Are you looking for the 7 Best Rimfire Scopes For Squirrel Hunting? you’re at the right location. When it comes to squirrel hunting, having the right equipment may make all the difference. One of the most crucial pieces of gear for any squirrel hunter is a decent rimfire sight. A rimfire scope offers the necessary magnification and accuracy for aiming at these small, fast-moving creatures in a range of environments.
When shooting at close range, scopes with adjustable parallax come in handy since they keep the crosshairs on target and the target clear. Due to their small size, most individuals utilize shotguns with birdshot or rimfire rifles or handguns. The 7 Best Rimfire Scopes For Squirrel Hunting, which delivers the least amount of damage to the meat while yet packing a punch far enough to keep the squirrel anchored to the spot.
Best Rimfire Scopes For Squirrel Hunting
1) Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire
Specifically made for rimfire rifles, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire scope has several features that make it a popular choice for small game hunting, including squirrel hunting. It is appropriate for close-up and mid-range shots due to its versatile 2-7x magnification range, which allows for different shooting distances. An excellent compromise between light transmission and small size is guaranteed by the 32mm objective lens.
The V-Plex reticle offers accuracy and user-friendliness, specifically tailored to meet the demands of rimfire shooters. Light transmission is improved and bright, clear images are produced by fully multi-coated lenses.
Made from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, it is strong and made to endure hard field conditions and recoil. The scope is waterproof and fogproof thanks to O-ring seals and nitrogen purging, which guarantees dependability in a range of weather situations. Remember this is our first choice of the 7 Best Rimfire Scopes For Squirrel Hunting.
Specifications
- Magnification ranges from 2 to 7x.
- The diameter of the objective lens is 32 mm.
- There are 3.9 inches of eye relief.
- Viewing distance is 42-12.6 feet/100 yards.
- Aluminum of Aircraft Grade
2) Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9x40mm
Popular among rimfire shooters, particularly for squirrel hunting, is the Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9x40mm riflescope. Close to moderate-range shooting is appropriate due to the 3–9x magnification range’s versatility for different firing distances.
Clear and brilliant photos can be obtained even in low light thanks to the 40mm objective lens’s high light transfer. .22LR and other rimfire calibers are provided with exact holdover points thanks to this rimfire-specific design.
Leupold scopes are renowned for their durable design. Because the VX-Freedom is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof, it performs dependably in a range of weather conditions. Improves low-light image brightness and clarity, which is advantageous around twilight or morning when squirrel activity is at its peak.
To mount the sight on your rifle, make sure you have the right rings and bases. Higher rings may be needed to provide the 40mm objective lens enough clearance. Although most rimfire shooting circumstances can be accommodated by the fixed parallax of the VX-Freedom Rimfire model, which is set at 60 yards, some shooters prefer adjustable parallax for more accuracy at different distances.
Specifications
- Offering a Variety of Reticle Choices
- System for Managing Twilight Lights
- Lenses that Resist Scratches
- The magnification range is 3–9 times.
- 40 mm is the objective lens diameter.
- One-inch diameter is the main tube.
- MOA reticle rimfireOutstanding Optical Quality
- Small and Lightweight
- Sturdy Design
- Both fog- and water-proof
3) Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9×40
Popular riflescopes like the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9×40 are well-liked because of their dependability and cost. Because of its multi-coated lenses, the Dusk & Dawn series is intended to produce bright and crisp photos, particularly in low light.
Its 3–9x magnification range allows it to be versatile for a range of shooting distances, which makes it appropriate for target and hunting shooting. The scope’s sturdy one-piece tube design makes it resistant to both recoil and inclement weather. Usually, it has a Multi-X reticle, which has a straightforward crosshair pattern for rapid target acquisition.
features multi-coated lenses from Bushnell called Twilight & Dawn Brightness (DDB), which are intended to improve brightness and clarity in low-light situations like dawn and twilight. Provides a fingertip windage and elevation adjustment of 1/4 MOA for quick and accurate field adjustments. gives you a pleasant amount of eye relief so you can wear it for longer periods without getting eye strain.
