Air rifles are an integral part of the rifle world and in order to use them properly you’ll need a scope of the great quality.
So, in this article we will review the 13 best air rifle scopes under 100 dollars.
We will review various scopes, go through their features, merits and demerits. We’ll lay out all the facts on the table for you so that you will have no trouble finding the perfect scope for your air rifle.
First, look at our top picks.
Winner
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight 1x25mm
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It is our top pick! Without a doubt, this product has so much to offer despite its low cost. Surely, it’s the best air rifle scope currently in the market.
Runner Up
UTG 3-9X32
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Our second pick shouldn’t be underestimated. Its zeroing and light transmission will astound you. Wanna know more? read all about it below.
Best Air Rifle Scope Under 100 Dollars – Top 13 Reviews
#1. Best Red Dot Scope – Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight 1x25mm Review
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This low price Bushnell TRS-25 red dot sight 1×25mm has been designed with brighter multi coated optics which assists the hunter to identify its target without any hassle. This is ideal for any cases of low-light conditions. Additionally, it’s waterproof, shockproof and fogproof allowing you to hunt in the harshest of conditions.
Besides, the scope offers eyepoint to an unlimited amount, hence giving its user comfort and allows them to use it for longer periods of time without any problem. Not just that, the sight’s parallax configuration allows you to keep track of your target and eases targeting.
It’s compatible with your rifles, shotguns, and handguns. The Bushnell TRS-25 is a lightweight and tough scope. Likewise, the scope’s precision is all that you’ll actually require for target acquisition.
Features of Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight 1x25mm
- 1x 25mm objective lens
- Multi layered lenses
- Extended battery life
- Nitrogen filled
- 3 MOA red dot-sight
- 11 brightness settings
Pros
- Light-weight
- Versatile
- Durable
- Waterproof
- Shockproof
- Fogproof
- Easily adjustable
- Easy to mount
- Fast eyepiece focus
Cons
- Is not strongly built
- Cannot resist high caliber rifles
Best Red Dot Scope
The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 is an incredible red dot scope as this illuminated scope allows the shooter to stay with the target, and it is easy to adjust too.
#2. Best Pellet Rifle Scope – UTG 3-9X32 Review
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The UTG 3-9×32 Bug Buster scope does not see that whether you are an amateur or a professional, its eyepoint would accommodate you to aim down your sights with ease. It’s built in such a way that it can withstand the harshest of conditions since it’s waterproof and fog proof.
Moreover, the resettable turrets on the scope give off an impression of being of premium quality and they are lockable also. You can consequently make fresh and exact windage just as elevation alterations consistently. The scope allows you to set up its measurements to your liking so that you can pursue your targets without having to adjust it time and again.
You can modify the wide-angle font objective lens of the scope and have a parallax-free view from only 3 Yards and up to Infinity. It’s among the hottest rifle scopes currently in the market and is of high quality.
Features of UTG 3-9X32
- Dual reticle illumination
- 1/4 MOA per click adjustment
- Nitrogen filled
- Lockable and resetting turrets
- RGB side view illumination
- Range Estimating Mil-dot reticle
Pros
- Waterproof
- High light transmission
- Fogproof
- Proper zeroing
- Strongly built
- Shockproof
- Compact size
- Durable
Cons
- Limited eyepoint
- Distortion close to the edge
Best Pellet Rifle Scope
The UTG 3-9×32 is surely a top pellet rifle scope because of its compact size and its strong construction.
#3. Best Durable Rifle Scope – Pinty 2.5-10×40 Review
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The Pinty air rifle scope is a strongly built scope that will last for a long time. It’s constructed with aluminium alloy ensuring that it is well built and works out for you for a long time. Its lenses are multi layered, hence giving a higher light transmission giving greater clarity and allows you to see the target in a better way.
Since the scope is filled with nitrogen and its O-ring is sealed, this makes it fogproof and waterproof allowing you to use this scope in the harshest of conditions. So there is no stopping your hunting plans!
The Pinty 2.5-10x40mm is among the incredible air rifle scopes available in the market and will surely intrigue you with it.
Features of Pinty 2.5-10×40
- 2.5-10x magnification
- 40mm objective lens
- Aluminium alloy construction
- 100 yards field of view
- Sealed O-ring
- 5 brightness levels
- Nitrogen filled
- Red and Green illuminated reticle
Pros
- Strongly built
- Waterproof
- Fogproof
- Eliminated image aberration
- Clear glass
- Fast eye-focus
- Shockproof
- High magnification
Cons
- Not easily mountable
- Battery contact is a problem
Best Durable Rifle Scope
The Pinty 2.5-10x40mm is a top durable air rifle scope because it is resistant to high caliber rifles and lasts for a very long time.
