This is a great subject and one we get questions about all the time. What is the appropriate cost balance for an optic to an airgun? We would say it’s a matter of preference. We’re not here to tell you that you shouldn’t put the Zeiss LRP S5 5-25×56 on your Hatsan Hydra QE Budget PCP or the Hawke Vantage 4×32 AO on your Edgun Leshiy 2, 9mm, that is completely up to the one who owns the air rifles.
What are we here for? We’re here to help find the best scopes for budget airguns. Most people that have budget airguns are on a budget and may not have Zeiss money. We’re here to help you get the best within your means.
Most shooters/hunters want to get the most features for as little as possible. The Zeiss LRP may not be attainable for some. Don’t get me wrong, the features and clarity it has to offer are well worth the money spent, but if you don’t have it, you don’t have it.
Here are a couple scopes that we think are some of the best options for a budget pcp. Things we consider; price, durability, clarity, magnification, and any additional features that give you more bang for your buck.
Athlon Talos
The Athlon Optics Talos 6-24×50 is an optic that makes a great performing scope attainable for those that desire some long distance shooting or hunting without breaking the bank.
The Athlon Talos is a little over thirteen inches long, twenty-three ounces light with a one inch aircraft grade aluminum tube. It offers a 50mm objective lens with a 6-24x magnification and a side focus parallax adjustment from ten yards to infinity.
The capped turrets keep the shooter from accidentally making adjustments to the turrets once it’s zeroed. The total elevation and windage adjustments are 18 mil with .1 mil click adjustments and five mil per rotation.
This scope is extremely durable with its fully multi-coated lenses, heat treated one piece tube, water, shock, and fog proof. The illuminated reticle is etched ATMR1 MIL and is second focal plane (SFP) giving accurate subtensions at 18x magnification.
The Athlon Talos is a great optic with so many features and I think the ratio of optic to air rifle is appropriate, it may be half of what your budget pcp may cost you. If you’re looking for a great optic for long distance shooting or hunting take a look at this one.
Element Optics Iris
For close to intermediate shooting the Element Optics Iris 4-12×44 SFP is another great choice for your budget pcp. It is specifically designed for precision and versatility to cater to a hunters’ needs in the field.
The total length is 13.3 inches and weight is sixteen ounces with an aircraft grade, one piece tube. This one has a 44mm objective diameter with a 4-12x magnification range. It is rigid, water, shock, fog proof and nitrogen purged.
The Iris provides a 26 ft. – 8.6 ft. @ 100 yards and an eye relief of 101.6mm. The capped, resettable turrets have a ¼ MOA click value giving precise and easy to accomplish distance calculations for multiple ranges. It also offers a 65 MOA elevation and windage adjustment range.
The RAPTR -1S BDC Reticle gives a few aim points for those close to intermediate shots giving you clear hold over references for shots at multiple distances. A low cost optic that performs above the expectations most may have for it.
Another great reason to consider the Element Iris is for the warranty. Element stands behind their products and extends a Platinum Lifetime Warranty. Your optic is protected for life!
Hawke Airmax
There are so many great budget options out there, this blog could go on forever. Like the Hawke Airmax 4-12×40 AO for so many reasons! I won’t continue to tell you the details on that one, take a look at it for yourself!
Is there a scope to airgun ration? Of course there is but it doesn’t mean you have to follow it! Choose your air rifle and choose your optic according to your preferences or wallet, which ever one has the most control of your decisions.
