10 Best Varmint Scopes 2025 in the United States

The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 riflescope is a highly versatile and reliable option for varmint hunting. With a magnification range from 3x to 15x and a 44mm objective lens, it offers clear and bright images across different distances. The illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle enhances target acquisition in low-light conditions, which is particularly useful for early morning or evening hunts. The side focus parallax adjustment ensures that you can quickly and easily eliminate parallax from any shooting position, maintaining accuracy and focus on your target.

The CDS-ZL2 (ZeroLock 2) system allows precise elevation adjustments while preventing accidental dial movements, which is a great feature for maintaining zero under field conditions. The scope is also built to withstand harsh environments with its waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof design, and the Guard-ion lens coating helps keep the lenses clear in inclement weather. The high-definition lenses ensure sharp image quality, enhancing the shooting experience.

It is important to note that this riflescope is on the heavier side at 1 pound, which might be a consideration for those focused on reducing gear weight. The price point might also be higher compared to other scopes, but the lifetime guarantee provided by Leupold offers peace of mind about the investment. This scope is best suited for dedicated hunters looking for a high-quality, durable, and versatile scope for small game and varmint hunting.

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.