Finding the perfect scope for an air rifle can be a daunting task. This comprehensive review has been put together after proper research and testing. This is a genuine and trusted guide meant to make it easy for you to choose the best air rifle scope for night shooting.
An air rifle can be used for recreational hunting and self-defense. It is the perfect rifle to shoot small rodents like rats roaming around your property. One of the best ways to make the most of your air rifle is to ensure you can use it perfectly at night as you would during the day.
To be able to use the rifle at night, you need to invest in the best air rifle scope. A good night scope will make it easy to lock your target and ensure you do not miss a shot. Having a night vision scope is also a matter of safety as it ensures you do not accidentally shoot your pet or another human in the dark.
Top Picks 3 Best Air Rifle Scope For Night Shooting
BEST VALUE
Night Owl Digital Night Vision Rifle Scope
BEST Overall
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope
BEST Price
Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope
List of top rated rifle scopes in the market
What makes the best air rifle scope for night shooting?
When buying a night vision scope, there are a few factors you must consider if you are to invest in the best ones in the market.
Clarity
To be able to hit your target, you need a clear view of the target. The resolution of your scope needs to be able to give you a clear image. The best clarity is offered under high magnification. Go for a scope that provides many lines per millimeter for the best clarity.
Recognition and detection range
The detector range allows you to detect a target but cannot tell you what the object it. You need a recognition range to be able to see what the object is and whether it is your preferred target. The recognition range changes based on the night light conditions. You will get a different recognition range in a full moon, and a completely different one in pitch black or starlit darkness.
The infrared illuminator
If you prefer to hunt in pitch black conditions, going for a scope with an inbuilt IR illuminator may be the best choice. However, this can only allow you to hunt in very low shoot ranges. However, if you are interested in tactical shooting and you travel a lot, an inbuilt IR illuminator scope may not be the best choice. Therefore, consider your shooting needs before going for a scope with an inbuilt IR illuminator.
Durability
Unlike the ordinary hunting scope, a night vision scope comprises of many small parts that include glass optics and electronic tubes. These are highly prone to damage since you will be hunting in dark conditions. The best air rifle scope should give you value for your money. It should be built to last long. The best scope should withstand recoil and harsh weather conditions.
Read More: 10 best rifle scopes for deer hunting
Reviews of 11 Best Air Rifle Scopes
Now that you know what to look for in a night shooting scope, here are eleven of the best air rifle scope for night hunting.
Gear Odds Recommendation
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope
Combining great visuals and high-end technology, the model offers a plethora of features for modern hunters. To begin with, the scope is equipped with a ballistic calculator that helps the users measure the range, temperature, wind, distance from the target, and more. All of this is possible in low-light and dark conditions with the high-definition night mode. The model can be found with magnification powers of either 3 to 14 times or 5 to 20 times.
Another interesting feature is video capturing. Moreover, users can stream videos on mobile devices while looking through the scope and even record it and place it on an SD card. A special setting activates the video recording option before and after a shot, too.
Pros
- High-end technological features
- Longer battery life
- Supports iOS and Android applications
- Complete ballistic calculator
Cons
- Batteries aren’t included
- Software issues
Bushnell Banner Multi-X Reticle Riflescope
Bushnell is a reputable brand when it comes to optics. And this rifle scope doesn’t disappoint. It incorporates many helpful features for night shooters.
Firstly, it possesses multi-coated lenses for extra sharpness and brightness of the views. Even if it’s dark outside the variable magnification of 3-9 times makes it possible for hunters to spot their prey on time. Not to mention that it has a reticle that’s multi-x together with adjustments to the elevation and windage, which can be done with a fingerprint. To enable people with glasses to see clearly, it has a nice eye relief of 6 inches.
As for handling harsh weather conditions, this rifle scope is made to completely resist water and fog. Its tough and durable construction is responsible for this.
However, it should be noted that apparently, users experienced issues with the selector. After turning the knob, it should be tapped in to be able to hold zero.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Elevation and windage adjustments
- Lightweight
- Nice eye relief
- Durable and weather-resistant
Cons
- Issues with holding zero
Nikon P-Tactical .223 3-9x40 Matte BDC600 Rifle Scope
This matte black rifle scope not only looks nice but it has some worthy options that potential buyers should consider. No matter on which rifle you mount it, it provides detailed views in all types of surroundings.