Specifications
- 60 MOA is the adjustment range.
- It is 12 inches long.
- It weighs 13 ounces.
- Fog-proof, shock-proof, and waterproof
- (3–9x) magnification
- 40 mm is the objective lens diameter.
- One-inch tubes have a diameter.
- Viewing distances are 40 feet at 3x and 13 feet at 9x.
4) Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II 3-9×40
A well-liked option for rimfire shooters is the Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II 3-9×40. As Nikon is recognized for producing high-quality optics, the ProStaff Rimfire II is no exception. A crisp and brilliant sight picture is produced by the 40mm objective lens and the 3–9x magnification range.
Nikon’s BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) reticle, intended to help adjust for bullet drop at different distances, is included in the ProStaff Rimfire II. Considering that rimfire rifles have a more noticeable bullet drop than centerfire rifles, this can be very helpful for them.
Since rimfire rifles are usually used at shorter ranges than centerfire rifles, this scope’s parallax setting of 50 yards is perfect for them. The ProStaff Rimfire II is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed for waterproof and fog-proof performance, and it is designed to endure the recoil of rimfire rifles.
Specifications
- 3.6 inches of eye relief
- At 100 yards, the field of view is 11.3-33.8 feet.
- The BDC 150 (Bullet Drop Compensating) reticle
- 50 yards to infinity is the parallax setting.
- A 1/4 MOA adjustment gradient is used.
- It is 12.3 inches long.
- It weighs 13.1 ounces.
- Three to nine times magnification
- 40 mm is the objective lens diameter.
5) Primary Arms Classic Series 6×32 Rimfire
A well-liked option for rimfire fans is the Primary Arms Classic Series 6×32 Rimfire scope. For short- to medium-range shooting, its fixed magnification of 6x is perfect. Even in low light, the 32mm objective lens produces a crisp and brilliant sight picture. Specifically developed for the 22LR cartridge, this reticle provides wind holds and bullet drop adjustment for increased accuracy at various ranges.
The scope’s robust, fog-resistant, waterproof aluminum body is designed to handle shock and hard handling. You may concentrate the reticle of the sight to get crisper images at different distances thanks to its adjustable parallax knob.
With simple-to-use turrets for adjusting windage and elevation, the scope is uncomplicated to use. The Primary Arms Classic Series 6×32 Rimfire sight is a terrific option for shooters on a tight budget because it is reasonably priced when compared to other scopes in its class.
Specifications
- Its length is almost 9.5 inches.
- It weighs roughly 11.5 ounces.
- The eye relief measures about 3.1 inches.
- The field of view at 100 yards is roughly 17.5 feet.
- 50 MOA is the total windage adjustment.
- There is no parallax at 50 yards.
- It is 9.1 inches long.
- It weighs 11.5 oz.
6) Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Mag(R) Riflescope
With features that make it ideal for rimfire shooting, the Simmons 3-9x32mm.22 Mag(R) riflescope is made exclusively for use with.22 caliber rifles. You can zoom in for close-up photographs at longer distances or out for a broader field of view at shorter ones thanks to the 3–9x magnification range’s adaptability.
A bright and crisp image is produced by the efficient light gathering of the 32mm objective lens, particularly in low light. Usually, the riflescope has a reticle designed specifically for rimfires, which frequently has features like bullet drop correction (BDC) for different 22LR loads.
The riflescope is frequently shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof, guaranteeing dependable performance in a variety of situations. It is designed to endure the recoil of rimfire rifles. When zeroing a rifle, look for windage and elevation adjustment turrets that are precise and easy to use. For rifles with heavier recoil, in particular, comfortable eye relief is crucial to preventing scope eye injuries.
Specifications
- 3.75 inches is the eye relief.
- 0.25 MOA is the adjustment click value.
- 60 MOA is the adjustment range for windage and elevation.
- The factory-set parallax setting is 50 yards.
- It is twelve inches long.
- It weighs 10.3 oz.
