Airsoft scopes are used to improve the accuracy and range of airsoft guns. There are many different types of scopes available on the market, so it is important to choose the right one for your gun and playing style.
In this article, we will discuss the different types of gun scopes and what they offer.
Accuracy is essential when it comes to airsofting. You aren’t going to win very easily if you can’t hit anyone.
Gun scopes give you a competitive edge by helping you line up that perfect shot. There is a wide variety of airsoft scopes on the market today, from traditional iron sights and magnified rifle scopes, to modern red dot and laser sights.
Each type of sight is effective in certain situations, so take care when making your choice. The type of airsoft gun you’re using should also come into consideration.
Airsoft Scope Types
Iron Sights
Iron sights are typically composed of two component sights, formed by metal blades: a rear sight mounted perpendicular to the line of sight and a front sight that is a post, bead, or ring.
Open sights use a notch of some sort as the rear sight, while aperture sights use some form of a circular hole.
The earliest types of iron sights were fixed and could not easily be adjusted. Modern iron sights, used for airsoft, are adjustable, allowing you to compensate for elevation or windage.
Iron sights are usually insufficient for long range shooting, but can act as a useful back-up alongside other types of scope.
Laser Sights
Essentially a laser pointer on an airsoft gun, a laser sight can do more than make a cat go crazy. Laser sights allow you to accurately draw a bead on a target thanks to a clear visual indicator. When you see the dot on the enemy, you can hit them.
Laser sights run parallel to the barrel of your airsoft gun. This means that your gun can easily align to a target, but doesn’t necessarily take into account windage and bullet drop.
Another disadvantage of laser sights is that in the dark, it can be possible to trace the line of your laser from your target back to you. This can expose you to the enemy.
Red Dot Scopes
What are red dots scopes? Red dot sights give the firearms users an aimpoint in the form of an illuminated red dot.
The light, emitting from an LED, provides a parallax-free aimpoint regardless of eye position. They are extremely useful for the quick acquisition of even fast moving targets.
Red dot sight reticle sizes are measured in either minutes of angle (moa) or milliradians (mil). 1 moa equates to 1.0472 inches at a distance of 100 yards, which is generally rounded to 1 inch at 100 yards.
The most common reticles used today in red dot sights both for handguns and rifles are small dots covering between 2 to 5 moa.
The choice of red dot reticle size depends on your needs.
A larger and brighter red dot makes for faster target acquisition, but may obscure the target and thereby inhibit precise aiming, while a smaller and dim dot allows for more precise but slower aiming.
Airsoft Rifle Magnifiers
Also known as telescopic sights, this type of airsoft scope magnifies your view of the target. This, naturally, makes them ideal for long range shooting. Airsoft sniper rifles make the most effective use from telescopic sights.
Telescopic sights are classified in terms of the optical magnification and the objective lens diameter, e.g. 10×50. This would denote 10 times magnification with a 50mm objective lens.
Larger objective lens diameters provide a larger exit pupil and hence provide a brighter image at the eyepiece.
There are also airsoft telescopic sights with variable magnification. The magnification can be varied by manually operating a zoom mechanism.
Variable sights offer more flexibility regarding shooting at varying ranges, targets and light conditions and offer a relatively wide field of view at lower magnification settings.
How Accurate Are Airsoft Sights?
Most airsoft sights will give you an accurate reading out to around 100 feet. Beyond that, the BB will start to drop due to gravity and air resistance.
Some airsoft sights claim to be accurate up to 150 feet, but this is under very specific conditions and a certain BB weight.
For most people playing airsoft, 100 feet is more than enough range. If you are looking for long range accuracy, then you will need to factor in the drop of the BB and adjust your aiming accordingly.
Price vs Quality
There is a lot to consider when choosing an airsoft scope. But, as with anything, you tend to get what you pay for.
Don’t scrimp on your optics if you want to be the best on the battlefield. Do your research and make sure you find the best scope for your specific needs to ensure victory.
Our 5 handpicked rifle scopes below all offer excellent value for money. But, if you’re looking for the very best, then you may have to pay a little more.
Our Top 5 Airsoft Scopes
Stay on target with an airsoft sight from Socom Tactical. Our range of robust, precision shooting accessories increase accuracy and firing performance.
Thanks to our adaptors and flexible mounts, you can get a more accurate shot no matter what weapon you deploy. Here are our favourite scopes.
MBUS Type Back-Up Front & Rear Sight Set
Ideal as either a primary or back-up sight, their ergonomic spring-loaded design helps quickly centre the target, creating a precise optical tunnel that ensures more accurate aiming and faster target acquisition.
Wadsn CQBL Red & IR Laser Unit
The Wadsn CQBL red and IR laser unit is a great way to improve your visibility in low light conditions. The unit attaches easily to your airsoft weapon and emits a bright, visible red or infrared beam that will help you see your target more clearly.
The unit is also equipped with an adjustable focus so that you can customize the width of the beam to your needs. The Wadsn CQBL laser unit is a great choice for any airsoft player who wants to improve their game.
Aim-O 3.5-10x40E Illuminated Scope
The Aim-O 3.5-10x40E illuminated scope is a versatile and affordable option for shooters who need a dependable scope that can be used in a variety of conditions.
The illuminated reticle is perfect for low light conditions and the 10x magnification gives you the ability to make precision shots at long range. The scope is also fog proof and shockproof, making it a great choice for rough weather or tactical applications.
If you're looking for an illuminated scope that won't break the bank, the Aim-O 3.5-10x40E is a great option.
Aim-O 4×30 Elcan Type Scope
This is a great little scope for those wanting a classic look on their M249 or other rifles. It offers 4x magnification and a 30mm objective lens.
The Elcan type scope is fully adjustable for windage and elevation. It also features an illuminated reticle, making it easy to take aim in low light conditions.
This scope is perfect for those who want to improve their accuracy and take their game to the next level.
Aim-O T1 Red / Green Dot With QD Mount
The Aim-O T1 Red / Green Dot Sight is a fully adjustable red dot sight that can be mounted on any 20mm weaver / picatinny rail.
The sight comes with a quick detach mount for easy mounting and removal and has 4 different reticle options (red dot, green dot, cross, and 3 MOA red dot) and is fully adjustable for windage and elevation.
The Aim -O T1 Red / Green Dot Sight is a great addition to any airsoft gun and is perfect for close quarters combat and fast target acquisition.
Airscope Scopes:Final Thoughts
Scopes can give you an edge, but accuracy and skill require talent and practice.
The best scope in the world won’t save you if you fail to spot the enemys’ movement or can’t control your shots.
Use our guide to find the best scope for you, and enjoy increased accuracy on the airsoft battlefield.
Do you have what it takes to be a sniper?
With the right airsoft gun and scope, you can become a top sniper on the battlefield. But it takes more than just good equipment
You need to be able to control your shots, have excellent aim and be aware of your surroundings at all times so that you can take out the enemy before they have a chance to retaliate.
Thanks for reading!
