7 Best Rimfire Scope for Squirrel Hunting

Finding the best rimfire scope for squirrel hunting is crucial for any hunter seeking to elevate their game and increase their success in the field. Squirrel hunting is a thrilling and rewarding endeavor that demands precision, patience, and the right equipment.

One of the most critical components of a successful hunt is a reliable rimfire scope, capable of delivering clear and accurate shots in various environments and lighting conditions. But with the multitude of options available, how do you choose the perfect scope for your rimfire rifle?

In this article, we’ll delve into the essential factors to consider when selecting a rimfire scope for squirrel hunting. From magnification and reticle types to lens coatings and durability, we’ll cover all the key aspects that make a scope ideal for this challenging yet enjoyable pursuit. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a newcomer to the sport, understanding these elements will help you make an informed decision and enhance your hunting experience.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to look for in a rimfire scope and be well-equipped to choose the best optic for your next squirrel hunting adventure.

Best Rimfire Scope for Squirrel Hunting

1)Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9x40mm

The Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9x40mm is a top-tier scope designed specifically for rimfire rifles, making it an excellent choice for squirrel hunting enthusiasts. With its sleek and durable design, this scope combines advanced optics with user-friendly features to provide an exceptional hunting experience. The Leupold brand is renowned for its commitment to quality and precision, and the VX-Freedom Rimfire scope is no exception.

Specifications

Magnification: 3-9x
Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
Tube Diameter: 1 inch
Field of View: 33.1-13.6 ft at 100 yards
Eye Relief: 4.17-3.66 inches
Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
Max Elevation Adjustment: 60 MOA
Max Windage Adjustment: 60 MOA
Length: 12.39 inches
Weight: 12.2 ounces

Key Features

The Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9x40mm scope features the Twilight Light Management System, which enhances low-light performance, allowing hunters to see more clearly during dawn and dusk when squirrels are most active. The lenses are scratch-resistant, ensuring durability and longevity even in rugged outdoor conditions. The scope is also completely waterproof and fogproof, so it can withstand harsh weather without compromising performance.

One of the standout features of this scope is its rimfire-specific parallax adjustment, which is set at 60 yards, making it perfect for the typical ranges encountered in squirrel hunting. The 3-9x magnification range provides versatility, allowing for both close-range precision and the ability to zoom in on distant targets. The windage and elevation adjustments are precise and reliable, ensuring that you can zero in on your target with confidence.

The scope’s design is both lightweight and compact, making it easy to handle and mount on your rifle. The 40mm objective lens provides a bright and clear image, enhancing target acquisition and accuracy. The Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire scope also comes with a duplex reticle, which is simple yet effective for quick target alignment.

Pros

Exceptional low-light performance with Twilight Light Management System
Durable, scratch-resistant lenses
Waterproof and fogproof for all-weather use
Rimfire-specific parallax adjustment
Versatile 3-9x magnification range
Precise windage and elevation adjustments
Lightweight and compact design
Bright and clear image with 40mm objective lens

Cons

Higher price point compared to some other rimfire scopes
Lack of illuminated reticle option

In summary, the Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9x40mm is a premium scope that offers outstanding performance and durability for squirrel hunting. Its advanced features and high-quality construction make it a reliable choice for any serious hunter. While it comes at a higher price, the investment is justified by its superior optics and robust design.

2) Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire scope is an excellent choice for hunters seeking a reliable and affordable optic for their rimfire rifles. This scope combines high-quality optics with user-friendly features, making it ideal for squirrel hunting and other small game pursuits. Vortex Optics is known for producing durable and precise scopes, and the Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire is no exception.

Specifications

Magnification: 2-7x
Objective Lens Diameter: 32mm
Tube Diameter: 1 inch
Field of View: 42-12.6 ft at 100 yards
Eye Relief: 3.9-4.7 inches
Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
Max Elevation Adjustment: 60 MOA
Max Windage Adjustment: 60 MOA
Parallax Setting: 50 yards
Length: 11.3 inches
Weight: 14.3 ounces

Key Features

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire scope is designed with fully multi-coated lenses, which enhance light transmission and provide a bright, clear image. This is particularly beneficial during low-light conditions, such as early morning or late evening squirrel hunts. The scope features a second focal plane reticle, ensuring that the reticle size remains constant as you adjust the magnification, allowing for precise targeting at all magnification levels.

One of the standout features of this scope is its long eye relief and forgiving eye box, which provide a comfortable and quick sight picture. This is crucial when tracking fast-moving squirrels. The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing, ensuring that you can zero in on your target without delay.

The Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire is constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, making it extremely durable and shockproof. It is also O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, rendering it waterproof and fogproof. This ensures that the scope can withstand harsh weather conditions and rugged use without losing its performance.