7) Vantage IR Riflescope 4-12×40
The 4-12×40 Hawke Sport Optics Vantage IR Riflescope is the last of the 7 Best Rimfire Scopes For Squirrel Hunting and an adaptable riflescope that can be used for a variety of shooting activities, such as target practice and hunting. You can zoom in for close-up photographs at a distance or out for a broader field of view at closer ranges thanks to the 4–12x magnification range’s adaptability.
Good light transmission is made possible by the 40mm objective lens diameter, which is crucial for preserving a bright and crisp image, particularly in low light. When aiming at dark targets or in low light, the illuminated reticle improves visibility. You can also change the brightness level to suit your preferences.
A variety of reticle configurations are usually available for the Vantage IR riflescope, including the well-liked Mil-Dot reticle, which provides many aiming points for holdover and windage corrections. The riflescope is often made of premium materials to guarantee resilience to shock and wear. To make it waterproof and fog-proof and to improve its performance in a range of weather situations, it is frequently purged with nitrogen.
Vantage IR riflescope turrets are usually made to be precise and easy to adjust, so you can zero your rifle fast and make changes as needed. The riflescope is a versatile option for many shooters because it can be used with a variety of weapons and shooting situations.
Specifications
- Variable magnification of 4–12x
- 40 mm objective lens
- Modifiable Goal (AO)
- Winchester Magnum Rimfire, or WMR
- Glass Reticle with Etching
- Tube Diameter of One Inch
- Reticle Lighting (IR)
- Design Particular to Rimfire
- Dependable Building
Read Also:
7 Best Scopes For 22lr Squirrel Hunting
Best Scopes for Deer Hunting With 308
Factors to consider when choosing the Best Rimfire Scopes For Squirrel Hunting
Magnification Range
Seek for a scope with a modest range of magnification, usually between 3 and 9 times. This range keeps a large field of view for close-range shots while offering sufficient magnification for medium-range shots. A wide range of magnification, often from 3 to 9x, offers the flexibility needed for various hunting environments, from thick woods to open fields.
Objective Lens
More light can be collected by a bigger objective lens (around 40–50 mm), which improves visibility in low light. Larger objective lenses, however, may make the scope heavier.
Reticle Type
For squirrel hunting, a straightforward, inconspicuous reticle—like a duplex or a BDC (bullet drop compensator) reticle may be perfect since it enables speedy target acquisition without encroaching too much on the target.
Durability
Given that it will be used outside and be subjected to various pressures such as repeated shots, exposure to bad weather, and rough handling, any hunting scope needs to be extremely durable. Look for scopes with features like fog-proofing, waterproof construction, and shockproof design if you want a reliable scope that will perform under any conditions.
Price
Performance and quality should always come first, even though costs should always be considered. A high-quality rimfire scope may cost more upfront, but over time, years of dependable use and improved hunting success will save you money.
Quality Optics
Select a scope equipped with superior lenses to achieve clear, sharp images. Seek for scopes with premium glass and several coatings on their lenses to enhance light transmission and minimize glare, providing crisp, clear images even in low light. Better optical quality enhances your ability to recognize squirrels and sets them apart from their environment.
FAQs of the Best Rimfire Scopes For Squirrel Hunting
- Which kind of reticle is ideal for squirrel hunting?
For squirrel shooting, a straightforward duplex or German #4 reticle is frequently recommended. For fast target acquisition, these reticles provide a clear aiming point without being overly cluttered.
- Which size objective lens is ideal for a squirrel hunting scope?
For squirrel hunting, an objective lens size between 32 and 40 mm is appropriate. It doesn’t significantly increase the scope’s weight while yet enabling adequate light transmission in low light.
- Is it necessary to correct parallax for squirrel hunting?
For squirrel hunting, particularly at standard hunting ranges, parallax adjustments are not required. For most squirrel hunting scenarios, a scope set between 50 and 100 yards or a fixed parallax will suffice.
Conclusion
All things considered, selecting the 7 Best Rimfire Scopes For Squirrel Hunting requires a thorough evaluation of numerous factors to ensure top performance in the field. provides outstanding performance, a bright, clean sight picture, and a sturdy build. Because of its simplicity and versatility, it’s perfect for squirrel hunting.