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Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 40mmReticle: Illuminated Mil-Dot (Red/Green)Parallax: Adjustable Objective (AO) from 10 yardsTube: 1-inchLength: 12.4 inWeight: 17 ozFocal Plane: SecondDesigned specifically for airgunsExcellent optical clarity and sharpnessAdjustable parallax down to 10 yardsSolid build with recoil resistanceSlightly heavier than entry-level scopesIllumination may wash out in very bright daylight
Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 40mmReticle: R4 (Red/Green illuminated)Tube Diameter: 1 inchParallax: Fixed (100 yards)Lens Coating: Multi-coatedAffordable and lightweightBright reticle illuminationClear optics for under $50Fixed parallax not ideal for under-20-yard shotsTurrets feel spongy
Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 32mmReticle: Mil-DotParallax: Adjustable down to 3 yardsTube: 1 inch, nitrogen-filledLength: 8.1 inWeight: 13.9 ozExtremely compact and durableTrue close-range parallax adjustmentComes with flip-up lens caps and ringsSmaller objective limits light intake slightlySlight tunnel effect at high magnification
Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 32mmReticle: TruplexEye Relief: 3.75 inchesParallax: Fixed at 50 yardsFinish: Matte blackCrystal-clear glass for the priceFeatherlight and compactGreat for low-recoil airgunsFixed parallaxNot ideal for extreme close-range plinking
Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 32mmReticle: Illuminated RangefinderParallax: Adjustable Objective (AO)Tube: 1-inchLength: 11.5 inAffordable with AO focusingGood reticle illuminationSolid aluminum buildSlight reticle bloom at high brightnessAdjustment turrets less tactile
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Best Scope for Pellet Gun: Top 5 Optics for Precision Air Rifle Shooting in 2025
Finding the best scope for pellet gun can transform your air rifle from a simple plinker into a precision instrument.
Whether you’re targeting cans in the backyard, controlling pests, or zeroing in on small game, the right optic enhances accuracy, confidence, and enjoyment.
Over the past few months, I’ve personally tested dozens of air rifle scopes on spring-piston, CO₂, and PCP platforms to discover which models truly deliver.
In this guide, I’ll break down my top picks for clarity, consistency, and real-world performance — so you can hit your target with precision every time.
Top Product List
Here’s a quick look at my top five choices, all tested on various pellet rifles:
Each scope offers something unique — from affordability and ease of mounting to superior parallax adjustment and recoil handling. Let’s dive into the details.
Detailed Reviews
1. Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO IR
The Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO IR is one of the most versatile and well-built airgun scopes I’ve used. Hawke Optics has earned its reputation for designing optics tailored for air rifles, and this one stands out for its clarity and durability.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Through the Hawke, images appear razor-sharp from edge to edge. The Mil-Dot reticle is simple yet functional, allowing for precise holdovers — perfect for pellet trajectory compensation at 30–60 yards.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Generous 3.5 inches of eye relief make it comfortable for all-day shooting. The eye box is forgiving, letting you acquire targets quickly even when shooting offhand.
Durability:
I tested this on a Gamo Swarm Magnum and a PCP Air Arms S510. The scope held zero flawlessly even after 400 pellets. The recoil-resistant design makes it ideal for springers.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Crisp, audible clicks (¼ MOA) that track reliably. I performed a “box test,” and the turrets returned to zero perfectly.
Magnification & Parallax:
At 3x, you can easily engage short-range pests. At 9x, you can stretch your shots beyond 80 yards. The AO focus is silky-smooth and eliminates parallax errors at close distances.
Mounting & Accessories:
Mounted easily with standard 1-inch dovetail rings. I used Hawke medium mounts to maintain barrel clearance.
Personal Experience:
Zeroed at 30 yards in under five pellets. I used JSB Exact 8.44gr pellets, and groups consistently stayed under ½ inch. It’s a perfect balance of performance and price.
Online Comments:
Airgun enthusiasts on Reddit and Gateway to Airguns forums praise this model for its dependability and precision focus.
Verdict:
A top-tier scope purpose-built for air rifles. It offers clarity, precision, and toughness far beyond its price range.
2. CVLIFE 3-9x40 (Red/Green Illuminated) R4
The CVLIFE 3-9x40 R4 is arguably the best-value optic on this list. Despite its budget-friendly price, it performs remarkably well on both CO₂ and springer pellet guns.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
While not as refined as the Hawke, CVLIFE offers clear midrange imaging. The illuminated reticle is bold and effective for early morning squirrel hunts.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Moderate 3 inches of relief; you’ll need consistent cheek placement. Still, it works well on low-recoil pellet guns.
