If you are seeking a reliable hunting rifle scope for squirrel hunting, you have come to the right place. Our focus is on the best 22LR squirrel hunting scopes that will help you harvest more prey with less work.
Squirrel hunting with a .22LR demands precision, especially in dense foliage or low light. A good scope will bridge the gap between your skills and the environment, and in this buying guide, we will walk you through the best 22LR squirrel hunting scopes available on the market.
Investing in the right scope is key to transforming a basic rimfire rifle into a highly effective small-game hunting tool. The scope will improve both your shooting confidence and success rate in the field. Additionally, it will speed up target acquisition in different hunting environments.
What Makes a Great 22LR Squirrel Hunting Scope?
The .22LR scopes designed for squirrel hunting should be lightweight, durable, and capable of holding zero under repeated recoil, even if minimal. Furthermore, the scope should have:
- Moderate Magnification. With a moderate magnification range, such as 2-7x or 3-9x, the scope is typically ideal for short to mid-range engagements, offering a good balance between field of view and target detail.
- Compact and Portable. Furthermore, the best 22LR squirrel hunting scopes should be compact and portable without weighing you down during long walks in the woods.
- Clear Optics. Squirrel hunting often takes place in early morning or late evening, so the scope should have multi-coated lenses for bright and clear image views.
- Weatherproof Design. In addition, the scope should be 100% waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof to withstand field conditions, including rain, humidity, and occasional bumps.
- Rimfire-Specific Calibrations. A great scope for squirrel hunting should also have rimfire-specific reticles designed for .22LR ballistics, such as BDC.
7 Best 22LR Squirrel Hunting Scopes
If you probe the market, there are numerous hunting rifle scopes and choosing an effective solution for your 22LR can be taxing. We are here to make the selection process less taxing.
Our search for the best 22LR squirrel hunting scopes unearthed rifle scopes that will hone your hunting skills and elevate your shooting experience to new heights. Let’s take a look, shall we?
1) Vortex Diamondback 2-7x35mm Rimfire Rifle Scope
Built to elevate your hunting skills, the Vortex Diamondback 2-7x35mm rimfire rifle scope is one of the best 22LR squirrel hunting scopes as it helps you to accurately sight targets and take them down with utmost precision.
It stands out as a top-tier optic in the rimfire category, offering an excellent balance of affordability and premium performance. Dominate your next hunt by mounting a reliable rifle scope on your air rifle.
Designed specifically for rimfire platforms, this scope features a versatile 2-7x magnification range that excels at both close- and mid-range shooting. The 35mm objective lens, combined with Vortex’s fully multi-coated optics, delivers crisp, bright images even in low-light conditions across the zoom range.
Furthermore, the scope’s exceptional performance in low-light conditions makes it perfect for early morning squirrel hunts or twilight target practice. It also boasts a Dead-Hold BDC reticle that is a major asset for hunting.
Durability is another strong suit of the Diamondback. It’s constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum for ultimate durability. Additionally, the optical tube is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, making it waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof.
Pros
- Generous and forgiving eye relief
- Lightweight design
- Durable construction
- Excellent low-light capability
- Brilliant contrast and sharpness that serve up impressive images
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
2) Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-16x50mm AO Rifle Scope
Designed for medium and long-range hunting, especially in low-light conditions, the Hawke Sports Optics 4-16×50 Vantage AO IR Riflescope boasts a large objective to draw in generous amounts of light to allow its use at dawn and dusk, or in heavily canopied areas.
To further improve the scope’s performance, all of its optical surfaces are fully multi-coated to boost light transmission and improve color fidelity, contrast, and overall image brightness. The large objective also helps to produce a comfortable exit pupil so that when the eye dilates in low-light, the full field of view is easy to see without having to move your eye or head to see the whole scene.
Regarding reticle, the mil-dot reticle offers versatile aiming points, which are especially useful for holdover and windage compensation. Furthermore, the adjustable objective (AO) feature is particularly helpful for eliminating parallax at various ranges.
Another impressive feature of this rifle scope is its build quality. Its 1” chassis is machined from a single piece of lightweight, aircraft-grade aluminum and incorporates a specialist erector system to maximize internal stability. Furthermore, the tube is waterproof and shockproof with nitrogen-purged optics to prevent fogging and misting.
Pros
- Commendable glass clarity
- Solid construction
- Exceptional low-light performance
- Smooth, easy magnification adjustment
Cons
- The eye relief is a bit limited at higher magnifications
3) Burris Fullfield IV 3-12×42 mm SFP Rifle Scope
The Burris Fullfield IV 3-12×42 mm rifle scope delivers unrivaled performance, making it an ideal choice for varmint and big-game hunting. With an improved 4x zoom system, premium, multi-coated lenses for edge-to-edge clarity and low-light performance, this rifle scope excels in squirrel hunting for all users, including beginners.
