Selecting the right varmint scope is a critical decision for any serious hunter. These pests, from cunning coyotes to destructive groundhogs, demand optics that offer precision, clarity, and reliability. A quality scope can mean the difference between a clean, ethical harvest and a missed opportunity in the field. The ideal varmint scope provides a bright sight picture in low-light conditions and often includes features like bullet drop compensation to aid with longer shots.
With numerous options available, finding the perfect scope for your rifle and hunting style can be overwhelming. This roundup is designed to simplify your search by highlighting eight of the best varmint scopes on the market. We’ve analyzed features, construction, and real-world performance to bring you a selection that balances value with top-tier functionality, ensuring you can make an informed choice for your next hunt.
Our Top Picks for Varmint Hunting Scopes
- BUCKMASTERS Scope- 3-9x40MM BDC
- Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope
- NcStar STP3942GV2 3-9×32 Mark Iii
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12×44 AO
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Duplex
- Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen2 6-24×50
- Simmons 3-9×32 .22 Mag Riflescope
- UTG 3-12×44 30mm Compact Scope
BUCKMASTERS Scope- 3-9x40MM BDC
Inspired by the expertise of Jackie Bushman, the BUCKMASTERS Scope brings professional-grade performance within reach for every hunter. Its versatile 3-9x magnification allows for quick target acquisition at various distances, making it a solid choice for different varmint hunting scenarios. The robust, single-piece 1-inch main tube ensures it can handle the recoil and rigors of the field.
A key feature for varmint control is the specialized Buckmasters Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) reticle. This reticle includes holdover dots calibrated for shots out to 500 yards, helping you make accurate long-range shots on smaller targets. The integrated throw lever on the magnification ring is a thoughtful addition, allowing for rapid adjustments when you need to change your view quickly.
Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The Bushnell Banner series is specifically engineered for hunters who operate during the most critical times of day: dawn and dusk. Its Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coating on the lenses maximizes light transmission, providing a brighter and clearer sight picture when many varmints are most active. This optical clarity can give you the edge you need in low-light conditions.
This scope features the classic and proven 3-9×40 configuration, offering a great balance of field of view and magnification. A significant benefit is its extended 6 inches of eye relief, which provides a greater margin of safety, especially on firearms with substantial recoil. Fully multi-coated lenses on all air-to-glass surfaces guarantee high-contrast, sharp images from any angle.
NcStar STP3942GV2 3-9×32 Mark Iii
The NcStar Mark III Gen II presents a tactical-oriented option for varmint hunters who prefer that style of optic. With a 3-9×32 configuration, it provides a compact and versatile platform suitable for a variety of rifles. The scope is built to withstand demanding use, making it a durable companion for rugged hunting environments.
It comes equipped with a P4 sniper reticle, which is designed to aid in range estimation and holdover calculations. This feature is particularly useful for engaging targets at unknown distances, a common situation in varmint hunting. The tactical design includes multiple adjustment turrets for windage and elevation, giving you precise control over your point of impact.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12×44 AO
The Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 AO offers a higher magnification range that is excellent for hunters who need to make precise shots at extended ranges. The 44mm objective lens gathers a generous amount of light, contributing to a bright and clear image. This model is known for its reliable performance and solid construction, backed by Vortex’s outstanding VIP warranty.
A standout feature is the Adjustable Objective (AO). The AO allows you to correct for parallax error at specific distances, which is crucial for accuracy when shooting at small varmints. The fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission, while the dead-hold BDC reticle is effective for shooting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is necessary.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Duplex
Leupold is a name synonymous with American-made quality and optical excellence. The VX-Freedom 3-9×40 lives up to this reputation, providing hunters with a lightweight, rugged, and incredibly reliable scope. Its Twilight Light Management System is engineered to provide up to 20 extra minutes of shooting light, giving you a clear advantage during the early morning and late evening hours.
The scope is waterproof, fog-proof, and built to perform in the toughest conditions. The classic Duplex reticle is simple, uncluttered, and fast to use, making target acquisition quick and easy. With its exceptional clarity and rugged dependability, the VX-Freedom is a scope you can count on shot after shot, season after season.
Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen2 6-24×50
For the serious long-range varmint hunter, the Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 offers an impressive 6-24x magnification range. This allows for precise target identification and shot placement at very long distances. The large 50mm objective lens ensures maximum light gathering capability for a bright image, even at higher magnifications.
This is a first focal plane (FFP) scope, meaning the reticle size changes with magnification. This keeps the subtensions accurate at any power, which is vital for making correct windage and holdover calculations on the fly. It features a sophisticated illuminated reticle with multiple brightness settings, perfect for use against dark or busy backgrounds.
