Best Varmint Scope | Top Rated Varmint Scopes For Rifles & Guns
The best varmint scopes are usually not that expensive, but not always. The 223 is a popular varmint round. That does not make it the only varmint round, however. The best varmint scope for 223, allows for fast shooting.
Varmints are nuisance animals because they tend to move. You must acquire targets quickly to hunt varmints. You must be able to make rapid follow-up shots, too. If you are hunting varmints for pest control, then this is especially important. You may be shooting varmints for sport. That’s okay, too. You don’t want to miss shots unnecessarily. Your varmint gun needs a fast, accurate scope for this reason.
Different animals are varmints. This depends on who you talk to. Varmint is another name for vermin. These are usually small mammals. Some varmint hunters eat their kill. Others hunt varmints to remove them from an area. Farmers always need varmint hunters, for example. Small mammals like groundhogs can dig holes that harm livestock. The holes are dangerous for farm machinery, too. A typical farmer will have a varmint rifle among his guns. He might also encourage varmint hunters to come onto his property.
Property owners want to remove as many varmints as possible. This is because such varmints are pests that can cause damage. Some varmint hunters even make money off bounties for vermin. If you want to encourage varmint hunters to remove pests from your property, then pay them per animal. The government sometimes offers incentive programs for this.
See Top Article: Best 3 Gun Scope | Top Rated 3 Gun Scopes & Optics
Finding the Best Varmint Scope for 223 Rifles And Other Varmint Guns
It’s easy to find a varmint scope for 223 rifles and other varmint guns. You just have to follow some basic guidelines. There is a right way to shop for the a varmint scope. Firstly, set your budget. How much do you want to spend? How much is too much? Secondly, determine the most important features. What features do you want in a varmint scope? How will you use your scope? How will you use your rifle? Thirdly, ask yourself about your boundaries. Can you think of any “deal breakers” at play? Are there things you must have? Are there things you hate? You must cross-reference all these factors. It’s much simpler than it sounds. Don’t forget to have fun while you shop!
Shopping for a Varmint Scope
Always choose a reputable outlet. There are lots of choices for buying scopes. Some outlets are more reputable than others. Choose only widely known, mainstream websites, for example. If the deal sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. We all like to get a good deal. You simply cannot believe some deals, however. Use your best judgment. Stay within your budget. Do your homework. It never hurts to do some research before you go shopping. The more information you have, then the better off you will be. What’s more, you’ll be happier with the results.
We have selected several scopes that make good choices for varmint hunting. It all hinges on your preferences and needs. How will you use your gun? What varmints will you hunt? How will you approach the hunt itself? Remember your goals. Your scope should make you a more consistent and accurate shooter. It should also be fun!
Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable Objective, 30mm Tube, Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
Check Price on Amazon
Our first pick is the Vortex Crossfire II. This scope has an adjustable objective. It also features something called the “V-Brite reticle.” The objective is large to assist with light transmission. If light conditions are poor, then there is nothing to worry about. This is a great scope for multiple scenarios and conditions. This includes the types of situations you might encounter while varmint hunting. Weather and light conditions can change in the field. The Vortex Crossfire II gives you everything you need to account for this.
Features
This scope has many good features. First, it has an adjustable objective. This improves focus. It also helps to remove parallax. Secondly, the lenses are multi-coated to reduce reflections. This makes the sight picture clear and bright so you will get a great view of your target. In addition, the scope offers a long eye relief. Its eye box is very forgiving. All this produces fast target acquisition. Focusing the reticle is easy and quick. Finally, the turrets are capped and can be reset. The MOA click adjustments require no special tools. All these features combined make the Vortex Crossfire II a great choice for varmint hunting.
See Top Article: Best 3 Gun Scope | Top Rated 3 Gun Scopes & Optics
Why shooters recommend this scope
Shooters who use this scope have a number of good things to say about it. They praise the generous eye relief and the forgiving eye box. This makes fast target acquisition very easy. Shooters who use this scope also like the finger-adjustable, capped turrets. They like the convenience of making adjustments without special tools. The scope also gets high marks for its one-piece aircraft grade aluminum construction.
The factory seals these scopes with O-rings and purges them with nitrogen. This means the scopes are waterproof, fog proof, and shock proof. They will hold up to field use in a variety of conditions. The scope is a great choice for varmint hunting for these reasons. You are the only one who can decide. This scope is a great starting point, however.