#4. Best 22 Magnum Rifle Scope – Simmons 511039 3 – 9 x 32mm .22 Mag(R) Review
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The Simmons 511039 3-9 .22 Mag(R) is among the best air rifle scopes in the scopes market. The .22 Mag rifle degree is no standard, modest, and shaky thing. It’s been built with a single piece body to guarantee extreme toughness in quality for genuine field use.
Without a doubt, you’ll get a huge amount of precise plinking and varmint control finished with this degree. Yet you’ll additionally have the option to mount this thing and hunt out to hundred yards.
The scope is parallax adjustable and operates well in low light conditions making hunting and casual shooting easy. The scope offers so many features and will surely go well with your air gun!
Features of Simmons 511039 3 – 9 x 32mm .22 Mag(R)
- Matte Black
- ¼ MOA click value
- 100 yards field of view
- 3-9x magnification
- 32mm objective lens diameter
- Hydro Shield lens coating
- Sure Grip rubber surface
Pros
- Single piece body
- HydroShield coating
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Good grip
- Waterproof
- Fogproof
- Parallax correction
- Clarity
Cons
- Its adjustment is troublesome
- reticle has its issues
Best .22 Magnum Rifle Scope
The Simmons 511039 3 – 9 x 32 is the best .22 magnum rifle scope as its Hydroshield coating makes it strong to harsh weather conditions
#5. Best Scope with Mil-dot Reticle – CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e Review
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The CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e is one of the rifle scopes for your air gun that offers so much for its economical price. The rifle scope has 2.5-10X magnification with a 40mm objective lens. To enhance image quality, it has multi-coated optics with a Kellner eyepiece for correct dioptric adjustments.
Furthermore, the external lens also has a scratch-resistant coating to protect it from dirt, debris, smudges, and scratches. The 5mW red laser can reach out a full hundred yards. It’s used for close range shooting, you can also adjust both windage and elevation adjustments to ensure the laser is accurate with your rifle.
The scope is of a high quality and is parallax adjustable. It’s great for shooting 10 yards or 100 yards, and comes well within everybody’s price range.
Features of CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e
- 2.5-10x magnification
- 40mm objective lens
- Aircraft aluminium built
- Multi coated lens
- Precise elevation and windage adjustment
- Side mounted laser
- Bullet Drop Compensator
Pros
- Multiple mounts
- Illuminated reticle
- Built-in laser sight
- Durable
- High light transmission
- Provides precision
- Eliminates image aberration
- Clear image
Cons
- Cannot withstand high caliber rifle recoil
- Does not zero
Best Scope with Mil-dot Reticle
The CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e is the best Mil-dot reticle scope because it eliminates image aberration and offers clarity to its user
#6. Best Long Range Scope – UTG 3-12X44 30mm Review
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This low price UTG model is among the top rifle scopes. It’s a reliable scope and allows range estimation when you are locking on a target. The scope is nitrogen filled so it ensures that the scope is fog proof and waterproof allowing it for greater use in any weather condition.
It’s one of the scopes that offer resetting target turrets and premium zero locking giving way to a more precise adjustment and a more consistent scoping into your target. Moreover, the scope comes up with a lifetime warranty that just makes sure that you’ll be able to take advantage of it for a long time.
It is among the most used rifle scopes in the market and is widely used for hunting. So if you are a hunter, this high quality product is the one to get your hands on.
Features of UTG 3-12X44 30mm
- 30mm single tube
- Nitrogen filled
- Multi emerald coating
- 36 colors Milliradian-dots
- 3-12x magnification
- 44mm objective lens diameter
- Front sunshade
Pros
- Well-built
- Fogproof
- Shockproof
- Waterproof
- Precise targeting
- Durable
- High light transmission
- Range estimation
Cons
- Aiming isn’t comfortable
- Optics aren’t centered
Best Long Range Scope
The UTG 3-12X44 30 is a top long range scope because it offers range estimation at long distances and ensures precise targeting.
#7. Best Compact Rifle Scope – Monstrum S330P 3X Prism Review
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The Monstrum Tactical 330P is among the scopes that come well within your price range. It comes with a carved dark reticle that is steady in all lights, however can be lit up for low light or night scenarios.
This is a low price 3x scope with a 30mm target focal point and is incredibly smaller however holds substantial execution because of the undercarriage plan.The reticle is clear during day hours, yet when the light levels drop, you can simply switch on its illumination for a better view.
