When I set out to find the best scope for varmint hunting, I wanted a tool that would give me precision, clarity, and reliability for every shot. The right scope makes spotting small targets easier, allows for accurate long-range shots, and improves my overall hunting experience.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the key features to look for, share my top picks from trusted brands, provide a detailed buying guide, and answer common questions hunters have about selecting the perfect scope.
Whether you’re hunting in open fields, dense cover, or low-light conditions, this guide will help you choose a scope that matches your needs and ensures consistent performance in the field.
Why Use A Scope For Varmint Hunting
1) Improved Accuracy
Scopes significantly enhance shooting accuracy by providing a magnified view of small targets, which is essential for varmint hunting. Varmints are often tiny and can move quickly, making precise shot placement critical. With magnification, hunters can clearly see the target’s exact position and aim with confidence, reducing the likelihood of missed shots or injuring the animal without a clean kill.
2) Longer Effective Range
A good scope extends the effective shooting range, allowing hunters to engage varmints from greater distances safely. Scopes with higher magnification, such as 15x or 20x, enable the hunter to see and accurately hit targets that would be difficult with iron sights. This is particularly useful in open fields or large properties where varmints can appear far away and traditional sights may not provide enough precision.
3) Better Target Identification
Scopes help hunters distinguish between different animals and identify the correct target. Varmints are often small and can be mistaken for other wildlife at a distance. High-quality optics with clear lenses and good light transmission, like those in the Vortex Razor HD or Nightforce SHV, allow hunters to recognize features such as body size, fur pattern, or behavior, ensuring ethical and responsible hunting.
4) Enhanced Low-Light Performance
Many varmint hunts occur during dawn or dusk when animals are most active. Scopes with large objective lenses and fully multi-coated optics gather more light, improving visibility in low-light conditions. This advantage ensures hunters can see clearly and make accurate shots even when natural light is limited, increasing the chances of success during critical hunting windows.
5) Faster Target Acquisition
Scopes streamline the process of locating and aiming at moving targets. Features such as wide fields of view at lower magnifications, fast-focus eyepieces, and illuminated reticles enable hunters to quickly acquire varmints that move unpredictably. Faster target acquisition reduces the chances of losing the animal and allows for multiple shots if needed.
6) Reduced Physical Strain
Using a scope reduces eye strain and fatigue compared to traditional iron sights, especially during extended hunting sessions. Magnification allows the shooter to maintain a relaxed posture while clearly seeing the target, making it easier to hold the rifle steady. This advantage is important during long periods in the field, improving both comfort and shooting consistency.
Must Have Features for Best Scope For Varmint Hunting
1) Magnification Range
The magnification range is crucial for varmint hunting because it determines how well you can see and engage targets at different distances. A variable range, such as 3-15x or 4-20x, allows hunters to quickly acquire targets at close range while also providing the ability to make precise long-distance shots. Lower magnifications offer a wider field of view for tracking moving varmints, while higher magnifications let you see small details, such as body position or eye reflections, that are critical for accurate shot placement.
2) Objective Lens Size and Light Transmission
The size of the objective lens affects the amount of light that enters the scope, directly influencing image brightness and clarity. Larger lenses, such as 42mm, 52mm, or 56mm, are beneficial for hunting during low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. High-quality lens coatings, such as fully multi-coated or low-dispersion glass, reduce glare and enhance contrast, ensuring you can clearly see small varmints even in dense cover or shaded areas.
3) Reticle Type and Focal Plane
The type of reticle and whether it is first focal plane (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP) affects how you measure and hold over for shots. FFP reticles, as found in the Vortex Razor HD LHT, scale with magnification, allowing accurate holdovers at any zoom level. SFP reticles, like in the Leupold VX-Freedom, remain constant in size and are easier to see at higher magnifications but require adjustment for holdovers at different zoom levels. Choosing the right reticle depends on your shooting style and preference for range estimation.
4) Turret Adjustments and Precision
Reliable and precise turret adjustments for elevation and windage are essential for varmint hunting, especially at longer ranges. Scopes with tactile and audible click adjustments, such as the Vortex Diamondback Tactical, allow hunters to make repeatable and accurate corrections quickly. Some scopes include zero-reset or zero-stop turrets, enabling rapid returns to a preset zero, which is valuable when transitioning between multiple targets or varying shooting distances.
5) Durability and Weather Resistance
Varmint hunting often takes place in harsh environments, so a scope’s construction must be rugged and weather-resistant. Look for scopes made from aircraft-grade aluminum, with features like waterproofing, fogproofing, and shockproofing. Scopes like the Nightforce SHV 5-20×56 and Burris Eliminator 6 are built to withstand recoil, extreme temperatures, and rough handling, ensuring consistent performance regardless of field conditions.
