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Top 8 Best Varmint Scopes in 2024

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect varmint scope, you’ve just hit the jackpot with this buying guide. In this article, we’ll explore what you should expect, the necessary magnification, the features of an excellent .45-70 scope, and other essential criteria.

First up, we’ll dive into the best varmint scopes currently available in the market. Following that, we’ll delve into what sets each apart, including their advantages and disadvantages.

Top 8 Best Varmint Scopes in 2024

  1. Bushnell Elite 4500 4-16×50 Hunting Riflescope
  2. Primary Arms SLX 4-16X44 FFP Riflescope
  3. Monstrum Banshee 2-10×30 MPVO Rifle Scope
  4. Trijicon TR20 AccuPoint 3-9×40 Riflescopes
  5. Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 Riflescope with DZ22 Reticle
  6. Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Dusk & Dawn Hunting Riflescope
  7. Vantage 30 WA IR 2.5-10×50 Riflescope
  8. NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20x56mm Zeroset .250 MOA Scope

1. Bushnell Elite 4500 4-16×50 Hunting Riflescope

For hunters seeking unparalleled image clarity in their varmint scopes, the Bushnell Elite 4500 4-16×50 Hunting Riflescope, with its Ultra-Wide Band Coatings, emerges as the top pick. This scope’s Exo Barrier protective lens coating repels water, oil, and dust, guaranteeing your view remains clear in any condition. It’s built to last, with a waterproof construction that can handle the most challenging environments.

The capped windage and elevation adjustments provide precision shooting, and the Multi-X Reticle in the second focal plane ensures accuracy. It’s o-ring sealed and boasts an IPX7 waterproof rating, highlighting its durability.

Weighing in at a comfortable weight, the Bushnell Elite 4500 strikes the perfect balance between robustness and manageability. It’s designed to cater to both seasoned shooters and newcomers to the sport. Thanks to its user-friendly features and ergonomic design, this scope stands out as a dependable addition to any hunting gear.

Best For: Hunters and shooters who prioritize optical clarity and durability in challenging environmental conditions.

Pros:

  • Ultra-Wide Band Coatings ensure superior image clarity.
  • Exo Barrier protective lens coating repels water, oil, and dust.
  • Waterproof and rugged construction suitable for all hunting conditions.

Cons:

  • No illuminated reticle which might limit low-light performance.

2. Primary Arms SLX 4-16X44 FFP Riflescope

If you’re in the market for a varmint scope that provides unmatched precision, the Primary Arms SLX 4-16X44 FFP Riflescope with its illuminated reticle is your top choice. Crafted from durable aluminum and sporting a sleek black finish, this scope is tailored for the serious hunter. Its ACSS R GRID 2B style and 4x minimum magnification guarantee you have the versatility and clarity needed for those long-range shots. Despite lacking night vision, its illuminated reticle compensates, enhancing your accuracy in low-light conditions.

Weighing in at a comfortable weight and equipped with a 30mm main tube, it’s both robust and manageable. The package includes lens covers and a CR2032 3V lithium coin battery, ensuring you’re prepared to go right out of the box. With a limited lifetime warranty, Primary Arms stands behind their product, giving you peace of mind. Customer reviews rave about its glass clarity and reticle performance, placing it favorably against competitors like Vortex and Nightforce. Whether you’re adjusting for wind or calculating bullet drop, this riflescope is a dependable companion for your hunting adventures.

Best For: Hunters and shooters looking for a versatile, high-precision riflescope for long-range targeting.

Pros:

  • Illuminated reticle enhances accuracy in low-light conditions.
  • Robust aluminum construction with a sleek black finish for durability.
  • Comes with lens covers and a CR2032 3V lithium coin battery, ready to use.

Cons:

  • Lacks night vision capability, limiting use in very low light conditions.

3. Monstrum Banshee 2-10×30 MPVO Rifle Scope

Gun enthusiasts seeking a versatile varmint scope will find the Monstrum Banshee 2-10×30 MPVO Rifle Scope with its offset mount an ideal choice for precision shooting. This mid-power variable optic offers a magnification range from 2x to 10x, perfect for both close and long-range targeting. You’ll appreciate the choice between an MX1 box reticle or a BDC B1 reticle, along with inline dial-controlled reticle illumination featuring 5 brightness levels for peak visibility in various lighting conditions. The scope’s anti-reflective lens coating enhances light transmission, ensuring clear views.