Besides, this low price scope is among the many air rifle scopes for rookies and very easy to use when mounted. Moreover, the scope is durable which ensures that you can take benefit of it for a very long time.
If you are looking for an inexpensive scope for your airgun, this is the one to get and it offers more features than many other scopes currently present in the market.
Features of Monstrum S330P 3X Prism
- 3x magnification
- Glass prism optical system
- 30mm objective lens
- 500 yards target acquisition
- Illuminated reticle
- Aircraft grade aluminium built
- Matte black
Pros
- Durable
- Parallax adjustment
- Precision shooting
- Waterproof
- Fogproof
- Well-built
- Clear optics
- Good low light performance
- High light transmission
- Compact
Cons
- Heavy in weight
- Glass quality is not up to the mark
Best Compact Rifle Scope
The Monstrum S330P 3X Prism is the best compact rifle scope because it allows you to shoot precisely and is accurate in its markings.
#8. Best Lightweight Rifle Scope – CVLIFE 3-9×40 Review
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The CVLIFE 3-9×40 makes it mark among the scopes that you definitely would want to get your hands on. The scope provides 95% light transmission across the visible light spectrum and ensures that the image you see through is recognizable and easy to keep track with.
The scope incorporates a special internal and external structure to control the connection between the internal and external tubes of the scope. Moreover, it guarantees that the reticle would not pivot while you are adjusting it. Its construction makes the scope shockproof and gives more accurate adjustments to its elevation and windage.
The CVLIFE 3-9×40 is strongly built and is a light-weight scope at the same time. It’s a great choice for your air rifle and will surely prove to be easy to handle.
Features of CVLIFE 3-9×40
- 3-9x magnification
- 40mm objective diameter
- Nitrogen filled
- Multi-coated glass
- Crosshair scope
- Strong 1 inch machined-aluminum tube
Pros
- High light transmission
- Fogproof
- Waterproof
- Scratch resistant
- Clarity
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Easy to mount
- Durable
Cons
- Does not zero properly
- No parallax adjustment
Best Lightweight Rifle Scope
The CVLIFE 3-9×40 is the top lightweight rifle scope because it’s easy to carry and durable at the same time allowing you to get maximum advantage of it for a long time.
#9. Best Scope for Beginners – BSA Sweet .22, 3-9x40mm Review
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This low price BSA sweet .22 is a top notch scope for those who are just starting out with their air gun. The scope is lightweight so it won’t add to the weight of your air rifle. Despite being lightweight it’s strongly built and can be used for a long time.
Its optics are multi layered, allowing you to take this scope in any weather cognition, come rain or shine you’ll be able to use your scope without any hassle.
The product is easy to go around and its windage and elevation are very simple to adjust. It also comes up with crosshairs and a clear targeting imagery allowing you to follow up on your target without any problems plus every shot you take will surely count!
Features of BSA Sweet .22, 3-9x40mm
- Matte black finish
- Duplex reticle
- BSA optics
- 3-9x magnification
- 40mm objective lens
- Side focus
Pros
- Fogproof
- Shockproof
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Precise aiming
- Clearly marked
- Well-built
- Clear glass
Cons
- Not easily mountable
- Not shockproof enough for high calibers
Best Scope for Beginners
BSA Sweet .22, 3-9x40mm is a great scope under $300 for beginners because it offers precise aiming and gives accurate results at a low price.
#10. Best Long Eye Relief Scope – Centerpoint Optics 1-4×20 MSR Review
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The Centerpoint Optics is the low price scope that is built for hunting and shooting range fields. It is versatile in nature and with its rugged construction it is strong and is durable, hence allowing you to take advantage of it for a long time.
Besides, it is equipped with a picatinny rail mount which allows it to be mounted easily and also allows you to attach it to air rifles of different types.
Air rifles require scopes like Centerpoint Optics as it offers a lot despite its low price. If you are fond of hunting you might just want to get your hands on this one.
Features of Centerpoint Optics 1-4×20 MSR
- 1 inch diameter tube
- 3 MOA dot center
- Picatinny rail mount
- 1-4 magnification
- 20mm objective lens diameter
Pros
- Clear optics
- Waterproof
- Rugged construction
- Easy to mount
- Easy to use
- Fogproof
- Versatile
- Durable
- Ranges to 250 yards
- Shockproof
Cons
- Does not zero well
- Illumination is inadequate
Best Long Eye Relief Scope
The Centerpoint Optics is an amazing long eye relief scope that allows the shooter to use it a long time and ranges to 250 yards of distance.
