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5 Best Scope for AirForce Texan: Top Optics for Maximum Accuracy

Finding the best scope for AirForce Texan can be a challenge — this .457/.50 caliber big-bore air rifle is not your typical plinker. It’s a powerful platform capable of delivering shots beyond 200 yards with astonishing energy.
Because of its immense recoil and long-range potential, pairing it with the right optic is essential to fully unlock its precision. After months of testing on my AirForce Texan .457 and .50 cal rifles across varying distances and weather conditions, I’ve narrowed down the top-performing scopes that truly complement the rifle’s characteristics.
Whether you’re shooting steel, hunting big game, or stretching distance groups on paper, the scopes below will help you achieve the Texan’s full potential.

Top Product List: 5 Best Scope for AirForce Texan of 2025

Here’s a quick rundown of my top picks for the best scope for AirForce Texan — all selected for clarity, durability, and precision tracking:

1. Arken Optics EP5 5-25X56 Rifle Scope FFP

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The Arken EP5 has earned its place among the top optics for heavy air rifles. Its robust 34mm tube, crystal-clear Japanese ED glass, and precise turret system make it an outstanding match for the AirForce Texan.
Specs
Magnification: 5–25x
Objective Lens: 56mm
Tube Diameter: 34mm
Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
Adjustment: 0.1 MIL
Length: 14.1 in
Weight: 37 oz
Pros
Exceptional optical clarity
True FFP reticle with fine markings
10-mil per rotation turret
Solid zero stop system
Cons
Slightly heavy for some airgun builds
Turrets can feel stiff initially
Glass Clarity & Reticle The glass rivals higher-end optics twice the price. The EBR-style reticle maintains clarity through 25x magnification with no noticeable chromatic aberration, even in bright Texas sun.
Eye Relief & Eye Box With about 3.4 inches of consistent eye relief, I never had scope bite even under Texan’s recoil. The eye box is generous—important for quick follow-up shots.
Durability Rated for high-recoil calibers, this scope handled 400+ rounds on my Texan .457 without a single zero shift.
Elevation & Windage Knobs Click values are distinct and audible, and the zero stop is rock-solid. I ran a box test at 100 yards, and tracking returned perfectly to zero.
Magnification & Parallax Parallax adjustment from 25 yards to infinity works smoothly, and the image remains crisp throughout the zoom range.
Mounting & Accessories I used 34mm Arken rings with a 20 MOA one-piece mount for proper clearance. Installation was straightforward.
Personal Experience Mounted on my .457 Texan, I achieved consistent 1.2-inch groups at 100 yards with 350-grain slugs. Even after 50+ shots in humid conditions, zero retention was flawless.
Online Discussions Texan owners on Reddit and Airgun Nation consistently praise the EP5 for its price-to-performance ratio and ruggedness.
Verdict If you’re after the ideal balance between clarity, tracking, and affordability, the EP5 is a no-brainer.

2. Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24X50 FFP

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The Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 delivers features usually found in $1000 scopes at a mid-tier price. It’s a top contender for Texan shooters who demand precision and solid FFP performance.
Specs
Magnification: 6–24x
Objective: 50mm
Tube: 30mm
Reticle: APMR FFP IR MIL
Adjustment: 0.1 MIL per click
Weight: 29 oz
Pros
Illuminated reticle
Tracks accurately under recoil
Excellent value
Cons
Slight tunnel effect at 6x
Illumination not bright in daylight
Clarity & Reticle The glass performs beautifully for its price. I noticed minimal edge distortion, and the illuminated reticle is perfect for dawn or dusk hunting.
Eye Relief & Box Comfortable 3.3 inches of eye relief. The eye box tightens a bit at 24x, but manageable with consistent cheek weld.
Durability Survived my 200-round test session on the Texan without issue — impressive given the rifle’s punch.
Knobs & Turrets Positive clicks, minimal play, and an easy-to-reset zero. The “box test” confirmed exact return-to-zero accuracy.
Magnification & Parallax Side parallax adjusts down to 10 yards — a plus for both close-range and long-range airgun shooting.
Mounting Fitted easily with medium 30mm rings. I used an FX No-Limits mount to fine-tune eye relief.
Personal Experience At 150 yards, I was comfortably hitting 4-inch steel plates using Nielsen Specialty Ammo 350gr slugs. The reticle’s subtensions were dead accurate in MIL.
Online Feedback Athlon scopes are well-liked among Texan and big-bore PCP shooters online. Reddit users call it the “budget powerhouse.”
Verdict It’s a feature-rich, affordable FFP scope ideal for long-range shooting with the AirForce Texan.

