Yes, Simmons scopes can be used on air rifles, but only airgun-rated models. Simmons ProTarget Air and ProHunter AirGun scopes are built to withstand the dual-recoil of air rifles. Standard Simmons rimfire or centerfire scopes often fail on high-powered spring-piston break-barrel air rifles due to reverse recoil.
Understanding Air Rifle Scope Compatibility
Before buying a scope for your air rifle, understanding compatibility is essential. Many shooters make the costly mistake of mounting standard rifle scopes on air rifles, only to find them damaged after just a few shots.
Air rifle scope vs rifle scope: what’s the difference?
The primary distinction lies in how they handle recoil. Standard firearm scopes are built to withstand the single-direction recoil of conventional firearms. In contrast, air rifle scopes are specifically engineered to handle the unique bi-directional recoil produced by spring-piston air rifles.
Additionally, air rifle scopes typically offer adjustable parallax settings for shorter distances, since most air gun shooting occurs within 10-50 yards. This feature ensures your reticle remains true without complicated adjustments that might be necessary with standard rifle scopes.
Why springer recoil matters for scopes
Spring-piston (springer) air rifles create a distinctive two-stage recoil that can destroy standard scopes. Upon firing, the rifle first recoils backward as the spring releases. Then, as the piston slams forward and suddenly stops, the rifle produces a second, forward recoil impulse.
This bi-directional “push-pull” motion creates massive stress on scope internals. Even expensive conventional scopes that handle powerful firearms like a .30-06 can quickly fail on a moderate-power springer. One shooter noted that after breaking two scopes on his Gamo Magnum, he finally found a shotgun-rated scope that has lasted over 8 years.
What makes a scope ‘air rifle rated’?
An air rifle rated scope features:
- Reinforced Construction – Internal components are strategically positioned and secured to withstand jarring recoil without damage.
- Etched Glass Reticles – Instead of fragile wire reticles that can snap under springer recoil, air rifle scopes typically use etched glass reticles that maintain zero.
- Secure Turret Systems – Many feature turret locks or zero-stop designs to prevent settings from “walking” during recoil.
- Robust Chassis – Thicker tube walls and stronger internal mounting provide better shock resistance for handling repeated impacts.
If your scope isn’t airgun rated and you hear glass rattling inside after taking a shot, that’s a clear sign it’s been damaged by the unique recoil forces. Consequently, investing in a properly rated scope will save money and frustration in the long run.
Are Simmons Scopes Built for Air Rifles?
Simmons has built a reputation in the optics industry since 1983, primarily known for creating high-quality, durable riflescopes and binoculars. While they’ve earned respect among hunters and sportsmen for optical innovation and rugged construction, the question remains – are they specifically built for the unique challenges of air rifles?
Overview of Simmons scope models
Simmons offers several scope lines with varying features and price points. Their product range includes the entry-level Deerfield series, mid-range Whitetail Classics (WTC), and higher-end models like ProHunters and Aetec. Notably, the Aetec line includes options like the 2.8-10×44 and 4-14×44 models that feature one-inch tube construction. The 44MAG Series provides another option with 4-14×44mm configurations.
Most Simmons scopes feature one-inch/25mm main tubes of one-piece construction, finger-friendly windage and elevation adjusters offering 1/4 MOA adjustment, and fully-coated lenses for crisp images. The company prides itself on developing scopes that deliver “spot-on accuracy, innovative features and enviable performance”.
Which Simmons scopes are springer-rated?
Although Simmons doesn’t widely advertise their scopes as “springer-rated,” they do manufacture a dedicated air rifle scope – the Pro Target Air 4x32mm Riflescope. This model features an all-glass optical system, IPX7 waterproof construction, and is explicitly marketed as fog-proof and shockproof – critical qualities for handling air rifle recoil.
According to some airgun enthusiasts, certain models including the Whitetail Classics and 44 MAG scopes may handle air rifle recoil, albeit only recommended for low-to-medium powered springers with less aggressive recoil patterns.
Manufacturer stance on air rifle use
The official Simmons position on air rifle compatibility appears somewhat flexible. While their marketing materials rarely mention air rifle compatibility explicitly (outside the Pro Target Air line), customer service representatives have reportedly stated that “all our scopes can be put on an Airgun/springer”.
Even more promising, some users report that when contacting Simmons service departments directly, representatives indicated that if a scope fails, “we’re not gonna ask you if it was on a springer or not, we will either fix the broken scope or replace it”.
Nevertheless, unlike companies such as Bushnell (which reportedly rates almost all their scopes for springer use), Simmons hasn’t made broad claims about their entire lineup being air rifle compatible.
