Scopes and Optics

Best Bushnell Scope for Air Rifle

Bushnell AR Optics 1-6x24mm

If you want to achieve unmatched accuracy shooting with an air rifle, you should invest in the best Bushnell scope for air rifle. There are tons of air rifle scopes available on the market and in our article today, we dig deeper into the world of air rifle scopes shed light on the best Bushnell scope for air rifle.

No matter the kind of shooting that you use your air rifle for, a scope is an indispensable item to have. It will take your shooting precision to the next big level, get you closer to the targets and make every shooting expedition more competitive. A good scope is also vital in pushing your air rifle to its full potential.

As the world of optics continues to grow, Bushnell brand has not been left behind. It continues to manufacture an array of high-quality optics, including scopes compatible with air rifles. We have compiled a comprehensive guide on this brand’s best air rifle scopes to help you find the most ideal model for your needs.

But before we look at each rifle scope in depth, let’s start by looking at the attributes that make a great air rifle scope.

What Makes a Good Air Rifle Scope?

A good air rifle scope comes with all the features you need to fine tune your shooting accuracy in all situations. First and foremost, it should have premium glass elements that enhance resolution and picture quality. On top of that, the lenses should have anti-reflective lens coatings for optimal light transfer.

Secondly, the scope must have a robust construction to weather the recoil air rifles generate, withstand wear and tear, and last for many years.

The other crucial aspects of the best Bushnell scope for air rifle include:

  • Versatile magnification range
  • Long and forgiving eye relief
  • Lightweight yet quality construction
  • A reticle that is simple to use, clear and uncluttered

Best Bushnell Scopes for Air Rifle

Here is our selection of the best-rated Bushnell scopes ideal for air rifles. Let’s have a look.

 1) Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm 30mm Rifle Scope

Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm

 

 

First in our list is the Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm 30mm Rifle Scope. This low power variable optic is designed to be the perfect way to enhance shooting precision and help you achieve the most from your shooting expeditions.

The 1-4x magnification power is built in a second focal plane Drop Zone-223 reticle. The reticle provides accurate holdover out to 500 yards. Furthermore, the scope comes with a fast focus eyepiece for easy reticle focusing.

Another thing that makes this optic the best Bushnell scope for air rifle is robust construction. It is able to withstand any abuse and the heavy recoil from air rifles. On top of that, it is IPX-7 waterproof, fog proof and shockproof to unmatched performance in all weather conditions.

To complement the solid construction, the scope has fully multi-coated optics for high light transmission. It is also built with exposed, non-locking turrets and a generous eye relief of 3.5”.

Features

  • 1-4x total magnification
  • Second focal plane reticle
  • Fully multi-coated optics
  • Exposed turrets
  • Fast focus eye piece
  • 6 MRAD per revolution
  • 30mm tube diameter
  • IPX7 water resistant and dust proof
  • Non-reflective matte finish

Pros

  • Relatively lightweight
  • Good eye relief
  • Ease of use
  • Durable

Cons

  • Non illuminated

 

 

 

2) Bushnell Banner 1.5-4.5×32 Multi-X Rifle Scope

Bushnell Banner 1.5-4.5x32

 

 

Bushnell Banner 1.5-4.5×32 is another intermediate powered rifle scope compatible with air rifles. It is made with an intuitive and user-friendly design to fit hunters and gun enthusiasts of all levels.

Bushnell built this rifle scope to deliver exceptional optical clarity all through. Thanks to the multi-coated optics, it ramps light transmission in poor light settings and prevent glare in bright light. As a result, you get brilliantly clear sight pictures from sunrise till sunset.

Furthermore, the scope boasts dependable waterproof and fog protection to ensure unimpeded field use. The all-weather reliability coupled with the shockproof one-piece tube guarantee unmatched durability with repeated use and reliable performance in all situations.

This rifle scope is also outfitted with a fast focus eyepiece, long eye relief and 1/4 MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustment.