ATN X-Sight II HD 5-20 Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope w/1080p Video, Ballistic Calculator, Rangefinder, WiFi, E-Compass, GPS, Barometer, IOS & Android Apps
Check Price on Amazon
Our second choice is the ATN X-Sight II HD. It is a high definition scope. Additionally, it can be used in both full daylight and low light conditions. The scope provides a nice, bright, clear sight picture regardless of ambient light conditions. This is also a very high-tech unit that offers a ballistic calculator. You can shift your point of impact in the field, in other words. This makes shots at long ranges and at angles that much easier to score. The scope also includes a “smart” range finder. You can identify your distance to the target with just a couple of clicks. This is a fully featured scope with a lot to offer.
Features
This scope has several good features that make it one of the best options. We have already mentioned the included ballistic calculator and smart range finder. The scope is also equipped with a “smooth zoom” feature. Magnification ranges from five to 20 times. You can easily make fine adjustments too. This makes pinpoint accuracy that much easier. Additionally, the scope offers a video recording feature in full 1080p HD. You can take photos or videos, as a matter of fact. Now it is possible to make a complete record of all your shooting and hunting outings.
Why shooters recommend this scope
Shooters who mount this scope seem to like it a lot. They praise the bright, clear sight picture. Shooters who use this scope also appreciate being able to use it in both daylight and low light conditions. The “smooth zoom” feature gets high marks, as does the variable magnification. People who own this scope like the recording feature. This makes taking photos and footage of your hunts, competitions, and training sessions a breeze. The scope even has Wi-Fi streaming capability. That’s about as high-tech as a piece of shooting equipment gets. It brings the scope into the modern era and allows you to make your shooting part of your wider and more connected world. There is a lot to like about the X-Sight II.
Tasco Varmint 2.5-lox 42 mm True Mil-Dot Reticle, 1/4 MOA Turrets Riflescope
Check Price on Amazon
Our third call is the Tasco Varmint model. This scope has variable magnification from 2.5 to 10 times. The field of view is an impressive 35-9 feet at 100 yards. This scope is great at long range, in other words. It’s also great for intermediate ranges. The unit is quite versatile. It also has a “true mil-dot” reticle. The optics are multi-layered and coated. This reduces reflections and produces a bright, clear sight picture. The manufacturer designed this scope specifically for varmint guns. That makes it a good performer. It’s an excellent choice for varmint hunting and shooting overall. The Tasco has a lot to offer.
Features
This scope has multiple features. For one, the variable magnification has a good range. A range of 2.5 to 10 times is excellent for a scope in this price range. The true mil-dot reticle is very welcome at the same time. This scope really does well at both long range and intermediate range. What’s more, its optics provide great clarity and light transmission thanks to the optical coating. Choose the Tasco if you want a reliable and fully featured set of optics for your gun. You will not be disappointed. We’re fairly certain of that.
Why shooters recommend this scope
Shooters who mount this scope have a number of good things to say about it. We’ve mentioned the variable magnification twice now. Shooters who use this scope really like that feature. They praise the field of view too. Most of all, they praise the overall performance. Shooters give this scope high marks for fit and finish. The price range for the quality level is also a good fit. It’s hard to identify what else you could want in a varmint scope. The Tasco has everything you need and nothing you don’t. It’s worth considering for its blend of features. The Tasco name has a long and high-quality history behind it. Reputation, therefore, is also a factor.
Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
Check Price on Amazon
Our fourth pick is the Vortex Optics Diamondback. This scope is part of an extensive product line. In other words, it is available in multiple configurations. The manufacturer says it is ideal for varmint hunting, but also for big game. You can mount this scope on a muzzleloader or a shotgun, too. If you are shooting at long range, then this scope will probably work for your application. It offers a “Dead-Hold BDC reticle,” which is great for small game. This setup is also excellent for shooting over varying ranges. That’s something that will definitely come up when varmint hunting. The Diamondback is a great choice for situations where you must estimate hold-over.
See Top Article: Best Spotting Scope For Birding | Top Rated Spotting Scope For Birding
Features
This scope has several features. Firstly, it has fully multi-coated lenses. This means that it provides a clear and bright sight picture no matter what the light. Shooting at dawn is just as easy as shooting at dusk, in other words. The scope offers precise turrets that feature metal-on-metal adjustments.
