Today’s post shines a light on the best scopes for PCP air rifles. PCP air guns are a great choice for hunting enthusiasts because they are easy to operate, have minimal recoil, are quiet, and are extremely accurate. Mounting an air gun scope on your PCP rifle helps improve the precision and extends the shooting limit of the rifle.
A PCP rifle is a special type of firearm that fires pellets out of the barrel using a pre-charged pneumatic mechanism. The rifle either uses a hand pump or a scuba tank to compress the air into the gun pressure tank to the required pressure level. It is so thrilling to use this rifle.
Scopes for air rifles are made to account for the additional recoil. The number of rounds in a pressure cartridge, including the number of effective shots, must be considered while choosing a pre-charged pneumatic rifle.
What makes a Great Air Rifle Scope?
Air rifle scopes and regular scopes may appear similar on the outside but they are built differently. Several attributes distinguish air rifle scopes from ordinary scopes.
An air gun recoils differently and scopes designed for use with air rifles must be built to withstand bi-directional recoil. After firing, an air rifle will recoil forwards after the initial backward recoil. If the scope isn’t engineered to withstand this recoil, it will be torn apart by the force generated during the recoil.
The other defining attribute of an air gun scope is the ability to adjust parallax. Most air guns are used in close-range shooting applications where parallax is more pronounced. Reticle distortion leads to misplaced shots and parallax adjustment is paramount to correct this error to facilitate accurate shot placement.
Another facet is a functional reticle with essential reference points. Look for scopes with MIL-DOT reticles as they provide relevant data to deal with wind drift and projectile drop. An air rifle scope also needs to have a glass-etched reticle for optimal durability.
The best scopes for PCP air rifles should be of the highest optical quality. The glass used on the lenses should be of the finest quality and fully multi-coated to maximize light transmission for bright and sharp images.
Magnification is at the heart of any rifle scope. The power you choose for your air gun scope should help you achieve your shooting needs. In most scenarios, a scope with 3-9x is the right ticket for an air rifle scope.
8 Best Scopes for PCP Air Rifles | Best Air Rifle Scopes
As with most gear, the market is full of options when looking for an air rifle scope. Filtering through the numerous options is a taxing process and to make the process less tedious, we probed the market and came up with a selection of the best scopes for PCP air rifles. Let’s have a look:
1) Hawke Airmax 3-9×40 Airgun Scope
The Airmax 3-9×40 is an excellent choice for PCP air rifles. The scope is designed with an AMX reticle that is glass-etched to ensure resistance against the high recoil. The scope is entirely shockproof to withstand the impact and recoil to ensure flawless performance for many years.
It is filled with nitrogen gas for a waterproof and fogproof performance. Additionally, the scope is engineered with sixteen layers of multiple coatings on the lenses for remarkable resolution, sharpness, and clarity.
Regarding construction, the Airmax 3-9×40 is built with a 1-inch single-tube chassis to enhance durability, and it includes an incorporated adjustable objective for parallax correction. It has a wide-view optical system, making it the perfect accessory for airguns.
Another thoughtful feature of this scope is a fast-focus eyepiece that facilitates quick target acquisition.
Low-profile caps incorporate 1/4 moa value turrets that are readily adjustable with your fingertips and have a no-snag function to ensure your clicks are accurate and precise.
As one of the best scopes for PCP air rifles, Airmax 3-9x40AO Scope delivers the clarity you need to transform your air gun into a reliable shooting solution for any hunting application.
Features
- Low profile turrets
- Aluminum housing
- Fully multi-coated optics
- AMX reticle
- Second focal plane
- Single-tube body
- A fast-focus eyebell
- Posi-Grip power selector with rubber coating
- Glass etched reticle
Pros
- Good pricing
- Compact
- Great reticle
- Easy adjustments
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- Insufficient elevation adjustment for long-range shooting
- Non-illuminated reticle
2) Leapers UTG 4-16x44mm Riflescope
Leapers UTG 4-16x44mm is our runners up in the best scopes for PCP air rifles. It has a 4-16x magnification range that is perfect for close to long distances. The 44mm objective lens is vast enough to allow excellent light transmission.
The lenses have an A-class Emerald coating to boost light transmission leading to high-quality images. The outstanding optical prowess makes UTG 4-16X44 one of the best scopes for PCP air rifles.
The 30mm tube is filled with nitrogen and sealed for a rainproof, fogproof, and shockproof capability. A drizzling or snowy environment has no chance of impeding your activity.
Notably, the scope features a Mil-Dot reticle with 36 different colors ideal for all lighting and environmental conditions. This illumination comes in handy while firing at objects that appear naturally dark or rendered gloomy by lighting circumstances like shadows, dawn or dusk, and extremely brilliant light.
The turrets are lockable, can be reset to zero, and feature the most reliable and accurate 1/4 MOA per click adjustment. This scope accords your air rifle with the resilience needed to excel in any outdoors.
