When it comes to varmint hunting, having the right scope can make all the difference. This article will take you through the Best Varmint Hunting Scope which are purpose-built optics designed to provide precision, clarity, and versatility for eliminating pesky pests and nuisances.
Whether you’re targeting ground squirrels, prairie dogs, or coyotes, these scopes offer features like variable magnification, quality lens coatings, and rugged construction to ensure you hit your mark with accuracy and confidence.
As a team will help you find the perfect scope for your needs and elevate your hunting game.
What Does Varmint Mean in Hunting?
In the context of hunting, “varmint” refers to small to medium-sized animals or pests that are considered nuisances due to their destructive impact on crops, property, livestock, or local ecosystems.
Varmints are typically targeted in specialized hunting activities known as varmint hunting or pest control hunting.
What is The Purpose of a Varmint Rifle?
The purpose of a varmint rifle is to effectively and efficiently eliminate or control nuisance animals and pests, often referred to as “varmints,” which can cause damage to crops, and property, or pose a threat to livestock or wildlife populations. Their purpose can be summarized as follows:
- Preventing Disease Spread: Certain varmints, like groundhogs, can carry diseases that are transmissible to humans or livestock.
- Crop Protection: Varmints can cause significant damage to crops, leading to economic losses for farmers.
- Sport and Recreation: Some individuals engage in varmint hunting for recreational purposes.
- Pest Control: Varmint rifles are used to control and reduce populations of pests such as rodents (e.g., ground squirrels, prairie dogs), rabbits, and other small mammals that can damage crops, gardens, and property.
- Wildlife Management: In some cases, varmint rifles are used for wildlife management, helping to control overpopulated species that can harm ecosystems or native species.
What are Examples of Varmints?
Examples of creatures include:
- Ground Squirrels: These rodents are known for burrowing in fields, gardens, and lawns, causing damage to crops and creating tripping hazards.
- Prairie Dogs: Prairie dogs are social rodents that dig extensive burrow systems, resulting in habitat disruption and potential damage to agriculture and livestock.
- Rabbits: Wild rabbits, such as cottontail and jackrabbits, are known for consuming crops and vegetation, making them a target for varmint hunting.
- Coyotes: These canids are often considered pests due to their predation on livestock, particularly lambs, and their impact on local wildlife populations.
- Foxes: Foxes can threaten poultry, small livestock, and wildlife, and they are often hunted to mitigate their impact.
- Groundhogs (Woodchucks): Groundhogs dig extensive burrows and can damage gardens, fields, and property foundations. They are also known for carrying diseases.
- Raccoons: Raccoons can be a nuisance in urban and suburban areas, rummaging through trash cans and causing property damage.
- Skunks: Skunks are known for their foul-smelling spray, which poses a threat to humans and pets. They are often targeted for removal.
- Feral Cats: Feral cats can have a significant impact on local bird populations and are sometimes considered pests in wildlife conservation efforts.
- Possums: Possums can damage gardens and property while foraging for food.
- Bobcats: Bobcats can prey on small livestock and domestic pets, leading to concerns for property owners and farmers.
- Pigeons: Pigeons are considered pests in urban areas, where they can create health hazards and property damage.
- Gophers: Gophers are known for burrowing and causing damage to lawns and gardens by disrupting plant roots.
- Nutria: Nutria are invasive rodents that damage wetland ecosystems by consuming vegetation.
- Wild Hogs: Wild hogs, or feral pigs, can cause extensive damage to crops, property, and native habitats. They are a major concern in many regions.
Also Check Out: 6 Best Varmint Scope for 22-250
Best Varmint Hunting Scope
1) Vortex Crossfire 3-12x56mm Rifle
Our first nominee for the title of Best Varmint Hunting Scope is the Vortex Crossfire II Hog Hunter 3-12x56mm rifle scope, a robust and purpose-built optic tailored for hunters.
The 3-12x magnification zoom range offers versatility for various shooting distances, accommodating everything from close-range engagements in dense brush to longer shots in open fields.
It includes a fast-focus eyepiece for swift target acquisition and adjustments to sharpen the reticle. Moreover, it comes with turrets that have caps to safeguard the scope against accidental adjustments while navigating dense underbrush.