Features

  • 1/4 MOA adjustment click value
  • 1-piece main tube
  • Multi-X reticle
  • Multi-coated optics
  • Waterproof, fog proof and fog proof
  • Fast focus eyepiece
  • 5x to 4.5x total magnification

Pros

  • Sufficient eye relief
  • Lightweight construction
  • Great glass quality
  • Solid and sturdy make

Cons

  • Non illuminated

 

3) Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope

Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope

 

 

If you are in the hunt for the best Bushnell scope for air rifle hunting, look no further than the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope. It is engineered and built with the avid hunter in mind and is suitable for hunting small and mid-sized game at close and medium ranges.

This rifle scope is constructed with a 1-piece tube for strength and toughness. The tube is filled with dry nitrogen gas to prevent fog build up when you carry it to an area with a higher temperature gradient. Additionally, it is 100% waterproof for use even in rainy environments.

Another highlight of the scope is portability. It has an ultra-lightweight construction of 13oz only. This makes it easy to maneuver with together with the air rifle. Over and above that, the scope features a fast focus eyepiece for quick reticle focusing and 1/4 MOA fingertip adjustment for both windage and elevation.

Optically, the scope boasts multi-coated optics that are responsible for limiting glare in harsh light and ramping up light transmission in environments where lighting conditions is poor. It is also built with a Multi-X reticle that is housed in the second focal plane.

Features

  • Fast focus eyepiece
  • 3-9x magnification power
  • 1/4 MOA impact point correction
  • One-piece body tube
  • Waterproof and fog proof construction
  • Multi-coated optics
  • Rear focal plane reticle

Pros

  • Forgiving eye relief
  • Lightweight construction
  • Bright and clear optics
  • Affordable
  • Great build quality

Cons

  • None

 

4) Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope

Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm Riflescope

 

 

Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm Rifle is a good option for medium and long range hunting and shooting. It has a broad 6-24x magnification range which is simple to operate and useful at every level, even the highest settings.

The scope has a reasonable eye relief of 3.6”. It is therefore safe and comfortable to shoot with no matter the recoil that your air rifle generates. Besides, it has fully multi-coated optics that enhance low light performance and optical clarity.

Bushnell is known for its rugged optics and this rifle scope is not built any different. It has an ultra-sturdy body which is IPX-7 rated against dust and moisture. Furthermore, it is built with an EXO barrier lens coating which repels water, oil, fog, snow and debris.

In addition to everything else, the Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope comes with a side parallax adjustment knob and a versatile Deploy MOA reticle put in the second focal plane.

Features

  • 6-24x variable magnification
  • Fully multi-coated lenses
  • IPX-7 waterproof rating
  • Side parallax adjustment
  • Matte finish
  • EXO barrier lens coating
  • 30mm tube
  • Tool-less locking turrets
  • 125 MOA adjustment click

Pros

  • Good eye relief
  • Clear glass
  • Nice and versatile reticle
  • Crisp turrets

Cons

  • Non illuminated

 

5) Bushnell AR Optics 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope

Bushnell AR Optics 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope

 

 

Fifth in our list of the best Bushnell scope for air rifle is Bushnell AR Optics 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope. For hunting, plinking and recreational target shooting, this low power variable rifle scope is outstanding.

Its optical performance is a force to reckon with. It boasts multi-coated optics that ramp up light transmission and creates bright, vivid and color accurate sight pictures even in low light settings. Besides, it has an illuminated BTR-1 reticle for confident aiming and accurate shooting in low light.

With a lightweight construction of 16.5oz only, the scope is light, portable and very simple to shoot with. And though lightweight, the build quality is not compromised. It is built with the most hard-wearing materials to enhance longevity. It is also outfitted with capped turrets to prevent accidental dialing in the field and to provide extra shield from bumps and impacts.

Above all, the Bushnell AR Optics 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope brings to the table fully multi-coated optics that ensure high levels of optical clarity.

Features

  • Second focal plane reticle
  • 30mm tube diameter
  • 100 MOA adjustment range
  • 1-6x variable magnification
  • Fully multi-coated lenses
  • Capped turrets
  • Throw down power change lever

Pros

  • Illuminate reticle
  • Compact form and lightweight design
  • Cost effective
  • Generous eye relief
  • Overall build quality

Cons

  • Stiff throw lever

 

6) Bushnell Engage 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope

Bushnell Engage 4-16x44mm Riflescope

 

 

Next up, we have the Bushnell Engage 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope. From trophy hunting to target shooting, this rifle scope does it all. It is built with versatility in mind and a ton of features that you require to hone your air rifle shooting skills.