There is also a “precision glide erector system.” The manufacturer says this is for accurate tracking and repeatability. The scope has a lot going for it in terms of construction, too. The manufacturer purges these scopes with Argon and seals them with O-rings. This makes the scope waterproof and fog proof. As a result, you can use this scope in a variety of environmental conditions.
Why shooters recommend this scope
Shooters who use this scope have a lot of good things to say about it. They love the fact that it is part of a larger product line, firstly. This means there is plenty of product support and accessories available. Shooters also consider the scope a good buy. They get what they pay for it, in other words.
Secondly, shooters appreciate the bright, clear sight picture. You can get a good sight picture with this scope no matter what the ambient light conditions. The fit and finish also get high marks.
Shooters love a well-made scope. This one definitely fits that bill. Choose the Diamondback for accurate and repeatable shots across different conditions. You may not be hunting varmints. Then again, you probably are. You’ll get your rounds on target either way.
Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600
Check Price on Amazon
Our fifth pick is the Nikon P-223. This is an affordable polymer scope. The eye relief is consistent. It is also very generous, most importantly. This prevents the risk of injury when shooting. You may be shooting some heavy recoil cartridges. You may also need to make a shot at an unusual angle while varmint hunting. The eye relief helps with all that. This scope also has a BDC 600 reticle. The manufacturer designed the reticle specifically for the 223 round. This scope also has open-circle aiming points and hash marks from the 100 yard to 600 yard marks. The turrets require no special tools. This makes adjustment in the field very easy. Each click of a turret is 1.4 MOA. The turrets are resettable, too.
Features
This scope has a number of good features It has a 100-yard parallax setting. This eliminates parallax. Precise shooting is the result. The manufacturer purges these scopes with nitrogen. They are waterproof and fog proof, in other words. The reticle allows you to compensate for trajectory. There are few scopes that would be a better choice for 223. It was designed with the 223 cartridge in mind. It doesn’t get much more purpose-built than that.
Why shooters recommend this scope
Shooters who use this scope have good things to say about it. For one, they like the fact that it is affordable and well made. They’re also very happy with the consistent eye relief. There is very little chance of injury no matter what cartridge you shoot. Shooters are also very happy with the precise adjustments available. You can zero in and reset. Heavy recoil is no obstacle to that. Shooters also praise the 100-yard parallax setting. They like the precise shooting they get. The Nikon name also earns high marks. This is a brand that is well known in the optics market. Nikon cameras are highly prized. These scopes are just as well made. Nikon scopes will not disappoint you.
Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Adjustable Objective Riflescope
Check Price on Amazon
Our sixth choice is the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn model. The manufacturer designed this model specifically for low light conditions. Light conditions can be challenging when dawn breaks or when the sun sets. This scope makes the difference in those situations. You can make that critical shot with this equipment.
The Bushnell features a Multi-X reticle. It also has 1/4 MOA windage and elevation knobs. You can make windage and elevation adjustments without special tools. Most importantly, lenses are multi-coated to reduce reflections even when lighting conditions are not ideal. You will get a bright, clear, sharp sight picture as a result.
The Bushnell is an excellent choice.
Features
This scope has features. It is great for low light and it requires no special tools to make fine adjustments. The turrets are fingertip adjustable too. Scopes with multi-coated lenses provide a bright and clear sight picture in multiple scenarios. This one is no different. The Multi-X reticle is great. You may acquire targets quickly with the fast-focus eyepiece.
The unit offers 3.3 inches of eye relief and is twelve inches long overall. This is different from other scopes. Every scope is different. That depends on whether it makes you a better shooter. Can you hit varmints more consistently? That answer tells you everything you need to know.
Why shooters recommend this scope
Shooters who use this scope have great things to say about it. They praise the four to twelve times magnification. The 40mm objective lens is also very popular. Shooters who use this scope praise the Dusk and Dawn Brightness (DDB) lenses. Plus, the multi-coating reduces reflections while providing a bright, clear sight picture. You will shoot more accurately if you can see more accurately, after all.
People who use this scope give it high marks for its overall construction. Fit and finish is very good. It is waterproof and fog proof, most importantly. This prevents moisture from interfering with your sight picture. It also promotes the scope’s long-term durability.
