Today, we will show you the best Varmint scopes for 223. The 223 is one of the most popular cartridges for hunting. Most varmint hunters use this cartridge on numerous semi-automatic, handguns and manual-action rifles. If you are one of these hunters, getting a varmint scope for 223 will make your hunting more competitive.
The best varmint scopes for 223 offer a wide range of benefits. You won’t find yourself struggling to spot the varmint even if you are shooting long-range. Besides, having a quality scope alongside your 223 makes your hunting expedition rewarding and more enjoyable.
What Makes a great Varmint Scope for 223?
A great varmint scope meets your hunting needs. It helps you get the job done regardless of the weather conditions or time. Some scopes have an illuminated reticle. Such scopes are really helpful when hunting in low-light conditions.
A great varmint scope should also be waterproof and fog proof for all-weather reliability. It should be well-made from high-quality materials and shockproof as well to stand up to harsh outdoor environments. Lastly, the scope should have high-quality multi-coated lenses.
What Magnification Do You Need?
Varmint hunting is both exciting and tiring. There are numerous types of varmints that are sometimes difficult to spot and track down. That’s why you need to have the right magnification to help you identify and lock your desired target easily.
The favorite magnification power for most varmint hunters is between 4x and 14x. This range gives you a wide field of view on the low end which helps you spot the targets easily.
8 Best Varmint Scopes for 223
Finding the ideal scope can be pretty challenging because of the wide range of scopes available in the market. To help, we have an in-depth review of the best scopes for 223 available on the market today. Let’s take a look.
#1) Steiner T5Xi Tactical 1-5x Rifle Scope
The Steiner T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope scores highly among the best Varmint scopes for 223. This optic is designed to give you the ultimate accuracy in the field. It features a special competition reticle (SRC) specially designed to ensure precision shooting.
The reticle is illuminated to increase accurate target acquisition in low light conditions, while the 1/10-mil ranging brackets allow for accurate ranging. This riflescope features a variable 1-5x magnification which provides the ultimate hunting versatility. You can use the true 1x for situation awareness in close distances then ramp up to 5x when engaging targets at a distance.
Other than that, this riflescope features a low-profile design and capped turrets designed to stand the rough outdoor environments. The 34mm tube is well-made to ensure great strength and reliability.
The world-class optical system provides unmatched light transmission from dusk to dawn. The lens also features multi-coats which provide color contrast and bright, clear images even in dismal conditions. Better yet, the scope is fully waterproof and submersible to 33ft.
Overall, this USA-made scope provides excellent benefits to both beginners and seasoned varmint hunters. It’s a top contender among the best Varmint scopes for 223. Unmatched clarity and unbeatable accuracy best define the Steiner T5Xi tactical scope.
Features
- Special competition reticle (SRC) technology
- Low profile, capped windage, and elevation turrets
- Versatile 1-5x magnification
- 24mm objective lens
- Made in the USA
- Razor-sharp image clarity
- Multi-coated lens
- 3TR 7.62 illuminated reticle
- True 1x eyes-open capability
- Lens covers
- Throw lever which allows for simple magnification changes
- One-piece 34mm main tube
#2) Zeiss Conquest V6 Reticle w/Hunting Turret
When it comes to durability and reliability, you can hardly beat the Zeiss Conquest V6 Reticle w/Hunting Turret. This riflescope is well-made to ensure many years of field use from it.
The durable housing also helps it withstand the harshest conditions and challenging environments. Rapid target acquisition makes this optic a front runner among the best Varmint scopes for 223.
This hunting riflescope comes with a true 1x magnification for eye-open situation awareness. The 6x magnification helps you spot distant targets smoothly, while the large and generous eye box combined with the ultra-wide field of vision allows for fast target acquisition.
Additionally, the ultra-wide field of vision gives you great versatility at close quarters and helps you track moving targets easily in mid-range hunting conditions.
The optical performance of the scope is outstanding. The lenses feature six-layer multi-coatings to increase light transmission. This gives you incredibly bright and clear image quality even in the harshest lighting conditions.
The lenses also feature a protective LotuTec lens coating which keeps them free of rain, snow, dust, and fingerprints. Above all, the scope is fully waterproof and fog-proof for all-weather reliability.
Features
- Six-layer multi-coatings on the lenses
- Protective LotuTec lens coating
- Durable and sturdy aluminum housing
- Wide field of view
- Large and generous eye box
- 24mm objective lens
- Versatile 1-6x optical power
- 2nd focal plane illuminated reticle
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Tactical MOA Capped turrets
#3) TORIC UHD 4-20X50 30mm Long Range Riflescope
If you are looking for a long-range riflescope for varmint hunting, the TORIC UHD 4-20X50 30mm riflescope is specifically designed for you. It features a high 20x magnification power to help you spot long-range targets with ease.
