Riflescopes

A riflescope makes it easier to hit accurately at distance, because the target is magnified and the reticle lies in the same focal plane as the target. The category brings together riflescopes for both air guns and airsoft – from fixed 4x32 scopes to variable scopes with up to 18x magnification – as well as short dots and magnifiers for faster shooting at shorter range.

At the more advanced end you will find Hawke Sport Optics with the Vantage series, including the Vantage 2-7x32 AO, Vantage 4-12x40 AO Mil Dot and Vantage 30 WA IR in sizes from 1-4x24 to 3-12x56. Nikko Stirling is represented by the Mountmaster, Airking AO HMD and Diamond 3-12x56, and Vortex Optics by the Crossfire II and Diamondback. At a lower price we stock Victoptics (including the PAC 3-9x40 and AGN 4-16x44), Vector Optics (Forester 1-5x24 and Marksman 4.5-18x50), our own Storm Air 4x32 and HH 3-9x40, and the FX 6-18x44 SFIR with side parallax. For airsoft there are short dots such as the Victoptics ZOD 1-4x20 and S1 1-6x24, as well as Vector Optics Maverick and Paragon 3x magnifiers.

What to look for

• Magnification: A fixed scope such as a 4x32 is simple and robust. Low variable magnifications such as 1-4x and 1-6x give fast target acquisition at close range, 3-9x is a versatile middle option, and scopes up to 4-16x and 4.5-18x are for precision shooting at longer range.
• Objective diameter: The number after the x (e.g. 32, 40, 50 or 56 mm) is the diameter of the objective lens. A larger objective lets in more light, but makes the scope bigger and heavier and often requires higher scope rings.
• Parallax adjustment (AO): Air guns are typically shot at shorter distances than firearms, where parallax matters more. Scopes with AO, such as the Hawke Vantage AO and Victoptics AGN, can be set to the distance you actually shoot at.
• Reticle and illumination: A Mil Dot reticle gives fixed reference points for holding over or under at changing distances. Models with IR in the name have an illuminated reticle, which is an advantage in low light.
• Tube diameter: The scope tube is either 25.4 mm (1") or 30 mm, and the scope rings must have the same diameter. 30 mm tubes are found mainly on larger scopes such as the Hawke Vantage 30 WA, Nikko Stirling Diamond and Victoptics AGN. You can filter by tube diameter, and it is listed on each scope.
• Mount and rail: The rings must also fit the rail on your gun. Most air rifles have an 11 mm dovetail rail, while airsoft guns and many PCP rifles have a 22 mm Picatinny/Weaver rail. Some scopes come with rings – e.g. the Storm Air 4x32 and Victoptics JAV with rings for 11 mm, and the Victoptics PAC 3-9x40 and AGN with rings for 22 mm – while Hawke and Vortex, for example, come without. On each scope you can see whether a mount is included and which rings fit. For spring air rifles with heavy recoil, choose a scope designed for air guns.

Who it's for

The category is aimed at air gun shooters who want more precision on the target or in field target, and at airsoft players building a sniper rifle or DMR – or who want a short dot or magnifier for their primary.

Find the right mounting kit under scope rings and mounts, or see the full range of sights.

If the scope is going on a hunting or rimfire rifle, see our range of hunting riflescopes.