Do you want the best air rifle scope under $200? Read on as we will explore each option’s features, pros, and cons to help you narrow your search.
There are plenty of aspects that a hunter has to consider before embarking on their hunting journey. One of the most crucial decisions is the type of scope for their rifle. A good scope means a great time and performance.
Having the best quality scope cannot be emphasized enough. Fortunately, that doesn’t necessarily mean you must splurge to own one. There are cost-effective yet high-quality rifle scopes in the market, and this article looks at some of them.
What Makes the Best Rifle Scopes for Air Rifles?
Optical Quality
A high-quality scope should provide clear and sharp optics. Look for scopes with fully multi-coated lenses to minimize glare and maximize light transmission.
Ensure that the scope offers good color fidelity and clarity, especially in low-light conditions.
Magnification
The appropriate magnification level depends on your shooting needs. For most air rifle applications, including target shooting and pest control, a scope with a variable magnification of around 3-9x or 4-12x is often suitable.
If you plan to shoot at longer ranges, consider scopes with higher magnification, but keep in mind that excessive magnification can make it challenging to maintain a wide field of view.
Objective Lens Size
A larger objective lens (e.g., 40mm or 50mm) allows more light to enter the scope, which can be beneficial in low-light conditions. However, it also adds weight and bulk to the scope.
Reticle Type
The reticle, or crosshair pattern, can greatly affect your shooting experience. Common types include duplex, mildot, and BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) reticles.
Choose a reticle that suits your shooting style and preferences. Some reticles are specifically designed for air rifles and offer holdover points for different ranges.
Parallax Adjustment
Parallax adjustment is important for maintaining accuracy at various distances. Look for scopes with adjustable parallax or side-focus knobs to eliminate parallax error.
Eye Relief
Ensure that the scope provides adequate eye relief, which is the distance between your eye and the rear lens of the scope. Air rifles can have varying levels of recoil, so having sufficient eye relief is essential for safety and comfort.
Durability
Air rifles generate unique recoil patterns, often characterized by a forward and backward motion. Look for scopes designed to withstand this specific type of recoil.
Consider scopes with one-piece main tubes, high-quality aluminum or steel construction, and shockproof and fogproof features.
Turrets
Tactical turrets with audible and tactile adjustments are desirable for easy and precise zeroing. Look for scopes with finger-adjustable turrets that lock securely to prevent accidental changes.
Waterproof and Fogproof
Opt for scopes that are sealed and filled with nitrogen or argon gas to prevent fogging and moisture damage. This ensures clear visibility in various weather conditions.
There are so many air rifle scopes under $200 in the market. The best ones are of high quality, reliable and durable. Air rifle scopes that balance budget and quality can be quite challenging to find.
Best Air Rifle Scopes Under $200
| Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rifle scope |
| Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope |
| Burris Fullfield II Hunting Rifle Scope |
| Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Circle-X Reticle |
1) Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rifle scope
The Vortex Crossfire rifle scope line is popular for its quality and innovation, and this model shows both aspects. It has magnification settings between 2x and 7x, allowing it plenty of versatility for closer and far-distance shooting.
It has an ultra-forgiving eye box and lots of eye relief which is important as it helps you get a sight picture quickly and fast target acquisition.
In addition, its lenses are fully multi-coated for maximum light transmittance leading to bright and clear images. It has a hard anodized single-piece aircraft quality aluminum tube with nitrogen purging and O-ring seals for performance that is waterproof and fog proof.
Besides that, it has a V-Plex or Dead Hold BDC reticle that is ideal for diverse hunting applications. Capped reset turrets are finger adjustable with MOA clicks resettable to zero after sighting in. Thanks to these attributes, this is a great scope worthy of your consideration.
Highlights
- Good eye relief (3.9 – 4.7 in)
- Durable scope with aircraft-grade aluminium construction
- Fogproof and waterproof performance
- Antireflective and fully multi-coated lenses
- V-Plex / DEd Hold BDC reticle
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Finger adjustable capped reset turrets
- Fully Multi-Coated Optics
2) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope is an affordable but high-quality scope worthy of your attention. It offers all the features required for an excellent hunting and shooting experience. This rifle scope is lightweight and easy to carry in the field.
Performance is waterproof and fogproof, which is perfect to use regardless of the weather conditions. Its durable construction allows it to withstand the harshest elements and conditions.
Its optics are advanced to ensure you get clear and bright images regardless of the lighting conditions. The lenses are resistant to scratches. The scope comes with a Hunt-Plex reticle.
Highlights
- Waterproof and fog performance
- Lightweight and compact design
- Rugged construction
- Optics that ensure maximum light transmission
- Scratch resistant lenses
- Black matte finish
- Provides unmatched accuracy
3) Burris Fullfield II Hunting Rifle Scope
As one of the best air rifle scopes under 200, this one has outstanding features that will blow your mind. It is the epitome of accuracy, reliability, and affordability.
