Squirrel hunting requires precision, patience, and a scope that delivers sharp accuracy for small targets at varying distances. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best scopes for squirrel hunting available today and the key features that make them stand out in the field.
Unlike big game hunting, where power and long-range visibility are crucial, squirrel hunting calls for optics that excel in clarity, light transmission, and fine reticle detail. Whether you prefer a rimfire rifle or an air rifle, the right optic enhances your shooting confidence, ensures ethical shots, and makes every hunt more rewarding.
What Makes a Scope Suitable for Squirrel Hunting?
A great scope for squirrel hunting is made of the following features:
- Versatile magnification range. A good squirrel hunting scope typically features low to medium magnification, usually ranging from 2x to 9x. This range offers a clear view of small targets at close to moderate distances without losing your field of view in dense woods.
- Optical clarity and brightness. Since squirrels are often active in early morning or late afternoon, a scope with high-quality glass, fully multi-coated lenses, and good light transmission is essential for clear images in low-light conditions.
- Reticle design. Furthermore, a simple reticle, such as a fine duplex or BDC, helps in making precise shots on small targets without cluttering the sight picture.
- Durability and weather resistance. Squirrel hunting often happens in rugged outdoor environments. This calls for a scope that is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof to ensure consistent performance in unpredictable weather.
- Parallax adjustment. Squirrel hunting shots are often taken at 25 to 75 yards. Having a parallax adjustment or adjustable objective (AO) helps maintain accuracy at these shorter ranges.
- Weight and size. Last but not least, the best scopes for squirrel hunting are compact and lightweight for easy portability in the field.
Best Scopes for Squirrel Hunting
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Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire
The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire is the best scope for squirrel hunting. It is a well-crafted scope designed specifically for rimfire rifles, offering an excellent balance between affordability, performance, and reliability.
Built with a lightweight yet durable aircraft-grade aluminum body, it withstands the rough handling and recoil that come with field use. The scope also features fully multi-coated lenses that deliver bright, crisp, and clear images even in low-light conditions.
Regarding zoom power, its 2–7× magnification range provides versatility for both close- and mid-range shooting, while the adjustable parallax set at 50 yards makes it ideal for small-caliber rifles.
Furthermore, the fast-focus eyepiece and capped reset turrets add to its user-friendly design, ensuring smooth adjustments and consistent accuracy. The scope also features a Dead-Hold BDC reticle that is particularly useful for estimating holdover and windage corrections, giving shooters an edge when firing at varying distances without constant readjustment.
Features
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Improved, resettable MOA turrets
- Hard-anodized one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Rugged construction
- Exceptional optical precision
- Intuitive functionality
- Large field of view
Cons
- Non-illuminated
2.Vortex Diamondback 2-7×35mm Rimfire
As one of the best scopes for squirrel hunting, the Vortex Diamondback Rimfire 2-7x35mm Rifle Scope combines rugged construction, impressive optical clarity, and user-friendly controls.
It is built with Vortex’s renowned craftsmanship to offer a bright and clear sight picture, even in low-light conditions. Furthermore, the 2-7x magnification range strikes a perfect balance between close- and mid-range shooting, making it ideal for plinking, target practice, or small-game hunting.
Reticle-wise, its second focal plane reticle maintains a consistent appearance across all magnifications, ensuring quick target acquisition and easy holdovers without visual clutter. Moreover, the precision-glide erector system provides smooth magnification adjustments, while the 1-inch aircraft-grade aluminum tube offers durability and dependable performance in the field.
In terms of usability, the Diamondback Rimfire stands out for its crisp, repeatable adjustments and zero-holding capability. The capped turrets protect the adjustment knobs from accidental movement, while the parallax setting, optimized at 50 yards, makes it perfect for rimfire applications.
To top it all off, the scope is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, providing fog-proof and waterproof reliability in any weather.
Features
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 100 MOA adjustment range
- Second focal plane reticle
- Hard anodized finish
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Comfortable eye relief
- Rugged construction
- Impressive optical clarity
- Intuitive and user-friendly controls
Cons
- Non-illuminated
3.Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33
Leupold optics are known for their dependability and rugged construction, and the VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope is no different. This high-performing optic is designed specifically for small-caliber rifles and precision rimfire shooting.
