Everyone knows that the value of an airsoft sniper rifle lies not in its rate of fire, but in the power of its fire, in its accuracy, and in its range. One of those traits requires specific tools to key in on, and it’s no secret - the accuracy.

While you can impact range and to a lesser extent accuracy with an adjustable hop-up system, to really benefit from the potential accuracy of an airsoft rifle, you’ll need quality sights or optics. This makes airsoft scopes highly useful in the following situations.

1.Shrink your groups

Practice is the most important element in becoming more proficient behind your sights. It is the single most important factor in shrinking your groups. However, we’d be lying to you if we said you would create a positive effect by using a scope, especially at range. You can practice over iron sights at 50 yards all you like; when you start using a scope, your groups will shrink.

2.Get a better view

Another great thing about airsoft scopes is that you can use them to get a better view of a situation. Having a hard time seeing a sign in the distance? Need help checking out some territory from afar because it’s too risky to expose yourself? A scope can help with that - it’s not all about the shooting that wins a match!

3.Use it for reconnaissance

On that note, airsoft scopes are also indispensable tools for reconnaissance. Open lines of communication with the other members of your team can literally win a match. You can use a scope effectively to observe, analyze and report on the opposing team’s movement and positions, as well as to effectively plan a strategy for your team’s strategy, all from a safely removed location.

What Features Should It Have?

Adding an airsoft scope to your favorite rifle might seem like a no-brainer, but not all scopes are created equal. Look for the following traits if you can, and extract the most value possible from the deal.

●Variable magnification

Many airsoft rifle scopes are actually designed specifically to provide variable magnification to the user. The value here is that fixed magnification is as limited in its applicability as no magnification whatsoever. Closer up, you need lower levels of magnification (like 4x) whereas further off, 9x or even 16x might be ideal. It’s also valuable to be able to scale back the magnification because as you increase it, the clarity of the picture tends to suffer. Lower settings are generally better, but you’ll be glad you had the ability to increase the magnification if the occasion also calls for it.

●Shockproof

Scopes, not just those for airsoft guns, are notorious for losing their zero at the slightest hint of a shock. That’s why so many people transport them in a case. For this reason, shockproof scopes are highly valuable - in a match, you’re going to have your airsoft rifle in the field. It needs to be able to hang with the demands of the match; look for shockproofing or rubberized scopes.

●Waterproof, fog proof, and dustproof

By the same token, some scopes are also waterproof, fog proof, and dustproof, which will extend their usable lifespans and make them more reliable. Only a little bit of water getting inside of the body of the scope can result in condensation on the glass which will effectively render the scope useless. Dust can be a similar beast; all things being equal, look for waterproof, fog proof, and dustproof scopes.

●Different color pattern reticles

Many airsoft scopes are made to offer reticles in a variety of colors (commonly black, red, or green) that offer a very distinct advantage to the player. The contrast provided by these different colors can improve your ability to connect with your target at range.

●Utility in low light conditions

Many airsoft scopes are specifically designed to be effective at gathering light in low light conditions, which can be a huge advantage when your opponents are not working with lights, night sights, or other low-light capable optics. It’s worth noting that the performance of many optics suffer in low-light conditions, with clarity dropping off when it starts to get dark. This feature of a scope is well worth any premium asked.

●Backup iron sights

Something else valuable that some airsoft scopes also offer is backup iron sights on the top of the tube or over the eyepieces (like the one in the image at the top of this article). This combines two great utilitarian features into one. You get the value of a scope for distance shooting and you can still use the iron sights if you’re surprised or drawn into a close-quarters encounter where glass will hurt more than it helps.

There’s enough information here for you to go your own way in search of an airsoft scope, but if you’re still looking for some additional information or suggestions, get in touch with us at 800-581-6620 and we’d be more than happy to make recommendations or point you in the direction of the optics that will serve you best in a match.