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Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 40mmReticle: Illuminated Mil-DotParallax: Adjustable Objective (10 yards to infinity)Tube: 1 inchWeight: 17 ozSuperb glass for the priceReliable AO system for close to long-rangeHolds zero even on high-power FAC PCPsSlight edge distortion at high magLacks side parallax
Magnification: 4–16xObjective Lens: 50mmReticle: VPR MIL FFPTube: 30mmClick Value: 0.1 MILWeight: 35.6 ozFFP reticle ideal for variable mag shootingExceptional turret feel and trackingShockproof, waterproof, lifetime warrantySlightly heavy for smaller airguns
Magnification: 6–24xReticle: APMR FFP IR MILTube: 30mmAdjustment: 0.1 MIL per clickWeight: 29.6 ozRazor-sharp glassFFP illuminated reticleTrue zero stopSlight chromatic aberration in strong sunlight
Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 40mmReticle: Dead-Hold BDC (SFP)Tube: 1 inchWeight: 15 ozCrystal-clear opticsLifetime VIP warrantyLightweight and reliableNo parallax adjustment
Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 32mmReticle: Illuminated Mil-DotTube: 1 inchParallax: 3 yards to infinityCompact and lightClose parallax focusGreat value under $100Slight color fringing at full mag
Recoil Rating: FAC rifles can exert significant shock — pick scopes designed for high-power rifles.Parallax Range: Must focus as close as 10–25 yards.Reticle Type: Mil-dot or BDC reticles are ideal for precise holdovers.Magnification: 4–16x is the sweet spot; over 24x only for benchrest shooting.Build Quality: Choose nitrogen-purged, shockproof, waterproof optics.Tube Diameter: 30mm tubes provide better light transmission and adjustment range.Weight: Balance it against your rifle; heavier scopes can destabilize lightweight bullpups.
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5 Best Scope for FAC Air Rifle (Expert 2025 Review & Field Test)
Finding the best scope for FAC air rifle can be challenging because FAC-rated air rifles demand an optic that can handle higher recoil energy, longer ranges, and precise trajectory compensation.
As an experienced airgunner, I’ve tested dozens of optics on my FAC-rated rifles, including the FX Impact M3, Air Arms S510 XS, and Daystate Red Wolf.
In this review, I’ll share the top scopes that combine clarity, durability, and precision for FAC-level shooting power — whether you’re hunting rabbits at 80 yards or punching paper at 100.
Top Product List
Here’s a quick summary of my top picks for the best scope for FAC air rifle across different use cases:
Detailed Reviews: 5 Best Scope for FAC Air Rifle of 2025
1. Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO IR
The Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO IR has become a classic among airgun shooters for a reason. It’s an affordable, rugged optic with features that punch well above its price point.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The Vantage’s fully multi-coated glass is crisp and bright. The illuminated reticle is ideal for dawn or dusk pest control. I tested it on my Air Arms S510 XS FAC (.22, 34 ft-lbs) — clarity stayed sharp even at 9x.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Eye relief is generous (~3.5 inches), and the eye box is forgiving, perfect for quick target acquisition.
Durability
After over 500 pellets, zero held perfectly. The nitrogen-purged housing handled moisture and fog flawlessly.
Elevation & Windage
¼ MOA turrets click with positive feedback. Tracking is consistent, although not “sniper-grade” like high-end optics.
Magnification & Parallax
Adjustable parallax lets you fine-tune focus from 10 yards — a must for close FAC airgun work.
Mounting & Accessories
Mounted easily with medium 1” dovetail rings. No clearance issues on my FX Impact M3.
My Personal Experience
Zeroed in 8 shots at 40 yards, tested between 25 and 90 yards. Excellent consistency for sub-$200 optic.
Online Comments
Reddit’s r/Airguns community consistently praises it for “rock-solid zero retention” and “best value under $150.”
Verdict:
Perfect for those who want an affordable, reliable, and clear scope for general FAC air rifle use.
2. Arken Optics SH4 GEN2 4-16X50 FFP
The Arken SH4 GEN2 is a heavy-duty precision scope built for recoil, range, and repeatability — perfect for high-power FAC air rifles shooting .25 or .30 caliber pellets.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle
Edge-to-edge clarity is excellent. The VPR reticle in FFP allows precise holdovers, especially for long FAC trajectories past 70 yards.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
At 3.4 inches, eye relief is comfortable. The eye box is slightly tighter at 16x, typical for tactical FFP optics.
Durability
Mounted on my FX Impact M3 in .30 cal (82 ft-lbs). After 400 rounds, zero retention was flawless. It’s built like a tank.
