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
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
Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP) Pros
Exceptional optical clarity True FFP reticle with fine markings 10-mil per rotation turret 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
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
Adjustment: 0.1 MIL per click Pros
Tracks accurately under recoil 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
This optic from Primary Arms combines durability and smart reticle design, ideal for both hunting and precision target use.
Specs
Reticle: ACSS Athena BPR MIL FFP Pros
Cons
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
Vortex’s Viper PST Gen II is a proven long-range performer that pairs exceptionally well with the Texan’s ballistics.
Specs
Pros
Cons
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
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
Pros
Military-grade reliability Cons
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.