A good scope can make a significant difference in the accuracy and shooting experience of your airgun. But with so many different types of scopes and red dot sights on the market, how do you choose the right one? In this guide, we'll go over the most important factors to consider when choosing a scope for your airgun.
1. Which sieve best suits your needs?
The choice of scope depends on what you will be using your airgun for. Here is a general guide:
-
Scope with magnification: Best for precision shooting and longer distances.
-
Red dot sight: Ideal for fast shots and short distances.
-
Holographic sight: An advanced version of the red dot sight with a sharper target image.
2. Riflescope – Magnification and optics
What does the magnification mean?
The magnification is specified as, for example, 3-9x40 , where:
-
3-9x means that the scope can be adjusted from 3x to 9x magnification.
-
40 refers to the objective lens diameter in millimeters.
Which magnification should you choose?
-
1-4x: Fast shots at short distances (<30 m).
-
3-9x: Good all-round magnification for medium distances (30-70 m).
-
4-16x: Long-range shooting (70+ m).
Objective lens size and light transmission
-
Larger objective lenses (e.g. 50 mm) let in more light and work better in low light.
-
Smaller lenses (e.g. 32 mm) are more compact, but have less light transmission.
TIP: If you are shooting in low light, choose a scope with a large objective lens and good optical coating.
3. First Focal Plane (FFP) vs. Second Focal Plane (SFP)
-
First Focal Plane (FFP): The reticle changes size as you adjust the magnification. Best for long-range shooting.
-
Second Focal Plane (SFP): The reticle remains the same size regardless of magnification. Ideal for general shooting.
➡ FFP for shooting with variable zoom, SFP for smooth use at fixed distances.
4. Red Dot Sight – Fast and Efficient
Red dot sights are popular for quick target acquisition. They have no magnification and project an illuminated dot into the sight.
✅ Benefits:
-
Fast target acquisition without parallax problems.
-
Ideal for moving targets or short-range shooting.
-
Can be used with both eyes open.
❌ Disadvantages:
-
Not suitable for long-distance shooting.
-
Depending on battery power.
➡ Use red dot sights if you primarily shoot at short distances and need quick shots.
5. Selecting the reticle type (crosshair)
The reticle (crosshair) comes in many designs:
-
Mil-Dot: Best for precision shooting and distance judgment.
-
Duplex: Simple and easy to use.
-
Illuminated reticle: Good for low light conditions.
-
BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation): Adjusted to compensate for falling bullet trajectory.
➡ Choose a reticle that suits your shooting style and distance.
6. Mounting the sight – Important considerations
Once you have chosen your sight, it must be mounted correctly:
-
Use matching mounts for your rail (Picatinny or Weaver).
-
Make sure to tighten the screws correctly , but without overtightening.
-
Adjust the eye relief so that you have a clear and undisturbed view.
7. Troubleshooting and maintenance
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Unclear sight picture | Condensation or dirt on the lens | Clean the lens with a microfiber cloth. |
| Shots don't hit consistently | Loose fitting | Check the mountings and screws |
| Dim or no lighting | The battery is dead. | Replace the battery |
Conclusion
Choosing the right scope is about matching it to your usage needs, shooting distance and shooting accuracy .
-
Scopes with magnification are best for precision and long distances.
-
Red dot sights are perfect for quick shots at short distances.
-
Reticle selection and mounting are crucial for accuracy.
By choosing the right sight, you can significantly improve your shooting and get more out of your airgun!