Simmons 656245 Predator/Varmint Series TruPlex Reticle and Side-Parallax Adjustment Riflescope, 6-24x 50mm
Check Price on Amazon
Our seventh pick is the Simmons Predator. Simmons is a well-known brand. This scope is a great example of their product line. It is an extremely well-made scope. Simmons produces beautiful, durable optics. This unit is no exception. The Predator/Varmint series is intended for hunting rifles. This makes it perfect for varmint hunting. You can adjust the magnification from 6 to an impressive 24 times. The factory adds multi-coating to the scope lenses to reduce reflections. It also produces bright, high-contrast images. The sight picture is bright and clear as a result.
Features
This scope has multiple feature. First and foremost, the variable magnification is a great one. Users can dial from six times all the way to twenty-four times. That’s an impressive amount of magnification. You can get up close and personal to many different targets this way. You’ll be striking varmints from long ranges in no time with this unit mounted on your rifle.
The TruPlex reticle is also a selling point. In other words, the scope is set up for varmint hunting. You can adjust the turrets without special tools too. This allows for quick and accurate fine-tuning in the field. The scope has side-focus parallax adjustment, additionally. It also has a built-in sun shade.
Why shooters recommend this scope
Shooters who use this scope seem to like it a lot. Firstly, they praise the durable construction. At the same time, they like the sleek and attractive design. Secondly, they are very happy with the variable magnification. In other words, they like being able to adjust the magnification for the situation. Thirdly, shooters who use this scope like the fingertip adjustable turrets. This means they are happy about being able to make changes without special tools.
They give the scope high marks for its waterproof and fog proof construction. Did we mention the scope is also recoil-proof? In addition, they praise the built-in sun shade and side parallax adjustment. This scope has many excellent features.
Burris 200261 Ballistic Plex 2-7x32mm
Check Price on Amazon
Our eighth choice is the Burris 200261 Ballistic Plex model. All of the adjustments in this scope are steel on steel. There is no steel on plastic. In other words, adjustments are precise and accurate. The scope has double internal spring force. It features Posi-lock. This is a coil-spring assisted, retractable steel post. It locks firmly and accurately into place. The entire unit is fog proof, waterproof, and shock proof. You’ll get fast target acquisition using this scope. Most importantly, you’ll be able to do so with both eyes open. Lenses are fully multi-coated. This reduces reflections. It also provides a bright, clear sight picture. In other words, this scope helps you shoot more accurately.
Features
This scope has a number of features Firstly, it has a steel on steel adjustment system. In other words, adjustments are more accurate than parts that interface with plastic. Secondly, the scope has double internal spring force. At the same time, it features Posi-Lock. This coil-spring assisted, retractable steel post helps everything lock into place. That means greater accuracy. Thirdly, the scope promotes fast target acquisition. This will help you get on target when you are in the field. That’s very important when hunting varmints. You want to get on target and get your shot down range as quickly as possible. This isn’t always easy, especially if your target is moving. The Burris scope can help you get there.
Why shooters recommend this scope
Shooters who use this scope have several good things to say about it. Firstly, they like how accurate it is. The adjustment system helps with this. The metal on metal construction helps promote accuracy. The double internal spring force is probably a factor, too. At the same time, shooters praise the Posi-lock system. This is the coil spring assisted, retractable steel post that locks everything down.
Secondly, the scope gets high marks for construction. In other words, it is well built. The scope is waterproof and shock proof. This means it is also fog proof. That helps prevent moisture from interfering with your sight picture. All of this helps get you on target.
Leupold VX-3i 3.5x10x40mm Rifle Scope
Check Price on Amazon
Our ninth pick is the Leupold VX-3i. This model has a duplex reticle. It is sealed against moisture infiltration. In other words, it is waterproof and fog proof. It is also shock proof. The lenses have “Diamond Coat 2.” This is an ion-assistive lens coating that promotes light transmission. It also helps prevent damage to the lenses. That’s because the coating protects from abrasive grit and other debris. This debris tends to scratch lenses that aren’t protected. The scope is made from 6061-T6 aluminum. This is aircraft-grade quality. The manufacturer tests the construction to make sure the scopes hold up. This helps the scope withstand the strain of recoil when it is mounted on a rifle.
Features
This scope has several features. Firstly, it is very light. It has a one-inch tube and is designed to be easy to mount. At the same time, the scope is one hundred percent assembled in the United States. It features the “Twilight Max Light Management System.” This helps give you more shooting time. It gathers as much light as possible while reducing glare. This produces an excellent sight picture, even as light starts to wane or as glare increases.