6) Advanced Features and Technology
Modern scopes often include advanced features that can enhance accuracy and efficiency. Integrated rangefinders, ballistic calculators, and environmental sensors, as seen in the Burris Eliminator 6, help hunters quickly calculate holdovers, windage, and elevation adjustments. Bluetooth connectivity or app integration can further refine ballistic profiles, making these scopes highly useful for long-range varmint hunting where precision is critical. Even for scopes without such technology, features like illuminated reticles or parallax adjustment can significantly improve target visibility and shot accuracy.
5 Best Scope For Varmint Hunting
1) Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15×42
The Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15×42 is an exceptional scope for varmint hunting, combining precision, clarity, and versatility in a compact design. Its variable magnification range of 3-15x makes it suitable for a variety of hunting distances, allowing for quick target acquisition on close-range varmints and precise shots at longer ranges. The scope’s 42mm objective lens ensures excellent light transmission, providing bright and clear images even in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk.
One of the most impressive aspects of this scope is its optical quality. Fully multi-coated lenses reduce glare and enhance contrast, giving a crisp and detailed view of small targets in open fields or dense terrain. The scope also includes a first focal plane reticle, which maintains consistent holdover and ranging across the entire magnification range, making it easier to make accurate shots without complex calculations.
Durability is another area where the Razor HD LHT excels. The scope is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, offering a solid and lightweight build. It is also fully waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, so it can withstand harsh weather conditions and the recoil of high-powered rifles without compromising performance. The precision turrets are easy to adjust, providing tactile and audible clicks that help with consistent shot placement during extended hunts.
The low-dispersion glass minimizes chromatic aberration, ensuring that colors remain true and edges remain sharp. The ocular lens provides a wide field of view, which is particularly helpful when tracking moving varmints across open terrain. Additionally, the scope comes with a fast-focus eyepiece, allowing hunters to quickly adjust for their eyesight and achieve a clear reticle image in seconds.
Pros
- Excellent optical clarity with minimal distortion
- Wide magnification range suitable for various distances
- Durable and lightweight construction
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- First focal plane reticle for accurate holdovers
- Easy-to-adjust turrets with tactile feedback
Cons
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Higher price point compared to entry-level scopes
2) Nightforce SHV 5-20×56 MOAR
The Nightforce SHV 5-20×56 MOAR is a high-performance riflescope designed for varmint hunting, offering a blend of precision, durability, and optical clarity. With a magnification range of 5 to 20x, it allows hunters to engage targets at various distances, from close-range encounters to long-distance shots. The 56mm objective lens ensures ample light transmission, providing bright and clear images even in low-light conditions.
Equipped with the MOAR (Minute of Angle Reticle) system, the SHV 5-20×56 offers precise holdovers and windage adjustments, enhancing accuracy during field use. The second focal plane reticle maintains consistent subtensions across the magnification range, simplifying range estimation and shot placement. Additionally, the scope features a parallax adjustment from 25 yards to infinity, allowing for sharp focus at any distance.
Constructed with a 30mm main tube, the SHV 5-20×56 is built to withstand the rigors of hunting environments. Its robust design ensures reliability under recoil and in challenging weather conditions. The ZeroSet elevation turret provides a quick return to zero, facilitating rapid adjustments during dynamic hunting scenarios.
Pros
- Wide magnification range suitable for various hunting distances
- High-quality glass for clear, bright images
- MOAR reticle for precise adjustments
- Parallax adjustment from 25 yards to infinity
- Durable construction withstands harsh conditions
- ZeroSet elevation turret for quick return to zero
Cons
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Larger size may require higher mounting rings
3) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 is a versatile and reliable riflescope designed for varmint hunting. Its 3-9x magnification range allows hunters to engage targets at varying distances, making it suitable for both close-range encounters and longer shots. The 40mm objective lens provides a bright and clear image, enhancing target acquisition in diverse lighting conditions.
Equipped with Leupold’s Advanced Optical System, the VX-Freedom delivers excellent light transmission and resolution. The second focal plane reticle maintains consistent subtensions across the magnification range, ensuring accurate holdovers and range estimation. The scope’s 1-inch main tube is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, offering durability and resistance to recoil.
The VX-Freedom features a 3:1 zoom ratio, providing a wide field of view at lower magnifications and detailed target identification at higher magnifications. The scope’s eye relief ranges from 4.2 to 3.7 inches, accommodating various shooting positions and ensuring comfort during extended use. Additionally, the VX-Freedom is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, making it suitable for use in challenging field conditions.
Pros
- Versatile 3-9x magnification range suitable for various hunting scenarios
- Advanced Optical System for excellent light transmission and resolution
- Durable 1-inch main tube constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum
- 3:1 zoom ratio for a wide field of view and detailed target identification
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction for reliability in harsh conditions
Cons
-
Lacks parallax adjustment
4) Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12×40
The Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12×40 is a versatile riflescope designed for varmint hunters seeking precision and reliability. Its 4-12x magnification range allows for quick target acquisition at close distances and detailed observation at longer ranges, making it suitable for various hunting scenarios. The 40mm objective lens ensures sufficient light transmission, providing clear and bright images even in low-light conditions.
