Barska AC10038 Rifle Scope Review
Our verdict
The Barska AC10038 is a fixed 4x32 scope with a 29-foot field of view, cross reticle, dovetail mount, and aluminum body at $49.81. It averages 4.3 stars from 310 reviews, making it a well-reviewed entry-level option for rimfire and air rifle platforms that use dovetail rails.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Rimfire and air rifle shooters who need a lightweight, simple fixed-power scope for a dovetail-equipped platform at under $50.
Skip if
You have a Picatinny or Weaver rail, need variable magnification, or want more than 4x for medium to long distances.
- Magnification 4X
- Objective lens 32 Mm
- Field of view 29 Feet
- Reticle Cross
- Mount Dovetail Mount
- Material Aluminum
- Priced 92% below the category median ($625.24 across 94 tracked models)
- Weight of 0.4 lb - lighter than 96% of the 95 models we track
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.3/5
4.3 average across 310 owner ratings
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Popularity4.3/5
310 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other optics: binoculars, telescopes, spotting scopes, rifle and hunting scopes, rangefinders, night vision and monoculars we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The AC10038 is built around a fixed 4x magnification and a 32mm objective lens, keeping the optical design simple and lightweight. At 0.4 lb it is one of the lightest scopes in this group, which makes it a natural fit for lightweight rimfire and air rifle setups where balance matters. The 29-foot field of view at 4x is notably wide for a fixed-power scope at this magnification, making target acquisition straightforward. The cross reticle is a clean, uncluttered design suited to general-purpose use at moderate distances. The dovetail mount fits 3/8-inch or 11mm dovetail rails common on rimfire rifles and air guns. Dimensions are 11.5 x 2 x 2.5 inches and the aluminum body keeps the price accessible at $49.81. The 310-review count at 4.3 stars reflects broadly positive feedback from a meaningful sample.
Pros
- Exceptionally light at 0.4 lb, ideal for rimfire balance
- 29-foot field of view at 4x is wide and practical
- 4.3-star average from 310 reviews is a reliable signal
- Dovetail mount fits rimfire and air rifle rails natively
- $49.81 price is among the most accessible in the category
Cons
- Fixed 4x only, no magnification adjustment
- Dovetail mount limits use to rimfire and air rifle platforms
- 32mm objective gathers less light than 40mm or larger alternatives
- Cross reticle has no ranging or BDC stadia
Specifications
| Magnification | 4X |
|---|---|
| Objective lens | 32 Mm |
| Field of view | 29 Feet |
| Reticle | Cross |
| Mount | Dovetail Mount |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 11.5 X 2 X 2.5 In |
| Weight | 0.4 lb |
Performance notes
The 32mm objective at fixed 4x produces a 29-foot field of view, which is generous. The 0.4 lb weight is notable for an aluminum-bodied scope with an integrated mount, and it will have minimal effect on the balance of lightweight rimfire rifles. The cross reticle is non-illuminated and functions on ambient light only. The dovetail mount means this scope is not compatible with Picatinny or Weaver rails without a separate adapter.
What buyers say
310 reviews at 4.3 stars is a solid and meaningful result for an entry-level scope. The volume suggests the AC10038 has been broadly used across various rimfire and air rifle setups, and the consistent rating indicates it performs reliably within its intended use case.
More from Barska
Similar optics: binoculars, telescopes, spotting scopes, rifle and hunting scopes, rangefinders, night vision and monoculars to consider
Frequently asked questions
What rail does the Barska AC10038 mount to?
The AC10038 uses a dovetail mount, which fits the 3/8-inch or 11mm dovetail grooves found on most rimfire rifles and air guns. It is not directly compatible with Picatinny or Weaver rails. If your platform uses a Picatinny rail, you would need a dovetail-to-Picatinny adapter, or consider a scope with a Picatinny-specific mount.
Is the 4x magnification suitable for distance work?
At 4x fixed magnification with a 29-foot field of view, the AC10038 is well suited to the ranges common in rimfire and air rifle use, typically 25 to 75 yards. For centerfire cartridges or distances beyond 100 yards, a variable scope with higher maximum magnification would offer more flexibility.
How does the AC10038 compare to the Barska AC10040?
Both scopes share the same 4x magnification, 32mm objective, and cross reticle. The AC10038 is listed at $49.81 in black with a 29-foot field of view and 0.4 lb weight on an 11.5 x 2 x 2.5-inch body. The AC10040 is listed at $55.25 in silver with a 50-yard field of view figure and 0.83 lb weight on a 12 x 2 x 2.5-inch body. Check current listings for the most accurate and up-to-date spec differences.