The scope is durable, featuring waterproof construction and fog resistance integrated into its body. It also withstands shock and vibrations of even the heaviest recoil.
The lenses are multi-coated and have no glare for maximum light transmission in all lighting conditions. Its optical glass is of high performance and offers remarkable clarity and contrast.
It has a simple, incorporated eyepiece and power ring with a slip-free grip for quick adjustment. The scope has positive steel-on-steel click adjustment to ensure repeatable settings for accuracy on the range and in the field.
There is also a lifetime warranty for manufacturer’s defects or the usual wear and tear.
Highlights
- Durable construction
- Accurate and reliable
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Multi-coated lenses for maximum transmission of light
- Knurled magnification ring for easy grip
- Ballistic Plex reticle
- Matte black finish
- High-performance optical glass
4) Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Circle-X Reticle Riflescope
Want an affordable scope yet delivers exceptionally? Check out this Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Circle-X Reticle Riflescope, characterized by many positive attributes.
Its Circle-X reticle provides a classic sight picture. The second focal plane Circle-X crosshair reticle is easy to see in all lighting conditions facilitating fast target acquisition.
It comes with a fast-focus eyepiece that allows you to adjust the reticle quickly to your eye so that you focus on the target with great clarity. Windage and elevation turrets are adjustable and capped for protection against bumps and harsh use.
On top of that, its optics are fully multi-coated for maximum light transmission leading to bright and clear images. A waterproof and fogproof performance makes it ideal to use in all weather conditions.
It is made with durability in mind and will serve you for many years. Its elegant design is nonetheless one that you will love.
Highlights
- Excellent HD quality
- Durable made
- Circle-X reticle
- Fast focus eyepiece for quick adjustment of the reticle
- Adjustable windage and elevation
- Waterproof construction and fogproof
- Stunning design
- Fully multi-coated optics for bright and clear images
- 3-9x magnification
- 40mm objective lens
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Air Rifle Scope Under $200
Magnification level
Some scopes are better for general hunting situations and have maximum magnification settings of about 12-15x. Others are better suited for long-range hunting of unmoving animals or target practice, with 20x magnification as the maximum setting. Consider what you plan to use the scope for to pick the ideal magnification setting. For example, scopes with a magnification of 10x or more are versatile and can hunt at ranges of 1000 yards or more but are best for hunting within the 300 to 500-yard range.
Eye relief
Remember the available eye relief for the scope you intend to buy. Eye relief is the distance at which your eye can see the full viewing angle of the scope. Scopes with longer eye relief enable you to rest your eye farther from the physical edge of the scope. You will want a scope with long eye relief if you use one with a good kick of recoil with each shot, as there will be more space between your eye and the scope each time the rifle goes off. This thwarts painful accidents where the scope bucks into your eye, causing injury.
Size
Size matters, as you do not want something that adds unnecessary weight. It is even more crucial for hunters to carry the rifle through dense forests for long distances. Heavy rifle scopes are more difficult and cumbersome to carry around. A lightweight rifle scope thus works well.
Material
A good air rifle scope should be made of solid and rugged material to withstand the abuse associated with the outdoors. Anodized aluminum or aluminum alloy is the best as it is durable and lightweight. Aircraft-grade aluminum is also robust enough.
Objective lens
The lens diameter affects the light that passes through the scope, which relates to the image’s brightness. As a rule of thumb, the bigger the objective lens, the more light passed through and the brighter the images produced.
Advantages of the Best Air Rifle Scope Under $200
Durability
These scopes are made from durable materials such as anodized aluminum and aircraft grade aluminum hence withstand the day-to-day abuse of hunting trips.
Waterproof and fog proof
They are ideal to use in all weather conditions and can withstand drops from short heights and the force of recoil.
Precise optics
You will not have to deal with optics that fail to be precise, so you will not miss a shot.
Versatile magnification
This makes the scope perfect for use at various ranges, whether close or long.
Superior optics
They have advanced optics that are either coated or multi-coated to ensure maximum light transmission leading to bright and clear images.
FAQs on the Best Air Rifle Scope Under $200
1) What is the best rifle scope for 1000-yard shooting?
First, you need a quality scope, as it needs to be accurate. Consider the adjustments and magnification. You will need a magnification of 18x to 15x to get an accurate shot at 1000 yards. With regard to adjustment, you require a scope that can adjust to get a wide and well-elevated view and can focus clearly on your image.
2) Are expensive scopes worth it?
Not always. Some scopes can be overpriced and still have poor performance. Get your facts right on the features and decide what scope to choose without necessarily choosing the most-priced or least-priced scope.
Conclusion
You do not have to spend so much money to get a reliable and high-quality scope. The best air rifle scopes under $200 are reliable and robust and will significantly improve your shooting experience. The comprehensive review above will help you decide the scope to settle for. All of them are pretty good choices for you.
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