Best Budget Air Rifle Scope for the Money – Beginners Guide to Scopes

Air rifles have a great demand nowadays. Air rifle lovers spend a lot of money on purchasing rifles but they are stuck and disappointed when they see the performance and accuracy of air rifles with ordinary scopes.

So, purchase the best air rifle scope for the money and give value to your money. Here we have listed the best air rifle scopes that will give value to your money.

There are several hundreds of air rifle scopes in the market at every budget. So, it is very challenging for a person to select the best out of waste. Some air rifle scopes are very cheap and some are very expensive.

So, the point is that how can you figure out the best air rifle scope for the money?

Relax! You are lucky that you are here. We help you choose the best budget air rifle scopes 2023. Because here we have discussed and reviewed the best budget air rifle scopes section wise. Mean to say that we have listed the best air rifle scope that has a high price, mid-price and low price.

Best Air Rifle Scopes Buying Guide

Scopes in the air rifle can improve the shots. The shots would be precise and more exact with the Scopes. 

Fixed or Variable Magnification:

Fixed magnification scopes have few number of lenses. They are easy to use due to their auto-adjusted focus. They can be a good choice for big hunts. You can aim more accurately on the big animals with the fixed magnification scopes. Fixed Scopes are not recommended for Birding. 

On the other hand, variable magnification scopes have more lenses with variant magnification. These scopes are the best choice as the magnification can be adjusted anytime for any hunt irrespective of an elk or a little sparrow. You can adjust your focus conveniently with variable magnification scopes.

Best Air Rifle Scope for the Money 2023

Check out the quick comparison table for the best air rifle scope for the money. Give some of your valuable time and give a thorough read to this guide to make you aware about the best air rifle scope for the money.

Comparison Table for Top Best Air Rifle Scope for the Money 2023

At mid-price range there are also numerous air rifle scopes. If you compare mid-price range scopes are best in every aspect from cheap and high price scopes in that sense, they have all mandatory features. So, here I have listed the top best air rifle scope under 300$.

1- Monstrum G2 – Rangefinder Reticles

The Monstrum G2 is the rangefinder best air rifle scope under 300$. They have both the first focal plane (FFP) and second focal plane (SFP) reticles that are fully visible for day and night use. The reticles are easy to read and you can easily shoot your target. Reticles can be illuminated in both red and green colors.

They have larger eye relief that is 4-4.5 inches. That provides comfort to your eyes and eyebrows. The tube is charged with the nitrogen to make them fog proof and waterproof.

Features: Scope adjustments are very easy. They have ½ MOA click windage. One main feature is that they have adjustable lenses that allows the shooter a very sharp, smooth and easy focus.

Magnification: The magnification is variable. They have 1-4x magnification that are best for short range shootings under this mid-price range.

Objective lens: They are the best air rifle scopes under 300$. They are very lightweight air rifle scopes that have 24 mm large objective lens diameter. They are best for short range target shooting and hunting.

Weight: They have only 1.45 Pound weight. They are not too heavy and not too light. But they are reasonable air rifle scopes.

Package include: They come with picatinny scope rings, a honeycomb filter that is detachable, cleaning cloth, lens covers that are flip-up and loaded with a spring and one battery of 3V.

2- UTG 3-12x – Compact Scope

THE UTG are true compact air rifle scopes. They have the compatibility of perfect zeroing with a quick manner. They have premium lockable turrets, with which you can lock your settings that you have done for your specific task. They have 1/4 MOA adjustments that are made in just a few clicks.

The platform is truly an ideal because they ensure excellent strength so they are damage proof and shockproof. Their structure is a smart spherical structure that is eye-catchy and beautiful and long lasting. The turrets are lockable and resettable but they are premium. They are parallax free from 10 yards. So, you no need to worry about parallax adjustments.

