Norica Scopes: Precision and Quality for your Compressed Air Rifle

What does Magnum mean on a Norica scope?

Magnum is the name of a Norica scope range. The manufacturer describes these models as internally reinforced and specifically designed for its GRS air rifles. This construction is intended to withstand the shock generated by the piston’s movement during the firing cycle.

The Magnum designation does not indicate magnification or a universal recoil rating expressed in joules. Nor does it apply to every Norica scope: Magnum and Air King are separate ranges, each with its own features.

Scopes for GRS, IGT and gas ram air rifles

In a spring-piston or gas ram air rifle, the piston’s acceleration and rapid deceleration transmit shock through the rifle, scope and mount. This means muzzle energy alone is not enough to determine whether a scope is suitable for a particular rifle.

Norica GRS and Gamo IGT use a gas spring in place of a conventional coil spring. These powerplants are commonly described as gas ram or gas piston systems. They still drive a moving piston, so replacing the coil spring does not make the rifle recoilless.

Norica Magnum scopes are designed for the brand’s GRS air rifles. If you are choosing a scope for a Gamo IGT air rifle or another gas ram air rifle, confirm the suitability of the specific rifle, scope and mount combination.

Compare Norica Magnum and Air King scopes

Choose between the simplicity of fixed 4x magnification and the flexibility of a variable 3–9x scope. All the models below feature an adjustable objective.

What does an adjustable objective do?

AO stands for Adjustable Objective. It allows the objective focus to be adjusted for different target distances and helps correct parallax error: the apparent movement of the reticle relative to the target when your eye position changes.

AO adjustment is separate from magnification. A 4x32 AO scope always provides fixed 4x magnification. On a 3-9x40 AO or 3-9x42 AO scope, changing magnification and adjusting the objective are separate functions. Check the individual model’s specifications for its adjustment range.

What to check before buying a Norica scope

• Rifle and powerplant: identify the exact rifle model and confirm that the scope is suitable for the recoil produced by its action.
• Magnification: compare a fixed 4x scope with a variable 3–9x model according to how much flexibility you want when viewing the target.
• Reticle: consider whether you prefer a simple sight picture or the additional reference marks and illumination of the Air King models.
• Mount: check the rail type, scope tube diameter, required mounting height and supplied accessories. Objective diameter and tube diameter are different measurements.
• Clearance: make sure the scope’s dimensions suit the rifle and leave the loading and cocking mechanisms accessible.

If you need a different mounting solution, browse our scope mounts, rings and accessories. The mount must fit both the scope and your air rifle’s rail.