Best Scopes for Varmint Hunting
Varmint hunting is more than just an exciting sport, pastime, or source of income. By controlling pest numbers, you can lessen cattle predation, lower the danger of disease transfer, and manage pest populations before they become out of control.
A high-quality sight mounted on your hunting firearm can increase the success of your varmint hunt. It enables you to quickly locate these predators and fire a precise shot from a distance. Additionally, having the greatest scope for varmint hunting is essential because hunting conditions vary drastically.
Finding the ideal rifle scope for varmint hunting might be challenging given the wide variety of scopes on the market today. Here are a few of the top designs that are the ideal hunting companions for today’s hunters. Let’s look.
Best Scopes for Varmint Hunting- Our Top Picks
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Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope
The very best in its class is the Vortex Optics Diamondback Riflescope. And this is why:
First off, it’s built of aircraft-grade aluminum, so you’ll be working with an optic that’s ready to perform in any setting. Aluminum is incredibly strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant.
It has a hydrophobic coating, an anti-reflective coating, a hard coating, a UV coating, and—most significantly—a photo chromic coating. In other words, it not only enhances light transmission through its system but also guards against heavy scratches, eliminates stray light, shields your eyes from UV radiation, and lessens lens reflection.
The single-piece tube of the Vortex Optics Diamondback scope has been intended to be sturdy and stable. Its strong anodized appearance and durable dependability are thanks to this tube. This function provides camouflage and lowers shock, ensuring that you enjoy your hunting experience.
Given that Vortex often provides a lifetime VIP warranty, we believe that this is an excellent purchase.
Pros
- Made from a durable aluminum alloy.
- Provides camouflage and reduces shock.
- Shields the eyes from UV rays.
- More effective light transmission.
- Adequate magnification.
- Single-piece tube and SFP reticle.
Cons
- Limited eye relief
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NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20x56mm Zeroset .250 MOA Scope
One of the best varmint hunting scopes on the market, the NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20x56mm provides all the capabilities you’ll need for a successful hunt. This premium scope was made with serious hunters in mind. It provides the extreme versatility, ongoing tracking, and superior optical performance that hunters seek.
With this sight, your varmint hunting strategy will be enhanced. Its Nightforce Forceplex reticle, which is exceptionally simple to read and facilitates quick and accurate shooting, is present.
The central crosshairs’ thickness of 1/4 MOA allows for precision aiming, and the clear field of view makes it simple to track moving objects. Additionally, it brings a MOAR reticle to the table, which is perfect for varmint hunting of all sizes.
The large 56mm objective lens gathers plenty of light required for the creation of brilliant images. Due to its huge objective, it is also perfect for hunting in dimly lit areas.
In addition, the scope contains a feature called Zeroset that enables you to return to your initial zero notwithstanding the number of elevation and windage adjustments you have made. For increased comfort, this product provides a roomy eye relief for secure and relaxed shooting.
Pros
- Powerful 5-20x magnification
- Zeroset technology
- Wide and clear field of view
- 6” eye relief
- Extremely clear glass
- Sturdy and durable construction
Cons
- Lackluster turret design
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Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14×42 mm Rifle Scope
The Ballistic Plex reticle is the only one offered for the Fullfield II 4.5-14×42. You can wish to select a different scope if you don’t like it. However, it’s straightforward, uncluttered, and compatible with any caliber. You may find the distances for each holdover using the Burris Ballistics Reticle Analysis Tool, a great calculator.
Crosshairs on the second focal plane may be too thick to hit a squirrel at 800 yards, but they will put you in range if you’re aiming for larger animals like foxes and coyotes. It is wire-based and not lit, just to be clear.
The Burris scope has an adjustable objective (AO) for focusing at varied distances in place of a side focus. Turrets are capped and provide adjustments of 1/4 MOA with a total elevation and windage motion of 40 MOA. It tracks well and maintains accuracy out to 700-800 yards, according to purchasers. Beyond 50BMG, it can withstand big-boy kicks as well.
The Burris Fullfield II is a well-liked, high-quality riflescope given its affordable price. The offer is made even sweeter by the fact that Burris backs it with their Forever Warranty. The manufacturer has swiftly replaced even minor issues like lost caps.
Pros
- Objective that is adjustable.
- Reticle for a ballistic plex
- Made in the Philippines
- Lifetime warranty.
Cons
- No other reticle available
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ATN X-Sight LTV Ultra Light Day & Night Vision Rifle Scope
Some hunters use night vision for their varmint and coyote hunts at night. The ATN X-sight is a nice addition to our portfolio in this regard. inexpensive, precise, and easy. ATN’s new design is flawless.
It has ATN’s One Shot Zero, which enables you to get on target without wasting ammunition. Additionally, they preserved the HD video recording capability that allows you to broadcast your successful hog hunt on social media.
The LTV sight outperforms all previous scopes with a lengthy battery life of 10 hours, unlike many older scopes that would only operate for a short time on one single charge. That gives you plenty of time to give hogs or coyotes a fantastic night.
You can expand the range of your varmint hunting techniques with a night vision scope. Take up contracts with neighborhood ranchers and instruct the kids on rodent control for the farm. Your success in varmint hunting can increase if you use night vision scopes.
Pros
- Digital NV.
- Ultra-lightweight.
- One Shot Zero.
- Long battery life.
Cons
- Not smart
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Maven CRS.1 – 3 – 12X40 SFP Lightweight Hunting Rifle Scope
The sharpest and clearest glass is required for hunting in low light or when trying to distinguish tan varmints from tan landscape. Maven uses the CRS.1 3-12×40 hunting riflescope, to respond to the call.
For the hunter, Maven’s CRS line of riflescopes features SFP reticles, mid-range magnification, and is entirely fogproof and watertight.