#11. Best Adjustable Objective Scope under $100 – BARSKA Mil-Dot Airgun Scope Review
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BARSKA is the low price scope for your airgun. The scope gives you clear target imaging when its magnification is at its maximum and allows you pursue your target with clarity.
This comes up with a multi range parallax adjustment which eliminates the parallax error that gives you the opportunity to use your airgun from any place you want. While it is equipped with an AO milliradian-dot allowing greater accuracy and assisting the shooter to make the right shots.
Air rifles require a scope of a high quality and the BARSKA is the one of the rifle scopes that will surely intrigue you and fulfill your needs.
Features of BARSKA Mil-Dot Airgun Scope
- 3-12x magnification
- 40mm objective lens diameter
- ¼ MOA click adjustments
- Fully-coated optics
- Multi-range parallax adjustment
- AO Milliradian dot
Pros
- Shockproof
- Waterproof
- Fogproof
- Perfect target imagery
- Adjustable windage and elevation
- Good eye-relief
- Durable
- Parallax adjustable
Cons
- Short range
- Thin crosshairs
Best Adjustable Objective Scope under $100
BARSKA Mil-Dot Airgun Scope is a top-notch adjustable objective scope because it goes with any type of rifle and is easy to mount and operate.
#12. Best Short Range Scope – Winchester by Daisy Outdoor Products 2-7 x 32 Review
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The Winchester is a top notch short range scope whose sight encompasses 10 yards. It comes up with an AO dot sight which allows the shooter to shoot easily and accurately.
It’s a sight that can be mounted easily on any air gun, thus it is not confined to a single rifle type. The scope is shockproof, waterproof and fogproof which means that it’s not only resistant to a high caliber rifle, but it also ensures that even during the harshest conditions you are able to use it on your air rifle.
Among the low price air rifle scopes in the market today, the Winchester is well known and used for air guns all around. So if you are an airgun owner you might just want to get your hands on this.
Features of Winchester by Daisy Outdoor Products 2-7 x 32
- 2-7x magnification
- 32mm diameter
- Crosshair reticle
- Matte black finish
- 1 inch body tube
- AO dot
Pros
- Well built
- Precise targeting
- Clear imaging
- Fogproof
- Shockproof
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Easily adjustable
Cons
- Distorted imaging at high magnification
- Comes up loose
Best Short range scope
The Winchester is a top notch short range scope as it is strongly built and will provide clear target imagery at close range.
#13. Best Scope for Ruger Blackhawk Elite – UTG 4X32 Review
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This UTG scope is a high quality scope that comes up at a very low price. The scope once mounted on your airgun makes target shooting easier than it usually is and allows you to shoot with ease at your target.
The product is equipped with premium target turrets and has a fixed power scope assisting you with target acquisition. Its lens is coated with sapphire making it fog proof and water proof which allows you to use it in varying conditions even if they are harsh.
The fixed magnification might be a downside. but it plays its part when you use it for casual shooting or hunting.
Its among the scopes that are low in price and provide an amazing sight for you to look into while you are using your airgun. So, this might just be the scope you want to get your hands on.
Features of UTG 4X32
- Premium target turrets
- ¼ MOA click
- 4x magnification
- 32mm objective lens diameter
- Sapphire coated lens
- Mil dot reticle
Pros
- Waterproof
- Shockproof
- Fogproof
- Strongly built
- Clear optics
- Mountable
- Parallax adjustable
Cons
- Fixed magnification
- Does not zero well
Best Scope for Ruger Blackhawk Elite
The UTG scope is the top scope for Ruger Blackhawk Elite because it provides you with clear target imagery and allows fast focus.
Buyers’ Guide
Things to consider before you buy an air rifle scope
Before you go on and get yourself an air rifle, you will have to keep several things in mind before you go for it. Here are several things that you need to keep in mind about your scope before you get it for your air gun:
- Field of view
The field of view is an integral part of scopes. Field of view (FOV) is the observable area that one can see through the optics once you aim down your sight. You have to ensure that the optics provide you with a wide FOV that will help you with better coverage. Otherwise, you’ll have a very narrow view once you aim down.
- Quality and budget
You’ll have to be sure on what kind of air rifle scope you want before spending money on it. Firstly, go through the features it offers and make sure that the price you are paying for those features is reasonable.
Moreover, define your budget depending on whether you want to look for low or high priced scopes. There are many scopes out there that are of low price and are of high quality at the same time.
- Light Exposure
Light exposure is really important and it decides whether the scope is good or not. High quality scopes provide high light transmission. The higher the light transmission, the better imagery you ll be able to see through the scopes.
For you to be able to see better through the scope, light exposure is necessary. Many low price scopes come up with decent light exposure.
