It is common to get unwanted varmints in our backyards or farms that need to be chased out or eradicated. The best scopes for small game hunting are great tools to help in doing away with unwanted animals and birds.
Since the animals are small and fast, the scopes should be accurate and easy to use. Good research should be done on the best scopes for small game hunting from the variety of scopes in the market.
We have discussed below the most recommended scopes for small game hunting.
Best Scopes for Small Game Hunting Review
1) Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Waterproof Fogproof Matte Black Riflescope
The Simmons .22 Riflescope boasts features that make it one of the most popular rimfire rifle scopes on the market. It has a true zero adjustment system and a Quick Target Acquisition (QTA) eyepiece.
The QTA allows the scope to deliver a constant 3.5 inches of eye relief through the entire magnification range.
It comes with a pair of ring fire rings that helps a shooter to easily mount it onto any rifle. The black matte finish scope has a field of view of 100 yards and a true parallax setting of 50 yds.
Its premium Optical Glass and fully multi-coated optics (HydroShield lens coating) help in delivering bright crisp images in any lighting/weather condition.
The scope features Simmons’ sure-grip rubber adjustment surface that makes it very easy for adjusting even with gloves on. Its design is also rugged to ensure reliability and excellent performance.
Key features
- It has a Hydro-Shield coating
- Parallax correction from 50 yards to infinity
- SureGrip rubber surface adjustments
- Includes 3/8 inches dovetail mounting rings
- It has a triplex reticle
- It is waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Length: 15.25×3.25×3 inches
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
- Magnification range of 3-9x
- Objective lens diameter of 32mm
- Field of view at 100 yards is 31.4/10.5
- Click value (MOA): ¼
2) Primary Arms Classic Series 6x32mm Rifle Scope
The Primary Arms 6X32 scope is affordable and its ACSS 22LR (Advanced Combined Sighting System) reticle can be used with your 10/22 or other .22 caliber rifle. The second focal plane scope has a maximum magnification of 6x, making it efficient for hunting, competition, or plinking.
Its reticle design uses BDC which has range estimation and wind holds all in one system. The finger-adjustable turrets are capped, and low profile to ensure quick elevation and windage adjustments.
The reticle increases the first hit ratio and reduces time on target specifically designed for cans, bottles, and range clays. It helps a shooter take an accurate shot at 100-200 yards.
Key features
- ACSS reticle for accurate range estimates, BDC, and windage
- It has a fixed 6-power magnification
- Second Focal Plane rifle scope
- Has a three-year manufacturer warranty
- Weight: 11.7 ounces
- Length: 10.2 x 2.5 x 2.4 inches
- Magnification range of 6X (fixed)
- Eye relief of 3.1 inches
- Objective lens diameter of 32mm
- It includes a pair of lens covers and one manual
3) Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-22 BDC Rimfire Reticle Riflescope
The Bushnell’s AR Optics Rimfire Reticle Riflescope has a rugged design that ensures reliability and delivers excellent performance. It is made with a high-quality aluminum alloy which makes it reliable for multiple uses for a long time.
The scope has target turrets that give precise adjustments as well as reticles that are caliber-specific to give precise shots on target.
The scope has fully multi-coated optics that regulates brightness in harsh lighting. The Drop Zone 22LR Rimfire BDC Reticle has aiming points of up to 500 yards. The scope is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged for waterproof and fog-proof performance.
It is important to note that the scope’s erector cap assembly may limit the possibility to use extra-low or low-scope rings on the scope. Always check the clearance necessary on your firearm before purchasing the scope rings.
Key features
- It has fully multi-coated optics
- It has a drop zone 22LR Rimfire BDC Reticle
- Target turrets of ¼ MOA click value
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof performance
- Length: 13.5 x 3.5 x 2.9 inches
- Weight: 1.23 pounds
- Magnification: 2-7X
- Objective lens diameter: 32mm
- Reticle: Drop Zone-22 LR BDC
4) Simmons 510513 Truplex Riflescope, 3-9x40mm
The Simmons 510513 Truplex Riflescope is an 8-point scope whose features exceed others in its class. It has fully multi-coated optics that deliver quality, bright high-contrast images in any lighting condition.
The scope features ¼ MOA SureGrip audible-click windage and elevation adjustments offer simple adjustments.
It also has a true zero windage and elevation adjustment system that stays locked to zero even in the harshest of conditions and target acquisition is made easier by the QTA eyepiece.
Key features
- It has a black matte finish
- It has fully multi-coated optics
- 8-point rifle scope
- It features a triplex reticle
- It has ¼ MOA sure-grip audible-click windage and elevation adjustments
- It is waterproof, fog proof, and recoil resistant
- Length: 1 x 1 x 1 inches
- Weight: 0.63 pounds
- Objective lens diameter of 40mm
- Magnification range of 3-9X
- Field of view at 100 yards: 31.4/10.5adjustment range at 100 yards: 60
5) Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire Riflescope
The Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire scope is the go-to scope in terms of quality and is designed to suit a wide variety of hunting expeditions. It has Second Focal Plane reticles that are found near the eyepiece behind the magnifying lenses and image erecting.
