10 Best Varmint Scopes 2026 in the United States

The Leupold VX-5HD 4-20x52 riflescope is well-suited for varmint hunting, offering a versatile magnification range from 4x to 20x that helps spot and precisely target small animals at varying distances. Its large 52mm objective lens lets in plenty of light, providing bright and clear images beneficial during low-light conditions common at dawn or dusk. The illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle is easy to see against different backgrounds, which is important for quick target acquisition.

A notable feature is the CDS-ZL2 turret system, which includes a push-button ZeroLock to prevent accidental adjustments and custom bullet-drop dials tailored to your specific ballistics—a great aid for precise long-range shots. The side focus parallax adjustment makes fine-tuning the image sharpness straightforward from any shooting position, reducing eye strain and improving accuracy. Built from durable aluminum with hydrophobic lens coatings, it stands up well to rough outdoor conditions, resisting water, fog, and shock.

Weighing about 1.5 pounds, it is relatively lightweight for the features it packs, making it comfortable for extended use. One possible downside is that the reticle is in the second focal plane, meaning the reticle size does not change with magnification, which might limit range estimation at different zoom levels. Also, this scope is designed without night vision compatibility, so it is best used in daylight or twilight. For those seeking a reliable, precise, and rugged varmint scope with excellent clarity and useful adjustment features, the VX-5HD represents a solid choice, especially for hunters who value customization and ease of use in the field.

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 ATN X-Sight 5 LRF is a versatile varmint scope offering powerful features suitable for both day and night hunting. Its magnification range of 5-25x makes it well suited for spotting and targeting small pests at variable distances. The scope's Ultra HD 4K+ sensor delivers crisp, lifelike images in vivid colors, which is advantageous for identifying small targets. Night vision mode enhances visibility in low light, making this scope useful for early morning or nighttime hunting sessions. A standout feature is the built-in ballistic calculator, which helps shooters make precise adjustments for bullet drop, aiding accuracy at varying ranges.

Constructed from aluminum, the scope provides solid durability while weighing just over 2 pounds, making it manageable to carry. It features a Weaver mount compatible with most rifles for straightforward installation. On the tech side, the scope supports video recording in 4K and live streaming, allowing hunters to capture and share their experiences, although these features may add some complexity compared to simpler scopes. The battery life of 14+ hours supports extended use without frequent recharging.

This scope suits users looking to combine advanced digital features with solid optics for varmint hunting, especially if night vision and video capabilities are valuable. For those seeking a straightforward, no-frills scope, it may offer more features than necessary, and its weight and feature set might be heavier and more complex than traditional varmint scopes.