Scope recommendation for drs tactical

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Milker1999

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Jul 17, 2025
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I'm planning on picking up a drs tactical 500mm and need some scope recommendations. Been out of the airgun game for 10 plus years and don't really know what's what.

As I said, I settled on the drs tactical .22 500mm. Planning on mostly shooting pellets, but may play around with slugs. Use case will be pest control and plinking at 40-70 yard. The max distance I see myself shooting at is 100-ish yards. Max budget would be $500ish, but if I can get away with spending $200, great. I don't really want to waste money on a scope that's meant to shoot at 500 yards when I'm never gonna touch that distance

Some scopes I've looked at so far

Vortex diamondback tactical

Vortex venom

Athlon talos

Element helix



Let me know your thoughts. Thanks in advance
 
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I have this same gun with a Element Helix Gen 2. Awesome combo and the gun shoots lights out.

IMG_5211.jpeg


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Ratzy said:
Until you see them no one believes that CVLife BearSwift and BearMight ED 5-25x56 scopes are as good as they are. Crystal clear glass, tight turrets, 10 yard parallax.

BearSwift was $108 plus shipping on Alibaba. But with Tariffs over $200. BearMight 50-75 more.
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I do not own any of their scopes... BUT what I do own is one of their lasers, it is a flat unit that I bought to put on my Oneida Osprey for bow fishing.. I normally shoot instinctive but wondered about using a laser sight so I bought one.

This is the part that shocked me.. after being inundated with saltwater, washed in fresh water and used on a bow riser.. it has not given me a bit of trouble. I was expecting it to fail pretty quickly in the saltwater environment I shoot in.
 
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rexydg7 said:
I do not own any of their scopes... BUT what I do own is one of their lasers, it is a flat unit that I bought to put on my Oneida Osprey for bow fishing.. I normally shoot instinctive but wondered about using a laser sight so I bought one.

This is the part that shocked me.. after being inundated with saltwater, washed in fresh water and used on a bow riser.. it has not given me a bit of trouble. I was expecting it to fail pretty quickly in the saltwater environment I shoot in.
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I owned several of their sub $50 scopes and for an air gun 50 yards or less they are fine. But i decided to try an FFP and went through a few Spina, which are not bad, then tried a BearSwift. The difference was stark.

But as you found out, they seem to make their hardware bullet proof. I know a lot of users here would never deign to purchase a CVLife. They are missing out on some outstanding quality.
 
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Ratzy said:
I owned several of their sub $50 scopes and for an air gun 50 yards or less they are fine. But i decided to try an FFP and went through a few Spina, which are not bad, then tried a BearSwift. The difference was stark.

But as you found out, they seem to make their hardware bullet proof. I know a lot of users here would never deign to purchase a CVLife. They are missing out on some outstanding quality.
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This is the unit I bought: https://www.cvlife.com/products/cvlife-picatinny-green-red-laser-sight-for-rifle

The form factor was right as well as the price. I have been using it, or if I am not using it it is still on the bow.. last weekend I turned it on a few times Once for a nice Cubera snapper under the mangroves. Like I said, I am shocked it still works, that environment is not friendly to anything.
 
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rexydg7 said:
This is the unit I bought: https://www.cvlife.com/products/cvlife-picatinny-green-red-laser-sight-for-rifle

The form factor was right as well as the price. I have been using it, or if I am not using it it is still on the bow.. last weekend I turned it on a few times Once for a nice Cubera snapper under the mangroves. Like I said, I am shocked it still works, that environment is not friendly to anything.
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I have several lasers, none in that form factor. Red and Blue seem more tightly focused than my green ones. Dont know if it is inherent in the green or just an artifact of buying from AliExpress.
 
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This is going to be one of those things you can take suggestions from here but really going to want to do some research. Today’s market is a bit of a double edged sword. It’s great in the fact you can get so much more for your money than you used to be able to. On the other hand there are so many scopes from numerous companies that are nearly the same thing that it can be overwhelming to decide where that smaller pot of required money should be spent. I will say in my opinion for plinking and general pesting 100 yards and in one can be well equipped for that 2-300 range. Really don’t need to spend big bucks.
 
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I would buy an Athlon in todays market, excellent glass turrets and warranty. Whatever you get try to get something that has a low enough parallax adjustment ~10yds. Zoom range for your intended uses can be any of the normal options but the 2x12 would be my first choice.

www.midwayusa.com

Athlon Optics Helos BTR Gen 2 Rifle Scope 2-12x 42mm Illuminated AHMR2

All the attributes of an ideal designated marksman rifle scope, with features equally suitable for the modern hunter or an operators DMR. This DMR scope...
www.midwayusa.com www.midwayusa.com

These Midas scope are highly regarded by many here and a great deal:

www.midwayusa.com

Athlon Optics Midas TAC Rifle Scope 6-24x 50mm APRS2 MIL Reticle Matte

Athlon Optics has listened to customer feedback and suggestions and developed the Midas Tactical. Loaded with features including HD glass, fully...
www.midwayusa.com www.midwayusa.com
 
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since most shots will be 100y and under for most air gun use, I'd recommend not spending more than you spent on your gun. Not like your going to shoot 1000 yards. I like the Athlon scopes Mongoose has recommended and the elements are a decent scope too. Hawke makes some reasonable priced scopes too and life time warranty.
 
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