The reticles maintain the same appearance even when you change the magnification. This makes the scope suitable for close-range shotguns, muzzleloaders, and 22 rimfires.
It is argon purged and O-ring sealed for fog and waterproofing. It also has fully multi-coated lenses that provide crystal clear and high-quality images in any lighting and weather condition. Reticle focusing is made easy and fast by the fast-focus eyepiece on the scope.
After sighting in on a target, the turrets can zero reset. The scope also has a precision glide erector system which makes it possible to track and take multiple shots.
Key features
- It features a V-Plex MOA reticle
- It is waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Length: 13.7 x 3.3 x 2.7inches
- Weight: 14.2 ounces
- Magnification range of 2-7X
- Objective lens diameter: 35mm
6) BARSKA 4×32 Plinker-22 Riflescope
The BARSKA 4×32 Plinker-22 Riflescope Black Matte is specifically manufactured for plinking and hunting with the .22 rimfire rifle. It is durable and lightweight and is perfect for target practice or hunting.
The scope comes with a crosshair 30/30 reticle that allows the shooter to aim at the target with ease. The fully coated optics help deliver clear and bright images of the target.
Its reticle has ¼ MOA click values for the windage and elevation turrets. The scope is also parallax-free at fifty yards. The scope comes with a set of 3/8 inches dovetail rings and scope caps.
Key features
- It features fully coated optics
- It is waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- 30/30 crosshair reticle
- It is parallax free
- It has a robust design for durability
- Weight: 1.05pounds
- Length: 12.01 x 2.13 x 1.89 inches
- Magnification of 4x
- Objective lens diameter of 32mm
- Click value: ¼ MOA
- Includes: a set of rings, lens cloth, scope caps
7) Simmons 560520 Truplex Riflescope
The Simmons 560520 Truplex Riflescope is one of the most recommended scopes when it comes to hunting, recreational use, or the military.
Its features include a fully multi-coated lens as well as a True zero flex erector system that makes it perfect for clear, bright images and accurate shots. It has a sure-grip rubber surface that makes it easy to adjust in any weather condition.
Key features
- True zero fingertip windage and elevation adjustment system
- It has fully coated, high optics for bright crisp images
- t has a Quick Target Acquisition (QTA) eyepiece
- Length: 15.5 x 5.63 x 2.25 inches
- Weight: 0.54 pounds
- Objective lens diameter: 32mm
- Magnification: 4x
8) BSA 3-9X40 Sweet 22 Rifle Scope
The BSA sweet Duplex rifle scope is specifically designed for the .22LR. It is made of a glass lens material with fully multicoated lenses and side parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity.
The scope also has 3 inches sunshade and fast focus. The elevation turrets are ballistically calibrated for the 36gr, 38gr, and 40gr cartridges. The scope is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof.
Key features
- Side parallax adjustment and multi-grain turret
- Adjustment MOA ¼
- Length: 18.5 x 4 x3 inches
- Weight: 1 pound
- Objective lens diameter: 40mm
- Magnification; 3-9x
- 30/30 duplex reticle
- W/E Range: 40; Eye Relief: 4 inches
- Parallax Setting (yds): 7.5 to infinity
Choosing Scopes for Small Game Hunting
Size and shape
A slim and compact rifle is the most efficient for small-game hunting. This helps in getting hold of the frame with ease. It is more reliable when used with a lightweight scope with a trimmed shape. A portable scope is also easy to maneuver.
Optics
A fully multi-coated lens offers good optics that transmit sufficient light. This ensures that the scope can be used during the day and night with no fail.
Accuracy and clarity
Choose a scope with accurate magnification and a clear eyepiece. A scope with a wide field of view is also important. This will increase your chances of taking successful shots.
Price
Fortunately, most of the widely reviewed scopes are pocket-friendly. The prices, however, vary depending on the magnification, optics, material used, and also brand. Choose an affordable scope that suits your preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is the best scope magnification for squirrel hunting?
The best scope magnification is determined by the type of hunting you do and the power range that is most potent for you. However, the most common magnification power recommended is 3-9x as it offers sufficient magnification for small-game hunting.
- Do I need an illuminated scope for small game hunting?
This is not a mandatory requirement but it is useful in dimly lit environments/conditions. Small game are active at dawn or dusk when the lighting is not good enough for hunting. choose a scope depending on your preferred hunting time and reticle option.
Final Thoughts
This review is meant to give you an easy time when choosing your next scope by providing the features and factors to consider before making your preferred scope of choice.
There are numerous scopes designed for small game hunting in the market and I hope that this guide as well as the discussed recommendations will help in narrowing down the choices.
See Also; 8 Best Riflescopes for 500 Yards