Features: The UTG is the best air rifle scope under 200 dollars. They have excellent price to performance ratio. They have multi coated and multilayered glasses. Quick zeroing primum locking and mil dot reticle make them perfect.
The one main feature is customizable coloring of the air rifle scope. They have 36 colors for the scope that can be changed anytime you need.

Magnification: Come with the variable power of 3-9x and are very useful for short range and mid-range targeting so they are the best air rifle scopes under 200.

Objective Lens: The larger the objective lens diameter a scope has a larger field of view you get. So, they have 44 mm large objective lens diameter.

Reticle Type: They come with the illuminated mil dot reticle type.

Package Include: They have an extraordinary package in which you get flip-open caps for lens, pair of heavy-duty rings with weaver rails and quick twist lock that are quickly detachable.

3- Vortex Crossfire – Value Money

The Vortex Crossfire are the best air rifle scope under 150$.They have a dead hold BDC reticle that is good for variable range measurements. You can acquire a target quickly with the longer eye relief and glass wearer can use them easily.

For a clear, sharp and bright view their lenses are multi coated and have a multi layered structure. Due to which you get maximum light transmission. The field of view you get is good and sharp enough to get the more minor details in the image. They also have MAO click. After sight in, you can click on MAO for quick zeroing of scope. So, they are the best air rifle scopes under 150$.

Features: These air rifle scopes are waterproof and fog proof due to O-rings and nitrogen purged in it. Their price to performance ratio is good. Both experience and beginners use them. They also custom dot in the center for accurate targeting.

Magnification: For quick targeting and for both short range and long range targeting they have variable magnification power that is 3-9x.

Objective lens: For the wider field of view they have 40 mm objective lens diameter and these lenses are fully multi coated and multilayered for a brighter and crisper image. They provide high contrast images with the natural color fidelity.

Reticle Type: They have BDC Dead hold Reticle that have MAO features. The second reticles are built in near the eyepiece that are known as second focal plane reticles.

Package: They come with the cleaning cloth and lens covers at this affordable price so they are the best Mid-range air rifle scopes.

At the beginning level no one wants to spend more money. They want the best cheap air rifle scopes to enhance their experience in air rifle shooting, hunting etc. It is a good thing that you start from the cheap air rifle scope. As you know that the cost of air rifle scopes highly depends on the optics quality, magnification power, glass coatings and durability of the air rifle scope.

Check out our selection of best low-cost air riddle scopes.

1- CVLIFE 6-24x Double Vision Illumination

CVLIFE is one of the best out of waste. CVLIFE 6-24x is the best air rifle scope under 50 $. They can be used for any activity because they have high variable magnification power. They have reticles that can be illuminated with green or red colors as well as they have five levels of illumination.

The construction is well and materials are used that have string resistance to shock i.e. they are extremely shockproof air rifle scopes. lenses are well optimized with multi coating and multilayered structure. The water proofing and fog proofing also sine by enclosing or by charging an inert gas in it.

Features: The tube diameter is 25.4 mm and length are 40 cm that are suitable for any air rifle. They have a large exit pupil diameter of 5.1 – 16.9 mm. So, under 50 they are the best air rifle scopes.

Magnification: They can be used for long range target shooting because they have high variable magnification power of 6-24x.

Objective lens: They are compact and are the best air rifle scopes under 50$. The objective lens diameter is 50 mm that has multi-coatings so that you can get a larger field of view with these best night scopes.

Package Included: One AO rifle scope, two mounts for 20 mm weaver rail and one lens cover with user manual are included in the package. One CR-2032 battery is also included within the package.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Binoculars for Safari

2- Pinty 3-9x – Best Rangefinder Scope

Pinty 3-9x have a large field of view of about 14’ to 25’ at 100 yards. Best air rifle scope 50 have rangefinder reticles. Reticles help to easily find out the accurate point of impact and they can be illuminated with dual colors. Each color has five levels of illumination.

The click value of windage and elevation is 1/4’’ at 100 yards that is also available at cheap price. They ensure waterproofing and fog proofing because they are purged with the dry nitrogen. They have sturdy robust design according to modern technology.

