TOP 7 Best Varmint Hunting Scopes 2023 Reviewed

Varmints are usually familiar small mammals and birds that act as pests. However, they could be bigger species like boars, coyotes, and the likes. Due to these species’ destructive nature, hunting has become an expedient activity that becomes purposeful with the best varmint hunting scopes in 2023.

Prospective buyers usually struggle with making the right choice when buying a varmint hunting scope. And this is why some of the best models are listed to give you an idea of what to expect.

Best 7 Varmint Hunting Scopes – 2023

1. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn

If you need a convenient hunting scope for taking down varmints and other small animals, you need to try out the Bushnell Multi-X Reticle scope. When used alongside the .17 mhr, you are sure to enjoy it because of the accurate delivery it provides.

One of the reasons why most hunters love this scope is its lightweight. It does not constitute a burden in your hunting gear. Also, this scope is structured to amass much light as possible. Hence, even though you are in a place where the light is low, it provides ample illumination with its optical coating. This is why it can be used either at Dusk or Dawn, hence living up to its peculiar name.

Also, the long range varmint scopes make your hunting a smooth ride because it is easy to handle. Lastly, this scope is waterproof and fog proof, making it great to use irrespective of the weather condition.

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2. BARSKA Varmint Mil-Dot

This is one unit to consider for people who consider precision as the top-most factor when buying a Varmint hunting scope. One of the exciting features of this scope is the long-range and precise targeting it gives you. With its objective lens of 50mm, light transmission increases and its multicoated-optics. Hence, you will get very clear images every time.

Also, this scope comes with an adjustable objective meant for parallax modification and easy-grip high turrets. With this scope, you get double what you bargained for in terms of precision for long-range tactical hunting or varmint shooting.

You will use this good varmint scope for a long time because it is fortified against any damage. The Barska Varmint Riflescope is shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof and can be used in any environment.

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3. Vortex Optics Diamondback

Hunters and hunting enthusiasts who know Vortex’s ingenuity as a brand are known for can attest to the fantastic design this scope comes with. This scope is a full package that combines enough brightness and magnification for hunting varmint.

You can easily adjust this scope with its back-medication. This adjustment is possible because it has a large tactile Finn in the eyepiece’s front that can be easily grasped even with gloves. Even though this best predator scope has no target turrets, it comes with a top-notch BDC reticle that is easy to use.

With the BDC reticle, guesswork during hunting is eliminated. The reticle shows you the ideal information and options at your disposal that will help you shoot quickly. This scope is an excellent option in the market that offers you more power when shooting than other options.

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4. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Adjustable

Vortex is unarguably one of the leading brands notable for producing excellent and unparalleled scopes when it comes to optics. This scope works fine even in low-light situations due to its battery-energized V-Brite reticle. Hence, you can hunt at any time of the day and not bother about seeing your target correctly or not.

This scope also comes with one of the most comfortable eye relief systems that avert the possibility of eye strain. Also, there is an eye-box that allows you to sight the target within seconds quickly. This feature implies that this scope is a dangerous weapon to varmints that are very fast.

Furthermore, the scope’s lens is multi-coated and anti-reflective. The lens’s visibility is excellent, and it provides users to hit precisely. It would interest you to know that the scope’s turret can be easily adjusted with your fingers.

The exciting part is this scope’s build. It is designed with aircraft-grade aluminum, which gives assurance of its durability. You will also enjoy this scope’s capability to be used in any weather condition as it is fog proof and waterproof.

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5. BSA Optics Sweet

One of the most long-lasting scopes on the market is the BSA Optics Sweet riflescope. And it was specially designed for the .17MHR, having adjustable parallax with turret drums and a zoom ring that makes all hunting expeditions successful.

This scope comes with fully glazed lenses and a fast-focus on any varmint target. It is waterproof, fog-proof, and resistant to shock. Your parallax can be adjusted to get your aim point, and you won’t miss your target. If you start as a Varmint hunter, this is one of the scopes that help you get better.

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6. Nikon P-Tactical .223 3-9×40

Nikon has proved a significant point in creating the Nikon P-Tactical with over a century in manufacturing scopes. 223 3-9×40 Matte Scope. With reliable precision and quick targeting feature, this scope is ideal for both beginners and professionals alike. Also, incorporating high-quality materials and crucial features makes it one of the best scopes for varmint hunting.

