Can .22 rifle scopes be used on air rifles?

Jump to latest Follow Reply
Good solid answer of, MAYBE!

If the air rifle is a break barrel (Springer), typically the answer is no, don't use a regular rifle scope. The recoil on a break barrel will eventually demolish a normal rifle stope. Air rifle scopes are typically reinforced for the "Double Recoil" of a break barrel. It's really hard on scopes.

Break barrel recoil is bi-directional. The initial recoil is just like a powder burner pushing back into your shoulder. However, when the piston hits the end of the cylinder, it's just like a hammer hitting the end of the cylinder. That's the second recoil, when the piston pushes the gun forward out of your shoulder when it hits the end of the cylinder,.

Hope that helps explain the double recoil problem. Most scopes are designed for one direction recoil, but the hammer hitting the gun going forward requires different reinforcement. Most rifle scopes don't have it.

If it's a PCP or pump gun, no problem. I've been using regular rifle scopes on my PCP's for a long time with no problems.
 
Upvote 0
if looking for a springer (break barrel) scope, it may say it's airgun rated, or, you can shop on the Crosman site. Long ago, there was a discount code for something like 25%, AGNATION, that some folks say still works. Their scopes aren't bad, not wonderful, but I'll bet airgun rated.

Free shipping on Fridays as well.

So, if you order, and the AGNATION code works, you can get a nice little 3x9 by 40mm for about $75 in your hands. Not bad!
 
Upvote 0
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Resources
Menu