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10 Best Airgun Scopes 2026 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 Long Range Precision Riflescope

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,287
Reticle Type
Magnification
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
16 reviews

Reticle Type
The reticle is highly precise and illuminated with multiple brightness levels, enhancing visibility in varied lighting conditions.
Magnification
At maximum 35x magnification, the exit pupil is smaller than expected, which slightly limits brightness but is a trade-off for high magnification.
Parallax Adjustment
Parallax adjustment doubles as the illumination control and battery compartment, which means zeroing parallax to a specific distance isn't possible but doesn't impact overall performance.
Eye Relief
The scope offers adjustable eye relief, adding comfort and safety during use despite its relatively tight 3.6-inch measurement.

The Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56mm F1 is a high-end riflescope designed for precision long-range shooting, offering a broad magnification range from 7x to 35x. Its large 56mm objective lens helps gather plenty of light, providing bright and clear images even in low-light conditions, which is a big plus for hunters. The first focal plane MOAR reticle is designed for precision, with easy-to-use markings that assist in accurate range finding and hold-offs, making it suitable for long-distance target engagement.

This scope includes parallax adjustment starting as close as 10 meters (about 11 yards), which is beneficial for reducing image distortion at various distances—a feature not always present in scopes geared for long-range use. Eye relief of 3.6 inches offers reasonable comfort and safety from recoil, although it might feel a bit tight for some shooters. The field of view ranges from 15 feet at 7x magnification to 3.4 feet at 35x, balancing detail with situational awareness.

Key strengths are the durable construction from aluminum, precise elevation and windage adjustments with ZeroStop for quick return to zero, and illuminated reticle for better visibility in different lighting. However, the scope is relatively heavy at 2.5 pounds and 16 inches long, making it less ideal for lightweight or compact airgun setups. Also, the Weaver mount style is common but might require specific compatibility checks. This scope is best suited for serious hunters and precision shooters who need versatile magnification and top optical performance over a wide range of distances, while it may be less suited for casual or lightweight airgun use due to its weight and size.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,287
Reticle Type
Magnification
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
16 reviews

Reticle Type
The reticle is highly precise and illuminated with multiple brightness levels, enhancing visibility in varied lighting conditions.
Magnification
At maximum 35x magnification, the exit pupil is smaller than expected, which slightly limits brightness but is a trade-off for high magnification.
Parallax Adjustment
Parallax adjustment doubles as the illumination control and battery compartment, which means zeroing parallax to a specific distance isn't possible but doesn't impact overall performance.
Eye Relief
The scope offers adjustable eye relief, adding comfort and safety during use despite its relatively tight 3.6-inch measurement.
#2

Nightforce ATACR 1-8x24mm F1 Tactical Riflescope with Capped Turrets

Rating
9.4
Reticle Type

Most important from
23 reviews

Reticle Type
The reticle illumination is impressively bright, ensuring visibility in various lighting conditions.

The Nightforce ATACR 1-8x24mm scope is a premium choice for shooters who want flexibility between close-range quick targeting and longer-range precision. Its 1-8x magnification range makes it versatile, allowing you to switch from a wide, 1x field of view similar to a red-dot sight for fast target acquisition, up to 8x zoom for detailed aiming at distant targets. The 24mm objective lens is compact, keeping the scope lightweight and easy to handle, though it might gather less light in low-light conditions compared to larger lenses. The first focal plane (FFP) reticle with daylight visible red illumination is useful for holdover and windage adjustments that remain accurate at any zoom level. This feature is especially valuable for tactical or hunting use where quick corrections are needed. The capped turrets prevent accidental changes and offer fine 0.1 Mil-Radian clicks for precise adjustments, while the included Power Throw Lever helps you smoothly change magnification.