This rifle scope is designed with user convenience in mind. The durable, integrated eyepiece design has a no-slip grip for easy adjustment in the field. Furthermore, the sleek new design with finger-adjustable turret knobs makes adjustments a breeze, while the wide selection of reticles for both hunting and long-distance target shooting further enhances its functionality.
Construction-wise, the nitrogen-filled 1-inch scope tube prevents fogging, even in cold and rain, and is waterproof for use even in adverse weather conditions. The Fullfield IV 3-12×42 riflescope has exactly what you need to get the job done in any prevailing weather.
Moreover, the high-grade optical glass provides excellent brightness and clarity with lasting durability. The scope is also lightweight and easy to carry in the field. Push your varmint hunting air rifle to new distances by pairing it with an efficient rifle scope.
Pros
- Value for money
- High-grade optical glass
- Large and clear field of view
- Solid turrets with positive clicks
- Rugged and lightweight construction
Cons
- Lacks high-end features like an illuminated reticle or zero stop
4) Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope
As one of the best 22LR squirrel hunting scopes, the Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope delivers a well-balanced mix of clarity, durability, and performance specifically tuned for rimfire rifles.
Carrying the renowned Leupold name, this rifle scope features an outstanding optical system that provides excellent light transmission and edge-to-edge sharpness. The 33mm objective lens provides a bright, clear image even in low light, and the 1/4 MOA finger-click adjustments make zeroing quick and easy.
Furthermore, the Rimfire MOA reticle is calibrated perfectly for .22 LR ballistics, helping shooters make accurate shots without unnecessary guesswork. With zoom power, the 2-7x magnification range is ideal for short to mid-range shooting.
Another feature that sets the VX-Freedom apart is its rugged build. It’s constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum and is 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof to withstand field abuse and weather extremes.
Despite its tough build, it’s lightweight and compact, making it a great match for smaller rimfire rifles. On top of that, the matte finish reduces glare and blends well with most rifle finishes.
Pros
- Large field of view
- Outstanding value for its price point
- Rugged build quality
- Bright and clear images even in low light
Cons
- Lack of parallax adjustment, which limits precision at closer distances
5) BSA Optics Sweet .22 6-18x40mm Rifle Scope
Specifically designed for Specifically designed for .22LR in 36, 38, and 40 grain bullets, the BSA Optics Sweet .22 6-18x40mm Rifle Scope is the best budget 22LR squirrel hunting scope.
The scope offers a magnification range of 6x to 18x, giving users excellent versatility for mid- to long-range shooting. Its 40mm objective lens ensures decent light transmission in most daylight conditions, and the fully multi-coated optics help produce clear, crisp images.
Moreover, the scope boasts a trajectory-compensating turret system, calibrated specifically for .22 LR rounds. It allows shooters to make quick and easy adjustments based on distance, an advantage for plinking or precision small game hunting.
Construction-wise, the scope is solid for its class, with a one-inch tube and a matte black finish that resists glare and minor abrasions. The parallax adjustment, located on the objective bell, enhances accuracy at varying distances, and the adjustable turrets are tactile and easy to reset to zero.
Equip your air gun with this rifle scope and achieve true long-range accuracy seamlessly. As one of the best 22LR squirrel hunting scopes, the BSA .22 rifle scope delivers incredible precision on the hunting grounds making it an ideal choice for serious varmint hunters.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Value for money
- Bright and clear optics
- Exceptional low-light visibility
Cons
- Narrow eye relief
6) Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
The Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope delivers dependable performance and solid value for hunters looking to take their skills a notch higher.
The selling point of this hunting scope is its optical clarity. It features fully multi-coated optics that provide a bright and clear sight picture, even in lower light conditions such as early morning or dusk. Additionally, the 40mm objective lens allows sufficient light transmission without adding excessive bulk.
Regarding magnification, the versatile 3-9x magnification range makes it suitable for everything from short-range plinking to mid-range hunting. It is complemented by a Mil-Dot reticle that offers practical aiming points for elevation and windage, aiding in more precise shot placement.
Build quality is equally impressive for its price point, with a durable one-inch aluminum tube that can withstand moderate recoil from common calibers like .223 or .308. The tube is nitrogen-purged for fog and waterproof performance, ensuring reliability in harsh weather conditions.
Above all, the windage and elevation turrets are finger-adjustable and provide positive clicks.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight construction
- Excellent light transmission in low light
- Durable, recoil-resistant mono-chassis design
- No snag, low-profile turrets
Cons
- Tight eye relief at maximum zoom level
7) Barska 3-12×40 AO Air Gun Rifle Scope
The Barska 3-12×40 AO Air Gun Rifle Scope is our last recommendation for the best 22LR squirrel hunting scopes. It is a versatile optic designed specifically to handle the unique demands of air rifle shooting.
One of its standout features is the adjustable objective (AO), which allows for parallax correction and sharp focus from close range to long distance. Additionally, the 3-12x magnification range provides ample versatility for both short- and medium-range shooting.