The versatile 4-16x magnification is useful even at the highest levels. This is made possible by the 42mm objective lens which collects as much volume of light inside the optics. On top of that, the scope features fully multi-coated optics that help deliver the best-in-class brightness and clarity.

When it comes to construction, the scope is constructed in a 30mm tube for strength and rigidity. It is able to weather whatever punishment you throw at it without strain. Furthermore, the tube is IPX7 waterproof to outlast elements.

The Bushnell Engage 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope also features an EXO barrier lens coating that repels water, dust and dirt. Over and above that, it has tool-less locking turrets to prevent accidental shift in the middle of use.

Features

  • Fully multi-coated optics
  • 25 MOA adjustment click value
  • Tool-less locking turrets
  • Variable 4-16x magnification power
  • Second focal plane reticle
  • 30mm tube diameter
  • IPX7 water resistant
  • EXO barrier lens coating
  • Side parallax adjustment

Pros

  • Bright and clear
  • Sturdy and solid construction
  • Crisp clicks
  • Lightweight
  • Generous eye relief

Cons

  • The reticle is too thin at min magnification

 

7) Bushnell Prime 3-12x40mm Rifle Scope

Bushnell Prime 3-12x40mm

 

 

Our last Bushnell scope recommendation for air rifles is Bushnell Prime 3-12x40mm Rifle Scope. This is a versatile, high-powered optic that works well with a wide range of platforms.

The adjustable 3-12x magnification power make the scope ideal for taking shots across vast ranges. It provides a wide field of view at close and medium ranges, and rapid target acquisition at longer distances. Furthermore, is boasts a rear focal plane Multi-X reticle that is crisp, accurate and very easy to use

Optically, this versatile rifle scope has a large 40mm objective lens which enhances performance in low light. On top of that, it employs fully multi-coated lenses that are responsible to enhancing light transmission in low light and preventing glare in bright light.

Above all, the Prime 3-12x40mm rifle scope has a ruggedized 1-inch single-piece body tube that is built with reliable waterproof and fog proof protection.

Features

  • SFP Multi-X reticle
  • Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
  • Fully multi-coated optics
  • MOA adjustment
  • Variable 3x to 12x magnification
  • 1-inch body tube
  • 40mmm objective lens

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • User-friendly design
  • Affordable
  • Robust build quality
  • Crisp turrets

Cons

  • Short mounting length
  • No parallax adjustment

 

 

See Also

 

What Magnification Do You Need?

Air rifles unlike rifles are typically used for close and medium range shooting. The ideal magnification will depend on several things like the kind of shooting you will be doing, the distance you will be shooting and your shooting preference.

For recreational shooting in the range or small game hunting in the field, a variable powered scope with 3-9x or 4-12x magnification will be sufficient for use at close and medium range.

Things to Look for in a Bushnell Scope for Air Rifle

Picture Quality

The essence of a scope for air rifle is to provide better views of the targets you will be shooting. It is therefore important that you get a rifle scope that employs the best glass elements you can afford. Additionally, the scope should have premium lens coatings to ramp up optical clarity.

Size and Weight

Air rifles unlike rifles are generally lightweight. As such, you should get a scope that is equally lightweight so as not to add any extra and unnecessary bulk on it. The best Bushnell scope for air rifle should also have a compact size for convenient carrying.

Reticle Type

The reticle in air rifle scopes varies from one device to the other. The most popular ones are mil-dot, duplex and illuminated reticles. Take into consideration your shooting needs and preference and settle for a reticle that works best for you.

Build Quality

Another important thing to factor in is build quality. Air rifles scatter some fierce recoil that can easily damage a cheaply built scope. So, ensure that you invest in a scope that is built with durability in mind. On top of the solid make, the best Bushnell scope for air rifle should have reliable waterproof, fog proof and dustproof protection.

 

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Final Words

Choosing a scope for your air rifle does not necessarily have to be a taxing, unpleasant experience. All the scopes we have mentioned above come from a brand whose reputation on build quality, performance and value is unrivaled. Look at each scope, see the features and specs it boasts and pick the model that bests suits your needs.

 

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