Simmons 3-9×32 .22 Mag Riflescope
The Simmons .22 Mag Riflescope is a purpose-built optic that delivers excellent value for rimfire varmint hunters. Its 3-9×32 configuration is perfectly suited for the effective range of most .22 caliber rifles. The scope is lightweight and compact, maintaining the handy feel of your rimfire platform without adding unnecessary bulk.
It features the proprietary SureGrip rubber surface on the magnification and adjustment rings, providing a positive, non-slip grip for easy adjustments, even with gloved hands. The lenses are fully coated for a bright and sharp sight picture. Hydraulic construction and a durable, waterproof design ensure it can handle outdoor elements and the lighter recoil of rimfire cartridges.
UTG 3-12×44 30mm Compact Scope
The UTG 3-12×44 Compact Scope is built on a robust 30mm main tube, which offers greater adjustment range and increased strength compared to standard 1-inch tubes. The 3-12x magnification range provides versatility for both closer shots and more distant targets, all in a compact package that won’t weigh down your rifle.
It includes an adjustable objective (AO) to eliminate parallax at specific distances, enhancing shot accuracy. The scope is also equipped with an illuminated reticle, which can be a significant advantage in low-light scenarios or when aiming against a dark target. Built with UTG’s reputation for durability, it features emerald-coated lenses for superior brightness and clarity.
How to Choose a Varmint Scope
When you’re looking for the best varmint scopes for hunting, you need to think about a few key features that separate a good scope from one that’s just okay. I’ve spent a lot of time in the field, and I can tell you that the right glass makes all the difference when you’re trying to make a precise shot on a small, fast-moving target.
First up is magnification. For most varmint hunting, you want a variable power scope that gives you some flexibility. A range like 4-16x or 6-24x is a great sweet spot. The higher top-end magnification lets you really zoom in for those longer shots on a still target, while the lower end is perfect for scanning fields or tracking a moving coyote. Parallax adjustment is another must-have. This is usually a knob on the side of the scope that lets you focus the reticle and the target on the same optical plane, eliminating aiming error. For the distances we shoot, a side focus parallax is much more convenient than one on the objective bell.
Next, consider the reticle. A fine, non-cluttering reticle is essential. You don’t want thick crosshairs that completely cover a prairie dog at 200 yards. I prefer a Mil-Dot or a similar ranging reticle, or better yet, a scope with an illuminated reticle for those low-light situations at dawn or dusk. The objective lens size matters for light gathering, but bigger isn’t always better. A 44mm or 50mm objective is a great balance, giving you a bright image without forcing you to mount the scope impractically high on your rifle.
Finally, think about the turrets. Exposed, tactile turrets are fantastic if you plan on doing a lot of dialing for elevation. They allow for quick and precise adjustments. However, if you’re going to be mostly hunting in rough terrain where your scope might get knocked around, capped turrets might be a safer bet to prevent an accidental change in your zero. Durability and reliable tracking are non-negotiable. Your scope must hold zero shot after shot and return to zero perfectly after you’ve dialed for distance. It all comes down to matching the scope’s features to your specific style of hunting and the rifle you’re using.
FAQ
What magnification range is best for varmint hunting?
For most varmint hunting scenarios, a variable scope in the 4-16x or 6-24x range is ideal. This gives you the versatility to handle closer, faster shots on the lower end and precise, long-range shots on the higher end. A scope with too high of a magnification, like a fixed 32x, can be difficult to use on moving targets and has a very narrow field of view.
Why is parallax adjustment so important?
Parallax error can cause your point of impact to shift if your eye isn’t perfectly centered behind the scope. Since varmint hunting often involves small targets at varying distances, a parallax adjustment knob allows you to eliminate this error for a perfectly accurate aim point at any range. It’s a feature I consider essential for precision work.
Are illuminated reticles necessary?
They are not an absolute necessity, but they are a huge advantage. Many varmints are most active during low-light periods at dawn and dusk. An illuminated reticle, especially in a fine dot or crosshair style, stands out clearly against a dark or shadowed target, ensuring you can still make an accurate shot when the light starts to fade.
What is the best objective lens size?
A 44mm or 50mm objective lens is typically the best choice. It provides an excellent balance of light-gathering capability without being overly bulky or heavy. A larger objective (like 56mm) does gather more light, but it often requires very high rings to mount properly, which can compromise your cheek weld and shooting comfort.
How much should I spend on a good varmint scope?
You can find decent entry-level options in the $200-$400 range, but for features like reliable tracking, clear glass, and precise parallax adjustment, I recommend looking in the $500 to $1,000 range. This is where you’ll find the best varmint scopes for hunting that offer the performance and durability needed for serious use. Investing in quality optics always pays off in the field.