Why do spring-piston airguns destroy some scopes?

A springer recoils in two directions: rearward like a firearm, then sharply forward as the piston slams home.

That reverse whiplash is what breaks scopes built only for rearward recoil, including some expensive firearm glass. Look for optics whose manufacturer explicitly rates them for spring-piston or magnum-springer use. Our Optics Directory shows a springer rating on every scope, and only when the manufacturer actually states one; an "unverified" label means unconfirmed, not unsuitable.