Included are Monstrum’s Offset Scope Mount and Flip-Up Lens Covers for added convenience. Users rave about its clarity, ease of adjustment, and quick target acquisition capabilities. Plus, its rock-solid construction and effective BDC reticle make it a reliable choice. However, be aware of its second focal plane design and some reports of mushy turret detents. Overall, this scope’s wide magnification range, illuminated reticle options, and solid mount make it a standout option for precision shooting.

Best For: Gun enthusiasts seeking a versatile and reliable scope for both close and long-range precision shooting.

Pros:

  • Wide magnification range from 2x to 10x, accommodating various shooting distances.
  • Includes effective BDC reticle for easy target acquisition and adjustment.
  • Comes with a solid single-piece mount and illuminated reticle options for enhanced visibility.

Cons:

  • Turret caps aren’t tethered, which could lead to loss or misplacement.

4. Trijicon TR20 AccuPoint 3-9×40 Riflescopes

Precision shooters looking for a varmint scope that offers zero distortion and battery-free illumination will find the Trijicon TR20 AccuPoint 3-9×40 Riflescopes to be an ideal choice. Crafted with superior quality lenses, it guarantees your view remains crystal clear at any magnification, giving you an edge in precision shooting.

Its fiber optic technology, paired with a tritium phosphor lamp, means you’re never left in the dark, providing reliable illumination in low-light conditions without the need for batteries. The aircraft-grade aluminum housing ensures ruggedness in any weather, making it a durable companion for your shooting adventures. With its second focal plane reticle, you get precise aiming even at higher magnifications, ensuring your shots land exactly where you intend.

Best For: Precision shooters and hunters who demand high-quality optics with battery-free illumination and rugged durability for various lighting conditions and environments.

Pros:

  • Superior lens quality with zero distortion ensures crystal clear views at all magnifications.
  • Battery-free illumination via fiber optic technology and tritium phosphor lamp offers reliability in low-light conditions.
  • Durable aircraft-grade aluminum housing provides all-weather ruggedness and longevity.

Cons:

  • Higher price point may not be suitable for budget-conscious shooters.

5. Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 Riflescope with DZ22 Reticle

Designed for enthusiasts of varmint hunting, the Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 Riflescope with DZ22 Reticle excels in delivering peak performance specifically with 40-grain .22 LR ammunition. Its BDC reticle provides hold positions out to 125 yards, allowing for precise targeting at various distances. The capped turrets protect your settings from accidental adjustments, ensuring that your scope remains dialed in for your next shot.

Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum and featuring multi-coated optics, this riflescope offers enhanced durability and improved resolution. With an IPX7 waterproof rating and covered by an Ironclad lifetime warranty, you’re assured of its reliability in the field. Plus, its enhanced optical glass enhances contrast and resolution, making it easier to spot and aim at your target.

Best For: Varmint hunters and enthusiasts of .22 LR shooting sports seeking a reliable, high-performance riflescope.

Pros:

  • Designed specifically for 40-grain .22 LR, with BDC reticle for hold positions up to 125 yards.
  • Durable aircraft-grade aluminum body and IPX7 waterproof rating ensure long-term reliability in various conditions.
  • Enhanced optical glass and multi-coated optics improve contrast, resolution, and overall visual clarity.

Cons:

  • Some users report mixed reviews on clarity and focus, indicating potential variability in product quality.

6. Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Dusk & Dawn Hunting Riflescope

If you’re out hunting from dawn till dusk, the Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Dusk & Dawn Hunting Riflescope, with its fully multi-coated optics for high-contrast images, is your ideal companion. This scope, featuring a matte black finish and a Circle-X reticle, is designed for precision and dependability. It’s suitable for rifles and mounts easily with a cantilever mount. Despite lacking night vision, this riflescope offers an extended 6 inches of eye relief, making it comfortable for long durations.

Its fog-proof and waterproof features, ensured by Argon purging and an IPX7 rating, ensure it can withstand any hunting scenarios. It is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry. With a lifetime guarantee from Bushnell, this isn’t just an investment in your hunting equipment; it’s a pledge to excellence.

