Best Air Rifle Scope Under $200
When it comes to maximizing the accuracy and performance of your air rifle, a high-quality scope is an essential accessory. Whether you’re plinking in the backyard, hunting small game, or competing in target shooting, the right scope can make all the difference.
The good news? You don’t need to break the bank to get a scope that delivers clarity, durability, and precision. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best air rifle scope under $200 that offer exceptional value for money.
| Scope | Check Prices |
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Athlon Optics Neos 4-12×40
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Amazon | Opticsplanet |
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UTG 3-9X32 BugBuster
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Amazon | Opticsplanet |
| Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32
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Amazon | Opticsplanet |
| Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm
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Amazon | Opticsplanet |
| Burris Fullfield II
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Amazon | Opticsplanet |
| Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn
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Amazon | Opticsplanet |
Best Air Rifle Scopes Under $200
1) UTG 3-9X32 BugBuster Scope
The UTG 3-9×32 1″ BugBuster scope from Leapers priced under $200 is a compact, budget-friendly optic that’s designed with air rifles in mind.
Right out of the box, the BugBuster feels sturdy for its size. At just 8.1 inches long and weighing about 13.9 ounces, it’s noticeably compact, perfect for smaller air rifles where a full-sized scope might feel unwieldy.
The scope’s 1 Inch Tube with Emerald Coating allows maximum light transmission, enhancing performance, in low-light conditions. Moreover, an illuminated (red or green) mil-dot reticle, is sharp and easy to pick up against cluttered backgrounds, like foliage, which came in handy when zeroing in on small targets.
The turret on the UTG 3-9×32 is capped, with 1/4 MOA clicks that feel positive and audible, though not as tactile as premium scopes.
Highlights
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32mm objective lens with emerald-coated optics
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Illuminated Mil-Dot Reticle
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Compact Design ideal for smaller air rifles.
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Capped with 1/4 MOA clicks
- 3.2 to 3.5 inches of comfortable eye relief
- Built on True Strength Platform
- Includes a 2″ Sunshade, a Flip-open Lens Cap and Quick-detachable Rings
2) 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 waterproof and fog-proof performance.
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 aluminum 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
3) 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
4) 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
5) Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Circle-X Reticle Riflescope
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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
What to consider on 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 Scope Under $200- FAQs
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.
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.
What’s the best caliber for an air rifle?
- .177- Faster, flatter trajectory; great for target shooting and small pests (e.g., rats, birds).
- .22- Heavier pellets, more energy; ideal for hunting small game (e.g., rabbits, squirrels).
- .25 and up- Higher power for larger pests, but less common and pricier. Most shooters stick with .177 or .22 for versatility.
Can air rifles be used for self-defense?
Yes, air rifles can be used for self-defense, but it’s not recommended, because they lack the stopping power, reliability, and psychological deterrent effect of firearms or other dedicated self-defense tools.
In addition, most have limited magazine capacity and require manual effort to reload or recharge, which slows down follow-up shots.
Conclusion
The best air rifle scope under $200 are reliable and robust and will significantly improve your shooting experience, despite the budget-friendly price. The comprehensive review above will help you decide the scope to settle for, but all of them are pretty good choices for you.
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