Scopes on an air rifle?

[Jpsmith1]

Thinking about adding an air rifle to my practice.

This would allow me to shoot more, cheaper, and play with more drop and wind at shorter ranges. Going past 300 is a challenge around here.

I'm not looking at a PCP rifle. I know they're the gold standard. I know they're super duper awesome. I also know they're approaching the cost of a. 22 and I need a compressor or a SCUBA tank to keep it shooting and continual refills.

I'm looking at a Nitro piston rifle for simplicity and for price.

This is in optics because I want know if you'd buy a special "air rifle" scope or just put a scope on it?

I understand the recoil issue with springers and understand that it's an issue with the gas piston rifles as well, just to a lesser degree.

 

[go4thegusto]

This would be a good one

G

WTS Post in thread 'Bushnell Banner 6-18X50 AO rifle scope, great precision 22 or whatever'

Wednesday at 10:51 AM

up $75 with rings

• go4thegusto

 

[Jpsmith1]

This would be a good one

G

WTS Post in thread 'Bushnell Banner 6-18X50 AO rifle scope, great precision 22 or whatever'

Wednesday at 10:51 AM

up $75 with rings

• go4thegusto

I have a scope I am considering applying to the air rifle.

It is a Burris 3-15x veracity MAD for those reading along, if it matters.

 

[KHntr]

A big springer can eat a Burris in an afternoon of shooting. I’ve done it.
And not “I don’t think it’s holding zero anymore “, I mean “now it rattles inside and the crosshair is crooked “.

You need a scope rated for an air rifle, at the very least. An airgun specific scope is a better bet.

However, you’ll get some shots out of a scope on a nitro gun, so it just depends on how much you are going to shoot it.

 

[Jpsmith1]

A big springer can eat a Burris in an afternoon of shooting. I’ve done it.
And not “I don’t think it’s holding zero anymore “, I mean “now it rattles inside and the crosshair is crooked “.

You need a scope rated for an air rifle, at the very least. An airgun specific scope is a better bet.

However, you’ll get some shots out of a scope on a nitro gun, so it just depends on how much you are going to shoot it.

So, no. Don't put the Burris on an air rifle.

Thank you.

Once zeroed, I had the idea to build a "minisniping" range and shoot 30-50 per session a couple times a week

 

[KHntr]

Doing the same at my house, but going with a pcp rifle this time around.

 

[BigMiss]

I also know they're approaching the cost of a. 22 and I need a compressor or a SCUBA tank to keep it shooting and continual refills.

Just to offer another option - My dad has an older model Benjamin Maurader in .25cal. He uses a high PSI hand pump to fill it. It's not an issue unless you're shooting all day. The total combo can be had for just over $500. Its a very accurate gun for the price - nickel to quarter groups at 50yd with good pellets. I would not hesitate to use the bike pump style pumps to fill it. I've also read good things about the even cheaper Beeman models but have no experience with them.

 

[Kyguy]

A big springer can eat a Burris in an afternoon of shooting. I’ve done it.
And not “I don’t think it’s holding zero anymore “, I mean “now it rattles inside and the crosshair is crooked “.

You need a scope rated for an air rifle, at the very least. An airgun specific scope is a better bet.

However, you’ll get some shots out of a scope on a nitro gun, so it just depends on how much you are going to shoot it.

Big spring rifle will eat most scopes that aren't specifically air gun rated. The recoil impulse and vibration cycle is completely different on a spring air gun vs a regular cartridge rifle.