AO Scope (Adjustable Objective) vs. SF Scope (Side Focus): What You Need to Know

AO scopes and SF scopes are two popular options for parallax correction in riflescopes. Both allow shooters to fine-tune focus for better accuracy, and understanding their differences helps you choose the right tool.

An AO scope adjusts parallax with a rotating ring near the front, offering precise focus control, especially beneficial for airguns shooters who need accurate parallax adjustments at close ranges. While the front-mounted adjustment may be less convenient for quick field changes, it's ideal for stationary shooting positions, making it a reliable choice for benchrest and precision work. AO scopes are also typically lightweight with simple construction, which is advantageous for compact rifles or extended shooting sessions.

An SF scope, with its side-mounted dial, enables quick and convenient parallax correction without shifting position, making it popular among long-range shooters and hunters in fast-paced environments. While optimized for mid-to-long range, some models may offer limited focus at closer distances.

Spring-piston rifles—particularly break-barrel models—produce strong recoil that can easily damage delicate scopes, which makes a simple, rugged design essential:

· One-piece tube with thick walls – absorbs recoil, reduces damage risk

· Etched glass reticle – shock-resistant for lasting accuracy

· Locking or zero-stop turrets – keeps elevation and windage settings secure

· Built-in AO adjustment – fewer moving parts for reliable focusing

· Fixed or low-variable magnification – stable under high recoil

Top Picks for Airgun Beginners:

VictOptics SOI 3-9×40 AO (VIOC-05): Offers precise shots from as close as 5 yards, a 5-level red/green illuminated reticle, and a reliable 1-inch tube.

VictOptics SOI 4-12×40 AO (VIOC-06): Includes all VIOC-05 features, with higher magnification, a 30mm tube, and AO adjustment starting at 10 yards for longer-range use.

The Victoptics SOI series generally uses a 1-inch tube diameter (except VIOC-06), ensuring broad compatibility with standard mounting systems. Now VIOC-05 VictOptics SOI 3-9x40 AO Scope is at an affordable price of just $99.00, and VIOC-06 VcitOptics SOI 4-12x40 AO Scope costs only $109.00!

Explore more from Victoptics SOI series: SOI 1.5-5x20 (VIOC-01), SOI 2-7x32 (VIOC-02), SOI 3-9x40 (VIOC-03), SOI 4-12x40 (VIOC-04), SOI 3-9x40AO (VIOC-05).