Varmints are notorious for their elusiveness and small size, demanding a scope that offers exceptional clarity, superior magnification, and reliable performance. The Best Rifle Scopes for Varmint Hunting are purpose-built tools that cater to these exacting needs, providing hunters with their ability to spot, track, and precisely target these agile creatures.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best rifle scopes for varmint hunting. Considering features like magnification capabilities, reticle designs, and durability will equip hunters with the perfect optic for their pursuit of these elusive and often challenging targets.
Factors to consider when buying the Best Rifle Scopes for Varmint Hunting
Magnification Range
Varmints are typically small and quick creatures and are mostly far away. A variable magnification with a wide range, allows you to zoom in on distant targets while providing lower magnification for closer ranges or a wider field of view for quick target acquisition.
Optical Quality
Identifying small varmints in various lighting clarity, resolution, and light transmission is essential. For a clean, sharp image, look for scopes with high-quality glass, multi-coated lenses, and features that improve light transmission and lessen glare.
Reticle Type
Choose a reticle that suits your hunting style and preferences. For varmint hunting, a fine, precise reticle can aid in quick target acquisition and precise aiming at different distance
Objective Lens Size
More light can reach the scope with a bigger objective lens, which improves image brightness, especially in low light. Larger objective lenses, however, may make the rifle heavier. It’s crucial to strike a balance between practicality and light-gathering capacity.
Durability
Varmint hunting often involves rugged terrains. Choose scopes built with durable materials, waterproofing, fog-proofing, and shock resistance to withstand recoil from your firearm.
Best Rifle Scopes for Varmint Hunting
1) Burris Scout 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- 2-7x magnification
- 32 mm objective lens
- 4.6 – 13 mm exit pupil
- 7 – 21 ft at 100 yds field of view
- 9.2 – 12 in eye relief
- 1 in tube diameter
- 66 MOA adjustment range
- Second focal plane
- Aircraft-grade aluminum
- Hi-Lume multicoating
- Ballistic plex reticles
- Waterproof, fog proof & shockproof
The Burris Scout 2-7x32mm offers a versatile magnification and an objective lens for optimal light transmission. Its Ballistic Plex reticle, specifically designed for scout rifles, assists in estimating bullet drop and wind drift at extended distances. This scope is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-resistant, ensuring reliability and durability for your scope.
The second focal plane reticle ensures a consistent reticle size regardless of the magnification level. Its long eye relief delivers comfort and safety in use. The low-profile adjustment turrets allow for precise windage and elevation adjustments. This scope embodies the ideal balance of optical performance, specialized design, and rugged construction tailored for scout rifle enthusiasts and hunters alike.
Pros
- A versatile magnification
- The Ballistic Plex reticle aids in estimating bullet drop and wind drift at longer ranges
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fog-resistant, ensuring reliability and durability
- The second focal plane maintains the reticle size
- The 32mm objective lens offers good light transmission for a clear and bright image
- Compact and slim design
- Double internal spring-tension system
Cons
- The field of view may be limited
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2) Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18x50mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- 3-18x magnification
- 50mm objective lens
- 30mm tube diameter
- 2.8 – 9.5 mm exit pupil
- 37.2 – 6.3 ft at 100 yds field of view
- 3.5 in eye relief
- 58/103 MOA windage/elevation
- Adjustable parallax
- Second focal plane
- MOA adjustment type
- Aircraft-grade aluminum
- Fluoride glass lens material
- ZEISS T 6-layer transmission optical coating
The Zeiss Conquest V6 3-18x50mm rifle scope features a broad magnification from 3x to 18x and a large 50mm objective lens for exceptional light gathering. Known for its exceptional optical quality this scope provides precision and clarity and ensures optimal performance in various lighting.
The second focal plane ensures the size of the reticle remains constant at all magnifications. It is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, capable of withstanding demanding environments. These features make it a top choice for varmint hunting.
Pros
- The wide range of magnification provides versatility
- The 50mm objective lens ensures excellent light transmission
- High-quality optics deliver high-quality images and superior glass performance
- Waterproof, fog proof & shockproof ensuring reliability and durability
- The second focal plane retains a consistent reticle size at all magnification
- Large turrets that are easy to use and adjust, even with gloves on
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
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3) Steiner T5Xi 1-5×24 mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- 1-5x magnification
- 24mm objective lens
- 30mm tube diameter
- 4.8 – 11 mm exit pupil
- 21 – 108 ft at 100 yds field of view
- 3.5 – 4.3 in eye relief
- Second focal plane
- 0.1 Mil Rad click value
- Mil Rad adjustment
- Aircraft-grade aluminum
- LED illumination
The Steiner T5Xi 1-5x24mm rifle scope is an exceptional optic known for its versatility and high-quality construction. This scope offers a compact 1-5x magnification range, providing both true 1x for quick target acquisition at close distances and reaching up to 5x for mid-range precision shooting. Equipped with a 24mm objective lens, it delivers a bright and clear sight picture while maintaining a low-profile design.
The second focal plane reticle maintains a constant size relative to the target, allowing for quick and accurate shooting even with changing magnification levels. Renowned for its durability, the Steiner T5Xi is constructed to be shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, ensuring reliability in adverse conditions. Its tactical turrets offer precise and repeatable adjustments, catering to the needs of both tactical shooters and hunters.
