics with its fully multi-coated lenses that ensure maximum light transmission for the clearest image even in low-light conditions.
It also has a Truplex reticle that facilitates its high accuracy and variable magnification. The rifle scope is also waterproof fog proof and shockproof for the utmost reliability and durability.
Features
- Truplex reticle
- MOA adjustment type
- ¼ MOA click value adjustment
- 50 MOA adjustment range
- Matte finish
Pros
- Excellent clarity
- Easy adjustment knobs
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- Unreliable in very low light conditions
Further Reading
- Best Scopes for PCP Air Rifles
- Vortex Scopes for Deer Hunting
- Best Leupold Scopes for 300 Yards
- Burris Red Dots for Turkey Hunting
- Best 350 Legend Riflescopes
What Scope Is Best For Air Rifle?
Given the near triple recoil given off by air rifles, the best scope for an air rifle is one that strikes the perfect balance between great optics and durability.
Specifically, the air rifle scope must have the ability to withstand double the recoil and vibration given off when shooting an air rifle.
What Is the Fastest .177 Air Rifle?
The Gamo Swarm Magnum .177 is a beast of an air gun. Using Gamo PBA pellets, which are not the lightest pellets available for testing, it specs out at an outstanding 1600FPS.
This means that if much lighter pellets, like the PBA platinum pellets, were used it would have gotten to nearly 1650 FPS. This makes it the fastest .177 air rifle out there, however, speed should not be mistaken for power.
Read: Best 450 Bushmaster Scopes
What Is the Most Powerful 177 Caliber Air Rifle?
The Hatsan 135 .177 platform is the most powerful break barrel gas ram or spring-powered .177 air gun. It specs out at up to 1250 FPS.
This compared to the Gamo Swarm Magnum .177 which specs out at 1650 FPS may seem much less powerful but that couldn’t be further from the truth. This is because the Gamo tests with ultra-lightweight alloy pellets while the Hatsan tests with heavier lead pellets.
If you were to test with the same pellets across the board, you’d get possibly higher numbers from the Hatsan 135 .177 making it the most powerful .177 caliber air rifle.
What Scope Has The Clearest Glass?
Leupold, Zeiss, Schmidt & Bender and Hensoldt scopes have some of the clearest glass, they however come with hefty price tags. This is a worthy sacrifice as you will always make your shot with the bright, clear and crisp images you will get from these brands.
Great alternatives that will give you almost the same clarity at much lower prices are Vortex, Weaver, Bushnell and Sightron scopes.
Read: Best Thermal Scopes for Coyote Hunting
What Range Is A 3-9×40 Scope Good For?
A scope with a magnification of 3-9x and an objective lens diameter of 40mm is great for short to medium range short to medium-range shooting. This translates to a range of 50 yards to about 300 yards.
A 3-9×40 scope should give you great eye relief of 8.8 to 4.3, this ensures optimum comfort while aiming. It should also give a great liner field of view to ensure great awareness of your surroundings.
Conclusion
The .177 air rifle boasts a long history as a multipurpose rifle. Being an air rifle it also comes with immensely powerful recoil. This necessitates a matching rifle scope that will complement its already great features.
That said the scopes highlighted here all meet the main criteria for any air rifle that is, being recoil resistant. Apart from that these rifle scopes also come with other features such as excellent optics that enhance light transmission ensuring clarity of images as well as durability to ensure they last in less than ideal conditions. These features make these the best 177 air rifle scopes.