By Joel Mccartan, Avid Hunter and Night Vision Gear Enthusiast
Hey there, fellow varmint hunters! Joel here, and I’m excited to dive into the world of varmint scopes with you. As someone who’s spent countless hours in the field, I know firsthand how crucial a good scope can be when you’re trying to take down those pesky critters. Whether you’re dealing with coyotes, prairie dogs, or any other varmints causing trouble, having the right scope can make all the difference.
In this guide, I’ll be sharing my top picks for the best varmint scopes of 2024. I’ve put these scopes through their paces in all kinds of conditions, so you can trust that these recommendations come from real-world experience. Let’s get started!
Why Trust My Recommendations?
Before we jump into the list, let me tell you a quick story. Last summer, I was out on a friend’s farm dealing with a major prairie dog problem. We were using some bargain bin scopes, and let me tell you, it was not pretty. Missed shots, fuzzy images, and a whole lot of frustration. That experience lit a fire under me to find the absolute best varmint scopes out there.
Since then, I’ve tested dozens of scopes in various conditions – dawn, dusk, bright sunlight, you name it. I’ve dropped them (accidentally, of course), used them in the rain, and pushed their magnification to the limits. The scopes on this list have survived my rigorous testing and proved their worth in the field.
What Makes a Great Varmint Scope?
When you’re choosing a varmint scope, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Magnification Range: Varmints are often small targets at varying distances. A good scope should offer a versatile magnification range, typically from 3-9x up to 6-24x.
- Clarity and Light Transmission: You need crisp, clear images, especially in low-light conditions when many varmints are active.
- Durability: Your scope should be able to handle recoil and the occasional bump or knock.
- Reticle: A fine crosshair or BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle can be very helpful for precise shots.
- Adjustments: Easy-to-use turrets for windage and elevation are crucial for making quick adjustments in the field.
Now, let’s dive into my top picks for 2024!
Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 SFP Riflescope
Kicking off our list is a scope that’s become my go-to for most varmint hunting situations – the Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40. This scope hits the sweet spot of performance and affordability.
Why I Love It:
- Crystal clear glass, even in low light
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle is perfect for estimating holdover
- Rock-solid durability (I’ve accidentally dropped this more times than I’d like to admit)
- Great 4-12x magnification range for most varmint hunting scenarios
Real-World Experience:
I used this scope on a particularly challenging coyote hunt last fall. We were dealing with gusty winds and fading light, but the Diamondback’s clear glass and BDC reticle helped me make a clean 300-yard shot just as the sun was setting. It’s moments like these that really make you appreciate quality gear.
- The Diamondback 4-12×40 riflescope is one of multiple configurations in the Diamondback lineup and is ideal for a variety of applications.
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle is good for hunting at varying ranges where estimating hold-over would be a concern.
- Lenses are fully multi-coated for crystal clear, bright images from dawn till dusk. The fast focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing.
Leupold VX-3i 6.5-20x50mm Side Focus Riflescope
For those longer-range varmint shots, especially if you’re dealing with prairie dogs or ground squirrels, the Leupold VX-3i is hard to beat. View Price
Standout Features:
- Incredible glass clarity and light transmission
- Side focus parallax adjustment for precise focusing
- Twilight Max Light Management System for extended shooting hours
- Durable construction that can handle harsh conditions
Personal Anecdote:
I took this scope out to the Dakotas for a prairie dog hunt, and it was a game-changer. The high magnification and crystal-clear glass let me pick off prairie dogs at distances I wouldn’t have dreamed of with my old setup. Plus, the twilight light management system gave me an extra 20 minutes of shooting time at dusk – that’s when I bagged my biggest prairie dog of the trip!
Nightforce SHV 5-20x56mm Riflescope
If you’re looking for the cream of the crop in varmint scopes, look no further than the Nightforce SHV. Yes, it’s on the pricier side, but for serious varmint hunters, it’s worth every penny.
Why It’s a Top Pick:
- Unparalleled glass quality and clarity
- Illuminated reticle for low-light shooting
- ZeroSet feature for quick return to zero
- Incredibly precise adjustments
Field Test Notes:
I had the chance to use this scope during a week-long varmint hunting trip in Montana. The weather threw everything at us – rain, fog, and even a bit of snow. The Nightforce performed flawlessly in every condition. The illuminated reticle was a lifesaver during those early morning hunts, and the precision of the turrets made long-range shots feel almost too easy.
- NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20×56 – The most powerful of our SHV series performs beautifully at both close and extended ranges on varmints, big game, and for making tight groups on paper
- SPECS – It features a full 80 MOA of elevation adjustment, side parallax adjustment and ZeroSet technology which allows a quick return to your initial zero setting, regardless of how many elevation adjustments you’ve made
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18×44 AO Riflescope
For hunters on a budget who don’t want to sacrifice quality, the Vortex Crossfire II is an excellent choice. It offers many features of higher-end scopes at a fraction of the price.
Key Features:
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Long eye relief for comfortable shooting
- Adjustable objective for parallax removal
- Fully multi-coated lenses for bright, clear images
Personal Experience:
I keep this scope on my .17 HMR for those pesky ground squirrels around the farm. The 6-18x magnification range is perfect for those small targets, and the clarity is surprisingly good for a scope in this price range. It’s held up great to the repeated recoil of hundreds of shots, and the BDC reticle makes it easy to adjust for those longer shots across the field.
- The 6-18×44 Adjustable Objective Crossfire II riflescope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is good for hunting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is a concern.
- The adjustable objective provides image focus and parallax removal to the user while anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear views. The fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing.
Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24×50 FFP Riflescope
Here’s a scope that’s been gaining popularity in the varmint hunting community, and for good reason. The Athlon Argos BTR offers features usually found in much more expensive scopes.
Why It Stands Out:
- First focal plane reticle (great for ranging at any magnification)
- Illuminated reticle for low-light conditions
- Excellent glass clarity for the price point
- Precise and repeatable turret adjustments
Field Observations:
I was skeptical about this scope at first, given its affordable price, but it really impressed me during a spring groundhog hunt. The first focal plane reticle made it easy to range targets at different magnifications, and the glass clarity was on par with scopes costing twice as much. The illuminated reticle came in handy as we pushed our hunting into the early evening hours.
- 0.1 MIL Click Value, 18 MIL Total Adjustment, 10 yards to infinity Parallax adjustment
- First focal plane reticle stays valid at all power settings allowing you to fully utilize the specially designed reticle that shrinks or grows along with your target as you zoom in or out.
- Fully Multicoated optics effectively reduces reflected light and increases the transmission of light giving you a brighter image than normal single coated lenses
Burris Fullfield E1 6.5-20x50mm Riflescope
Burris has always been a solid name in the optics world, and their Fullfield E1 is a great option for varmint hunters looking for high magnification without breaking the bank.
Noteworthy Features:
- Ballistic E1 FFP reticle for easy holdovers
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- High-grade optical glass
- Nitrogen-filled for fog-proof performance
My Take:
I’ve used this scope extensively for prairie dog hunting in Wyoming. The high magnification range is perfect for those long shots across the prairie, and the Ballistic E1 reticle makes it easy to compensate for wind and bullet drop. I especially appreciate the side focus adjustment – it makes getting a crisp image at any distance a breeze.
- Designed for enthusiasts who want a simple, yet sophisticated, reticle for supreme accuracy; High-grade optical glass provides excellent brightness and clarity with lasting durability
- Finger-adjustable, low-profile turrets create a sleek profile; Turret indications always reflect a change in the point of impact, for pinpoint accuracy
Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 Riflescope
Sometimes, simple is better. The Bushnell Banner is a no-frills scope that gets the job done, especially for close to medium-range varmint hunting.
Why It’s on the List:
- Affordable without sacrificing quality
- Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses
- Simple and effective Multi-X reticle
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
Real-World Use:
This is the scope I recommend to friends who are just getting into varmint hunting. I keep one on my .22LR for taking care of rabbits and squirrels around the property. It’s not the fanciest scope out there, but it’s reliable, clear, and gets the job done. Plus, at its price point, you won’t be heartbroken if it takes a knock or two in the field.
- Bright. Accurate. Dependable. We’ll assume your stand is in the right spot and suggest our Banner Dusk & Dawn series to capitalize on the latter. With their Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses, these riflescopes cast clarity and brightness.
