Finding the perfect scope for serious airgun accuracy

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MikeWarner

MikeWarner

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Jun 25, 2025
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After years of casual plinking, I'm finally taking the plunge into precision airgun shooting with my .25cal PCP rifle. The stock optics just aren't cutting it anymore now that I'm pushing out to 100 yards regularly. I'm realizing how much difference proper glass makes when trying to spot those tiny .25 caliber holes in paper at distance.

What I'm struggling with most is finding that sweet spot between optical quality and practical features. The dream would be crystal clear glass at 14x magnification that doesn't break the bank, along with turrets that track reliably for consistent holdovers. I've heard horror stories about scopes that can't handle the unique vibrations of PCPs, even though the recoil is minimal compared to springers.

My budget is flexible up to about $400, but I'd rather spend wisely than chase specs. There's so much marketing hype around scopes that it's hard to separate reality from advertising. I'm curious what real-world experiences members here have had with mid-range optics for target work.

What models have proven themselves for you in similar applications? Any particular features that turned out to be game-changers for precision airgun shooting? I'm all ears for both recommendations and cautionary tales.
 
If you bump your budget to $500, I'd suggest the Tract Tekoa. They are on sale right now, the glass is incredible. SFP scope which is good for casual plinking and pesting. I was so impressed with the scope, I bought two.

My second choice would be the Arken ELP 4-16. FFP, though. Great glassful for the money (<$400)

But if you're looking to see pellet holes at 100 yds, your are probably going to need more than 14X and more $$.
 
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Mr.H said:
If you bump your budget to $500, I'd suggest the Tract Tekoa. They are on sale right now, the glass is incredible. SFP scope which is good for casual plinking and pesting. I was so impressed with the scope, I bought two.

My second choice would be the Arken ELP 4-16. FFP, though. Great glassful for the money (<$400)

But if you're looking to see pellet holes at 100 yds, your are probably going to need more than 14X and more $$.
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Never heard of this brand before but after researching it and seeing where they are made I’m definitely intrigued by this brand. Do you have any other real world information about these. How impressed are you with the turrets. Glass quality etc. thanks for posting this. Maybe someone else can chime in too.
 
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MikeWarner said:
After years of casual plinking, I'm finally taking the plunge into precision airgun shooting with my .25cal PCP rifle. The stock optics just aren't cutting it anymore now that I'm pushing out to 100 yards regularly. I'm realizing how much difference proper glass makes when trying to spot those tiny .25 caliber holes in paper at distance.

What I'm struggling with most is finding that sweet spot between optical quality and practical features. The dream would be crystal clear glass at 14x magnification that doesn't break the bank, along with turrets that track reliably for consistent holdovers. I've heard horror stories about scopes that can't handle the unique vibrations of PCPs, even though the recoil is minimal compared to springers.

My budget is flexible up to about $400, but I'd rather spend wisely than chase specs. There's so much marketing hype around scopes that it's hard to separate reality from advertising. I'm curious what real-world experiences members here have had with mid-range optics for target work.

What models have proven themselves for you in similar applications? Any particular features that turned out to be game-changers for precision airgun shooting? I'm all ears for both recommendations and cautionary tales.
Click to expand...
I use Athlon scopes on Springers and PCP now for at least 8 years , and i shoot a lot , never had one break . great glass .

EDIT the one on my HW97 is 7 years old , 7 years of hard shooting .
 
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I have owned 3 of the same Tract Toric scopes. They do have great glass, and the price point is somewhat less than comparable scopes due to direct sales instead of going through middlemen.
The only drawback in my opinion, is that the ones I had have a less than stellar eye box....stellar meaning the best. They are a notch below the best in the eye box.
They are well built and stout.
Not sure about the Tekoa line as I had the LR, FFP line.
They also have a good warranty and are USA based, Wisconsin, I believe.

mike
 
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For $400 or less, plus see pellet holes at 100yds,14x is not enough without a hassle. I buy used to, but I may be cheating. I would check out the Discovery scopes ED models that have Japanese glass.Have a less than $200 Mueller scope I that can do well at 100yards on 25x....Take your time. Also, go to Sniper Hide and other websites to get more information.
 
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I have a EPL4 6-24 and I like it a lot for target shooting at 30 yards. I haven't tried it at 100 yards but I don't think it has enough magnification. I would use my Athlon Argos 10-40. The glass is as good, the tracking is almost as good, and you have a lot more magnification. It's essentially overkill at 30 yards where I'm using it but it is nice to make a tiny little 1/8th inch 10 ring look big. I got a good deal on mine, Camera Land had it on sale for $300. $350 would be a more typical price for it. It is long and somewhat heavy, comes with good flip up scope covers and I think it included a sun shade too. Plus you cannot beat the Athlon warranty. No questions asked, no receipt necessary. If you have an Athlon scope that does not work send it to them and they will either fix it or replace it.

I will also admit, however, that while I like having plenty of magnification I can't objectively say it is absolutely necessary. The best I've done this year on the 30 yard challenge is 198s and one of those was with a Primary Arms 4-14 scope. It is clear but the reticle is thick. No way I can see the 10 ring. But I can center the reticle over the target. Still I think being able to see what you are shooting at is a pretty nice ability to have.

A somewhat rare scope that seems interesting but a little over your target price is the Falcon x50ti 5-50X. Pyramyd wants $600 for them. It is said to have glass as good as Falcon's pricier 10-50 but the price is less because it is assembled in China.

I suspect you'd be pretty happy with the Argos 10-40, however. It is a nice target scope. 1/8th MOA turrets.
 
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Revoman said:
I have owned 3 of the same Tract Toric scopes. They do have great glass, and the price point is somewhat less than comparable scopes due to direct sales instead of going through middlemen.
The only drawback in my opinion, is that the ones I had have a less than stellar eye box....stellar meaning the best. They are a notch below the best in the eye box.
They are well built and stout.
Not sure about the Tekoa line as I had the LR, FFP line.
They also have a good warranty and are USA based, Wisconsin, I believe.

mike
Click to expand...
Actually, PA, Hummleson. Jon, the owner, has a NY Long Island phone number. Great guy, any questions you may have, he can answer!
 
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