Optically, the 40mm objective lens gathers plenty of light, offering bright, clear images even in lower lighting conditions. The scope also features fully coated optics, which help reduce glare and improve contrast, and a Mil-Dot reticle that offers useful holdover points for accurate shot placement at varying distances.
- Regarding build quality, the Barska scope is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, offering water, fog, and shock resistance. It is also recoil-resistant to withstand the unique recoil of spring-piston air rifles.
Pros
- Finger-adjustable turrets
- Solid optical clarity
- Adjustable objective
- Budget-friendly
- Calibrated parallax-free at 50 yards
Cons
- Reduced clarity at higher power
Further Reading
- Best 17 HMR Scopes
- Air Guns for Hunting Squirrels
- Best Vortex Varmint Scopes
- Rimfire Scopes for 200 Yards
How to Choose the Best 22LR Squirrel Hunting Scopes
Finding purpose-driven rifle scopes for small game hunting is easier when you know the attributes to consider. Below are the main factors to keep in mind when selecting the best 22LR squirrel hunting scopes:
Magnification Range
The ideal magnification for a .22LR squirrel hunting scope typically ranges from 3x to 9x. Since squirrel hunting is usually done at short to mid-range distances around 25–100 yards, you don’t need extreme magnification.
A variable magnification scope, such as a 2-7x or 3-9x, gives you the flexibility to zoom in for precise headshots at longer distances while still maintaining a wide field of view for closer targets.
Optical Clarity and Lens Quality
High-quality glass and lens coatings make a major difference in spotting small targets like squirrels, especially when they’re camouflaged in trees. Opt for a scope with fully multi-coated lenses, which enhance light transmission and reduce glare, giving you a bright, clear image in various lighting conditions.
Read: Best Scopes for 30-06
Reticle Type and Precision
For squirrel hunting, a simple, fine crosshair reticle or a duplex reticle is often the best choice. These allow for precise shot placement without unnecessary distractions.
A clutter-free reticle also helps you focus on small, partially obscured targets like a squirrel’s head or chest while maintaining accuracy.
Parallax Adjustment
Scopes with adjustable parallax, also known as adjustable objective (AO) or side-focus scopes, are extremely useful for .22LR squirrel hunting. At close ranges, parallax errors can throw off your point of aim, making precise shots difficult. A scope with parallax adjustment allows you to adjust the parallax down to 10 or 25 yards and ensures your sight picture and point of impact align perfectly.
Read: Best Varmint Scopes for 223
Durability and Weather Resistance
Hunting in the woods often exposes your gear to moisture, dirt, bumps, and scratches. The best 22LR squirrel hunting scopes should be waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant to prevent internal fogging and water intrusion.
Furthermore, the scope should have a rugged, aircraft-grade aluminum body that is rigid enough to withstand abuse and hold zero consistently even after minor impacts or rough handling.
Size and Weight
Lightweight and compact scopes are better suited for rimfire rifles, which are typically lighter and more agile than centerfire hunting rifles. A bulky or heavy optic can throw off the balance of a .22LR rifle and make it cumbersome to carry on long hunts. For the best 22LR squirrel hunting scopes, opt for compact models under 13 inches in length and less than 2 pounds in weight.
Budget and Value for Money
Since .22LR rifles are often budget-friendly, it makes sense to pair them with a scope that offers good value without excessive cost. Prioritize features like clear optics, reliable turrets, and solid construction to get the most value for money.
Read: Best Hunting Red Dot Sights
FAQs
Q: What Objective Lens Size is Best?
A 32mm to 40mm objective lens is the best for squirrel hunting. It offers a good balance of light gathering and manageable size/weight for a .22LR rifle.
Q: What Magnification is Ideal for Squirrel Hunting with a .22LR?
For squirrel hunting, 3-9x or 2-7x magnification is ideal. Lower magnification (2-7x) helps with fast target acquisition in dense woods, while 3-9x allows for precise shots at longer distances.
Q: Do I Need a Scope with Parallax Adjustment?
Yes, adjustable parallax or an adjustable objective (AO) is useful as it enhances accuracy at shorter distances. Most squirrel hunting involves small targets at close ranges of 25 to 75 yards.
Conclusion
Harvest more squirrels by pairing your hunting rifle with an efficient 22 LR hunting scope. The best 22LR squirrel hunting scopes outlined above are exceptional additions to any air rifle and are designed to meet the demands of small game hunters. These 22LR squirrel hunting scopes are fitted with brilliant optics that allow maximum light transmission for utmost clarity and contrast.
The ideal squirrel hunting scope is one that fits your hunting style, terrain, and shooting range, giving you the edge when precision matters most. All rifle scopes we have mentioned above offer a balance of lightweight design, sharp clarity, appropriate magnification, and reliable durability. Look at the features that make each model the right purchase and choose accordingly.