The capped reset turrets allow for quick re-indexing to zero after sighting in the scope, and the finger-adjustable turrets make windage and elevation adjustments easy and precise. The 2-7x magnification range is versatile, providing the ability to engage targets at both close and medium ranges with ease.

Pros

Fully multi-coated lenses for excellent light transmission
Long eye relief and forgiving eye box for comfortable viewing
Durable, shockproof construction
Waterproof and fogproof for all-weather performance
Quick and easy reticle focusing with fast-focus eyepiece
Capped reset turrets for quick re-indexing to zero
Finger-adjustable turrets for precise adjustments
Versatile 2-7x magnification range

Cons

No illuminated reticle option
Parallax adjustment is fixed at 50 yards, which may not suit all shooting situations

In summary, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire is a high-quality, versatile scope that offers excellent performance for squirrel hunting and other rimfire applications. Its combination of clear optics, durable construction, and user-friendly features makes it a great value for the price. While it lacks an illuminated reticle and has a fixed parallax setting, these are minor drawbacks compared to the overall benefits it provides.

3) Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 BDC150

The Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 BDC150 scope is a standout option for hunters and shooting enthusiasts who need a reliable and high-performance optic for their rimfire rifles. Known for their excellence in optics, Nikon has designed the Prostaff Rimfire II to deliver precise performance, durability, and user-friendly features, making it an ideal choice for squirrel hunting and other small game pursuits.

Specifications

Magnification: 3-9x
Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
Tube Diameter: 1 inch
Field of View: 33.8-11.3 ft at 100 yards
Eye Relief: 3.6 inches
Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
Max Elevation Adjustment: 80 MOA
Max Windage Adjustment: 80 MOA
Parallax Setting: 50 yards
Length: 12.3 inches
Weight: 13.1 ounces

Key Features

The Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 BDC150 scope features fully multi-coated optical systems, providing up to 98% light transmission and delivering bright, clear images even in low-light conditions. This makes it particularly advantageous for hunting during dawn and dusk when squirrels are most active. The scope’s BDC 150 reticle is specifically calibrated for the trajectory of .22 LR rounds, allowing for accurate shots at various distances without the need for holdover guesses.

One of the highlights of this scope is its precise and easy-to-use windage and elevation adjustments. The turrets are spring-loaded and feature a zero-reset capability, enabling quick re-zeroing after sighting in. The 3-9x magnification range offers versatility, making it suitable for both close-range and longer-range shooting. The parallax adjustment is set at 50 yards, ideal for typical rimfire shooting distances, ensuring that your shots remain accurate and on target.

The Prostaff Rimfire II is built with a nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed housing, ensuring it is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. This rugged construction guarantees reliable performance in various environmental conditions, making it a trustworthy companion in the field. Additionally, the scope’s generous and consistent eye relief protects against heavy recoil and provides a comfortable shooting experience.

The scope’s sleek design and robust construction are complemented by Nikon’s Lifetime Repair/Replacement warranty, reflecting the company’s confidence in their product’s durability and performance.

Pros

Fully multi-coated optical system for maximum light transmission
BDC 150 reticle calibrated for .22 LR rounds
Precise windage and elevation adjustments with zero-reset turrets
Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction
Generous and consistent eye relief
Versatile 3-9x magnification range
Nikon’s Lifetime Repair/Replacement warranty

Cons

Fixed parallax setting at 50 yards may not suit all shooting situations
No illuminated reticle option

In summary, the Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 BDC150 is a high-quality scope that offers excellent performance for rimfire shooting and squirrel hunting. Its superior optics, durable construction, and user-friendly features make it a valuable addition to any rimfire rifle. While the fixed parallax setting and lack of an illuminated reticle are minor drawbacks, they do not significantly detract from the scope’s overall performance and value.

4) Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope 3-9×40

The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope 3-9×40 is a versatile and reliable scope designed for hunters who demand performance in low-light conditions. Bushnell, a well-respected name in optics, has crafted this scope to provide clear and bright images during the critical times of dawn and dusk, making it an excellent choice for squirrel hunting and other small game pursuits.

Specifications

Magnification: 3-9x
Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
Tube Diameter: 1 inch
Field of View: 40-14 ft at 100 yards
Eye Relief: 3.3 inches
Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
Max Elevation Adjustment: 60 MOA
Max Windage Adjustment: 60 MOA
Parallax Setting: 100 yards
Length: 12 inches
Weight: 13 ounces

Key Features

The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope is equipped with Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses, which provide exceptional clarity and brightness during the early morning and late evening hours. This is crucial for squirrel hunting, as these times are when game is most active. The Multi-X reticle offers a classic and straightforward design, allowing for quick target acquisition and precise aiming.

One of the standout features of this scope is its impressive low-light performance. The DDB multi-coating technology enhances light transmission, ensuring that you can see clearly even in challenging lighting conditions. The 3-9x magnification range offers flexibility, enabling hunters to adjust their field of view according to the distance of their target.

