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5 Best Scope for Benjamin Bulldog: My Hands-On Review of the Top Picks for Power and Precision

When it comes to finding the best scope for Benjamin Bulldog, the challenge is more than just matching magnification with your rifle’s power.
The Benjamin Bulldog is a .357 PCP air rifle that delivers devastating energy, and not every optic can handle its unique recoil signature or ballistic curve.
Over the years, I’ve tested a range of scopes on the Bulldog—from traditional glass to smart night vision optics—and today I’m going to share my top recommendations that truly complement its capabilities.

Top Product List: 5 Best Scope for Benjamin Bulldog of 2025

Here’s a quick list of my top picks before we dive deep into the detailed reviews.

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

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If you’re looking for a rock-solid optic to push your Benjamin Bulldog to its true potential, the Arken Optics EP5 5-25x56 is an excellent choice. It’s a first focal plane (FFP) scope with incredible optical performance that holds zero even on high-energy PCP platforms.
Built with Japanese ED glass and precision-machined aluminum, this scope delivers a crystal-clear image with outstanding color accuracy. It’s ideal for long-range hunting and target shooting where precision and repeatability are key.

Product Specs

Magnification: 5–25x
Objective Lens: 56mm
Tube Diameter: 34mm
Reticle: VPR MIL FFP
Adjustment: 0.1 MIL per click
Weight: 39 oz
Warranty: Lifetime

Pros

Razor-sharp clarity
Excellent tracking and turret feedback
Robust construction

Cons

Slightly heavy for hunting setups
Needs quality rings due to 34mm tube

Glass Clarity & Reticle

The EP5 offers Japanese glass that easily rivals scopes twice its price. The VPR FFP reticle stays accurate at every magnification, which makes range estimation simple.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

Eye relief is a comfortable 3.4 inches. The eye box is forgiving even at higher zoom levels—something you’ll appreciate during fast target acquisition.

Durability

This scope is built like a tank. During my test on the Benjamin Bulldog, it held zero after 300 rounds of 145-grain slugs—impressive performance.

Elevation & Windage Knobs

The tactile clicks (0.1 MIL) are distinct and consistent. The zero stop system works flawlessly after zeroing at 100 yards.

Magnification & Parallax

From 5x for closer shots to 25x for stretching past 150 yards, it’s perfect for the Bulldog’s power curve. Side parallax adjustment allows fine-tuning from 10 yards to infinity.

Mounting & Accessories

I mounted it using 34mm one-piece rings on a Picatinny rail. The added bubble level was essential for long-range precision.

My Personal Experience

On my Bulldog, the EP5 delivered sub-2" groups at 100 yards using 145-grain Air Venturi slugs. The FFP reticle made holdovers precise, and turret tracking was spot-on.

Online Comments

Reddit’s r/Airguns community often praises the EP5 for its “$1000 performance at a $500 price tag.” Shooters love its turret precision and optical brightness in low light.

Verdict

The Arken EP5 stands out as one of the most precise, affordable, and durable scopes for the Bulldog. ​

2. Athlon Optics Helos BTR GEN2 4-20x50 Rifle Scope

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The Helos BTR GEN2 is a premium-grade scope with a solid 30mm tube, illuminated reticle, and fully multi-coated optics. Designed for hunters who demand long-range accuracy.

Product Specs

Magnification: 4–20x
Objective Lens: 50mm
Reticle: APLR6 FFP IR MIL
Adjustment: 0.1 MIL per click
Weight: 27.8 oz
Waterproof/Fogproof/Shockproof

Pros

Superb glass quality
Crisp illumination for low-light hunts
Precise turret system

Cons

Illumination knob slightly stiff
Limited field of view at 20x

Glass Clarity & Reticle

The clarity is comparable to Leupold’s VX series. The illuminated APLR6 reticle gives great visibility at dusk—perfect for coyote or hog hunting.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

At 3.7 inches, it’s ideal for air rifle recoil management. The eye box remains generous through the mid-magnification range.

Durability

This optic survived several heavy airgun sessions without zero shift. Its argon purging keeps lenses fog-free in humid conditions.

Elevation & Windage Knobs

Positive clicks with an easy-to-reset zero stop system. Tracking was repeatable over multiple box tests.

Magnification & Parallax

Side parallax adjustment (15 yards to infinity) is perfect for both close and long shots. Zoom transition is smooth and well-damped.

My Personal Experience

Mounted on my Bulldog using Vortex Pro rings, it performed flawlessly. The illuminated reticle was a lifesaver during twilight pig hunts.

Online Comments

Forum users on Gateway to Airguns call it “the sweet spot of value optics”—high-end feel without the $1000 tag.

Verdict

For airgun hunters who value optical quality and low-light precision, the Helos BTR GEN2 is hard to beat. ​

3. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x

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If you’re into tech-enhanced shooting, the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro brings digital innovation to your Benjamin Bulldog. It’s a day/night scope with video recording, ballistic calculator, and recoil-activated recording.

Product Specs

Magnification: 5–20x
Sensor: 4K M265
Night Vision: IR Enhanced
Rangefinder: Built-in (via Bluetooth)
Battery Life: Up to 18 hours

Pros

Day/night versatility
Smart ballistic calculator
Records 1080p video

Cons

Slight learning curve
Bulkier than traditional scopes

Glass Clarity & Reticle

Digital clarity is excellent, especially in full daylight. The night vision mode is impressive for hunting hogs or predators.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

Long eye relief ensures safe positioning even with the Bulldog’s rear recoil pulse.

