Scope for a new air rifle

The only real issue with using the e1 (IMO) is that it only focus' down to 50yds.
There are some Hawks that SHOULD be good, but I've only got experience with one old model which I did like.
Leupolds got the EFR Freedom scope, but its relatively small and lower powered, if that works for what you want its probably a good option (if pricey)
The Athlons with SF all focus down below 50yds, and they are my current favorite "value" scope. Ive got a 2-12x42 Argos HMR on my primary air rifle.
Clearridge are a popular option, but I've never used any of them.
....Im forgetting some right now....

If that is (and it is) a spring rifle, I would not bother to spend a lot of money on a scope. Get a Leepers or even a BSA. Spring rifles are not accurate (my opinion that will not change due to being receiver mounted and the barrel not returning to the exact position each time) and they beat the sXXt (excrement) out of scopes with the HARSH reverse recoil.

I just bought a hawke for my hatsun 95.
Initial inspection looks really good. It is still in the box. I may try to get it on the rifle tomorrow. I will post some pics and details then.
They guys at Airgun Depot recommend it highly.

CenterPoint. Cheap scope, amazing clarity, holds up to recoil so far on a .177 nitro piston gun which is less than that of a spring gun. Still, the cheap price point is a plus.

I remembering the Diana 54 is being "recoilless" but I had to go back and check.....
From my quick Google search It seems like whatever they did to reduce the felt recoil on the guns turns them into scope munchers. Most likely you would need a Magnum Springer rated scope, of which I'm not super familiar with.

I have used Winchester brand air rifle scopes. 25 yards is a long shot for an air rifle unless it's a pcp. And yes, it has to be rated for a spring air gun.

The clamp style mounts made for the Crosman pump air guns may be able to fit some break barrel air rifles.This would give you a point to mount optics not dependent on fit and repeatability of the barrel to receiver fit.

OP, what is your budget ?

Ray, your 54 is a magnum springer and a damn good one too. Don't let anyone tell you it can't be accurate. There are a lot of good scopes that would fit your criteria. I suggest going to Airgun Nation forum and check out the optics/scopes sub forum. Your head will soon be swimming with options.

Another vote for Hawke. Just bought a 3rd one for a 22 lr. Mine are the vantage with mil dot reticle, and are built to take abuse of double recoil of a springer rifle. Also has adjustable parallax.....to min of something like 10 meters out to infinity.

As important as the scope are the mounts. I had no luck with anything just clamping it to the dovetails. If the gun has a place for a pin, you better find a set of rings or a base that uses the pin to lock in in place. Otherwise the scope will keep changing zero as it walks off the back.

Hawke leapers and a few others are airgun rated. That is important due to two way recoil. I’ve had springers that were extremely accurate and still have one that will stack pellets. I ultimately ended up settling on iron sights only for break barrels as they are very hard on scopes and mounts. Hold zero for 5 shots n move around type deal. Sub 12 foot pound break barrels have given me some success with scopes and reliability.

I purchased a Hawke fixed 4 power for my Diana Air King 54. I really like it so far. I had a Center Point for a short time but it lost its zero around 100 shots. I had a good friend that had been around airguns for a long time and he recommended the Hawke. I purchased mine from Pyramid Air.

3Crows said:

If that is (and it is) a spring rifle, I would not bother to spend a lot of money on a scope. Get a Leepers or even a BSA. Spring rifles are not accurate (my opinion that will not change due to being receiver mounted and the barrel not returning to the exact position each time) and they beat the sXXt (excrement) out of scopes with the HARSH reverse recoil.

Click to expand...

I have the same opinion on break barrel spring guns. But in this case it does not apply, the model 54 is a side cocker, very accurate and powerful, the barrel never moves. I just got a model 48 and also am trying to find a suitable scope. My worries are in the recoil blowing the scope apart

A lot of break barrel hate going on here. It's a shame. They are perfectly capable of shooting very accurately. Can it be a challenge to shoot them well? You betcha. But it is all in the shooter not the gun. You definitely have to pay attention to what you're doing and do it consistently.

There are plenty of scopes out there that are spring piston rated. Ask around on some of the airgun sites. I use a Sightron scope on one of my rifles. It is mounted using a Diana Bullseye ZR mount. This mount pretty much eliminates any recoil felt by the scope. I have absolutely no problems holding zero.

I think what folks mean is is “I don’t have the skill to shoot a spring rifle accurately” as they damn sure will shoot accurately out to about 50 yards, especially a Diana 54.

The suggestion about getting a scope rated for a spring gun should be heeded thought. Also for that Diana look into a Bullseye ZR Zero recoil one piece mount like Bill said.