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10 Best Varmint Scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Vortex Optics Crossfire 2 3-9x50mm Riflescope with Deadhold BDC Reticle

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,497
Reticle Type
Turret Adjustments

Most important from
13547 reviews

Reticle Type
This scope offers clear glass and a crisp reticle, making it a high-quality optic in its price range.
Turret Adjustments
Despite lacking audible clicks, the turrets are easy to adjust and reliable for consistent performance.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire 2 3-9x50mm Riflescope is a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their varmint hunting experience. With a magnification range of 3-9x and a generous objective lens diameter of 50mm, this scope provides a bright and clear sight picture, which is crucial for spotting small targets at varying distances. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is particularly beneficial for hunters who need to account for holdover at different ranges, making it versatile and user-friendly. Its long eye relief and forgiving eye box ensure that you can quickly acquire your target without straining your eyes, which is especially handy during fast-paced hunting scenarios.

The construction of the Crossfire II is impressive, featuring a single-piece tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum that adds to its durability. It is designed to be both waterproof and fogproof, thanks to its O-ring sealing and nitrogen purging, ensuring it performs well in various weather conditions. Additionally, the unlimited lifetime warranty offers peace of mind, covering repairs or replacements for defects over time.

The Vortex Crossfire II is a reliable riflescope for varmint hunting, especially for beginners or those who enjoy hunting at moderate distances. Its combination of features and durability make it a worthwhile investment, particularly backed by Vortex's robust warranty.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,497
Reticle Type
Turret Adjustments

Most important from
13547 reviews

Reticle Type
This scope offers clear glass and a crisp reticle, making it a high-quality optic in its price range.
Turret Adjustments
Despite lacking audible clicks, the turrets are easy to adjust and reliable for consistent performance.
#2

Vortex Optics Venom 5-25x56 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7C (MOA) Reticle

Rating
9.6
Magnification
Turret Adjustments

Most important from
761 reviews

Magnification
The magnification is mind-blowing and perfect for long-range shooting.
Turret Adjustments
Turrets offer great clicks and the glass quality is superb.

The Vortex Optics Venom 5-25x56 First Focal Plane Riflescope is a high-performance accessory ideal for long-range shooting and hunting, particularly suited for varmint control. It offers a magnification range of 5-25x, which provides flexibility for various distances, and features a large 56mm objective lens. This combination ensures a bright and clear image, even in low-light conditions, making it easier to spot small targets from afar. The EBR-7C (MOA) reticle is designed to be accurate at all magnification levels, allowing for reliable target measurement and ranging.

The side knob parallax adjustment enhances focus, and the RevStop Zero System ensures a quick return to zero, an asset for rapid shooting adjustments. The scope is built with a 34mm tube offering extensive turret travel - up to 85 MOA for both elevation and windage, which is beneficial for making precise adjustments over long distances. Constructed from one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum and nitrogen-purged, it is water and fog proof, ensuring durability in various weather conditions. The Armortek coating adds an extra layer of protection to the lenses against scratches and dirt.

Despite its impressive features, the scope is relatively heavy at 2.2 pounds, which might be a drawback for users looking for a lightweight option. Additionally, the price point might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. However, the unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty provides peace of mind regarding durability and performance. The Vortex Venom is a solid choice for serious hunters and long-range shooters who prioritize clarity, precision, and robustness in their equipment.

Rating
9.6
Magnification
Turret Adjustments

Most important from
761 reviews

Magnification
The magnification is mind-blowing and perfect for long-range shooting.
Turret Adjustments
Turrets offer great clicks and the glass quality is superb.
#3

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope, 3-9x40, Black (CF2-31007)

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Reticle Type
Turret Adjustments