The construction of the Bushnell Banner scope is both rugged and durable, with a one-piece tube design that is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof. This ensures that the scope can withstand harsh environmental conditions and rough handling without compromising its performance. The windage and elevation adjustments are easy to operate, with 1/4 MOA fingertip adjustments that provide precise control for accurate shooting.

The scope’s eye relief is comfortable, reducing eye strain and making it easier to maintain a clear sight picture during extended periods of use. The parallax is set at 100 yards, which is suitable for many hunting scenarios, but may require adjustment for closer or farther distances.

Pros

Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses for enhanced low-light performance
Classic Multi-X reticle for quick target acquisition
Rugged, one-piece tube design that is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof
Versatile 3-9x magnification range
Precise 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustments
Comfortable eye relief for reduced eye strain

Cons

Parallax setting is fixed at 100 yards, which may not suit all shooting distances
No illuminated reticle option

In summary, the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope 3-9×40 is a high-quality, versatile optic that excels in low-light conditions, making it an excellent choice for squirrel hunting. Its bright and clear optics, durable construction, and user-friendly features make it a reliable companion in the field. While the fixed parallax setting and lack of an illuminated reticle may be minor drawbacks, the overall performance and value of this scope make it a worthwhile investment for any hunter.

5) Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Mag (Rimfire)

The Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Mag (Rimfire) scope is a budget-friendly option that delivers impressive performance for rimfire rifles. Known for its durability and clear optics, this scope is designed specifically for .22 caliber firearms, making it an excellent choice for squirrel hunting and other small game pursuits. Simmons has a reputation for providing high-quality optics at an affordable price, and the 3-9x32mm .22 Mag scope is no exception.

Specifications

Magnification: 3-9x
Objective Lens Diameter: 32mm
Tube Diameter: 1 inch
Field of View: 31.4-10.5 ft at 100 yards
Eye Relief: 3.75 inches
Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
Max Elevation Adjustment: 60 MOA
Max Windage Adjustment: 60 MOA
Parallax Setting: 50 yards
Length: 12 inches
Weight: 10 ounces

Key Features

The Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Mag scope is equipped with HydroShield lens coating, which ensures a clear sight picture even in unfavorable weather conditions. This feature is particularly useful for squirrel hunting, as it allows hunters to maintain visibility in various environments. The scope also boasts Simmons’ SureGrip rubber surfaces, providing a secure and comfortable grip for easy adjustments, even with gloves on.

One of the standout features of this scope is the Quick Target Acquisition (QTA) eyepiece, which offers a generous eye relief of 3.75 inches. This makes it easier to quickly and comfortably acquire targets, an essential feature when hunting fast-moving squirrels. The 3-9x magnification range provides versatility for both close and mid-range shooting, ensuring that you can adapt to different hunting scenarios.

The Simmons .22 Mag scope is constructed with a one-piece tube design, ensuring durability and shockproof performance. It is also waterproof and fogproof, making it reliable in various weather conditions. The TrueZero windage and elevation adjustment system locks tight to zero, providing consistent accuracy and performance.

The scope’s compact and lightweight design, weighing only 10 ounces, makes it easy to handle and mount on your rifle without adding significant weight. The fully-coated optics enhance brightness and clarity, ensuring a crisp and clear image for precise shooting.

Pros

HydroShield lens coating for clear sight picture in various conditions
SureGrip rubber surfaces for easy adjustments
Quick Target Acquisition (QTA) eyepiece with generous eye relief
Durable, one-piece tube design that is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof
TrueZero windage and elevation adjustment system
Compact and lightweight design
Fully-coated optics for enhanced brightness and clarity
Budget-friendly price

Cons

Fixed parallax setting at 50 yards may not suit all shooting distances
No illuminated reticle option

In summary, the Simmons 3-9x32mm .22 Mag (Rimfire) scope offers excellent value for its price, delivering clear optics, durable construction, and user-friendly features tailored for rimfire rifles. Its HydroShield lens coating, QTA eyepiece, and SureGrip rubber surfaces make it a reliable choice for squirrel hunting and other small game pursuits.

While the fixed parallax setting and lack of an illuminated reticle may be minor drawbacks, the overall performance and affordability of this scope make it a solid investment for any budget-conscious hunter.

6) BSA Sweet .22 3-9x40mm

The BSA Sweet .22 3-9x40mm scope is a specialized optic designed for .22 caliber rifles, offering features tailored to enhance shooting accuracy and ease of use. Known for its affordability and functionality, the BSA Sweet .22 is an excellent choice for squirrel hunting and target shooting. BSA Optics has crafted this scope to meet the needs of rimfire enthusiasts, providing a reliable and precise aiming solution.