- This Banner 3-9×40 scope is in the tried & proven 3-9×40 configuration that’s a classic magnification for hunting. What makes this model unique from other 3-9×40 scopes is that is has an extended 6 inches of eye relief.
Sightron SIII SS 6-24x50mm Riflescope
For those who demand top-tier optical performance, the Sightron SIII is worth a serious look. It’s a favorite among benchrest shooters, but it’s equally at home in the varmint fields.
Standout Qualities:
- Exceptional glass clarity and light transmission
- ExacTrack windage and elevation adjustments
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Versatile MOA-2 reticle
Field Impressions:
I had the chance to use this scope during a precision varmint shooting clinic last year, and it left a lasting impression. The glass clarity is on par with scopes costing much more, and the ExacTrack adjustments are some of the most precise I’ve ever used. It’s a bit on the heavy side, but if you’re shooting from a fixed position, it’s hard to beat the performance of the Sightron SIII.View Price
Monstrum G3 6-24×50 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope
Monstrum might not be the first name you think of for high-end optics, but their G3 scope is a solid performer that’s worth considering, especially if you’re on a tighter budget.
- High performance tactical rifle scope with 6-24x magnification for mid to long distance shooting out to 1000+ yards
- Functionally designed first focal plane MOA reticle, with easy-to-read ranging information that remains constant regardless of magnification, for faster range estimation and holdover correction
- Equipped with an adjustable objective lens – or AO – that allows for sharper focus of the target image, elimination of parallax, and range estimation
Key Features:
- First focal plane reticle
- Illuminated ranging reticle with multiple color options
- Touch-button controlled reticle illumination
- Aircraft-grade 6061 aluminum construction
My Experience:
I was initially skeptical of this scope due to its lower price point, but after using it for a season, I’ve been pleasantly surprised. The first focal plane reticle is a great feature at this price, and the illuminated reticle works well in low light conditions. While the glass clarity isn’t quite up to par with the top-tier scopes, it’s more than adequate for most varmint hunting situations. It’s a great option for hunters looking to dip their toes into more advanced features without spending a fortune.
Trijicon AccuPoint 5-20×50 Riflescope
Last but certainly not least, we have the Trijicon AccuPoint. Known for their rugged, military-grade optics, Trijicon brings that same quality to the varmint hunting world.
Why It Makes the Cut:
- Fiber optic and tritium illuminated reticle (no batteries needed)
- Superb glass quality
- Extremely durable construction
- Second focal plane MOA-dot crosshair reticle
Field Test Results:
I had the opportunity to use this scope during a high-desert coyote hunt last winter, and it performed admirably. The illuminated reticle was a godsend during those twilight hours when coyotes are most active. The glass clarity is top-notch, providing crisp images even in the fading light. What really impressed me was the durability – we were caught in a nasty sandstorm, and while I was worried about damage, the AccuPoint came through without a scratch.
- Advanced fiber-optics and tritium aiming-point Illumination speeds target acquisition and extends available Shooting hours
- Dual-illumination System automatically adjusts aiming-point brightness to existing lighting conditions. Bindon Aiming Concept – No
Wrapping Up
There you have it, folks – my top picks for the best varmint scopes of 2024. Remember, the “best” scope is ultimately the one that fits your specific needs, shooting style, and budget. Don’t be afraid to try out different options if you can. Many local gun shops have demo days where you can test various scopes.
A Quick Personal Story
Before I sign off, let me share one last story that really drives home the importance of a quality varmint scope. A couple of years back, I was helping a buddy deal with a coyote problem on his cattle ranch. We were using his old, cheap scope, and after a frustrating day of missed shots and lost opportunities, I convinced him to borrow my Vortex Diamondback.
The next morning, it was like night and day. We spotted a coyote stalking some calves at about 300 yards out. With the clear glass and BDC reticle, my buddy was able to make a clean, ethical shot that he wouldn’t have even attempted with his old scope. That moment really cemented for both of us the value of investing in quality optics.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a good varmint scope is one of the best things you can do to improve your hunting success. Whether you’re dealing with coyotes, prairie dogs, or any other varmints, having a clear sight picture and precise adjustments can make all the difference.
Remember, the scopes on this list are just starting points. Always consider your specific needs, the type of varmint hunting you do most often, and your budget when making your final decision.
Happy hunting, and may your shots fly true!