Featuring a second focal plane reticle, the reticle size remains constant as you zoom in and out, ensuring precise holdover and windage corrections at all magnification levels.
Lastly, it’s constructed with a rugged one-piece tube, and it’s nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, rendering it waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof.
Specs
- Magnification: 3 – 12 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.67 – 18.67 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 9.2 – 36.7 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
- Weight: 21.1 oz
- Length: 14.3 inches
Pros
- Fully multi-coated
- Rugged construction
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof.
- Affordable price
- Versatile
- Fast-focus eyepiece
Cons
- None
2) Burris Scout 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope
The Burris Scout 2-7x32mm rifle scope is a versatile and purpose-designed optic, particularly suitable for scout rifles or other firearms with forward-mounted optics.
Utilizes a second focal plane (SFP) reticle, which means that the reticle’s size remains constant, regardless of the magnification level.
With a 2-7x magnification range, it is adaptable for various shooting scenarios, from close-quarters engagements to medium-range shots.
Offers a 32mm objective lens which is designed for a bright and clear sight picture in a variety of lighting conditions, making it suitable for different shooting environments.
Also, the fully multi-coated lenses help reduce glare and enhance image clarity. It is also built to withstand recoil and tough conditions with its durable construction and nitrogen-filled tube, thus making it both waterproof and fog-proof.
Specs
- Magnification: 2 – 7 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.6 – 13 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 7 – 21 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 9.2 – 12 inches
- Weight: 13 oz
Pros
- It Provides a generous eye relief
- Compact and lightweight
- It is Nitrogen-filled body tubes prevent internal fogging in the cold and rain
- Has Finger-adjustable, low-profile turrets to create a sleek profile
- Has Variable power for versatility and improved accuracy at longer distances
Cons
- None
3) Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42 mm Rifle Scope
The Burris 4.5-14x42mm Fullfield II PA Rifle Scope is lighter, better sealed, and has a relocated adjustment system compared to the original Fullfield.
This scope is designed with a second focal plane (SFP) reticle, which means that the reticle size remains constant as you change the magnification.
Also provides a consistent point of aim and makes it easier to use holdover and windage corrections at different zoom levels.
Has a magnification range of 4.5-14x, which is suitable for a wide range of shooting applications, from close to medium and even long-range shots.
It is easy to use because the turrets are designed for easy and precise adjustments, and they include a side parallax adjustment feature, which allows for better focus and accuracy at different distances.
Constructed to withstand the recoil of various firearms, thus ensuring its durability. It is also nitrogen-filled to be fog-proof and sealed to be waterproof, making it capable of withstanding tough environmental conditions.
Specs
- Magnification: 4.5-14x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 9 low – 3 high (mm)
- Field of View, Linear: 22 low – 7.5 high (ft. @ 100 yds.)
Pros
- Affordable Price
- Adjustable objective
- Ballistic Plex reticle
- Fully multi-coated
- Made in Philippines
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- None
4) Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44mm Rifle Scope
Next is the Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44mm rifle scope is a well-regarded optic known for its quality and versatility.
The 4-12x magnification range is well-suited for various shooting scenarios, from short to medium-range shots. Also, the 44mm objective lens ensures good light transmission, thus resulting in a clear and bright sight picture even in low-light conditions.
Having a second focal plane (SFP) reticle means that the reticle size remains constant as you change the magnification.
It is also built to handle the recoil of different firearms, thus making it a durable choice for hunters and shooters. It’s also nitrogen-purged to be fog-proof and O-ring sealed to be waterproof, ensuring its reliability in adverse weather conditions.
Features turrets that are easy to use and with precise adjustments, making it straightforward to zero in your shots. The fast-focus eyepiece also allows for quick target acquisition, while the scope’s simple and user-friendly controls make it easy to operate.
Specs
- Magnification: 4 – 12 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 3.3 – 10 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 8.4 – 24.7 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.9 – 4.4 inches
- Weight: 17.2 oz
- Length: 13.1 inches
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Fully multi-coated
- Has Capped Reset Turrets
- Hard Anodized Finish
- Shockproof
- Fog proof
- Waterproof
Cons
- None
5) Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm Waterproof Rifle Scope offers ideal performance from tree stands to mountain tops.
It features a 30mm main tube, enhancing durability and stability, making it suitable for mounting on various rifles.