Features: Pinty air rifle scope are the best low-cost air rifle scopes that have blue lens color. Larger eye relief of 3.3 to 3,7 ‘’ that provides high comfort to your eyes. You can use them with or without glasses.

Magnification: The magnification power is 3x up-to 9x. This is variable magnification power that is good at this cheap pricing.

Objective lens: With the variable magnification the pinty air rifle scopes have 40 mm larger objective lens diameter that provide the larger field of view as mentioned. They have smooth focusing and the lenses used in these scopes are multi coated. That provides true color fidelity.

Reticle Type: They have rangefinder reticle type due to which you can easily locate and can find the suitable range for your required target. So, they are the best air rifle scopes under 50.

Package Included: In the included package pinty air rifle scope comes with the two high mount that have a size of 1 inch. The cleaning cloth and one CR2032 battery is also included in the package. As you can see that they are the best cheap air rifle scopes.

3- Simmons 8-Points – Best Light weight

Simmons are the scopes that are the best low-cost air rifle scopes. They have 3.75-inch eye relief that provide great relief to your eyes and you can comfortably use them with or without glasses. They have great windage clickable and elevation adjustments that ensure ¼ MOA.

They enable easy target achievements to the shooter and fast and smooth focus is at another level. They seem to be very cheap air rifle scopes but when you check their performance then you can give 100/100 to these air rifle scopes. So, most of the beginners prefer that kind of air rifle scopes to enhance their experience and to achieve maximum accuracy.

Features: They have following main features

• 3.75 inches eye relief
• At 100 yards 10.5 feet of field of view (FOV)
• Exit pupil = 15.6-5.6 mm
• QTA eye piece

Magnification: They have variable magnification power from 3-9x that ensures best targeting under this cheapest price. They are the best air rifle scopes under 100$.

Objective Lens: To provide a large field of view as mentioned they have 50 mm large objective lens diameter. These lenses are fully multilayered and multi coated with advanced FMC coatings.

Reticle Type: The Simmons 8-point air rifle scope has a Truplex reticle type that has compatibility with both visions either it is dark or bright.

Weight: These air rifle scopes have only 10.1 ounce so they are not too heavy or too light.

Package Include: They come with a user manual and one lens cap, one cleaning cloth and a battery in that amazing offer.

4- Bushnell Banner – Multi X Reticle

Bushnell air rifle scopes provide the stunning HD quality of image and wide field of view to the target shooters as well as hunting lovers. They have dusk and dawn brightness levels that you can adjust very easily.

The material used in these air rifle scopes is of great strength and quality. Every beginner and most of the experienced prefer these because of the high price to performance ratio.They are the best air rifle scopes under 100$.

They have ¼ MOA multi X reticle that is on your fingertips, I mean you can easily adjust the reticle position and brightness etc. The optics and lenses used are coated with AMC coatings that provide clear, bright and natural view to the shooter. They have great demand in the market that is why they are the best cheap air rifle scopes in the market.

Features: As they have very low cost or you can say they are the best air rifle scope under 100$. They have the following amazing features.

• Multi X reticle
• Filled with dry nitrogen for fog proofing and waterproofing
• Fast focusing eyepiece that have larger eye relief
• 100% shock proof
• They have only one-piece tube

Magnification: The magnification power is variable that can be varied from 3x to 9x. Easily adjustable and mountable night air rifle scope and they are very compact air rifle scope under 100 dollars.

Objective Lens: Bushnell banner air rifle scope has larger objective lens diameter of 40 mm that provide larger field of view and larger exit pupil. Due to which you can realize the real target and hunting experience.

Reticle Type: they have two color luminated Multi X reticle that have five level of brightness. You can easily and quickly spot your target with a accurate and precise point of impact (POI).

Package Include: The Bushnell air rifle scope comes with the cleaning cloth for cleaning without scratches., a lens cover. The user manual and advanced air rifle scopes are included in the package.