Best For: Hunters seeking a reliable and affordable riflescope with clear optics for use from dawn till dusk.

Pros:

  • Fully multi-coated optics provide high-contrast images, ensuring clear visibility in various lighting conditions.
  • Waterproof and fog-proof construction enhances durability and reliability in all weather conditions.
  • Extended 6 inches of eye relief offers comfort for prolonged use, making it suitable for extensive hunting sessions.

Cons:

  • Lacks night vision capability, limiting its use in very low light conditions beyond dusk and dawn.

7. Vantage 30 WA IR 2.5-10×50 Riflescope

Hunters seeking exceptional night vision capabilities will find the Vantage 30 WA IR Riflescope 2.5-10×50, 30mm, IR (L4A Dot) an ideal choice for their nocturnal expeditions. Produced by Hawke Sport Optics, this scope is tailored for the hunting sport, featuring a sturdy 30mm mono-tube chassis for reliability. With its wide-angle view and illumination, it guarantees a clear sight even in low-light conditions.

The scope comes with a magnification range of 2.5x to 10x, allowing you to adjust your view according to the distance of your target. The 50mm objective lens, coupled with 11 layer fully multi-coated lenses, ensures bright and clear visuals. It’s also equipped with capped low-profile turrets for easy adjustments. The package includes various accessories like lens covers and a CR2032 battery, ensuring you’re field-ready right out of the box.

Best For: Hunters seeking enhanced visibility for nocturnal or low-light conditions.

Pros:

  • Wide magnification range (2.5x to 10x) accommodates various hunting distances.
  • Night vision capabilities with IR illumination for clear sight in low-light conditions.
  • Comes fully equipped with accessories like lens covers and a battery for immediate use.

Cons:

  • Mixed feedback on the product’s shape and clarity could indicate quality inconsistency.

8. NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20x56mm Zeroset .250 MOA Scope

For precision shooters aiming at varmints or big game from various ranges, the NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20x56mm Zeroset .250 MOA Scope with its MOAR/Forceplex Reticle stands out as an exceptional choice. It’s the most powerful in the SHV line, perfect for a variety of targets. You’ll find it offers 80 MOA of elevation adjustment and side parallax adjustment. Its ZeroSet technology lets you quickly revert to your initial zero setting. Whether you choose the MOAR or Forceplex reticle, both come with options for center illumination.

This scope, which can be mounted on rifles using a Picatinny mount, is lauded for its crisp optics, sturdy construction, and dependable adjustments. Noteworthy for its durability and high-quality glass, it is considered a smart choice for shooters aiming for accuracy in their pursuits.

Best For: Precision shooters aiming at varmints, big game, or paper targets who require a high-quality scope with great versatility and precision.

Pros:

  • High-quality optics provide clear visuals even at long ranges.
  • Robust construction and durability ensure long-term reliability.
  • ZeroSet technology allows for quick return to initial zero, enhancing shooting accuracy.

Cons:

  • The premium price point may not suit all budgets.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Varmint Scopes

When you’re in the market for a varmint scope, several important factors come into play.

You’ll need to contemplate the magnification range, which determines how close you can zoom in on your target, and the type of reticle, which can greatly impact your precision.

Additionally, lens clarity, weight and durability, and illumination options are vital elements that will influence your shooting experience.

Magnification Range

Selecting the appropriate magnification range is crucial for enhancing your accuracy and success in varmint hunting. Magnification for varmint scopes starts at 3x and can exceed 20x. This range caters to both close and distant shots.

If your hunting involves longer distances, choosing higher magnification, like 12-24x, improves precision by offering detailed views, though it reduces your field of view. On the other hand, a lower range, such as 3-9x, provides flexibility across different environments by balancing zoom and a wide view.

Your decision should take into account the target size, terrain, and typical shooting conditions. Picking the right magnification range ensures you’re prepared for precision, whether aiming at close quarters or engaging from a distance.

Reticle Types

After covering magnification range, it’s also important to contemplate the type of reticle in your varmint scope for enhanced precision and success.

BDC reticles can be a game-changer for long-range shots, compensating for bullet drop so you’re on target.

Mil-Dot reticles are invaluable for estimating distance and adjusting for holdover, ensuring your shots are accurate.

If you’re looking for precision, MOA reticles allow for adjustments in minute angles, making every shot count.