The riflescope also features an illuminated reticle to help you spot targets easily during low-light conditions. Unbeatable performance, versatility, and long-distance accuracy make this scope one of the best varmint scopes for 223.
Featuring a quick-focus eyepiece, the riflescope provides easy reticle focusing which is important for rapid target acquisition. The large eye box gives you a constant eye relief of 4 inches throughout the whole 4-20x magnification. This not only provides you with a snug viewing but also keeps your eye safe from high-recoil rifles.
All TORIC UHD 4-20X50 riflescopes have TRACT’s advanced Ultra High-definition optical system made of fully multi-coated SCHOTT High Transmission glass and ED lens to give you high-quality images.
The reticle is housed on the first focal plane so it changes its size when you increase on decrease the magnification power. Furthermore, this riflescope features .25MOA per click adjustments and a multi-rotation zero stop for accurate dialing.
Features
- 30mm, single-piece main tube
- Large eye box and constant 4-inch eye relief
- Fully multi-coated SCHOTT High Transmission glass
- Extra-Low Dispersion glass
- 4-20x magnification
- First focal plane reticle
- Precision machined windage and elevation turrets
- 1/4MOA windage and elevation adjustments
- Multi-rotation zero stop
- Illuminated reticle
#4) CVLIFE 3-9×40 Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope
The CVLIFE 3-9×40 scope is another excellent varmint scope for 223. This scope has a variable 3-9x magnification suitable for both close and mid-range hunting.
The lenses are fully multi-coated to increase light transmission by up to 95% and give you bright, clear, and razor-sharp images. The exterior lenses also feature a protective coating that keeps the dirt, oil and scratch-free.
This scope is designed to mount on any rifle with a 20mm Picatinny rail. Thanks to its lightweight design, it is easy to mount and comfortable to carry in the field.
When it comes to construction, the scope is built on a sturdy 1-inch machined aluminum tube which fully sealed and nitrogen-filled to provide reliable fog and rainproof performance.
Also, the scope has a special inner and outer structure design which not only makes it shockproof but also provides more accurate windage and elevation adjustment.
This is undoubtedly one of the best varmint scopes for 223 for those on a budget. You don’t have to spend a lot to land a quality riflescope and the CVLIFE 3-9×40 scope is a testament. The optic shines in all situations.
Features
- Easy to use the 3-9x power ring
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 20mm/0.79-inches Picatinny mount
- 40mm objective lens
- Lightweight and comfortable to carry
- Shockproof, rainproof and fog-resistant
- Protective coating on the exterior lenses
- Precise windage and elevation adjustment
#5) Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
Vortex makes high-quality optics and the Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes are among the best varmint scopes for 223. The Diamondback riflescopes are made with the budget hunter in mind. They are available in 4 different configurations which include 1.75-5×32, 3-9×40, 3.5-10×50 and 4-12×40.
The 3-9×40 riflescope is one of the numerous configurations in the Diamondback and is suitable for varmint hunting with 223. It has a dead-hold BDC reticle which is ideal for hunting at different ranges where estimating hold-over is a concern.
The metal-on-metal precision turrets provide the ability to zero reset after you have sighted in, while a precision glide erector offers you accurate tracking and repeatability.
This riflescope is built for rugged outdoor use. It is O-ring sealed and argon purged so you don’t have to worry about water damage or internal fogging respectively. It also boasts a hard anodized finish which not only creates a shockproof and durable scope but also helps camouflage your hunting position.
Above all, the lenses have been fully multi-coated to increase light transmission and deliver crystal clear, brilliant images from dawn to dusk.
Features
- Fast focus eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing
- Dead-hold BDC reticle
- Metal-on-metal precision turrets
- Precision glide erector for accurate tracking and repeatability
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof and fogproof construction
- Hard anodized finish
- Second focal plane reticle
#6) Tasco Target/ Varmit 6-24x42mmx 40mm
This is a varmint riflescope suitable for both close and long-range hunting. Featuring 6-24x magnification and a 42mm objective lens, this scope is designed to deliver on the range, in the thick woodlands, or large open spaces.
It is equipped with premium multi-coated optics which produce bright, colorful, and crisp clear images even in low light conditions. Unbeatable clarity makes the scope a leader among the best Varmint scopes for 223.
Made on a true strength platform, this riflescope is engineered to last. It features a rugged waterproof, fog-resistant, and shockproof construction to stand the rough hunting environments.
Another commendable feature of this USA-made riflescope is the great accuracy it provides. It has a parallax setting from 15 yards to infinity and 1/4MOA windage and elevation adjustments which make fine-tuning accuracy possible and simple.
The scope is light and easy to carry in the field. You also don’t have to worry about the scope weighing on the rifle so accuracy is guaranteed. It has a black matter finish to camouflage your hunting position and reduce glare when hunting under broad daylight.
To top it all, the scope comes with a True Mil-Dot reticle which is easy to read and useful for range finding.
