Varmint hunting demands precision, speed, and optics that can perform in challenging light. Whether you’re managing pests on the farm or pursuing small, fast-moving game, the right riflescope is not just an accessory—it’s your most critical tool. A scope with the right magnification, reticle, and light transmission can mean the difference between a clean shot and a missed opportunity.
This roundup is designed to help you find the perfect optic for your needs. We’ve selected a range of scopes known for their reliability, clarity, and features that matter most to varmint hunters. From close-quarters brush shooting to long-range prairie dog towns, there’s an option here to help you make the most of your time in the field.
Our Top Picks for Varmint Hunting Scopes
- Hawke Sport Optics Vantage HD 4-12X50AO Mil Dot IR
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12×40 AO Rifle Scope
- Nikon ProStaff P3 3-9×40 BDC Rifle Scope
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Duplex Reticle
- Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle
- Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen2 6-24×50 APLR2 FFP IR
- UTG 3-12×44 30mm Compact Scope, AO, RGB Mil-dot
- Simmons 3-9×32 .22 Mag Riflescope
Hawke Sport Optics Vantage HD 4-12X50AO Mil Dot IR Riflescope
The Hawke Vantage HD stands out with its exceptional light-gathering capability, thanks to the large 50mm objective lens. This is a significant advantage during the low-light hours when many varmints are most active. The 11-layer fully multi-coated optics work to maximize brightness and clarity, providing a sharp, high-contrast image that makes target identification clear.
Built on a robust 1-inch mono-tube chassis, this scope is designed to withstand recoil and maintain zero. The adjustable objective (AO) allows for parallax correction at various distances, a key feature for precision shooting at smaller targets. The illuminated Mil Dot reticle offers both holdover points and the option for low-light visibility, adding to its versatility in the field.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12×40 AO Rifle Scope
Vortex Optics is renowned for its solid performance and exceptional warranty, and the Crossfire II series is a prime example of this value. The 4-12x magnification range is well-suited for a wide variety of varmint hunting scenarios, from wooded areas to more open fields. The adjustable objective (AO) ensures your point of aim remains consistent by eliminating parallax at specific ranges.
Fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission, providing a bright sight picture from dawn until dusk. The scope is also built to be shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof, offering reliability you can count on in all weather conditions. It’s a dependable choice that balances performance with accessibility.
Nikon ProStaff P3 3-9×40 BDC Rifle Scope
Nikon’s ProStaff P3 brings optical excellence to the varmint hunting world. The 3-9×40 configuration is a classic for a reason, offering a wide field of view for acquiring fast-moving targets at closer ranges while still providing enough magnification for precise shots out to a couple hundred yards. The BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle is a valuable tool for making quick adjustments without dialing.
This scope is engineered with a zero-reset turret, making it easy to return to your original zero after making elevation adjustments. Its waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction ensures it can handle the rigors of the field. The optics provide a clear, bright image, helping you make the most of your shooting light.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Duplex Reticle
Leupold is a name synonymous with American-made quality and ruggedness. The VX-Freedom 3-9×40 lives up to this reputation, offering outstanding optical clarity and a lightweight, durable design. The Twilight Light Management System is a key feature, extending shooting light in the early morning and late evening by reducing glare and enhancing contrast.
Built with a scratch-resistant lens coating and being 100% waterproof and fogproof, this scope is made for a lifetime of use. The classic Duplex reticle is simple and fast, providing an uncluttered view for quick shots. For hunters who value reliability and crisp optics above all else, the VX-Freedom is a top contender.
Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle
Specifically engineered for low-light performance, the Bushnell Banner is an excellent value for hunters who find themselves in the field at dawn and dusk. The Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated optics are designed to gather more available light than standard coatings, resulting in a brighter image when you need it most.
With a durable one-piece tube construction, it is both waterproof and fogproof. The Multi-X reticle is a clean, simple design that allows for precise aiming without obscuring your target. This scope provides specialized performance for the most critical times of day for varmint activity.
Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen2 6-24×50 APLR2 FFP IR
For the long-range varmint shooter, the Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 is a feature-packed optic. The high 6-24x magnification and first focal plane (FFP) APLR2 reticle are ideal for precision shooting at extended distances. In an FFP scope, the reticle’s subtensions remain accurate at any magnification, allowing for consistent holdovers and windage corrections.
The large 50mm objective lens and fully multi-coated optics ensure a bright, clear image even at high power. The illuminated reticle adds functionality in low-light conditions. With tactile and audible turrets for precise adjustments, this scope is built for the shooter who needs to make calculated shots on small targets at long range.
UTG 3-12×44 30mm Compact Scope, AO, RGB Mil-dot
The UTG 3-12×44 scope offers a robust feature set, including a 30mm main tube that allows for greater internal adjustment range and increased durability. The adjustable objective (AO) is crucial for varmint shooting, providing parallax removal from 10 yards to infinity. The RGB Mil-Dot reticle is illuminated with multiple color options to suit different lighting environments and target backgrounds.