In low-light conditions, an illuminated reticle can make all the difference, enhancing visibility and target acquisition.

For simplicity and effectiveness, a Duplex reticle, with its thicker outer lines narrowing to a fine crosshair, offers quick target acquisition, making it a solid choice for varmint hunting.

Lens Clarity

Understanding lens clarity is pivotal as it directly influences your ability to spot and accurately hit small, distant targets during varmint hunting. High-quality lenses, equipped with multi-coatings, play an essential role here. They not only improve light transmission but also minimize glare and sharpen the image.

This enhancement in lens clarity is indispensable for identifying tiny targets from afar, ensuring your shots are as accurate as possible. Especially in low-light conditions, common during the early mornings and late evenings of hunting, superior lens clarity becomes a game-changer. It allows for better target identification and tracking, aspects critical for a successful hunt.

Weight and Durability

When selecting a varmint scope, it’s crucial to think about its weight and durability to make sure it complements your hunting gear without compromise.

You’ll need to take into account the weight of the scope to guarantee it doesn’t disrupt your rifle’s balance or make it a burden to carry during long hunts.

Durability is equally vital. Search for scopes crafted from tough materials like aircraft-grade aluminum or high-quality polymers, designed to withstand the challenges of hunting environments. Scopes with shockproof construction can handle recoil and accidental knocks without damage, ensuring they maintain accuracy.

Additionally, choosing waterproof, fog-resistant, and weather-resistant coatings is wise, guaranteeing your scope performs effectively in various conditions.

Illumination Options

Exploring lighting options in varmint scopes can greatly enhance your low-light hunting experiences by making it easier to spot and aim at targets. These scopes often feature illuminated reticles, which come with adjustable brightness settings. This feature is incredibly useful during dusk or dawn, times when the lighting isn’t ideal for hunting.

The ability to adjust the brightness guarantees that the reticle provides a stark contrast against dark backgrounds, improving your accuracy and target identification. Additionally, you can choose between red or green illumination based on your personal preference and environmental factors. This choice can greatly impact how quickly and accurately you can acquire your target.

Different lighting conditions require varied illumination settings, and having the flexibility to adjust these can boost your success rate on the field.

Waterproof Rating

Why should you pay attention to the waterproof rating when choosing a varmint scope?

The waterproof rating, standardized by the IPX system, is vital because it indicates how well the scope can handle exposure to water.

For instance, a rating of IPX7 means the scope can resist water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes.

This feature is especially important for varmint scopes used in hunting, as it guarantees they can withstand heavy rain or accidental submersion without damage.

A higher waterproof rating not only shields against moisture and fogging but also enhances the scope’s durability and reliability in various conditions.

Adjustment Features

Adjustment features in varmint scopes are essential for ensuring your shots land precisely where you intend, especially under varying conditions. You’ll want to look for scopes with accurate and repeatable adjustments, which are critical for accurate shot placement.

Consider options that offer tactile and audible turret clicks, making it easier for you to adjust in the field without losing focus. Zero-reset features are also significant; they allow a quick return to your initial zero setting, saving time and hassle.

Additionally, scopes equipped with side parallax adjustment help eliminate parallax error at different distances, ensuring your aim is accurate. Finally, opting for scopes with generous elevation and windage adjustment ranges gives you the flexibility to adapt to various shooting conditions, enhancing your overall precision.

Price Considerations

After considering the technical adjustment features necessary for precision, it’s important to also weigh the cost implications of your varmint scope choice. Look for a balance between quality and affordability to guarantee you’re getting value for money.

You should compare prices across different brands and models to find the best deal without compromising on essential features. Remember to factor in additional costs like mounting accessories or warranties when evaluating the overall price. Keep an eye out for sales, promotions, or discounts from reputable retailers to potentially save money.

Conclusion

Selecting the right varmint scope can make a significant difference in your precision shooting. Whether you’re inclined towards the clarity of the Bushnell Elite 4500, the versatility of the Primary Arms SLX, or the precision of the NIGHTFORCE SHV, it’s essential to take into account factors like magnification, reticle type, and durability.

Keep in mind, the optimal scope is one that suits your specific requirements and budget. So, take your time, evaluate your choices, and prepare to enhance your shooting accuracy with the ideal varmint scope.

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