Also Read: Best Binoculars for Birding 2023

Mounting Hardware

To adjust the scopes on an air rifle, you need some mounting hardware. There are two types of mounting hardware for air rifle scopes. 

1. Dovetail: It is the base or rail with so many brackets and set on the surface of the air rifle to adjust the weavers. With the help of dovetail, you can slide the scopes easily on your air rifle.
2. Weaver: The rings that are used to hold air rifle scopes on top are weavers. The weavers are attached to the dovetail. It adjusted the Scopes more tightly. 

The Weight:

The weight of scopes matters when it comes to the balancing of the air rifle. The light weighed scopes are recommended for air rifles for a balanced shot. The weight of the scope should be 10x less than the weight of the air rifle. 

Breakdown of Long Vs. Short Eye Relief

There is a huge difference between long eye relief scopes and short eye relief scopes.

Long Eye Relief Scopes:

The scopes with long eye relief are made for short guns, small hunting guns, and air rifles. It allows the scopes to mount further. It provides a wider field of view and the shots are even natural with the help of long eye relief scopes. The magnification of long eye relief scopes is 6x to 8x.

Short Eye Relief Scopes:

The scopes with short eye relief are more compact and used for precise shots. It is used for big hunts. The magnification of a short eye relief scope is 8x to 10x. It provides a short field of view due to its single eye focus. The distance between the eyepiece of scope and the human eye is less than 2 inches so there is always a danger of hitting of the eye.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Best Air Rifle Scope for the Money

What are the best scopes for long range shooting?

As you know there are two types of air rifle scopes. First one is fixed power scope that can be used for short range activities like shooting and hunting. They have fixed magnification that can be changed while shooting. If you want long range shooting from fixed air rifle scope then purchase 4x, 6x or greater magnification power air rifle scopes.

Of course, for small targets you need higher magnification powers.

Second one is variable power air rifle scope that are ideal for long range shooting. They have variable magnification that you can change low to high magnification power easily while shooting. The 6-24x or greater power air rifle scopes are best for long range shooting.

Does My Air Rifle Even Need A Scope?

Air rifle is a short-range weapon, hunters use it for aiming a prey that is not far away. So, an air rifle does not need a scope. You do not need to spend your money on the scopes for air rifles, because it can work the same with and without the scope.

What kind of scope do I need to shoot 1000 yards?

For 1000 yards shooting you should purchase the air rifle scope that has 10x magnification in the case of fixed power magnification. They are cheap and can resolve 1.5-2 MOA targets. For example, if you are targeting a 20” steel plate that is placed at 1000 yards away, so 10x fixed power air rifle scopes are best.

In case of variable power scope that have 3-12x, 6-24x magnification powers are best for 1000 yards targeting or they can be used for long range shooting.

What scope do snipers use?

As there is no fixed target for the sniper. So, they use the variable power air rifle scopes for shooting. They mostly use 5-25x PMII Scope, 6-24x variable power air rifle scopes.

How Much should I spend on air rifle scope?

It totally depends on how much you can afford. If you are newbie to air rifle shooting and you want to enhance your experience and don’t want to spend more money. Then you can purchase the best air rifle scopes under 100$. For every use and to give accuracy to your rifle you can spend money on those scopes that are under 200$.

You can purchase best air rifle scopes under 200$.

How do I find the best air rifle scope?

You can find the best air rifle scope by checking some important factors. I already discussed these important features in the ultimate buying guide but briefly you should have a look on the following factors that are extremely important.

• Double Vs Fixed air rifle scope
• Magnification range
• Objective lens diameter
• Your budget
• Scope resistant (Water proof, fog proof or shock proof etc.)
• Scope Optics Quality
• Match features with other scopes
• Famous scope on the market
• Warranty and support
• Package includes

The above list of important factors or features that the best air rifle scopes should have according to your own choice.