Thanks to the main tubes made of aluminum on an aircraft level and the optical system with multi-coated lenses, the moving targets appear clear and bright in the dark. Also, the reticles can be matched to the user’s desired caliber. And in case of longer utilization, the reticles provide a concise elevation adjustment. Another vital feature for hunters is the focus. Moreover, this rifle scope has an aluminum ring that turns smoothly and can focus the reticle faster and recognize the target.
In terms of resistance, the model is sealed and doesn’t let moisture through. To prevent shocks from doing any damage to it, it’s nitrogen-purged, as well. Yet it should be mentioned that it doesn’t perform well on a short range.
Pros
- Clear and bright optics
- Consistent eye relief
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Quick and efficient focus
Cons
- Not suitable for short ranges and indoors usage
Night Owl Optics NightShot Digital Night Vision Riflescope
Beginning with the outer appearance of the model, it’s made of engineered, quality thermoplastic. The black color makes the whole design elegant and eye-catching for all users who may be interested in night shooting. The night activities are aided with the infrared illuminator which is built into the rifle scope. Besides night shooting, it can be utilized during the day, as well, and doing that won’t inflict any damages on the product. Additionally, it is weatherproof, which means that buyers can operate with it even when the weather conditions aren’t all sunny and warm.
Typically, in dark environments, the range can go from a hundred to two hundred yards, whereas the magnification power is three times. Plus, there’s the clarity of the visuals. These visuals can be seen on a high-resolution display that measures 640 x 480. Another thing that people shout watch out for is that the scope can be used with rifles that are a maximum of thirty calibers.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Great value for the money
- Solid battery life
- Adjustable features
- Can be used by hunters who wear glasses
Cons
- Can’t be used for rifles above 30 caliber
- Isn’t ideal for long-range shooting
Gamo Air Gun Scope LC4X32 With Rings
With magnification capabilities of four times and an objective lens diameter of thirty-two millimeters, the model delivers when it comes to mid-range as well as long-range hunting and above. Further, slight modifications can be made in the elevation as well as the windage aspect.
The lens is fully coated for better performance and protection. The reticles belong in the second focal plane type. Moreover, covers for the lenses as well as rings are included with the purchase.
With that being said, the rifle scope looks pretty attractive on the outside, too. The black color can match the rifle and brings out elegance and sophistication. Plus, the scope can be counted among the most affordable models that are presently available on the market.
Pros
- Extremely affordable price
- Included rings and lens covers
- Suitable for longer ranges
Cons
- The overall build isn’t very quality
- Crosshair visibility for some users
AccuShot Bubble Level UTG Rifle Scope
UTG made this rifle scope primarily for people that shoot on long distances and plan their shots very carefully. To satisfy their needs, it incorporates a bubble leveler that is situated in the mil-dot reticle’s viewfinder. It’s meant to minimize the errors, which may occur when you’re shooting on long ranges. That way the focus will fall on the target at once. Moreover, users can easily make adjustments with the leveler.
On the other hand, the reticle is specifically designed and falls into the category of Tactical Range Estimating reticles. After shooters get used to it, they’ll be able to improve their accuracy. Also, this model is equipped with the original illumination system EZ-TAP that provides dual-colored views in the dark and a palette of 36 colors. But the reticle turns back to black when the illumination is off.
Other details worth mentioning are the variable magnification of 4-16 times accompanied by the nice eye relief. Not to forget, this scope doesn’t weigh much either. With the weight of 31.7 ounces, it doesn’t enhance the overall weight of the scope much.
Despite this, there are some downsides people talk about like the difficulties they faced to spot the level.
Pros
- Precise thanks to bubble leveler reticle
- Multi-colored and dual-colored views at night
- Lightweight
- Quick focus
Cons
- The level can’t be easily spotted when looking through the rifle scope
Simmons Truplex Rifle Scope
As an affordable scope, this is one of the popular models on the market. Predominantly, this is due to the few features that come in handy when shooting in all conditions. Among the premium features are the fully coated lenses that provide crisp and bright views. For a simple adjustment, the scope incorporates adjustments for elevation as well as SureGrip windage. This system is able to remain on zero and be locked while the surroundings are changing. Not to mention that the eyepiece is suitable for detecting the target accurately and fast.
Aside from this, it should be mentioned that this rifle scope can resist water, fog, and recoil. And it can boast with large precision. All of this contributes to its simple yet efficient mount on a rifle.
Still, some users complain that the knobs for adjustments are made of plastic and doesn’t click. Apparently, this can be an issue when users are outside at varying temperatures.
