10 Best Varmint Scopes 2026 in the United States

The Nightforce NX8 4-32x50mm F1 hunting scope offers a versatile magnification range from 4x to 32x, allowing you to target both up-close and distant varmint with clarity. Its 50mm objective lens ensures bright and clear images, while the first focal plane design maintains reticle accuracy at all magnifications.

The MIL-XT reticle is particularly suited for competitive and field shooting, featuring precise markings for quick reference under stress. Parallax adjustment from 11 yards to infinity helps maintain focus on targets at various distances. With a field of view ranging from 26.1 feet at 4x to 4.6 feet at 32x per 100 yards, it provides a broad viewing area at lower magnifications and detailed views at higher ones.

The ZeroStop feature allows for a quick return to zero, enhancing ease of use in the field. Additionally, the scope’s durability and weather resistance make it suitable for various hunting environments. However, it lacks night vision, which could be a drawback for night-time varmint hunting. The scope mounts using a Weaver Mount and is relatively heavy at 29 ounces, which may add weight to your rifle setup. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Nightforce NX8 is a high-performance option with strong features for avid hunters.

The AGM Global Vision RattlerV2 19-256 Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope is well-suited for hunters looking to enhance their night-time shooting experience. With a base magnification of 2.5x and a digital zoom of up to 20x, it provides flexibility in viewing targets at varying distances. The detection range of up to 950 yards is impressive, allowing users to spot varmints effectively from a significant distance. Its wide field of view (9.3° x 6.9°) makes it easier to track moving targets, which is a crucial feature in hunting scenarios.

The upgraded 19mm Germanium lens and a thermal sensor with a resolution of 256x192 ensure clear imaging in various conditions, which is vital for successful hunts at night. Additionally, the improved refresh rate of 50 Hz enhances the viewing experience, reducing lag during movement.

The scope's objective lens diameter might feel somewhat limited for those seeking higher-end optics, particularly in low-light scenarios. While it performs well within its range, the maximum magnification of 8x could be seen as restrictive for long-distance shooting. The polycarbonate material, though lightweight (6.34 ounces), may not match the durability of heavier metals in rugged conditions. The reticle type is a crosshair, which is standard for many rifle scopes, but it may lack the advanced options that more experienced shooters prefer. It offers a good warranty of 5 years.

The SIG SAUER Tango-MSR LPVO 1-6X24mm is a versatile rifle scope designed with hunters and tactical shooters in mind, offering a useful 1-6x magnification range that’s well suited for varmint hunting, where quick target acquisition and flexibility at various distances are important. Its 24mm objective lens is on the smaller side compared to larger scopes but still provides good light transmission thanks to high-quality, low dispersion glass. This means it delivers clear and bright images even in lower light conditions. The illuminated MSR BDC-6 reticle stands out with 11 brightness settings, making it easier to see the aiming point in different lighting, which is helpful at dawn or dusk when varmint activity is common. Being a second focal plane scope, the reticle size remains constant, which some users prefer for simplicity during quick shots.

The scope includes a throw lever for fast zoom adjustments, which can be handy during changing shooting scenarios. One notable feature is the cantilever mount, which allows solid and stable mounting on MSR-style rifles, enhancing durability. The scope is both waterproof and fog-proof, thanks to nitrogen purging and sealed construction, so it should hold up well in various weather conditions often encountered outdoors. It also has shockproof qualities and comes with flip-back lens covers for protection, which adds to its ruggedness.

Although the 24mm objective lens is compact, it might limit light gathering in very low-light situations compared to bigger lenses. The scope weighs 1.7 pounds, which might feel a bit heavy for those wanting a lighter setup during long hunts. This scope offers solid optical clarity, quick adjustment features, and strong weather resistance, making it a good choice for varmint hunters who need a reliable, all-around tactical scope that performs well from close to medium ranges.