- Reticle
Reticle are markings that allow you to aim down your sights and determine measurements from the place you are aiming for. The reticle allows you to keep track of your target and helps you aim better.
Additionally, scopes come up with different types of reticles. So choose the one you like and you’ll be comfortable with. Just make sure that it’s readable and not too thin, otherwise it would be a bit of a hassler for you to aim.
- Eye Relief
The longer the eye relief, the better and more comfortable you will be while you aim down your sights. The distance between the last eyepiece and the eye is the eye relief distance. Make sure that the scope you are going for your air rifle scope should provide a generous distance when you aim down your sight.
What are some types of reticle?
- Duplex Reticle
This reticle comes with a thin crosshair center while its lines are thick on the edges of the scope. The thin inner lines allows you to aim precisely, while its center aiming point helps with quick eye focus. This type is preferred by both amateurs and professionals.
- Crosshair Reticle
Crosshair reticles are not sophisticated at all. They use very thin crossed wire, therefore the reticle is very thin. The reticle has been among the most old and widely used reticles in the world. It’s the base of many new models as well and it helps you to acquire the aim point.
- Illuminated Reticle
An illuminated reticle provides a certain color along the lines of the reticle. It’s illuminated by a small LED which allows you to use this in low light conditions. It provides you with a certain edge over a non-illuminated one.
- Mil-dot Reticle
This one has a layout that is very similar to that of the duplex reticle. It has small dots lined along the reticle lines and spacings. The spacings signify to a certain angle which allows you to determine the range of your target.
What’s the difference between fixed power and variable power scopes?
There is a distinct difference between the two. Fixed power scopes are confined to only one magnification which cannot be changed. Whereas, variable power scopes are those whose magnification can be changed to what you would like to use.Â
FAQs
What is the best budget air rifle scope?
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight 1x25mm is the best budget air rifle scope you can go for. It features 11 brightness settings and is easy to mount. Surely, you will love its matte black finish. Also, it is built strong to withstand recoils, drops, rough usage, or harsh weather conditions.
Which scope is best for an air rifle?
Here are some best air rifle scopes
Best Air Rifle Scopes | Magnification and OL |
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight | 1×25 |
UTG Rifle Scope | 3-9×32 |
CVLIFE Rifle Scope | 2.5-10×40 |
What magnification do you need for an air rifle scope?
You may need a scope that offers a high magnification range for your airgun, due to its small size. For most of the hunting, you can go for 3-12x or 4-16x magnifying ranges. However, some hunters like 6-24x or 10-40x scopes for distant shooting.
Do you need a special scope for an air rifle?
Yes, you do need a special scope for your air rifle. An air rifle scope is unique as it can resist the exceptional recoil and vibration of your air rifle. Moreover, it will help you to achieve pinpoint accuracy – that’s why people love using these air rifle scopes. However, we’d not recommend you to mount a firearm scope on your air rifle.
What is the best distance to zero an air rifle scope?
The best distance to zero an air rifle is about 30 yards.
For most of the hunters and shooters, a medium range of 30 yards is perfect to zero an air rifle scope. However, you should zero it at 20 to 25 yards for indoor shooting, and for distant shooting or hunting zero it at 40 to 50 yards.
Can an air gun kill you?
Yes, it can kill someone. Also, air rifles have been used in many suicides, homicides, and accidental deaths. Although, the deaths aren’t caused by the headshots as its bullets can not penetrate the human skull, but rather through heart damage, lung perforation, or bleeding out.
What is the effective range of a .22 air rifle?
About 45 to 50 yards is the effective range of a .22 air rifle.
The 22 pellet has the range of 3 calibers, and depending on the pellet the effective range of this caliber is about 45 to 50 yards. Also, you can go 50 yards for varmint hunting.
Which is a better .22 or .177 air rifle?
The 177 air rifle is better than 22 one. It’s so because 177 generates more energy and has a higher velocity than the 22. Therefore, for small game hunting go for 177 air rifles, as the 22 ones produce less energy at the muzzle and are not suitable.
How far can an air rifle shoot accurately?
Generally, with the 177 air rifles you can shoot at a range of around 400 yards. However, this distance can be increased with some other models.
Final Thoughts
After a thorough review, we have come to the conclusion that the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight 1x25mm is the best air rifle scope for the money you can have.
Even though its price is low, it provides you with numerous features and certainly is economical and amazing in every way. It doesn’t matter if you are a rookie or a professional, the aiming sight will surely fulfill your needs.
We urge you to go over what it has to offer because, surely, you’ll be intrigued and would want to get your hands on one of these!