Built around Leupold’s renowned optical quality, it delivers bright, crisp, and color-accurate images even in low-light conditions. Furthermore, the 2-7x magnification range provides excellent versatility, offering a wide field of view for close-range plinking and enough zoom for precise target acquisition at longer rimfire distances.
Its Rimfire MOA reticle offers clear aiming points without cluttering the view. Moreover, the glass clarity and edge-to-edge sharpness are impressive for its price range, while the tactile, repeatable turrets ensure easy adjustments in the field.
Regarding build quality, the scope is constructed with Leupold’s signature durability. It is 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, ensuring reliable performance through tough weather and heavy recoil. Over and above that, the lightweight, aircraft-grade aluminum tube adds ruggedness without unnecessary bulk, keeping your rifle balanced and easy to handle.
Features
- 1/4 MOA finger click
- 3:1 zoom ratio
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Twilight light management system
- Waterproof and fog-proof
- 6061-t6 aircraft-quality aluminum
- One-inch main tube
Pros
- Precise parallax setting fixed at 60 yards
- Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System
- User-friendly design
- Lightweight yet robust construction
Cons
- Non-illuminated
4.Simmons 3-9×32 .22 Mag (Rimfire)
Next, we have the Simmons .22 MAG 3-9x32mm Rimfire Rifle Scope. This optic is a standout choice for rimfire shooters seeking solid optical performance at a budget-friendly price.
Built specifically for .22-caliber rifles, the scope offers a reliable combination of clarity, accuracy, and durability for both beginners and seasoned marksmen. The fully coated optics deliver bright, sharp images even in low-light conditions, making it ideal for early morning or late evening shooting sessions.
Moreover, its versatile 3-9x magnification range allows for quick target acquisition at close range and precise aiming at longer distances. The TrueZero windage and elevation adjustment system holds zero exceptionally well, ensuring consistent accuracy even after repeated recoil.
Additionally, the HydroShield coating on the lenses keeps the view clear in different weather conditions, adding confidence for outdoor shooting. This scope is both lightweight and rugged, featuring a one-piece tube construction that withstands bumps and rough handling. It also includes Simmons’ signature SureGrip rubber surfaces, which make adjustments smooth and effortless even while wearing gloves.
Features
- High-quality optical glass
- Fully Coated Optics
- Truezero Flex Erector System
- QTA quick target acquisition eyepiece
- Truezero Windage and Elevation Dials
Pros
- Impressive value for money
- Crisp optics
- Dependable zero retention
- Easy handling in a compact form
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- Lacks reticle illumination
5.Hawke Vantage 4-12×40 AO Rimfire
The Hawke Vantage 4–12×40 AO Rimfire scope is a solid and affordable optic designed specifically for rimfire rifles. It offers excellent clarity, reliability, and precision for small-game hunting or target shooting.
Built with a durable, one-inch mono-tube chassis, it provides dependable performance even under moderate recoil or changing weather conditions. Its lightweight yet rugged construction makes it a great match for rimfire rifles without adding unnecessary bulk.
As one of the best scopes for squirrel hunting, it features fully multi-coated lenses that deliver bright, sharp images with impressive light transmission. Furthermore, its adjustable objective is useful for rimfire enthusiasts, enabling parallax correction from 10 yards to infinity.
The magnification range of 4–12x strikes a great balance, giving users both wide-field visibility for quick target acquisition and enough zoom for precise long-range shots. On top of that, the .22 LR ballistic reticle is well-calibrated for rimfire trajectories, offering accurate holdover points that help shooters estimate bullet drop effectively.
Features
- 11-layer fully multi-coated optics for excellent clarity
- Side focus control for parallax adjustment to infinity
- 1-inch mono-tube chassis for superior strength
- 1/4 MOA low profile “no-snag” fingertip turrets
- Fast focus eyebell and high torque zoom ring
- Nitrogen purged optical tube
Pros
- Finger-adjustable, low-profile turrets
- Dependable optical performance
- Outstanding value for money
- Lightweight design
- Rugged construction
Cons
- Limited room for adjustment due to the 1-inch tube size
6.Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9×40
Last but not least, we have the Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9×40 Rifle Scope. This is a top-tier optic designed specifically for rimfire rifles, offering an exceptional blend of clarity, precision, and rugged durability.