Why shooters recommend this scope
Shooters who use this scope have great things to say about it. They love the duplex reticle. At the same time, they are happy with the matte finish and the lightweight construction. Shooters who use this scope give the unit high marks for durability. It is well made and will withstand the rigors of field use. That makes it a great choice for varmint hunting. You’ll have to make that decision when you evaluate the choices for yourself.
Nightforce Optics 5.5-22×56 NXS Riflescope, Matte Black Finish with Illuminated MOAR Reticle, Zero Stop Turrets, .250 MOA, 30mm Tube
Check Price on Amazon
Our tenth pick is the Nightforce Optics NXS Riflescope. It has a black matte finish. The manufacturer says it offers “exceptional optical integrity.” This promotes fast target acquisition. If you are operating under less than ideal conditions, then this is not a problem. With the Nightforce scope on your side, you will be able to get that shot on target.
The factory subjects the scope to rigorous testing before it is released. This unit is made of popular 6061-T6 aluminum, which is aircraft-grade. It offers 100 MOA of internal adjustment. All of this makes the Nightforce a great choice for varmint hunting.
Features
This scope has several good features that make it one of the best options. It features the MOAR reticle. This means it is intended for long range shooting. The objective lens is 56mm. That’s quite generous and makes the scope a great choice for long-range varmint hunting. The sight picture is very clear and bright no matter what the magnification range. Nightforce Optics calls this one of “the most advanced field tactical scopes every produced.” The powerful magnification allows you to make very accurate shots at long distances. This makes the Nightforce a great choice for varmint hunting.
Why shooters recommend this scope
Shooters who use this scope have several good things to say about it. They praise the clarity of its image most of all. They’re also very pleased with how accurate the scope is. If you want a high degree of accuracy for precision long-range shooting, then this is the scope for you. Nightforce prides itself on its tactical scopes. You can use this scope for a variety of applications. You’ll be taking out varmints in no time with this unit mounted on your weapon.
BARSKA 4-16×50 AO Varmint 30/30 Riflescope
Check Price on Amazon
Our eleventh and final choice is the Barska AO Varmint model. It is extremely durable and has multi-coated optics. This means the sight picture is bright and clear. The variable magnification range is from four to sixteen. The objective lens is a generous 50mm. In other words, you’ll get a sixteen-foot field of view at one hundred yards. The .125 inch click value of the windage and elevation knobs also provides for very accurate adjustment. Every scope ships with a lens cloth and scope caps, too.
Features
This scope has multiple features. It is shock proof, fog proof, and water proof. That means you can use it without worrying that moisture will interfere with your sight picture. The scope also has a black matte finish, which helps reduce glare and reflections that might give away your position. You don’t want to spook the varmints, after all.
Why shooters recommend this scope
Shooters who use this scope seem to like it a lot. Firstly, they praise its overall fit and finish. At the same time, they find it extremely attractive and it looks great on almost any rifle. The shock proof, water proof, and fog proof construction make this a reliable set of opticstoo. If you want to be able to hit your prey from long distances, this is the scope for you.
Final Thoughts
Varmint hunting is a lot of fun. It is also a very important task. Varmints, small mammals, and other vermin can harm property. They can damage crops. They pose a danger to equipment and to livestock. Therefore, hunting varmints removes pests. If you hunt varmints on someone’s property for them, then you are doing them a favor.
Hunting varmints is also great sport. It is a great way to hone your shooting skills on a moving target. Nothing is harder to hit than a fast-moving animal. If you can hit a varmint at distance, then you have good shooting skills. It is not easy to strike a small mammal as you get far away. It gets more difficult as conditions change. Weather and light conditions can complicate the matter. You need to learn to deal with all these issues. A flexible, adaptable shooter is an accurate shooter. If you can adapt, great!
What do you want in a varmint rifle? If you know that answer, you know what you want in a varmint scope. A lot depends on your personal preferences. Remember our shopping guidelines when you buy your scope. Firstly, what features do you want in a varmint scope? Secondly, what is your budget for that scope? Thirdly, what are your “deal breakers”? What features do you demand? All of these factors matter. Your scope should make you a more consistent shooter. It should make you a more accurate shooter. And most importantly, it should be fun to shoot. If you can find a scope that offers all of this, then you have found the best varmint scope for your application.