Pros
- Truplex reticle
- 1/4 MOA SureGrip windage and elevation adjustment system
- Durable
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Nice looking
Cons
- Adjustment knobs made of plastic
- Lack of mil dots
Hawke Airmax Airgun Scope 1"
One of the notable details about Airmax’s scopes is the completely multi-coated lens. They offer views in high-definition and enable shooters to see in the dark with clarity. To resist the danger of recoil, it has an AMX reticle that’s glass etched. What’s useful about it is that it provides several points for aiming and shooting.
But this isn’t everything this model has to offer. There are the turrets that are meant for increasing accuracy together with the specific focus. It contributes to preventing parallax errors. Because of all of this, shooters with air rifles tend to utilize scopes like this one in order to view widely and aim at the targets with higher efficiency.
However, you should be aware of some troubles users experienced with this model. They’re related to the adjustment not being really practical.
Pros
- A bright and crisp glass
- Nice reticle
- Consistency on zero
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Stiff zoom
- Difficulties with the adjustments
Vortex Optics Crossfire II Rifle Scope
This rifle scope operates well when shooting at different ranges. Its BDC reticle is made for this purpose. And the adjustable objective makes the focus more accurate and removes possible parallax. Speaking of this, the scope has lenses that are completely multi-coated in order to give away sharp and bright images.
Those that wonder about the durability and strength should know that the tube is made of quality aluminum and is responsible for preventing damages inflicted by shock. Also, the turrets are capped and can be adjusted with the fingers. They can be put to zero and left that way. Thanks to the long eye relief, shooters can come across and focus on a target at once.
Considering these options, it’s understandable that this model can withstand harsh weather conditions since it is nitrogen-purged and sealed with O-ring. Yet it shouldn’t be ignored that some users view this as a not-so-lightweight model. Other than this, they complain about the optical bell for parallax adjustments being too tight.
Pros
- Clear and accurate lenses
- VIP warranty
- Large objective
- Weather-resistant
- Affordable
- Quick focus
Cons
- Issues with the quality of the image at 100 yards
- Tight adjustment optical bell
ATN-Sight II HD Day/Night Rifle Scope
From one of the most reliable brands when it comes to night vision scopes, the ATX-Sight II day and night rifle scope raises the standards of night vision rifle scopes.
This is not your everyday rifle scope. As the best air rifle scope, it comes with an obsidian core that computerized all your moves. This allows you to multitask with the blink of an eye. The obsidian processor makes it easy for you to find your range and windage reading. It comes with a ballistic calculator to find your aiming point hustle free.
This scope comes with a smart range finder to eliminate guesswork when it comes to ranging your target. With this scope, you can create multiple profiles for all your weapons without the need for resetting before use the next time.
If you are interested in keeping records of your shooting sprees, the ATN-Sight II HD Day/Night rifle scope allows you to set the video recording to RAV (Recoil Activated Video) to capture all your adventures in full 1080p HD quality.
You can choose between black and white night vision, green night vision, or the day view options. It also offers 3-14x power smooth magnification. If you are a tech-savvy shooter, this scope comes with amazing features like the image stabilizing gyroscope, an E-Compass, GPS, E-barometer, and Wi-Fi connection option.
Pros
- Advanced video recording features
- Wi-Fi enabled
- Exceptional day and night image quality
- Long battery life
Cons
- Heavyweight
The Sightmark Photon XT Digital Night Vision Riflescope
This is a scope designed for shooting in medium-range and can be used during the day or at night. Because of its versatility, this night vision rifle scope comes with up to six Reticle types. You can also get two crossbow reticles if you own a 320, 350, 370, or a 400-fps crossbow. It also comes with two duplex reticles for varmint hunting.
This scope comes with an all-purpose German Reticle for increased accuracy, and a fixed magnification of 4.6X, making it perfect for medium-range shots. The large 42mm lens allows for maximum light exposure for clear target sight, while the inbuilt IR illuminator makes your vision clear even in pitch-black darkness. The 38 lines/mm high resolution ensures all your target images are crisp clear.
And for the best feature….
There is an LCD on the scope to capture videos and images of your hunt. The Photon XT scope is made with a glass nylon body, which makes it lightweight and shockproof.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Clear images at night
- Waterproof and shockproof
- Ideal for shots 100 yards away in total darkness
Cons
- Not fog proof
- Medium shooting range
Conclusion
If you are going to be shooting at night, a good night vision scope is a must-have accessory for your rifle. Without one, you are likely to hit a person with your air rifle since the lighting conditions are not favorable to the human eye at night. The best air rifle scope enables you to correctly ID your target before shooting.
With the right scope for night shooting, you are sure to make some of the best night hunting memories. Stay connected with us for more products review.