Durability

Despite its electronics, the X-Sight is tough. It handled air rifle recoil without issues over multiple hunts.

Elevation & Windage Knobs

Digital zeroing is intuitive; once set, it retains calibration perfectly.

Magnification & Parallax

Digital zoom is smooth with minimal lag. Focus ring adjustment helps fine-tune sharpness.

My Personal Experience

I recorded several hog hunts using the X-Sight on my Bulldog. The ballistic calculator automatically adjusted POI, making hits out to 125 yards consistent.

Online Comments

YouTube and Reddit users praise its value: “Best entry-level night vision optic under $700.”

Verdict

For night hunters using the Bulldog, this is the most feature-rich scope available today. ​

4. Burris Veracity 3-15x50mm Hunting Rifle Scope

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The Burris Veracity combines premium optics with rugged reliability. It’s designed for precision hunters who need consistent tracking and clear imaging at any range.

Product Specs

Magnification: 3–15x
Objective Lens: 50mm
Reticle: Ballistic Plex E1 FFP
Adjustment: 0.25 MOA
Tube Diameter: 30mm

Pros

Superb optical resolution
Reliable turret tracking
Excellent light transmission

Cons

Heavier than competitors
Slight parallax shift at high zoom

Glass Clarity & Reticle

The Veracity’s high-grade glass delivers an exceptionally bright image. The Ballistic Plex E1 reticle gives precise hold points for airgun trajectories.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

Eye relief around 3.5 inches feels safe and consistent across magnifications.

Durability

The Veracity’s shockproof tube easily manages the Bulldog’s recoil. Fully nitrogen-purged for fog resistance.

Elevation & Windage Knobs

Each 1/4 MOA click feels tactile and reliable. I confirmed perfect tracking in a box test at 100 yards.

Magnification & Parallax

Side parallax down to 50 yards makes it perfect for air rifle distances.

My Personal Experience

I achieved 1.5" groups at 100 yards. Its reticle subtensions perfectly matched my Bulldog’s trajectory with 145-grain slugs.

Online Comments

Hunters on Airgun Nation call it “a long-range precision powerhouse.”

Verdict

The Burris Veracity is the perfect premium glass for those who want traditional optics with high-end performance. ​

5. Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescope

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Vortex’s Diamondback Tactical FFP offers unmatched reliability at an entry-level price. It’s one of the best-balanced optics for air rifles and centerfires alike.

Product Specs

Magnification: 4–16x
Objective Lens: 44mm
Reticle: EBR-2C FFP
Tube: 30mm
Adjustment: 0.1 MIL per click

Pros

Exceptional build quality
Clear reticle at all magnifications
Vortex lifetime warranty

Cons

Slight chromatic aberration at edges
No illumination

Glass Clarity & Reticle

Impressive edge-to-edge clarity for this price bracket. The EBR-2C reticle provides fast holdover calculation.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

Comfortable 3.8 inches of eye relief. The eye box remains generous even at 16x.

Durability

The one-piece aluminum tube ensures zero retention. Mine stayed solid after several hundred Bulldog shots.

Elevation & Windage Knobs

Audible and precise clicks—typical Vortex quality.

Magnification & Parallax

Side parallax down to 20 yards is perfect for PCP shooting distances.

My Personal Experience

Mounted with medium-height Vortex rings, I achieved consistent groups at 75 and 100 yards. Excellent tracking and simple operation.

Online Comments

Reddit users say it’s “the most reliable budget FFP optic under $500.”

Verdict

For budget-conscious Bulldog owners who still demand precision, this is your best pick. ​

How to Choose the Right Scope for the Benjamin Bulldog

When selecting optics for the Bulldog, here are the main factors I consider:
Recoil Resistance: PCP rifles like the Bulldog produce a rearward pulse; your scope must have robust internals.
Magnification Range: Ideal range is 4–20x for versatility.
Reticle Type: FFP reticles help maintain consistent subtensions when adjusting zoom.
Parallax Adjustment: Look for side-focus parallax that goes down to 10–25 yards.
Eye Relief: Minimum 3.5" to protect against recoil.
Weight & Balance: Heavy scopes can unbalance a PCP rifle.
Warranty & Support: Lifetime warranties (like Vortex and Arken) add long-term value.

FAQs

Q1: What magnification is best for the Benjamin Bulldog? A: 4–20x is ideal—it allows for close- to mid-range hunting while maintaining clarity at 100+ yards.
Q2: Can the Bulldog handle FFP scopes? A: Yes. Its recoil pulse is smooth compared to springers, so FFP scopes like the Arken EP5 perform beautifully.
Q3: Is the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro good for airguns? A: Absolutely. It’s rated for airgun recoil and provides both day and night capability.
Q4: Do I need special mounts for these scopes? A: A sturdy one-piece 20 MOA Picatinny mount is recommended for better zero retention.
Q5: Which reticle style works best for air rifles? A: MIL-based or MOA reticles with fine hash marks—perfect for compensating airgun drop.
Q6: How far can you accurately shoot with a Bulldog? A: With the right scope and ammo, consistent hits at 125–150 yards are achievable.
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