When you’re stalking through the autumn woods for squirrels, your .22lr rifle is only as good as the scope sitting on top of it. The right optic can mean the difference between a clean, ethical harvest and a missed opportunity, especially when your target is a small, quick animal often partially obscured by branches. This isn’t a task for high-magnification, long-range gear; it demands a scope that is quick to the eye, crystal clear at short to medium distances, and perfectly matched to the trajectory of rimfire ammunition.
To separate the best from the rest, we took the leading rimfire scopes into the field for real-world testing. We evaluated them on the factors that matter most for a squirrel hunter: clarity in low light, speed of target acquisition, durability against the elements, and the usefulness of the reticle for holdovers. The following eight scopes have been field-tested and proven to deliver the performance you need for a successful hunt.
Our Field-Tested Rimfire Scope Recommendations
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Riflescope
- Bushnell R3 3-9×40 Rimfire Riflescope
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire Scope
- Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 BDC 150 Scope
- UTG 3-9×32 BugBuster Scope
- Simmons 3-9×32 .22 Mag Riflescope
- Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4×32 Rimfire Scope
- Burris Droptine 2-7×35 Rimfire Scope
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Riflescope
The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 is a top choice for hunters who value speed and reliability. Its 2x low-end magnification is perfect for close-range, quick shots in thick cover, while 7x provides enough zoom for a precise aim on a stationary target farther out. The V-Plex reticle is simple and uncluttered, allowing you to focus on the squirrel without distraction.
We found the generous eye relief and forgiving eye box made it easy to get on target quickly, even when moving. The fully multi-coated lenses provide a bright image during the critical low-light hours of dawn and dusk when squirrels are most active. With capped turrets and a solid one-piece tube construction, this scope is built to handle the bumps and jolts of a day in the woods.
Bushnell R3 3-9×40 Rimfire Riflescope
Bushnell’s R3 model is engineered specifically for the modern rimfire hunter. The standout feature is the Drop Zone 22 reticle, which provides holdover points calibrated for common .22lr ammunition out to 125 yards. This takes the guesswork out of longer shots, allowing for more confident aiming.
The HD Optical system delivers a sharp, high-contrast picture that makes it easy to pick out a gray squirrel against a bark background. During testing, the EXO Barrier protection proved its worth by repelling morning dew and light rain, ensuring the lenses stayed clear throughout the hunt. This scope combines specialized ballistic tools with clear optics in a rugged, waterproof package.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire Scope
Leupold is synonymous with quality, and the VX-Freedom Rimfire scope lives up to that reputation. Its Twilight Max Light Management System is a significant advantage for hunters, extending shooting light in the early morning and late evening. The image is exceptionally bright and crisp, providing a clear view even in deep shadows.
This scope is built to be incredibly lightweight and rugged, thanks to its 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum construction. It is 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, ready for any weather you encounter. The precision 1/4 MOA click adjustments are reliable and repeatable, making sighting-in a straightforward process.
Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 BDC 150 Scope
While Nikon has exited the riflescope market, the ProStaff Rimfire II remains a popular and capable option if you can find one. It features the BDC 150 reticle, which is designed for the trajectory of .22lr rounds zeroed at 50 yards. The simple circle reticle design offers a fast and intuitive aiming point for various distances.
The optics are fully multi-coated, providing a high level of light transmission for a bright sight picture. We appreciated the zero-reset turret feature, which allows for easy re-zeroing after making elevation adjustments in the field. It’s a reliable, user-friendly scope from a trusted optics brand.
UTG 3-9×32 BugBuster Scope
The UTG BugBuster is a compact and feature-packed scope that stands out for its versatility. Its most notable feature is the side-mounted parallax adjustment, which can be dialed down to a sharp 3 yards. This makes it an excellent choice not only for squirrels but also for pest control at very close ranges.
This scope is built with a sturdy, shock-proof platform and is emerald-lensed for enhanced optical performance. The included scope rings are a nice bonus. Its small size and profile make it a great match for compact .22lr rifles without adding excessive weight or bulk.
Simmons 3-9×32 .22 Mag Riflescope
Simmons offers exceptional value, and the .22 Mag model is a budget-friendly workhorse. The Truplex reticle is straightforward and easy to use, perfect for new hunters or those who prefer a no-fuss setup. The 3-9x magnification range is versatile for most squirrel hunting scenarios.
It features the QTA (Quick Target Acquisition) eyepiece for a wide field of view and fast sight pictures. HydroShield lens coating helps beads of water slide right off, and the scope is fully waterproof and fog-proof. For its price point, it delivers reliable performance that gets the job done.
Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4×32 Rimfire Scope
For the hunter who believes in the “keep it simple” philosophy, the Hawke Vantage 4×32 fixed-power scope is an excellent option. A fixed 4x magnification is often ideal for the typical 20-60 yard shots on squirrels, providing a bright, wide field of view for fast shooting.