Durability:
I mounted it on a Crosman F4 Nitro Piston — held zero surprisingly well through 300 rounds. The aluminum construction withstands mild springer recoil.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
1/4 MOA clicks without tactile snap, but adjustments hold well once zeroed.
Magnification & Parallax:
Zoom remains smooth. Despite the fixed parallax, targets from 25 to 50 yards remain acceptably clear.
Mounting & Accessories:
Comes with free 20mm mounts — rare at this price. Setup took under five minutes.
Personal Experience:
Zeroed at 25 yards with H&N Baracuda Match pellets. Shot groups around 0.75 inches. Not competition-grade, but unbeatable for casual shooters.
Online Comments:
Amazon reviewers frequently note how “shockingly good” it is for the price, especially for .177 and .22 pellet rifles.
Verdict:
If you’re new to air rifles and want a simple, bright, and reliable optic without overspending — this is it.
3. UTG 3-9x32 BugBuster AO
The UTG BugBuster is legendary among airgunners for its compact design and rugged reliability. Specifically built to handle double recoil from spring-piston rifles, it’s one of my personal favorites for versatility.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The emerald-coated lenses deliver bright, contrasty visuals. Reticle markings are precise, aiding pellet drop compensation across multiple ranges.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Generous 4 inches — perfect for recoil-heavy springers. The eye box feels tight at 9x but acceptable.
Durability:
I tested this on a Hatsan 95 Vortex .22. After 500 pellets, it maintained zero perfectly. It’s sealed, shockproof, and weather-resistant — built like a tank.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Lockable, resettable turrets with crisp, audible clicks. It passed the box test with minimal deviation.
Magnification & Parallax:
Its standout feature — a parallax that adjusts down to 3 yards, making it ideal for indoor or close-range target shooting.
Mounting & Accessories:
Comes ready with quick-detach mounts. Setup is straightforward even for beginners.
Personal Experience:
Used on my PCP Benjamin Marauder. Achieved ¼-inch groups at 25 yards. Perfect for pest control and target sessions.
Online Comments:
Widely recommended on airgun forums; Reddit users often call it “the ultimate airgun scope under $150.”
Verdict:
The UTG BugBuster is compact, accurate, and incredibly robust — a near-perfect match for serious pellet gun shooters.
4. Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32 Rimfire
Though marketed for .22 rimfire rifles, the Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32 performs exceptionally well on pellet guns due to its light recoil tolerance and clarity.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Extremely crisp image quality — colors are vivid, and reticle lines are thin and clean. Excellent light transmission for dawn and dusk shooting.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Comfortable relief around 3.75 inches with a forgiving eye box that helps quick target acquisition.
Durability:
Mounted on a CO₂-powered Crosman 1077; zero stayed consistent for weeks. The scope shrugged off minor bumps and rain.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Finger-adjustable with tactile clicks, and it tracks accurately for fine zeroing.
Magnification & Parallax:
Smooth zoom ring and steady focus. While the parallax is fixed at 50 yards, it remains usable down to 20 yards without major blur.
Mounting & Accessories:
Included 3/8” dovetail rings worked perfectly with rimfire rails common to airguns.
Personal Experience:
This was my go-to pest control setup on a Ruger Air Hawk. Squirrels at 40 yards were no problem.
Online Comments:
Highly praised on rimfirecentral.com for its reliability on both rimfire and pellet platforms.
Verdict:
For a light, bright, and reliable optic on a budget, the Simmons .22 Mag stands the test of time.
5. Monstrum 3-9x32 AO
Monstrum has made a name for producing budget-friendly scopes that punch above their weight. The 3-9x32 AO is lightweight, clear, and ideal for entry-level pellet rifle shooters.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
For under $70, glass quality is impressive. The Rangefinder reticle helps estimate distances effectively.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Generous 3.8 inches of eye relief; suitable for variable head positions when bench shooting.
Durability:
Mounted on a Gamo Whisper Fusion. Held zero after over 250 shots. Weatherproof and nitrogen-sealed.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Quarter MOA adjustments with consistent return-to-zero.
Magnification & Parallax:
AO adjustment allows focus from 10 yards — excellent for target and pest shooting.
Mounting & Accessories:
Includes rings and lens caps, making it a complete starter package.
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