The Complete Airgun & Scope Guide

How to Choose the Right Airgun and Scope

Airguns have evolved from backyard plinkers into precision rigs for training, competition, and small‑game hunting. Choosing the right airgun type — and matching it with the correct scope — will maximize accuracy and performance.

This guide covers the five main airgun types and the most suitable optics for each.

1. PCP (Pre‑Charged Pneumatic) Air Rifles

Best for: Precision shooting, competition, hunting

PCP rifles store compressed air and deliver multiple shots per fill without cocking between shots. They offer excellent consistency, high velocity, and very low recoil.

What to Look For

• Mid to high magnification for range (15–36×)

• Exposed turrets with zero‑stop (competition)

• MIL/MOA hash reticles for holdovers

• Adjustable parallax/side focus for 25–100+ yd

Recommended Scopes

• Continental x6 5–36× FFP Rifle Scope (SCFF‑70) – Precision competition (PRS)

• Continental x8 6–48× ED MOA SFP Rifle Scope (SCOL‑TE52) – Field Target & F‑Class

• Continental x8 6–48× ED MIL SFP Rifle Scope (SCOL‑TM52) – Benchrest & FT

• Veyron Series – Compact, lightweight, side focus from ~10 yd

• Orion Series – Airgun‑rated with zero stop, well‑balanced for hunting

2. Spring‑Piston Air Rifles

Best for: Beginners, backyard fun, field plinking

Spring‑piston rifles use a mechanical spring and piston that must be cocked before every shot. Unique two‑way recoil requires optics built for recoil tolerance.

What to Look For

• Spring‑rated scopes with strong internal mounts

• Etched reticles (not fiber‑optic)

• Capped/locking or clickless turrets

• AO or side focus (10–50 yd)

• Low/mid magnification

Recommended Scopes

• VictOptics SOI 3–9×40 AO Rifle Scope (VIOC‑05) – Parallax from 5 yd

• VictOptics SOI 4–12×40 AO Rifle Scope (VIOC‑06) – Parallax from 10 yd

• Vector Optics Hugo 3–12×40i Fiber Rifle Scope (SCOM‑44) – Side focus, illuminated reticle

• Vector Optics Matiz 4–12×40 AO Rifle Scope (SCOM‑29) – Reliable 1/4 MOA clicks

3. Gas Piston (Gas‑Ram) Air Rifles

Best for: Smooth recoil, spring alternative

Gas‑ram rifles use a sealed gas cylinder for smoother impulse. Recoil is softer than classic springers but still requires durable optics.

What to Look For

• Etched glass reticle for durability

• Turret lock / zero‑stop

• Parallax control (AO/side focus)

• Moderate magnification

• Robust tube & generous eye relief

Recommended Scopes

• Vector Optics Hugo 3–12×40i Fiber SFP Rifle Scope (SCOM‑44) – Durable recoil‑tolerant design

• VictOptics SOI 3–9×40 AO Rifle Scope (VIOC‑05) – Adjustable parallax from 5 yd

• VictOptics SOI 4–12×40 AO Rifle Scope (VIOC‑06) – Adjustable parallax from 10 yd, illuminated MIL reticle

4. CO₂ Air Rifles

Best for: Short‑range plinking and casual shooting

CO₂ rifles and pistols are generally lower‑power airguns aimed at quick follow‑ups and fun shooting.

What to Look For

• Low to mid magnification (1–9×)

• Red dot or LPVO for fast target acquisition

• Parallax from ~5 yd

• Forgiving eye box

Recommended Scopes & Sights

• VictOptics ZOD 1–4×20 LPVO Rifle Scope (OPSL18) – Fast close‑range targeting

• VictOptics ZOD 1–4×20 IR LPVO Rifle Scope (OPSL21) – Illuminated reticle option

• VictOptics Z3 1×22×33 Red Dot (RDSL03) – Compact rapid aim sight

• VictOptics SOI 1.5–5×20 MPVO Airgun Scope (VIOC‑01) – Budget mid‑range option

• VictOptics JAV 4×32 Rifle Scope (OPSL19) – Simple fixed magnification

• VictOptics IPM 1×23×34 Four‑Reticle Red Dot Sight (RDSL15) – Multiple reticle patterns

• VictOptics Z1 1×23×34 Multi‑Reticle Dovetail Red Dot (RDSL20) – Affordable reflex sight

5. Multi‑Pump Pneumatic Air Rifles

Best for: Adjustable power, casual ranges

Multi‑pump rifles let users vary power by changing pump counts. They’re versatile for backyard shooting but less powerful than PCP rifles.

What to Look For

• Airgun‑rated durability

• Etched reticles

• AO or side focus

• Low to mid magnification or red dot

Recommended Scopes & Sights

• VictOptics SOI 2–7×32 Airgun Scope MPVO (VIOC‑02) – 5‑gear red/green illumination, capped turret

• VictOptics IPM 1×23×34 Four‑Reticle Red Dot Sight (RDSL15) – Fast close‑range shooting

• VictOptics SOI 3–9×40 Air Rifle Scope MPVO (VIOC‑03) – Mid‑range flexibility

• VictOptics Z1 1×23×34 Red Dot (RDSL20) – Simple reflex option

• VictOptics Z3 1×22×33 Red Dot (RDSL03) – Lightweight reflex sight

6. How to Choose the Right Airgun & Scope

Every airgun type has unique recoil patterns, effective distances, and ideal optics. Matching your rifle with the correct scope ensures durability, accuracy, and better shooting performance.

For dependable and budget‑friendly optics, VictOptics (Vector Optics’ dedicated airgun sub‑brand) offers a range of airgun‑rated scopes and red dot sights designed to withstand recoil and improve precision.

Whether you’re just starting or building a precision long‑range setup, selecting the right power type and matching scope unlocks your airgun’s full potential.