Most important from
13547 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers crystal clear optics that significantly improve target focus compared to older models.
Reticle Type
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle aids in estimating holdover, suitable for varmint hunting out to several hundred yards when paired with ballistic data.
Turret Adjustments
Adjustments are precise and consistent, making fine-tuning shot placement straightforward and reliable.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Built tough with aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope withstands field abuse while remaining lightweight and easy to carry.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC 3-9x40 riflescope is well-suited for varmint hunting thanks to its versatile magnification range of 3 to 9 times, allowing both close and longer range targeting. The 40mm objective lens balances gathering enough light to provide bright and clear images without making the scope bulky. It features a Dead-Hold BDC reticle designed to help estimate holdover at varying distances, which is handy for precision shots on small targets like varmints. The 3.8 inches of eye relief make it easier to acquire targets quickly and comfortably, and the 34.1-foot field of view at 100 yards offers a decent viewing area that aids in target tracking.

Turret adjustments are precise, helping to fine-tune shot placement. Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope is both strong and shockproof, with waterproof and fogproof sealing that ensures durability in different weather conditions. Its lightweight design (16 ounces) means it won’t add much bulk to your rifle, which is advantageous for extended hunting trips. The fast-focus eyepiece enhances usability by allowing quick reticle focusing.

The scope’s lifetime VIP warranty and solid construction make it a reliable choice for hunters who want a dependable, easy-to-use scope that performs well in typical varmint hunting scenarios.

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Reticle Type
Turret Adjustments

Most important from
13547 reviews

Magnification
The scope delivers crystal clear optics that significantly improve target focus compared to older models.
Reticle Type
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle aids in estimating holdover, suitable for varmint hunting out to several hundred yards when paired with ballistic data.
Turret Adjustments
Adjustments are precise and consistent, making fine-tuning shot placement straightforward and reliable.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Built tough with aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope withstands field abuse while remaining lightweight and easy to carry.

Buying Guide for the Best Varmint Scopes

Choosing the right varmint scope can significantly enhance your shooting experience and accuracy. Varmint scopes are designed for hunting small game and pests, and they come with various features that can cater to different needs and preferences. Understanding these features and how they align with your requirements is crucial in making an informed decision. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a varmint scope.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it determines how well you can see and aim at your target from a distance. Magnification values are usually represented as a range, such as 3-9x. Lower magnifications (1-4x) are suitable for close-range shooting and fast target acquisition, while higher magnifications (10x and above) are better for long-range precision. Choose a magnification range based on the typical distances you will be shooting.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting image brightness and clarity. Larger diameters (40mm and above) allow more light, which is beneficial in low-light conditions but can make the scope bulkier. Smaller diameters (under 40mm) are more compact and lighter but may not perform as well in dim lighting. Consider the lighting conditions you will be shooting in to determine the right objective lens size.
Reticle TypeThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle types offer various advantages. Simple crosshairs are easy to use and ideal for beginners, while more complex reticles with hash marks or dots can help with range estimation and bullet drop compensation. Illuminated reticles are useful in low-light conditions. Choose a reticle type that matches your shooting style and the level of precision you need.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment allows you to correct the parallax error, which occurs when the target and the reticle are not on the same focal plane, causing the reticle to move when you shift your eye position. This is important for maintaining accuracy, especially at longer distances. Scopes with adjustable parallax (often marked as AO or side focus) are beneficial for precision shooting. If you plan to shoot at varying distances, a scope with parallax adjustment can be very helpful.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV allows you to see more of the surroundings, which is useful for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. However, higher magnifications typically reduce the FOV. If you need to quickly acquire targets or track movement, opt for a scope with a wider FOV.
Turret AdjustmentsTurret adjustments refer to the knobs on the scope that allow you to adjust the elevation and windage settings. These are important for zeroing in your scope and making precise adjustments based on shooting conditions. Look for turrets that are easy to adjust and have clear, audible clicks. If you plan to make frequent adjustments, target turrets with resettable zero and locking mechanisms can be very useful.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance are crucial for ensuring your scope can withstand the elements and rough handling. Look for scopes that are made from high-quality materials, are shockproof, and have waterproof and fog-proof features. This ensures that your scope will perform reliably in various weather conditions and last for a long time. Consider the environments you will be shooting in and choose a scope that can handle those conditions.

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