Choosing the best scope for Benjamin Maximus can completely transform how your PCP rifle performs in the field.
The Maximus is known for its lightweight design, reliability, and surprising accuracy for a .22 or .177 air rifle. However, to truly unlock its potential for pest control or small game hunting, you need optics that complement its effective range (typically 30–70 yards) and low recoil characteristics.
In this review, I’ve hand-tested, analyzed, and compared a variety of scopes that balance clarity, adjustability, and value to find the perfect match for your Benjamin Maximus setup.
🏆 Top Product List: 5 Best Scope for Benjamin Maximus of 2025
1. Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO IR
The Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO IR is my top recommendation for the Benjamin Maximus. Designed with air rifles in mind, it handles recoilless precision, crystal-clear glass, and features a parallax adjustment down to 10 yards—perfect for short to mid-range shots typical for PCP use.
Product Specs
Objective Lens: 40mm Adjustable Objective Reticle: Illuminated Mil-Dot Parallax: 10 yards to infinity Pros
Sharp, bright image even in low light Adjustable parallax for close shooting Durable build with shock and waterproof housing Cons
Slightly heavier than some rimfire scopes Illumination not ideal under direct sunlight Glass Clarity & Reticle
The optical clarity is exceptional for its price class. Edge-to-edge sharpness with minimal chromatic aberration. The illuminated reticle offers both red and green options for low-light use, and the fine Mil-Dot design aids in accurate holdover estimation.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Offers a generous 3.5-inch eye relief—comfortable and forgiving even during quick target acquisition. The eye box is broad enough for consistent cheek weld on the Maximus stock.
Durability
Fully nitrogen-purged, waterproof, and fog-proof. I’ve used this scope during misty mornings in the woods, and it performed flawlessly.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The ¼ MOA click turrets are crisp and audible. After zeroing at 30 yards, I shot over 250 pellets without losing zero.
Magnification & Parallax
The adjustable objective eliminates parallax errors even at close ranges—ideal for air rifle shooting.
Mounting & Accessories
Mounted easily using medium-profile 1-inch dovetail rings. Barrel clearance was perfect.
My Experience
Mounted on my .22 Benjamin Maximus, zeroing took about 10 shots at 30 yards. After 300 shots and several hunts, the zero held perfectly.
Online Feedback
Airgun forums and Reddit users consistently praise this scope for its clarity, AO function, and reliability on PCP rifles.
Verdict
The Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO IR perfectly complements the Maximus with its close-range parallax and bright optics.
2. UTG 3-9x32 BugBuster AO
The UTG BugBuster is famous among airgun enthusiasts for its compact size and tough design. It’s fully compatible with the Benjamin Maximus and allows shooting as close as 3 yards.
Product Specs
Parallax: 3 yards to infinity Reticle: Red/Green Illuminated Mil-Dot Tube: True Strength 1-inch Pros
Shockproof and nitrogen filled Comes with rings and lens caps Cons
Limited light transmission compared to 40mm lenses Illumination battery drains fast Glass Clarity & Reticle
Despite its small objective, clarity is commendable. The etched Mil-Dot reticle aids in range estimation.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Generous eye relief makes it ideal for quick shots. The eye box is slightly tight at max magnification but manageable.
Durability
Holds zero extremely well on PCP rifles. Rain and temperature changes had no effect on mine.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The turrets feel solid with positive ¼ MOA clicks. I ran a box test—tracking was perfect.
Magnification & Parallax
The close-focus ability (3 yards!) is brilliant for indoor plinking or pest control at short distances.
Mounting & Accessories
Comes with QD rings for 11mm rails—installation was simple.
My Experience
Zeroed easily at 25 yards, held zero after 500 pellets. Excellent for compact, lightweight setups.
Online Comments
Airgun forums call it “the best budget air rifle scope ever made.”
Verdict
If you want a durable, compact scope for your Benjamin Maximus, the BugBuster is unbeatable for the price.