The eye relief of about 3.7 inches is comfortable for most shooters, but it’s good to check comfort with your specific firearm. Parallax is fixed at 125 yards, which suits medium to long distances but might be less ideal if you mostly shoot at very close ranges. The scope’s durable 34mm tube and included accessories like flip-up covers and cleaning tools add to its practicality. Given its features and robust build, this scope is highly suited for serious airgun users or hunters who need accuracy and adaptability across varied shooting distances. While beginners or casual shooters might find it more complex and pricey than necessary, those seeking a high-quality tactical scope will find it a solid investment.

Rating
9.4
Reticle Type

Most important from
23 reviews

Reticle Type
The reticle illumination is impressively bright, ensuring visibility in various lighting conditions.
#3

Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm F1 Compact Long Range Precision Riflescope

The Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm is a high-quality, durable riflescope suited for serious airgun shooters who want precision and versatility. Its wide 8x magnification range (2.5x to 20x) allows both close-range quick shots and long-range accuracy, making it flexible for different shooting scenarios. The large 50mm objective lens helps gather plenty of light, delivering a bright, clear image even in low light conditions, and the parallax adjustment works down to 11 yards, which is quite close for airgun shooting and helps maintain sharp focus at various distances. The MOAR reticle is designed to be easy to see in different lighting, aiding in quick target acquisition, especially in challenging environments.

Another plus is the ZeroStop feature, which lets you quickly return to your zero setting after adjusting for distance, improving repeatability and confidence in shot placement. The scope is built tough to handle extreme weather and rough use, which is great if you hunt or shoot outdoors a lot. On the downside, it weighs about 1.79 pounds and is relatively large, which might be a bit heavy or bulky for some airgun setups, especially smaller or lightweight models. Also, it doesn’t have night vision capability, so it won’t help in complete darkness.

The eye relief and field of view are solid but not specially highlighted, so if you need ultra-wide views or very long eye relief, this might not be the perfect fit. This scope is ideal for airgun users who want a premium, rugged optic with good magnification and clarity for both close and long-range shooting, but it might be more scope than casual plinkers need.

Buying Guide for the Best Airgun Scopes

Choosing the right airgun scope can significantly enhance your shooting experience, whether you're into target shooting, hunting, or plinking. The right scope will help you see your target more clearly and improve your accuracy. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your specific needs and preferences.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it determines how well you can see your target at various distances. Scopes come with fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and often more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer more flexibility. For close-range shooting, a lower magnification (1-4x) is sufficient. For medium-range, consider 5-9x, and for long-range shooting, 10x or higher might be necessary. Choose based on the typical distance you will be shooting.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting the brightness and clarity of the image. Larger diameters (40mm and above) allow more light, which is beneficial in low-light conditions but can make the scope heavier. Smaller diameters (32mm and below) are lighter and more compact but may not perform as well in dim lighting. Consider where and when you will be shooting to decide the right size for you.
Reticle TypeThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle types serve different purposes. Simple crosshairs are good for general use, while more complex reticles with additional markings can help with range estimation and bullet drop compensation. Illuminated reticles are useful in low-light conditions. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style and needs. For example, hunters might prefer a reticle with range-finding capabilities, while target shooters might opt for a fine crosshair for precision.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment allows you to correct the parallax error, which occurs when the target and the reticle are not on the same focal plane. This is important for maintaining accuracy, especially at longer distances. Scopes without parallax adjustment are typically set for a specific distance (usually 100 yards). If you plan to shoot at varying distances, a scope with adjustable parallax (often found on the side or the objective lens) can be very beneficial. Consider your typical shooting distances to determine if this feature is necessary for you.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope at which you can see the full field of view. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil airguns. Longer eye relief (3 inches or more) is generally better, as it allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from the scope. If you wear glasses or use a high-recoil airgun, prioritize scopes with generous eye relief to avoid discomfort or injury.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV allows you to see more of the area around your target, which is useful for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Lower magnification scopes typically offer a wider FOV. If you need to track fast-moving targets or want a broader view of your surroundings, opt for a scope with a wider FOV.

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