UTG 4-16X44 rifle scope is a top-quality enhancement for any PCP air rifle. The outstanding features help deliver extraordinary performance and when you mount the scope on your firearm, you are assured of an efficient and effective shooting solution.
Features
- Matte finish
- Side wheel parallax adjustment
- Rainproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Emerald coating for maximum light transmission
- 30mm tube
- Mil-Dot reticle
- Second focal plane
- Turrets are lockable and resettable to zero
- Parallax is adjustable from 10 yards to infinity
Pros
- 36 illumination settings
- Greta low light performance
- Durable construction
- Crystal clear optics
- Wide field of view
Cons
- No drawbacks
3) Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14x42mm Riflescope
Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14x42mm Riflescope is a versatile scope that performs excellently at both short and long distances where serious hunters need more power.
It is designed to meet your needs as an avid hunter or shooter. The unbeatable versatility makes it one of the best scopes for PCP air rifles. There is an eyepiece that allows seamless adjustments when in the field. It is designed with a slip-free grip making it more utilitarian.
The scope boasts the Ballistic Plex reticle, the most basic, efficient, and stylish trajectory-compensating reticle for hunting. It has a simple design, meaning using it is a piece of cake.
When it comes to construction, the scope has a one-piece tube that is filled with nitrogen to guarantee waterproof and fog-proof performance. It will not disappoint even in unfavorable weather conditions.
The tube is nonetheless shockproof to stand up to the shock and vibrations brought about by rifles with heavy recoil. You can trust that this scope will provide long-lasting performance regardless of how challenging the conditions are.
Furthermore, superior optical glass offers long-lasting durability and superb brightness and clarity. High-quality, precision-ground lenses enhance the light-gathering capability of the scope.
Nevertheless, you have the best chances of a successful expedition thanks to the index-matched Hi-Lume multiple coatings that aid with performance in dismal light and help reduce glare.
Features
- One piece tube
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Index-matched Hi-Lume coating
- Adjustable parallax enhances accuracy
- Ballistic Plex reticle
- Robust eyepiece design
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
Pros
- Superior optics
- Exceptional low-light performance
- Suffices no matter the weather condition
- Great build
Cons
- The reticle is not illuminated
4) Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope
Bushnell BDD is a great scope that has excellent compatibility with PCP air rifles. Its Multi-X reticle is conveniently designed to suit hunting and shooting buffs.
Argon-filled optics maintain their stability regardless of the surrounding temperature for the best fog-proof protection. The design also integrates O-ring seals that ensure that the interior components are well protected even when the scope is immersed in water or used in wet environments.
The scope’s optics are fully multi-coated for optimal light transmission for bright and sharp images. To be precise, the scope uses Dusk & Dawn Brightness multicoated lenses.
This means the scope will still get the job done even in poorly lit conditions. A fast-focus eyepiece allows a quick reticle focusing necessary for rapid acquisition of the target.
Features
- 3 inches of eye relief
- A fast-focus eyepiece
- Fully multi-coated DDB lenses
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- ¼ MOA windage and elevation adjustments
- Variable 4-12x magnification
- 40mm objective lens
Pros
- Stunning clarity
- High-quality construction
- Amazing low-light performance
- Seamless windage and elevation adjustments
Cons
- Issues with quality control
5) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Riflescope
Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm speeds up target acquisition while retaining accuracy. If you are on a budget and want a scope that will do wonders, this is it for you. The scope combines affordability with great performance.
The AR-BDC reticle located on the second focal plane, which is exclusive to Vortex, is featured on the Strike Eagle. With 11 brightness levels, the AR-BDC is illuminated, and glass etching for optimal durability.
Durability is not left on the back seat with this scope. It has a solid aircraft-grade aluminum construction that handles anything thrown at it. It is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof for relentless performance. This is thanks to the O-ring seals and nitrogen purging. It has a matte anodized finish that enhances durability and reduces glare.
The scope includes fully coated lenses with many anti-reflective coatings to maximize light transmission on all air-to-glass surfaces. There are no noticeable artifacts or glare inside the scope. The lenses are covered with Armortek coating that is oil, dirt, and scratch resistant.
Turrets have a click rate of 1/2 MOA. They have a low profile and are capped. The clicks are positive and audible, and they will undoubtedly remain in place once adjusted. For more convenience, a throw lever allows effortless magnification adjustments.
Features
- Matte anodized finish
- AR-BDC reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged
- Capped turrets
- Throw the lever for easy magnification changes
- A fast-focus eyepiece
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
Pros
- Superior quality optics
- Great scope for the price
- Well-built to withstand the harshest conditions
- Easy adjustments
Cons
- The eye box can be somewhat unforgiving.
- High magnification doesn’t produce the best glass clarity.
6) Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The quality provided by Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 at its price point is unbeatable. The high-quality optical glass used in the riflescope offers exceptional brightness and clarity, especially in dim lighting.
With the exclusive Hi-Lume coating, which helps to eliminate glare and improve light transmission, you are guaranteed an image with excellent clarity.
Adjustments for elevation and windage are .25 MOA. The adjustment knobs are capped to ensure their quality under various circumstances.