Built with Leupold’s signature optical quality, the scope delivers a bright and crisp image even in challenging light conditions. Besides, its Twilight Light Management System enhances visibility at dawn and dusk.
To complement the optical finesse, the 3-9× magnification range provides versatility for both short- and mid-range shooting, making it ideal for varmint hunting, target practice, and plinking. Its 40mm objective lens gathers ample light without adding unnecessary bulk, maintaining a perfect balance between performance and maneuverability.
Furthermore, the Rimfire MOA reticle is calibrated precisely for the trajectory of popular .22 LR rounds, allowing shooters to make accurate holdovers without guesswork.
Durability is another strong point of this VX-Freedom rifle scope. Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, it is both lightweight and robust to withstand abuse and rough handling. On top of that, the optical tube is fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof for reliable use in all weather conditions.
Features
- 1/4 MOA finger click
- 3:1 zoom ratio
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Twilight light management system
- Waterproof and fog-proof
- 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum
- One-inch main tube
Pros
- Ease of zeroing
- Holds adjustments steady even after repeated firing
- Generous eye relief
- Precision optics and long-lasting construction
Cons
- Non-illuminated
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Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Scopes for Squirrel Hunting
Magnification Power
Firstly, consider magnification power. When hunting squirrels, you’ll often be targeting small, fast-moving animals at short to medium distances. Therefore, a scope with moderate magnification, typically between 2x and 9x, is ideal. Too much magnification can make it harder to track a squirrel in thick cover, while too little might reduce your accuracy for longer shots.
Objective Lens Size
The best scopes for squirrel hunting should balance light transmission and portability. An objective lens between 32mm and 40mm allows plenty of light for clear, bright images without making the scope bulky or heavy. This is especially helpful when hunting early in the morning or late in the evening, when squirrels are most active and natural light is limited.
Reticle Type
Next, precision is crucial for hitting such small targets, so the right reticle can make a big difference. Simple duplex or fine crosshair reticles are popular for squirrel hunting because they provide a clear aiming point without cluttering your sight picture. For those who shoot at varying distances, a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle helps with holdovers and improves long-range accuracy.
Optics Clarity and Coating
Furthermore, clear glass and quality lens coatings are essential for spotting and identifying squirrels among tree branches or leaves. Fully multi-coated lenses minimize glare and improve light transmission, offering crisp and bright visuals even in shaded woods. Optical clarity also helps reduce eye strain, especially during long hunting sessions.
Durability and Build Quality
Squirrel hunting often involves moving through brush, climbing, or shooting from uneven terrain. As such, the scope must withstand bumps, drops, and varying weather conditions. Look for scopes made with aircraft-grade aluminum, sealed with O-rings, and nitrogen- or argon-purged to resist fogging and moisture
Parallax Adjustment
Parallax becomes a factor when shooting small targets at short ranges. A scope with adjustable parallax, either through a side focus knob or an adjustable objective, helps maintain pinpoint accuracy. This feature allows the reticle and target to stay on the same focal plane, minimizing aiming errors that could cause missed shots.
Weight and Size
Lastly, consider weight and size. Since squirrel hunting often requires mobility and precision from various shooting positions, a lightweight and compact scope is ideal. A heavy or oversized optic can throw off your rifle’s balance, making quick aim adjustments harder. The best scopes for squirrel hunting have streamlined, ergonomic designs to enhance maneuverability and comfort.
Best Scopes for Squirrel Hunting FAQs
- What magnification is best for squirrel hunting?
A scope with 3–9x magnification is ideal for squirrel hunting, as it provides a good balance between a wide field of view and precise targeting at various ranges.
- Do I need a high-end scope for squirrel hunting?
Not necessarily. If you are on a tight budget, a mid-range, well-built scope with clear optics and reliable zero retention is more than sufficient for most squirrel hunting scenarios.
- What reticle works best for small game hunting?
A fine crosshair or duplex reticle is the best for small game hunting. It provides a clear aiming point without obscuring small targets like squirrels.
Final Words
Hopefully, you have found this buying guide insightful. Choosing the best scope for squirrel hunting comes down to finding the right mix of clarity, precision, and practicality. Look at the attributes that make each scope the right purchase and choose a model that offers crisp visuals and a rugged build to handle the unpredictable conditions of the woods.