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10 Best Varmint Scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,223
Reticle Type
Turret Adjustments

Most important from
13310 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 by1,223
Reticle Type
Turret Adjustments

Most important from
13310 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
700 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
700 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

AGM Global Vision RattlerV2 19-256 Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope |Thermal Scope with 950 Yards Detection Range and 2.5X Base Magnification, Thermal Vision riflescope Ideal for Hunting

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Reticle Type
Field of View

Most important from
252 reviews

Magnification
The digital zoom up to 20x is a bit pixelated, but the base zoom is highly effective for identifying targets within 125 yards.
Reticle Type
Switching between multiple guns and reticle profiles is seamless, adding to the scope's versatility.
Field of View
The scope's clarity and field of view exceed expectations, especially for its price point.

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.

Rating
9.4
Magnification
Reticle Type
Field of View

Most important from
252 reviews

Magnification
The digital zoom up to 20x is a bit pixelated, but the base zoom is highly effective for identifying targets within 125 yards.
Reticle Type
Switching between multiple guns and reticle profiles is seamless, adding to the scope's versatility.
Field of View
The scope's clarity and field of view exceed expectations, especially for its price point.

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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