Pros
- Versatile magnification
- Compact and lightweight
- High-quality optics hence clear sharp images
- The second focal plane maintains the size of reticles
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, offering durability
- The tactical turrets allow precise and repeatable adjustments
Cons
- Limited magnification for longrange
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4) NightForce 5.5-22×56 NXS Rifle Scope
Specifications
- 5.5 – 22 x magnification
- 56mm objective lens
- 30mm tube diameter
- 2.5 – 10.2 mm exit pupil
- 4.7 – 17.5 ft at 100 yds field of view
- 3.9 in eye relief
- 50 yds to infinity parallax
- 100 MOA adjustment range
- Second focal plane
- LED illumination
- Aircraft-grade aluminum material
- Weather resistant
- Illuminated
The NightForce 5.5-22×56 NXS rifle scope is a premium and high-performance optic known for its exceptional precision, versatility, and robust construction. Offering a substantial magnification range from 5.5x to 22x and a large 56mm objective lens, this scope delivers superior clarity and light transmission, making it ideal for long-range precision shooting.
The scope is equipped with a first focal plane reticle, meaning the reticle size adjusts in proportion to the target as the magnification changes, aiding in holdover and windage corrections at all power settings. Renowned for its durability, the NightForce NXS scope is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, ensuring reliability in challenging conditions. Featuring precise and repeatable adjustments with exposed tactical turrets, this scope caters to the needs of precision shooters, long-range hunters, and tactical users. It also includes an illuminated reticle option, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions.
Pros
- A substantial range from 5.5x to 22x, ideal for long-range precision shooting
- The 56mm objective lens delivers exceptional light transmission
- First focal plane adjusts the reticle size with magnification
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, ensuring reliability in adverse environments
- Exposed tactical turrets enable accurate and reliable adjustments
- Offers an illuminated reticle for enhanced visibility in low-light situations
Cons
- It is pricey
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5) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- 5 – 25 x magnification
- 50 mm objective lens
- 30 mm tube diameter
- 2 – 10 mm exit pupil
- 4.8 – 24.1 ft at 100 yds field of view
- 3.4 in eye relief
- 25 yds to infinity parallax
- XR fully multi-coated
- First focal plane reticle
- Extra-low dispersion (XD) glass
- Aircraft-grade aluminum material
- Waterproof, fog proof & shockproof
- Tactical-style turrets
- Rapid zero return(RZR) zero stop
- Illuminated reticle
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Rifle Scope features a 30mm tube and a first focal plane reticle, this scope offers exceptional optical clarity and functionality. The wide magnification range from 5x to 25x enables sharp and detailed views. At the same time, the first focal plane design ensures the reticle’s subtensions remain accurate at any magnification setting, allowing for precise holdover and ranging measurements.
Equipped with high-quality glass and XR fully multi-coated lenses, the Viper PST Gen II delivers bright, crisp images, even in low-light conditions. Its tactical-style turrets provide precise and repeatable adjustments, complementing the fast-focus eyepiece and side parallax adjustment for enhanced shooting accuracy. Built with a durable single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube, the scope is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof, ensuring reliability in various environmental conditions.
Pros
- Its high-quality glass and XR fully multi-coated lenses ensure sharp, bright, and detailed images
- The first focal plane design ensures the reticle subtensions remain accurate at all magnification levels
- A broad magnification range from 5x to 25x, hence provides versatility
- The exposed tactical turrets, provide easy and precise adjustments for windage, elevation, and parallax
- Is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof, ensuring durability and reliability in challenging environments
- Illuminated reticle version offers added functionality in low-light conditions
Cons
- Compared to other smaller scopes it is heavier
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Best Rifle Scopes for Varmint Hunting FAQs
Why is eye relief important in a varmint hunting scope?
Enough eye relief prevents eye injuries and provides comfort as you use the scope, especially with rifles that have heavy recoil. Therefore it is crucial to find a scope with adequate eye relief.
How durable should a scope be for varmint hunting?
Varmint hunting often involves rugged terrains and a variety of weather conditions. It is important to choose a scope that is waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof to withstand these elements.
What is the importance of optical quality in a varmint hunting scope?
High-quality optics are crucial when choosing a scope for varmint hunting. It determines image clarity, resolution, and light transmission, allowing hunters to spot these small animals.
What magnification range is ideal for varmint hunting?
A scope with variable magnification is recommended. This allows for close-range shots with wider fields of view and the ability to zoom in on distant targets.
What reticle should I choose for my varmint scope?
The reticle type you choose depends on your hunting conditions. Reticles help in precise aiming at the targets.
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Conclusion
As we conclude, finding the best rifle scope for varmint hunting requires a balance of optical excellence, durability, and adaptability to the challenging terrains and ever-changing light conditions hunters often face. By considering crucial factors hunters are assured they are equipped with the ideal optic to elevate their varmint hunting experience.
A carefully selected rifle scope becomes an invaluable ally, enabling hunters to confidently locate, track, and accurately engage their targets. A hunter’s chances of success are greatly increased by having the best rifle scope for varmint hunting, which guarantees that every trip offers the chance for accuracy and thrilling hunting experiences.
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