The design of these turrets favors any hunting condition. The capped turrets are shielded from dirt until you need them, which is essential when the shooter is out in the field.
Even if you are shooting a high-caliber bullet, the double spring tension system retains the scope’s zero even after a dozen of recoil impacts. The reticle present in the scope is the plex type which is straightforward and loved by many hunters and shooters because of its simple design.
Better yet, this scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. This means you use it in all weather conditions without any hassle. Being shockproof, you will not experience any problem with rifles with heavy recoil.
Features
- Lightweight design
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- The hi-Lume coating on the lens
- Capped adjustment knobs
- Ballistic Plex reticle
- Slip-free eyepiece for seamless adjustments
- Knurled dials for an easy grip
Pros
- Affordable
- Decent eye relief
- Fast target acquisition
- Ideal for all environmental conditions
- Durably made
- Parallax is not adjustable
- The power ring alters the whole eyepiece
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
7) Bushnell Engage 2.5-10x44mm Riflescope
Prepare for the upcoming hunting season by mounting a top-quality scope on your air gun. The 2-10x magnification range in the Bushnell Engage is perfect for hunters and shooters for whom target acquisition is a priority.
Coupled with the 44mm objective lens that allows optimal light transmission, the scope is what you need for your PCP air rifle. With this scope, you will have the flexibility to take the best shots every time you pull the trigger.
The lenses of the scope are multi-coated and have anti-reflective coatings that reduce glare and lead to images with brightness and sharp contrast. Bushnell’s advanced EXO Barrier Protection protects the lenses and repels water, oil, dust, dirt, and scratches by molecularly adhering to the glass.
The reticle in this scope is the Deploy MOA, suitable for a variety of calibers. Since the reticle is small, the target is not obscured, and MOA hashmarks help with elevation and windage holdovers. This reticle promises accuracy every time you’re shooting at your target.
Along with that, the scope has an IPX7 waterproof rating which means it can survive immersion in water. This is in addition to being fog-proof. The eyepiece features a rapid focus construction that adjusts the diopter in around 1.75 rotations.
Additionally, the adjustment is seamless throughout the range. To help shield the eye in the event of contact during recoil, the end of the housing has a rubber ring around it.
Features
- Matte finish
- Multi-coated lenses with anti-reflective properties
- EXO barrier protection on the lenses
- Deploy MOA reticle
- Waterproof and fogproof
- 30mm tube
- Lockable turrets
- Second focal plane
Pros
- Side focus
- A fast-focus eyepiece
- Excellent light collection
- High-quality glass
- Performs well in all environmental conditions
Cons
- Light focus dial
- It isn’t easy to adjust the zoom with a firm grip on the zoom ring.
8) TASCO World Class 6-18×50 30/30 Duplex Scope
This feature-rich scope is engineered to meet the demands of hunters and shooters. It is constructed with a one-inch tube that incorporates O-ring seals.
As a result, it is waterproof and fogproof; thus doesn’t disappoint no matter the environmental situation. Also, it is shockproof to resist the impact and vibrations of high-recoiling rifles.
For visibility, the scope has fully coated lenses that allow superior light transmission even in dismal lighting situations. You get great contrast and resolution no matter the time of day.
Additionally, a fast-focus eyepiece enables quick reticle focusing, resulting in rapid target acquisition. A matte black finish ensures that the scope remains brand new even after a long period of usage and provides a glare-free surface that enables easy concealment of the shooter’s position.
Features
- 50mm objective lens
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Durable matte finish
- A fast-focus eyepiece
- Fully coated lenses for enhanced light transmission
- Variable 6-18x magnification
- 3 inches of eye relief
Pros
- Straightforward reticle design
- Incredible light transmission
- Perfect for all conditions
- Robust build
Cons
- No parallax adjustment
Further Reading
- Best Scout Scopes for M1A
- Best 350 Legend Scopes
- Best Vortex Scopes for Deer Hunting
- Best 22 Hornet Scopes
- Best Vortex Scopes for 30-06 Rifles
Best Scopes for PCP Air Rifles: FAQs
Q: Are PCP Air Rifles Worth the Price?
PCP air rifles are employed in various applications, including hunting, self-defense, pest management, competitions, target shooting, and military purposes. They provide a variety of ballistics that enable greater precision than most guns can.
Q: How Should My Air Rifle Be Stored?
A cabinet is the best and most fundamental way to store an air gun. A cabinet will shield the gun from the elements and ambient dust. A closed cabinet will prevent kids from unintentionally opening it.
Q: Is A Scope Necessary for My Air Rifle?
Yes. Your air rifle’s accuracy will increase substantially with a scope. For various uses, different kinds of scopes are available. Scopes are helpful for recreational gaming and hunting.
Conclusion
There are various options to choose from when it comes to PCP air rifles. The best scope is one that suits your budget needs. Do your due diligence before settling for a model. Also, keep in mind that all the choices above are pretty amazing scopes that are worth considering.