Even though FFP is growing in popularity among hunters, the CRS series still supports SFP as a useful focus plane for many hunting situations and typical ranges.
The CRS.1 boasts glass that is particularly clear, crisp, and high contrast, and is based on Maven’s C-series of binoculars. Being sourced and produced in Japan speaks to the scope’s optical and construction excellence.
This is mid-range quality at an entry-level pricing with excellent resolution for picking up details in low light and noticeable edge-to-edge clarity.
The CRS.1 sight offers the varmint hunter extraordinary close-range work to long-range possibilities depending on the reticle type and magnification range. Even at a great distance, the coyote or prairie dog may be located using the reticle’s tiny center crosshairs.
Maven offers a simple rifle scope for the simplest pest hunter, backed by a lifetime unconditional warranty.
Pros
- Clear, bright, and high contrast.
- Lightweight 14.18 oz.
- Waterproof and fog proof.
- Scratch resistant
- Lifetime warranty
- Made in Japan
Cons
- No FFP model
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Barska 4-16×50 AO Varmint Rifle Scope
A great option for varmint hunting, target shooting, long-range shooting, and precision shooting is the Barska 4-16x50mm AO Varmint Riflescope.
The Varmint has incredibly high windage and elevation turrets, an Adjustable Objective (AO) for parallax correction, and a quick access zoom ring. It is constructed of a 1″ tube and has a 30/30 reticle.
This sight gives the advantage with long-range and deadly accurate targeting when precision is a crucial component. The Barska 4-16×50 AO Varmint Rifle Scope’s big objective lens increases light transmission.
The Barska rifle scope might just make you proud if you’re on a very low budget and wish to shoot some pests around the farm and property border.
Pros
- Clear and bright images
- Multi-coated optics
- Adjustable objective lens
- Quality construction
- Long eye relief
Cons
- Lens quality could do better
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Athlon Optics Talos 4-16x40mm Rifle Scope
The Athlon Optics Talos 4-16×40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope, another aluminum scope, has just been added to the list. This material ensures that the scope will remain lightweight while radiating sturdiness and strength. And unlike other scopes, the clarity level of the produced images will remain sharp all the way up to the maximum power.
When you go hunting extremely early in the morning or very late in the evening, you’ll need a fully multi-coated glass that facilitates efficient light transmission.
The greatest solution for hunters seeking a scope that demonstrates robustness and can keep out moisture is a one-piece tube. The scope’s capacity to be water and fog proof is due to the nitrogen used in its design.
The eye relief on this specific type of Athlone’s scopes is the longest. You get to enjoy 3.8 inches of eye relief with a 4x magnification power.
Pros
- Produces clear images at the highest magnification.
- Lenses with several coatings effectively transmit light.
- Water and fog resistant.
- Extended eye relief
Cons
- Lacks a protective coating on the outside lens
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What to Take Into Account When Selecting the Best Scopes for Varmint Hunting
- Reticle
Reticles on scopes come in a variety of styles that are ideal for various uses. The finest scope for varmint hunting has an illuminated reticle because varmints are more active at dusk. You can shoot precisely and smoothly in poor light thanks to an illuminated reticle. The BDC reticle is another excellent option that works well for really long range situations.
- Magnification
One of the first features you look for in a scope for varmint hunting is magnification. Invest in a high magnification scope if you plan to hunt varmints from afar. For accurate shooting, this will assist bring the target closer. Look for a low power scope for close and mid-range ranges because a product with a greater one can be overkill.
- Eye Relief
The ability to see well when using a high-caliber rifle is crucial. By offering comfortable views, it not only boosts your self-assurance but also protects your eyes from the recoiling weapon. Try to find a scope with at least 3-inches of eye relief.
- Durability
Choose a sturdy-built scope to ensure long-lasting durability. When you’re hunting, your sight will be exposed to a variety of settings. It can erroneously fall or take a harsh object to the head. Therefore, invest in a scope made of sturdy and shockproof materials, ideally aircraft grade aluminum.
Additionally, confirm that the scope was constructed to deliver dependability in any weather conditions. When you are out in the field, the weather might change suddenly, so it’s crucial to always be prepared.
- Weight
The ideal varmint hunting scopes are portable. Opt for the lightest scope you can if you want your hunting trip to be more enjoyable and less strenuous. A lightweight scope is convenient to use and easy to carry around. Your hunting weapon won’t gain any excessive weight from it, which could reduce accuracy.
FAQs for the Best Scopes for Varmint Hunting
What is varmint hunting?
Different kinds of animals and birds that harm livestock and crops are referred to as varmints. Pests, vermin, particular species of rabbits, coyotes, foxes, birds, and some squirrels are possible examples. To manage their numbers and stop the harm they do to agriculture, all of these species are hunted.
How do varmint hunting scopes differ from other scopes?
Varmint hunting scopes often have larger optical diameters than standard riflescopes. They have a bigger objective lens as well as a strong magnification. The majority of varmints are small and challenging to see through standard riflescopes, which is why.
What features distinguish the top varmint-hunting scopes?
The greatest varmint hunting scopes are ones that fit your hunting requirements and hunting routine. A decent scope should be shockproof and resistant to impacts in order to last for a long time. It should be easy to operate, provide high-quality photographs in all lighting situations, and be completely weatherproof so you can use it in any climate.
Final Thought
That is everything we have for you today. Varmints that aren’t controlled can seriously harm your farm and property. Shooting them is one of the best ways to keep their population under control.
Once you’ve consulted with local, state, and federal regulations, we wish you luck on your hunt. Then, using our shopping guide above, get a scope that best suits your varmint hunting requirements as well as your hunting style.