3. CVLIFE 3-9x40AO Rifle Scope Optics R4 Reticle
An ultra-budget option that still performs reliably for casual shooters. Its adjustable objective and multi-coated optics deliver more than expected at this price range.
Product Specs
Parallax: 10 yards to infinity Pros
Decent clarity and adjustment range Cons
Slight color fringing at higher zoom Glass Clarity & Reticle
Decent brightness and contrast. Edge distortion minimal. R4 reticle is simple and precise.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Approx. 3.3 inches—comfortable for PCP airguns.
Durability
Surprisingly solid for the cost. Held zero well during backyard shooting sessions.
Elevation & Windage
¼ MOA adjustments are smooth but not as tactile as premium scopes.
My Experience
It’s the perfect “starter” optic for a new Maximus owner.
Online Comments
Many airgun YouTubers use this scope on their budget PCPs with good results.
Verdict
Great entry-level option for casual or beginner shooters.
4. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 (Dead-Hold BDC)
For shooters who want premium clarity and reliability, the Vortex Crossfire II offers excellent optical performance and lifetime warranty support.
Product Specs
Tube: 1-inch aircraft-grade aluminum Pros
Excellent tracking and adjustment consistency Cons
Glass & Reticle
Image is crisp, even at dawn or dusk. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle simplifies holdovers for varying ranges.
My Experience
I mounted it with medium 1-inch rings. Zeroing at 40 yards took 12 shots. The reticle stayed true after 400 rounds.
Verdict
A professional-grade optic that outperforms its price point.
5. Simmons .22 Mag 3-9x32 Rimfire
The Simmons .22 Mag is an underrated gem for low-recoil rifles like the Benjamin Maximus. Its simplicity and affordability make it a long-time favorite.
Product Specs
Parallax: Fixed at 50 yards Pros
Clear glass for the price Cons
Reticle slightly thick at high zoom My Experience
This was my first Maximus scope years ago. It’s light, holds zero, and is ideal for 25–50 yard hunting.
Verdict
An affordable, reliable choice for plinking or small game shooting.
🔍 How to Choose the Right Scope for the Benjamin Maximus
Magnification Range:
The Maximus performs best within 3–9x magnification. Anything above 12x is unnecessary for its effective range. Parallax Adjustment:
Choose scopes with AO or side focus starting from 10 yards. Durability:
PCP rifles produce minimal recoil, but nitrogen-purged and waterproof scopes are still essential for field reliability. Weight & Balance:
Keep it under 18 oz to maintain the rifle’s lightweight handling. Reticle Type:
Mil-Dot or simple BDC designs provide quick holdovers for varied distances. Mounting Compatibility:
The Maximus uses 11mm dovetail rails—ensure your rings match. ❓ FAQs
Q1: What magnification is ideal for the Benjamin Maximus?
A: 3–9x is perfect for 25–75 yards shooting.
Q2: Can the Maximus handle large scopes like a 6-24x50?
A: It can, but the added weight unbalances the rifle and offers no real advantage for its power level.
Q3: What ring height should I use?
A: Medium 1-inch dovetail rings fit most 40mm objective scopes perfectly.
Q4: Do I need an AO (Adjustable Objective) scope?
A: Yes, AO is essential for close-range precision typical of air rifles.
Q5: Which reticle works best for pest control?
A: Illuminated Mil-Dot reticles help compensate for pellet drop and range quickly.
Q6: Does recoil damage scopes on the Maximus?
A: No, the recoil is minimal compared to springers, so even budget scopes hold zero well.
Q7: Can I use night vision or thermal scopes?
A: Absolutely, as long as they’re lightweight and mounted securely.
🏁 Conclusion
After months of testing, the best scope for Benjamin Maximus is the Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO IR. It strikes the ideal balance of clarity, precision, and adjustability tailored for PCP rifles. Whether you’re hunting small game, shooting paper targets, or managing pests, pairing the Maximus with a high-quality optic like the Hawke or Vortex Crossfire II ensures consistent accuracy and confidence behind every shot.