Real-World Performance of Simmons Scopes
Looking beyond manufacturer claims, real-world testing provides the most honest assessment of how Simmons scopes actually perform on air rifles.
User experiences with Simmons on springers
Air rifle enthusiasts report mixed results when mounting Simmons scopes on springers. One user successfully used a Simmons scope through thousands of shots on a 13 fpe Phantom and later on a 14 fpe Trail with no performance issues. In contrast, another shooter experienced erratic groupings with a Simmons 3-9X40 8-Point on both an air rifle and a .22LR rifle, suggesting internal component failure from the springer’s recoil.
Performance on PCP and CO2 air rifles
On PCP air rifles, Simmons scopes perform significantly better. The Whitetail Classic 4-12×40 mounted on a Daystate Regal maintained optical clarity throughout testing. This model includes a welcome side-mounted parallax adjustment usable from 10 yards to infinity—particularly valuable for airgunners who shoot at varying distances. Field testing showed effectiveness out to 50 meters without issues.
Common issues: parallax, reticle shift, and durability
Despite positive experiences, several problems emerge consistently:
- Parallax adjustment issues: Users report that marked distances often don’t match actual parallax-free distances, requiring treatment more like a focus knob than precise measurement
- Reticle stability: Under springer recoil, some models suffer from reticle shift or internal component loosening
- Turret quality: Even fans note that adjustment clicks feel “mushy and undefined” compared to higher-end options
How Simmons compares to other brands
Compared to competitors, Simmons occupies a middle ground. They typically offer better optical quality than budget brands like Barska or Tasco. The Simmons 3-9x40mm Mag is recommended specifically for plinking, with surprisingly clear glass for its price point. Nevertheless, premium brands like Leupold or Burris provide more refined mechanics and better reliability on powerful springers.
Choosing the Right Simmons Scope for Your Air Rifle
Selecting the right optic for your airgun involves careful consideration of your specific needs. As a company with nearly four decades in the industry, Simmons offers several options worth examining for air rifle enthusiasts.
Best Simmons scope for low-powered air rifles
For lower-powered air rifles, the Pro Target Air 4x32mm stands out as Simmons’ dedicated airgun optic. This model features an all-glass optical system with fully coated lenses that provide crisp images even in poor lighting conditions. Moreover, its IPX7 waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof construction specifically addresses the dual recoil challenge of springers. For plinking enthusiasts, the Simmons 3-9x40mm Mag offers clear enough glass for casual shooting, with a price that won’t break the bank. Indeed, this model maintained zero through approximately 500 pellets during testing on a spring-piston rifle.
Are Simmons scopes any good for beginners?
Simmons scopes offer excellent value for newcomers to air rifle shooting. Their entry-level options typically cost between USD 50.00 to USD 80.00, making them accessible for beginning hunters or as backup optics. The mid-range category (USD 80.00 to USD 200.00) represents their sweet spot, featuring variable magnification and better glass quality. What truly sets Simmons apart is their understanding that not every shooter needs an expensive scope to be successful. Likewise, their QTA (Quick Target Acquisition) eyepiece design delivers constant eye relief throughout the entire power range—a helpful feature for those still developing proper shooting technique.
Tips for mounting and maintaining your scope
Proper mounting is critical for optimal performance. For this purpose, Simmons recommends:
- Clean mounting holes in the receiver and attaching screws with acetone or solvent before installation
- Ensure at least 1/8″ clearance between rings and protruding surfaces
- Set variable power scopes to highest magnification when positioning for eye relief
- Avoid over-tightening ring screws (recommended torque: 13-15 lbf*in)
Maintenance requires minimal effort—primarily keeping exterior metal surfaces clean with a slightly dampened soft cloth. All things considered, lens care is essential; use a lens brush to remove loose particles, followed by an air blower, and gentle wiping with a lint-free cloth if necessary.
Conclusion
After examining all aspects of Simmons scopes for air rifle use, the answer to our original question is nuanced. Simmons scopes certainly can work on air rifles, though they perform most reliably on PCP and CO2 models rather than powerful springers. Their Pro Target Air 4x32mm stands out as the safest choice, specifically designed to handle bi-directional recoil.
Most importantly, air rifle owners should match their scope to their specific gun type. Shooters with lower-powered spring-piston rifles might find success with models like the Whitetail Classics, while those using magnum-powered springers should proceed cautiously or consider dedicated air rifle optics from other manufacturers.
Simmons offers a solid middle ground between budget optics and premium brands. Their price points make them particularly appealing for beginners who need decent glass without significant investment. Additionally, customer service appears willing to stand behind their products even when used on springers, providing some peace of mind for experimenters.