Features
- 6-24x magnification
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- 42mm objective lens
- High-quality multi-coated optics
- 1/4MOA windage and elevation
- Parallax setting from 15 yards to infinity
- True Mil-Dot reticle
- Matte finish
- 3-inch eye relief
#7) Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Riflescope
Varmint hunting with 223 gets better with the Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Riflescope. This is one of the most cost-effective hunting riflescopes on the market today. Since its reticle is housed on the first focal plane, it remains true through the whole magnification range. This opens a world of possibilities for all avid hunters out there.
In terms of all-weather reliability, the scope is fully waterproof and fog-resistant. It is also shockproof to stand regular bumps, accidental falls, and impacts. Other than that, this riflescope comes with a side-adjustable parallax and a rapid-focus eyepiece for easy reticle focusing.
Features
- First focal plane reticle
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- Side-adjustable parallax
- Fast focus eyepiece for simple reticle focusing
- Traditional MIL-DOT reticle
- Durable and shockproof construction
- Tactile and audible 0.1 MIL windage and elevation adjustment
#8) UTG 3-9×40 1” TF2+ Scope
The UTG 3-9×40 1” TF2+ Scope makes varmint hunting with 223 easier. It is built on a true strength platform to ensure many years of field use. It is also sealed to prevent the entry of dirt and moisture, and nitrogen-filled to prevent internal lens fogging.
It has a mil-dot range estimating reticle for optimal aiming and great shooting performance. In addition to that, the scope features easy-to-use tool-free TF2+ target turrets with zero locking and resetting. This well-made riflescope also boats superior quality precision lens which gives you superior image views.
Another notable thing about this riflescope is the angled objective. It helps you account for parallax which is pre-adjusted at 35 or 100 yards. To top it all, this scope has a built-in sunshade to help minimize glare when hunting in broad daylight and a matte finish to camouflage your shooting position.
Features
- Matte finish
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Second focal plane
- Parallax pre-adjusted at 35 or 100 yards
- High-quality flip-open lens cap
- Built-in angled sunshade
- One-piece tube construction
- Convenient tool-free TF2+ target turrets
- High-quality precision lens elements
- Lightweight design
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Best Varmint Scopes for 223 Buying Guide
Factors to Consider when Choosing Varmint Scope for 223
Magnification
Magnification is one of the key factors you should consider. Typically, your ideal magnification power will largely depend on how far you intend to shoot. If you are planning to use the scope for close to mid-range shooting, you should go for a scope with moderate magnification.
The most 3-9x scope will suffice. But, if you intend to use the scope for long-range shooting, make sure that the scope that you choose offers a higher magnification power.
Durability
The durability of any scope depends on its build quality. All scopes have different build quality and you can know if a scope is durable or not by looking at the type of material it’s made of.
Go for a scope that’s made of aircraft-grade aluminum, magnesium alloy, or polycarbonate. Avoid scopes that are made of plastic as they won’t last for long.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the other important factor you should consider especially if you are using a high-recoil rifle. If you are new in the market, eye relief is the space between the scope’s eyepiece and your eyes.
An ideal eye relief will let you see the entire field of view uninterrupted and also keep your eyes safe from getting hit by the scope during recoil.
Lens
How well the riflescope transmits light can either make or break your hunting experience. Optimum light transmission is key for bright and clear image views.
So, when shopping for the best varmint scope for 223, make sure that the scope has high-quality glass and fully multi-coated or multi-coated lenses. This will significantly improve the quality of the images that you get.
Reticle
There are numerous types of reticles available. These include the dot reticle, the BDC reticle, mildot, and the illuminated reticle. If you want a reticle that’s easy to read, you should get the red dot reticle. However, if you’ll be hunting in low light conditions, you should get the illuminated reticle.
A scope with a mil-dot reticle is designed for range finding. Lastly, you can go for the BDC reticle. This is the ideal reticle for hunting at different ranges where estimating hold-over is a concern.
Weight
Weight is the other important factor you should consider. The size of the objective lens and the main tube diameter will have a direct influence on the weight of the scope.
Scopes with a bigger objective lens weigh more. The same thing applied to the tube’s diameter. If you walk for miles as you track your targets, get the lightest scope possible.
Read: Best Ruger 10/22 Scope
Understanding the .223 Remington Cartridge
The 223 Remington Cartridge is a popular all-around caliber that’s easy and fun to shoot. Today, this cartridge is one of the most common rifle rounds being used in the USA, mainly among varmint hunters, the military and 3-gun sport shooters.
It is loaded with a 0.224”/5,7mm diameter jacketed bullet and weighs about 40 to 90 grains/2.6 to 5.8g, although the most common cartridge weighs 55grains/3.6g.
Conclusion
We hope you have found this review insightful. Knowing what you need in scope will help you make the right buying decision. Make sure that you compare the different scopes available on the market based on performance, reliability, magnification, and other vital features.