Built with UTG’s patented True Strength Platform, this scope is shockproof, fogproof, and rainproof. It also features finger-adjustable, zero-resetable target turrets for making precise adjustments in the field. It’s a versatile and rugged optic for hunters who appreciate customization and solid construction.
Simmons 3-9×32 .22 Mag Riflescope with Truplex Reticle
The Simmons .22 Mag is a purpose-built and budget-friendly option, ideally matched for rimfire rifles commonly used for small varmints. Its compact and lightweight design doesn’t upset the balance of a lighter rifle. The 3-9x magnification is perfectly suited for the effective range of most rimfire cartridges.
It features HydroShield lens coating, which beads away moisture to maintain a clear view in wet weather. The Truplex reticle is simple and effective for quick target acquisition. For hunters using a .22 LR or .22 WMR, this scope provides reliable performance without a significant investment.
How to Choose the Best Varmint Scope
When you’re picking out a scope for varmint hunting, you’m not just buying a magnifier; you’re choosing the tool that will make or break your shot on a small, fast-moving target. I’ve spent a lot of time in the field, and I can tell you that a standard big-game scope just won’t cut it. The priorities are different. For me, it all starts with magnification. You need a higher power range to clearly identify and ethically take small animals like prairie dogs or groundhogs at longer distances. I typically look for a scope that starts around 4x or 6x on the low end and goes up to at least 16x, with 24x being a real sweet spot for those super-long pokes.
Next up is the objective lens size. A larger objective lens, say 50mm, gathers more light, which is great for those low-light moments at dawn or dusk. But it also means a heavier scope that sits higher on your rifle. I often find a happy medium around 44mm or 50mm. Just as critical is the reticle. A fine, duplex reticle is okay, but for varminting, I strongly prefer a Mil-Dot or MOA-based reticle. These allow me to hold over for windage and elevation without fiddling with the turrets for a second shot. Speaking of turrets, you want exposed, tactile turrets that are easy to adjust. Many of the best varmint scopes for hunting feature turrets that you can reset to zero after sighting in, which is a huge convenience.
Finally, let’s talk about focus. A standard scope has a fixed parallax, usually set at 100 yards. For varmint hunting, where shots can vary from 50 to 400 yards, a side focus or adjustable objective (AO) knob is non-negotiable in my book. This allows you to eliminate parallax error, which is the apparent movement of the reticle on the target if your eye isn’t perfectly aligned. Getting a crisp, clear sight picture with no reticle shift is what gives you the confidence for a precise shot. Durability and glass clarity are a given, but by focusing on high magnification, a useful reticle, and parallax adjustment, you’ll be well on your way to selecting one of the best varmint scopes for hunting.
FAQ
What magnification range is best for varmint hunting?
For varmint hunting, I prefer a variable scope with a broad magnification range. Something that starts at 4x, 6x, or even 8x on the low end is great for acquiring targets at closer ranges. On the high end, you’ll want at least 16x, but I find that 20x to 24x is ideal for making precise shots on small animals like prairie dogs at distances beyond 300 yards. The flexibility of a variable power scope is key to adapting to different shooting scenarios.
Why is an adjustable objective or side focus so important?
An adjustable objective (AO) or side focus knob is critical because it allows you to correct for parallax. Parallax error makes the reticle appear to move over the target if your head isn’t perfectly positioned behind the scope. On a tiny target, this can mean a complete miss. By adjusting the AO or side focus for the exact distance to your target, you eliminate this error, ensuring your point of aim is your true point of impact.
Can I use a standard hunting scope for varmints?
You can, but you’ll be at a significant disadvantage. Standard big-game scopes often lack the high magnification needed for small targets at long range. They also usually have a fixed parallax setting (e.g., 100 yards) and a reticle that’s too thick for precise aiming. A dedicated varmint scope is built with these specific needs in mind, giving you the tools for a more ethical and successful hunt.
What type of reticle should I look for?
I strongly recommend a reticle with hash marks for holdover and windage, like a Mil-Dot or MOA scale. A simple duplex reticle doesn’t give you any reference points for judging distance or compensating for bullet drop and wind drift. With a graduated reticle, you can make quick follow-up shots without taking the time to dial your turrets, which is often the difference between hitting a target and watching it disappear into its burrow.
Is a 50mm objective lens necessary?
Not necessarily, but it is beneficial. A 50mm lens gathers more light than a 40mm or 44mm lens, providing a brighter image during the critical low-light periods of dawn and dusk. However, it also adds weight and bulk, and may require higher scope rings to clear your rifle’s barrel. For most varmint hunting in good daylight, a 44mm objective lens is a fantastic compromise that offers excellent clarity without excessive size.