Has magnification range of 6-24x is designed for versatile shooting, making it an excellent choice for competitive shooting, varmint hunting, and other scenarios requiring precise targeting at extended distances.
Also designed to withstand the recoil of high-caliber rifles, ensuring it endures rugged conditions. It’s also argon-purged and O-ring sealed, making it waterproof and fog-proof, ensuring it performs well in various environmental conditions.
Additionally, it boasts exposed tactical-style turrets, allowing shooters to quickly and precisely adjust their shots.
Specs
- Magnification: 6 – 24 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.08 – 8.3 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 5.1 – 17.8 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4 inches
- Weight: 22.6 oz
- Length: 15.5 inches
Pros
- XR Fully Multi-Coated
- Fast Focus Eyepiece
- Hard Anodized Finish
- Precision-Force Spring System
- Precision-Glide Erector System
- Exposed Tactical-Style Turrets
- CRS Zero Stop
Cons
- None
6) Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope
Last but not least in our list of the Best Varmint Hunting Scopes, is the Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope.
The scope is built to be durable and capable of handling recoil from various firearms. It is constructed to be waterproof and fog-proof, ensuring its performance in harsh environmental conditions.
Have user-friendly controls and tactile adjustments. The finger-click adjustments for windage and elevation make it easy to dial in your shots quickly and precisely.
Features a 40mm objective lens that allows for good light transmission, providing a bright and clear sight picture even in low-light conditions, and optics that are fully multi-coated to minimize glare and deliver sharp and high-contrast images.
Specs
- Magnification: 3.5 – 10 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4 – 11.43 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 11 – 29.9 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4.4 – 3.6 inches
- Weight: 12.6 oz
- Length: 12.6 inches
Pros
- Has Lockable fast-focus eyepiece
- Leupold waterproof integrity
- Has Twin bias spring erector system
- DiamondCoat 2 lens coating for durability and clarity
- Twilight Max Lens System for unequaled light management
Cons
- None
Popular Article: 5 Best Varmint Scope for AR-15
Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Varmint Hunting Scope
Here are a few factors to consider when choosing the Best Varmint Hunting Scope:
- Lens Coatings: Fully multi-coated lenses reduce glare, improve light transmission, and offer better image clarity. Quality coatings are essential for low-light conditions.
- Budget: Scopes vary in price, therefore establish your budget and try to find the best scope that fits within it. It’s worth investing in a quality scope, but there are good options for different price ranges.
- Brand and Warranty: Opt for reputable brands like Leupold, Vortex, and Burris often provide better quality and customer support. Check the warranty and customer service options offered by the manufacturer.
- Weight and Size: Always consider the weight and size of the scope, as it can affect the balance and handling of your rifle. A lightweight and compact scope may be preferred for varmint hunting.
- Magnification Range: Varmint hunting often involves shooting at small, distant targets. Therefore a scope with a variable magnification range, such as 4-12x or 6-24x, allows you to zoom in for precise shots. Consider your typical shooting distances and select a magnification range that suits your needs.
FAQS
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about selecting the best varmint hunting scope:
- What is the best magnification range for varmint hunting?
The best magnification range depends on the type of creatures and typical shooting distances. A variable magnification scope in the range of 4-12x to 6-24x is often a good choice because it offers flexibility for different scenarios.
- What is the importance of objective lens diameter in a varmint hunting scope?
A larger objective lens, typically 40mm or 50mm, allows more light to enter the scope, providing a brighter sight picture in low-light conditions, which is often encountered during varmint hunting.
- Are lens coatings important for varmint hunting scopes?
Yes, fully multi-coated lenses reduce glare, improve light transmission, and offer better image clarity, which is vital for varmint hunting, especially in low-light conditions.
- What should I consider when setting a budget for a varmint hunting scope?
Always determine your budget based on your needs and preferences. While it’s worth investing in a quality scope, there are good options available in various price ranges.
Parting Shot
In the world of varmint hunting, your choice of scope is the linchpin between a successful day in the field and a missed opportunity.
These top-notch varmint hunting scopes offer unparalleled accuracy and clarity, empowering hunters to target and eliminate pests with precision and confidence.
Elevate your shooting experience, and ensure that every shot counts with the best varmint hunting scopes at your side. Your hunting adventures will never be the same again.
Related