It features Hawke’s H2 optics for clear, crisp resolution and a 1/2 MOA click value for precise adjustments. The Mil-Dot reticle can be used for range estimation and holdover if needed. Without the complexity of variable magnification, this scope is lightweight, reliable, and very easy to use.
Burris Droptine 2-7×35 Rimfire Scope
The Burris Droptine offers a fantastic balance of quality and performance. The 2-7x magnification range is arguably the sweet spot for .22lr squirrel hunting, and the 35mm objective lens gathers a generous amount of light. The Ballistic Plex reticle provides useful holdover points for longer shots.
Every optical surface is multi-coated to maximize brightness and clarity. During our field test, the index-matched, Hi-Lume multicoating provided a noticeably bright and sharp image. Built to Burris’s high standards, it is waterproof, fog-proof, and comes with the brand’s excellent full lifetime warranty.
What to Look For in a Scope for 22lr Squirrel Hunting
After spending a lot of time in the woods with a .22, I have a good feel for what makes a scope work for squirrel hunting. You don’t need a massive, complicated scope meant for a thousand-yard shot. You need something that’s quick, clear, and reliable in the thick stuff. Here’s what I focus on when I’m picking out a scope for this specific job.
First, let’s talk about magnification. For most squirrel hunting, you’re shooting inside 50 yards, often much closer. A super high-power scope can actually be a problem when a squirrel pops up 15 yards away on a thick trunk. I find that a variable scope in the 2-7x, 3-9x, or 4-12x range is the sweet spot. This gives you the flexibility to have a wide field of view for close, quick shots and enough power to peer into the high branches on a sunny day. The objective lens size, which is the front lens, is next. A 32mm or 40mm objective is perfect. It keeps the scope light and low-profile, which is important for a nimble .22 rifle, and it gathers plenty of light for dawn and dusk in the woods.
The reticle is your aiming point, and for a fast-moving target like a squirrel, simplicity is key. A standard Duplex reticle is my go-to. The thick outer posts and thin crosshairs in the center help your eye naturally find the center for a quick shot. Fancy mil-dot or BDC reticles are neat, but for the short, relatively flat trajectory of a .22 LR, they are often overkill. Just give me a clean, crisp set of crosshairs.
Finally, consider the build quality and adjustments. You want a scope that can handle the bumps and jostles of walking through brush. Look for scopes that are nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed for fog-proof and waterproof performance. The adjustment knobs, or turrets, should feel crisp and track reliably. For a .22, you might not be dialing for windage and elevation constantly, but you want to know that when you do make a adjustment, it will hold zero. Getting the right scope can make your 22lr squirrel hunting trips in 2025 much more successful. By keeping these factors in mind—magnification, objective lens, reticle, and durability—you can pick an optic that feels like a natural extension of your rifle and your eyes.
FAQ
What is the best magnification for squirrel hunting with a .22 LR?
In my experience, a low-to-mid range variable scope is best. I personally use a 3-9x scope most of the time. On 3x, I have a very wide field of view for close-range shots in thick cover, and 9x gives me all the magnification I need to clearly identify a squirrel and pick a precise spot on a branch at 50 yards. A fixed 4x scope can also work well, but the flexibility of a variable power is hard to beat.
Is a BDC reticle necessary for a .22 squirrel scope?
Not really. Ballistic Drop Compensator (BDC) reticles are designed to help with holdover at longer ranges. Since most squirrel shots with a .22 are inside 50-60 yards, the bullet drop is minimal. A simple Duplex reticle is often more effective because it’s less cluttered and allows for faster target acquisition. You can almost always aim directly at your target without having to think about which holdover mark to use.
How important is light gathering ability for a squirrel hunting scope?
It’s quite important, but you don’t need a huge 50mm lens. Squirrels are most active at dawn and dusk, which is also when the light is lowest in the forest. A scope with a 40mm objective lens does a great job of pulling in available light while still keeping the overall package light and balanced on your rifle. Good quality lens coatings are just as important as the lens size for bright, clear images.
Should I get a scope with an adjustable objective (AO)?
An Adjustable Objective (AO) or side focus is a very nice feature to have, especially for precision shooting. It allows you to eliminate parallax, which is that apparent movement of the reticle on the target if your eye isn’t perfectly aligned. For hunting, it’s not an absolute must-have, but it does help ensure your shot goes exactly where you’re aiming, particularly on smaller targets at varying distances. If you have the option, I would get it.
Can I use a high-powered air rifle scope on my .22 LR for squirrel hunting?
Yes, you often can, and many scopes are marketed for both. The key thing to check is that the scope is rated for the recoil impulse of your firearm. While a .22 LR has very light recoil, some air rifles (especially spring-piston types) have a unique “double recoil” that can destroy a scope not built for it. As long as the scope is rated for a firearm, even a light-recoiling one like a .22 LR, you should be fine. Many of the best scopes for 22lr squirrel hunting are also excellent on air rifles.