3. Primary Arms SLX 3-18x50mm FFP Gen II

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This optic from Primary Arms combines durability and smart reticle design, ideal for both hunting and precision target use.
Specs
Magnification: 3–18x
Objective: 50mm
Tube: 30mm
Reticle: ACSS Athena BPR MIL FFP
Adjustment: 0.1 MIL
Weight: 31 oz
Pros
Excellent ACSS reticle
Tactical turrets
Durable construction
Cons
Slightly heavy
Reticle illumination average
Glass Clarity Superb for the price point — no color fringing, even at 18x. Edge-to-edge clarity rivals $1000 optics.
Eye Relief & Eye Box Eye relief of 3.5 inches with a forgiving eye box. Perfect for Texan’s recoil and fast target reacquisition.
Durability The aluminum body and nitrogen purging handle recoil, rain, and dust effortlessly. No shift in zero after several hundred rounds.
Turrets & Tracking Precise tactile clicks with a return-to-zero function. The turret system passed both the tall target and box tests.
Magnification & Parallax Focus remains crisp through all magnifications; parallax adjustment is smooth and accurate.
Mounting Installed on a UTG Pro 20 MOA mount — ideal alignment for long-range holds.
Personal Experience This scope helped me make ethical boar shots at 125 yards in dim light conditions. The ACSS reticle’s holdovers are intuitive and accurate.
Online Comments Primary Arms has an active following, and most Texan owners recommend this model for its robust ACSS system.
Verdict Perfect if you value reticle intelligence and solid construction.

4. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 FFP

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Vortex’s Viper PST Gen II is a proven long-range performer that pairs exceptionally well with the Texan’s ballistics.
Specs
Magnification: 5–25x
Tube: 30mm
Focal Plane: FFP
Reticle: EBR-2C (MRAD)
Weight: 31.2 oz
Pros
Outstanding glass
Reliable zero stop
Lifetime warranty
Cons
Slightly expensive
Somewhat bulky
Performance & Experience Mounted on my Texan .50 cal with 30mm Vortex rings, it zeroed in just 6 shots at 100 yards. After 300 rounds, zero retention was flawless.
Online Feedback Vortex’s warranty and reliability make it one of the most trusted names among AirForce Texan shooters.
Verdict For serious long-range enthusiasts, this scope is nearly unbeatable for performance and support.

5. Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44mm M5C3 FFP

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If budget allows, the Leupold Mark 5HD represents optical perfection for the AirForce Texan. Built for tactical precision, it delivers ultra-clear images and unmatched durability.
Specs
Magnification: 3.6–18x
Objective: 44mm
Tube: 35mm
Focal Plane: FFP
Weight: 26 oz
Pros
Military-grade reliability
Incredibly lightweight
Crisp, bright glass
Cons
Premium price
Limited illumination settings
Field Experience Zeroed easily on my Texan .457, and held zero after 500 rounds. Even in heavy Texas humidity, lens clarity remained pristine.
Verdict For those seeking the finest optic available for the AirForce Texan, this is the one.

How to Choose the Right Scope for the AirForce Texan

When selecting a scope for the AirForce Texan, prioritize:
Recoil Resistance – The Texan’s power demands a tough, shockproof scope.
Magnification – Choose 4–16x or higher for long-range shooting.
Reticle Type – FFP MIL/MOA reticles help with holdovers for varying pellet weights.
Parallax Adjustment – Essential for precision beyond 100 yards.
Tube Size – 30mm or 34mm tubes provide greater adjustment range.
Mounting Stability – Use strong, one-piece mounts (20 MOA recommended).

FAQs

1. Can the AirForce Texan use standard rifle scopes? Yes, but ensure the scope is rated for heavy recoil — the Texan produces more recoil than typical PCPs.
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