This scope is designed with aircraft-grade aluminum, which assures its durability. The Nikon P-Tactical scope has an O-shaped shockproof design that offers protection against various weather elements like fog and water. Also, it makes the scope shockproof.

Individuals who like to hunt varmints in high altitudes will find this scope handy because it has an asymmetrical design for extra holdover. Hence, you can use it for elevation holdover, estimate target size and estimate range.

One outstanding feature that gives the Nikon P-Tactical an edge over others is its ability to reset using instant-zero resets spring-loaded turrets.

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7. Vortex Optics Crossfire II

If you search for one of the best scopes from the stables of Vortex, this scope is what you are searching for. For those who are worried about any distance, this scope quells your worries and fears as it offers a 3-9x power that enables you to sight any varmint, even up to 400 yards.

Another essential feature this scope has is its V-plex reticle that offers quick target acquisitions. If you love to hunt when the light in the surroundings is low, you will love this scope. It also comes with a CR2032 battery for extra power and illumination if you hunt all night.

This scope’s windage adjustment is superb, and its turrets come with 60 MOA (Minute of angle) of elevation. To wrap it up, this scope is available at an inexpensive cost, and you are assured of successfully hunting Varmints.

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Buying Guide to Best Varmint Hunting Scopes

For you to make the right decision in buying a varmint Hunting scope, you have to know the crucial features to consider before buying them.

Magnification

When you are hunting, you need to be able to see near and far in good detail. Some varmints are very fast and sneaky, and if you are unable to see them correctly, you will capture nothing. With a scope’s useful magnification, it would be easy to catch any fast-moving varmint.

I recommend that you shop for optics with a magnification power between 4-14 times so that you can target both far and near varmints.

Price

The price of scope is one of the utmost factors to consider when buying a varmint hunting scope. It is advised that no matter the price of a scope, you should not compromise its quality. If you buy a scope that would last for few months only to get replaced by another, it is not a great deal.

It is better to buy a scope that would last for a long time while still maintaining its top-most features. At this point, it would not be a bad idea if you opt for an expensive scope that guarantees long-term usage.

Eye Relief

When you are using a rifle, the scope’s recoil might be powerful, and it can hit you in your eyebrows, which is dangerous and painful. This possibility is why it is better to get a hunting scope with more extensive eye relief. Another alternative is to wear glasses when using a varmint scope, but it could get damaged if the recoil is strong.

Accessories

People do not consider accessories when buying a varmint hunting scope until they realize their importance. With accessories, your entire hunting experience can be improved. Before you buy accessories, ensure they are within your budget range and select the ones suitable for your scope.

Sometimes, when you get a scope, accessories are included in the package; other times, they are not, but you can get them on the market. Some accessories you should look out for are lens covers, carrying bags, bipods, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ensures the durability of a Varmint hunting scope?

Even though all the features combine to ensure the scope’s quality and durability, there are some features to take note of. First, you should ensure your scope is waterproof and shockproof. Some scopes cannot be used when it is raining because they can get damaged.

Similarly, if some scopes fall to the ground during hunting, they can be damaged and out of use, thus incurring additional expenses. To avoid this, ensure you get a waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof scope.

What is the basic concept of varmint hunting?

Varmint hunting is the capturing of animals that damage crops and livestock, which can cause substantial financial losses. Varmints are also known as vermin, pests, etc. These animals also threaten human health, and this is why people hunt them down.

Examples of creatures are foxes, rabbits, coyotes, squirrels, etc.

What distinguishes scopes for varmint hunting from the rest?

In reality, all rifle scopes are the same. However, what distinguishes the ones for varmint hunting from the others is, the regular features are enhanced in the varmint scopes. Some scopes have improved features that aid illumination during dusk or dawn if you want to hunt varmint in low light conditions.

Summary

Varmints can sometimes be annoying creatures that can damage your workplace, house, or farmland. Hence, you need the best varmint hunting scopes in 2023 for this purpose when you are hunting them. Where it gets complicated is having to choose between what you prefer and the several features to consider. This is why I have outlined the key features to look out for and the excellent varmint hunting scopes on the market as a yardstick when buying.