Equipped with the VMR-1 (MOA) reticle, the scope offers precise holdovers and windage adjustments, enhancing accuracy during field use. The second focal plane reticle maintains consistent subtensions across the magnification range, simplifying range estimation and shot placement. The exposed tactical turrets provide audible and tactile clicks, allowing for easy adjustments without losing sight of the target.
Constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, the Diamondback Tactical 4-12×40 is built to withstand the rigors of hunting environments. Its rugged design ensures durability and resistance to recoil, ensuring consistent performance over time. The scope is also nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed, making it waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, so it can handle harsh weather conditions and rough handling.
Pros
- Wide 4-12x magnification range suitable for various hunting distances
- VMR-1 (MOA) reticle for precise holdovers and windage adjustments
- Exposed tactical turrets with audible and tactile clicks for easy adjustments
- Durable construction from aircraft-grade aluminum
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof for reliability in harsh conditions
Cons
-
Second focal plane reticle may require holdovers at higher magnifications
5) Burris Eliminator 6 4-20×52
The Burris Eliminator 6 4-20×52 is a cutting-edge riflescope tailored for varmint hunters seeking precision and efficiency. With a magnification range of 4-20x and a 52mm objective lens, it offers versatility for various hunting distances. The integrated laser rangefinder provides instant distance readings up to 2,000 yards on reflective targets and 1,400 yards on deer hide, ensuring accurate targeting.
Equipped with environmental sensors, including a thermometer, barometer, and inclinometer, the Eliminator 6 automatically calculates density altitude, adjusting the ballistic solution accordingly. This data is processed through the BurrisConnect app via Bluetooth, allowing hunters to upload custom ballistic profiles and receive real-time aiming solutions. The illuminated X177 reticle displays precise holdover points, windage corrections, and shot energy/velocity information, enhancing shot accuracy and ethical decision-making.
The scope’s rugged construction ensures durability in harsh conditions, while its user-friendly interface simplifies operation. The inclusion of a remote control facilitates easy ranging without altering shooting position. This combination of advanced technology and practical design makes the Burris Eliminator 6 a valuable tool for varmint hunters aiming for precision and ethical shots.
Pros
- Integrated laser rangefinder with extended distance capabilities
- Automatic ballistic compensation using environmental data
- Customizable ballistic profiles via BurrisConnect app
- Illuminated X177 reticle with comprehensive aiming information
- Rugged construction suitable for challenging conditions
Cons
-
Higher price point compared to traditional scopes
Best Scope For Varmint Hunting FAQs
1) What magnification range is ideal for varmint hunting scopes?
For varmint hunting, a scope with a variable magnification range between 3x and 20x is ideal. Lower magnifications allow quick target acquisition at close range, while higher magnifications help with precise shots on small targets at longer distances. Scopes like the Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15×42 and Burris Eliminator 6 4-20×52 provide versatile ranges suitable for most varmint hunting scenarios.
2) Should I choose a first focal plane or second focal plane reticle?
Both can work for varmint hunting, but it depends on your preference. First focal plane (FFP) reticles, like on the Vortex Razor HD LHT, scale with magnification, making holdovers accurate at any zoom level. Second focal plane (SFP) reticles, like on the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40, remain constant in size and are easier to see at higher magnifications, but you need to account for magnification when using holdovers.
3) How important is light transmission in a varmint hunting scope?
Light transmission is very important, especially for dawn or dusk hunts. Larger objective lenses, like the 52mm on the Burris Eliminator 6 or 56mm on the Nightforce SHV, allow more light to enter the scope, resulting in brighter and clearer images. Fully multi-coated lenses further improve clarity and contrast.
4) Do I need a scope with a built-in rangefinder or ballistic calculator?
While not mandatory, scopes with built-in rangefinding or ballistic calculators, such as the Burris Eliminator 6, can significantly improve long-range accuracy. They automatically adjust for distance, wind, and environmental conditions, reducing guesswork and making precise shots easier, which is especially helpful when targeting small varmints at long distances.
Conclusion
After reviewing the top scopes for varmint hunting, it’s clear that a high-quality scope makes spotting small targets, making precise shots, and hunting in varying conditions much easier. These scopes offer the clarity, magnification, durability, and advanced features necessary to improve accuracy and efficiency in the field.
For the best overall option, I recommend the Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15×42, which combines exceptional optics with versatile magnification and durable construction.
For those on a budget, the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 delivers reliable performance and clear optics at a more affordable price.
For hunters seeking a premium option with advanced technology, the Burris Eliminator 6 4-20×52 offers integrated rangefinding, ballistic calculation, and environmental sensors to make long-range shots easier and more precise.
No matter your level of experience, choosing a scope from these options will enhance your varmint hunting experience and help ensure accurate, ethical shots.
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