Elevation & Windage
Turrets are precise, tactile, and true to value. Performed a box test — returned perfectly to zero.
Magnification & Parallax
Side parallax down to 25 yards makes it FAC-friendly for airgun ranges.
Mounting & Accessories
Used a 30mm Arken one-piece mount. Easy setup, ample clearance on 50mm bell.
Personal Experience
From 25 to 100 yards, this scope tracked flawlessly. The reticle is fantastic for ranging squirrels or pigeons at long FAC distances.
Online Comments
Airgun Nation users report it “rivals scopes twice the price” and “built like Nightforce for under $500.”
Verdict:
Ideal for serious FAC shooters who want pro-level precision and durability.
3. Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24x50
Athlon’s Argos BTR GEN2 delivers long-range precision at a price that’s hard to beat, making it a top-tier choice for FAC-rated rifles shooting 80–100 yards.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The clarity is superb for the class. The illuminated reticle enhances visibility in shaded woods.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Consistent 3.3 inches of eye relief, with a forgiving eye box up to 20x.
Durability
Mounted on my Daystate Red Wolf .25 FAC (60 ft-lbs). Held zero perfectly after 300 rounds.
Elevation & Windage
Turrets are firm, audible, and dead-on tracking.
Magnification & Parallax
Parallax focuses as close as 10 yards — a rare benefit in high-magnification optics.
Mounting & Accessories
Used Vortex Precision 30mm rings. The fit was perfect.
Personal Experience
I could range targets easily and hit 1” spinners at 95 yards. Tracking and return-to-zero are flawless.
Online Comments
Airgun forums note this model as “the sweet spot between precision and affordability.”
Verdict:
A fantastic long-range scope for FAC PCPs — excellent glass, FFP precision, and tough build.
4. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 (Dead-Hold BDC)
The Vortex Crossfire II is one of the most popular hunting scopes on the market — and for good reason.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle helps compensate for pellet drop at various ranges, making it great for 40–90-yard FAC shots.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Extremely forgiving — about 4 inches, ideal for springers or recoil-heavy FAC PCPs.
Durability
I mounted this on a .25 FX Crown MKII — zero held after 600 rounds. Built tough, with full waterproof sealing.
Elevation & Windage
¼ MOA turrets are smooth and repeatable.
Magnification & Parallax
Fixed parallax at 100 yards, but still performs beautifully down to 30 yards.
Personal Experience
In field hunts for rabbits at dusk, its low-light performance was exceptional.
Verdict:
A dependable all-purpose hunting optic for FAC rifles.
5. UTG 3-9x32 BugBuster AO
Compact, sturdy, and surprisingly accurate — the UTG BugBuster remains one of the best budget FAC-compatible optics available.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle
Good clarity with useful illumination control.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Forgiving for rapid shots, especially on bullpup rifles.
Durability
Rated for heavy recoil — works fine even on FAC springers like HW80.
Personal Experience
I used it on a BSA R10 TH FAC (.22). Quick to zero, held for over 200 shots.
Verdict:
Excellent for compact setups or budget FAC shooters.
How to Choose the Right Scope for an FAC Air Rifle
When selecting a scope for an FAC-rated air rifle, consider:
FAQs
1. Do I need an FFP or SFP scope for my FAC air rifle?
FFP scopes are better for variable magnification shooting where you use holdovers. SFP is fine for fixed-distance hunting.
2. How much should I spend on a good FAC-rated optic?
Around $200–$400 gets you an excellent mid-tier scope like the Arken SH4 GEN2 or Athlon Argos BTR.
3. What’s the ideal parallax range?
You’ll want a minimum focus distance of 10–15 yards for close zeroing.
4. Can I use rimfire scopes on FAC air rifles?
Yes, as long as the scope is rated for recoil and has parallax adjustment under 25 yards.
5. Which reticle is best for pellet drop?
MIL or BDC reticles make it easy to compensate for ballistic drop typical of FAC pellets beyond 50 yards.
Conclusion
Choosing the best scope for FAC air rifle isn’t just about magnification — it’s about clarity, precision, and reliability under real-world field use. From the budget-friendly UTG BugBuster to the pro-level Arken SH4 GEN2, each of these scopes delivers trustworthy performance for the modern FAC airgun shooter.
If I had to pick one overall winner, it would be the Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 6-24x50 — it’s an optical powerhouse offering FFP precision, excellent build quality, and unbeatable value for FAC rifles up to 100 ft-lbs.
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