Specifications

Magnification: 3-9x
Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
Tube Diameter: 1 inch
Field of View: 30-11 ft at 100 yards
Eye Relief: 3 inches
Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
Max Elevation Adjustment: 30 MOA
Max Windage Adjustment: 30 MOA
Parallax Setting: Adjustable Objective (AO)
Length: 12.8 inches
Weight: 20 ounces

Key Features

The BSA Sweet .22 3-9x40mm scope is specifically designed with a trajectory compensation system that is tailored for .22 caliber rifles. This scope comes with three interchangeable turrets calibrated for 36-grain, 38-grain, and 40-grain bullets, allowing for precise adjustments based on the ammunition used. This feature enhances accuracy and makes it easier for shooters to compensate for bullet drop at various distances.

The adjustable objective (AO) feature allows for parallax correction from 10 yards to infinity, ensuring that your shots are accurate and your target remains clear at different ranges. The fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear images, improving visibility in various lighting conditions. The 3-9x magnification range offers versatility, making it suitable for both close and mid-range shooting.

The scope’s construction is robust and durable, with a one-piece aluminum tube that is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof. This ensures reliable performance in different weather conditions and rugged environments. The windage and elevation turrets are easy to adjust, with audible clicks that provide tactile feedback, ensuring precise control for accurate shooting.

The BSA Sweet .22 also features a fast-focus eyepiece, which allows for quick and easy reticle focusing. The duplex reticle design is simple and effective, providing clear aiming points for precise target acquisition.

Pros

Trajectory compensation system with interchangeable turrets for different bullet weights
Adjustable objective (AO) for parallax correction
Fully multi-coated lenses for bright and clear images
Durable, one-piece aluminum tube construction
Shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof design
Easy-to-adjust windage and elevation turrets with audible clicks
Fast-focus eyepiece for quick reticle focusing
Versatile 3-9x magnification range

Cons

Heavier compared to other rimfire scopes at 20 ounces
Eye relief of 3 inches might be short for some users

In summary, the BSA Sweet .22 3-9x40mm scope is a feature-rich and affordable option tailored for .22 caliber rifles. Its trajectory compensation system, adjustable objective, and durable construction make it a reliable and precise tool for squirrel hunting and target shooting.

While it is slightly heavier than some other rimfire scopes and has a shorter eye relief, its overall performance and specialized features make it a valuable addition to any rimfire rifle setup.

7) Primary Arms Classic Series 6x32mm

The Primary Arms Classic Series 6x32mm scope is a robust and reliable optic designed for precision shooting with rimfire rifles. With a fixed magnification and high-quality construction, this scope is particularly suited for hunters and target shooters who require a straightforward, no-nonsense optic. Primary Arms is known for producing durable and affordable scopes, and the Classic Series 6x32mm is a testament to their commitment to quality and performance.

Specifications

Magnification: 6x
Objective Lens Diameter: 32mm
Tube Diameter: 1 inch
Field of View: 19.3 ft at 100 yards
Eye Relief: 3.1 inches
Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
Max Elevation Adjustment: 40 MOA
Max Windage Adjustment: 40 MOA
Parallax Setting: 100 yards
Length: 9.2 inches
Weight: 10.9 ounces

Key Features

The Primary Arms Classic Series 6x32mm scope features a fixed 6x magnification, providing a clear and stable image ideal for precise shooting at medium ranges. This fixed magnification eliminates the need for adjustment and ensures consistent performance, making it perfect for squirrel hunting where quick and accurate shots are crucial. The scope is equipped with fully multi-coated lenses, which enhance light transmission and provide bright, clear images even in low-light conditions.

One of the standout features of this scope is the ACSS (Advanced Combined Sighting System) reticle. The ACSS reticle is designed to provide a range of holdover points and windage adjustments, making it easier for shooters to compensate for bullet drop and wind drift. This reticle is particularly beneficial for rimfire shooters who often deal with varying trajectories and environmental conditions.

The Primary Arms Classic Series 6x32mm scope is constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring durability and shock resistance. It is also waterproof and fogproof, allowing for reliable performance in various weather conditions. The windage and elevation turrets are finger-adjustable and provide precise 1/4 MOA adjustments, ensuring that you can zero in on your target with accuracy.

The scope’s compact and lightweight design, weighing only 10.9 ounces, makes it easy to handle and mount on your rifle. The generous eye relief of 3.1 inches provides a comfortable shooting experience, reducing eye strain during extended use.

Pros

Fixed 6x magnification for stable and consistent performance
Fully multi-coated lenses for bright and clear images
ACSS reticle with holdover points and windage adjustments
Durable, single-piece aluminum construction
Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof design
Precise 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustments
Compact and lightweight design
Generous eye relief for comfortable shooting

Cons

Fixed magnification may limit versatility for close-range shooting
Parallax setting fixed at 100 yards may not be ideal for all shooting distances

In summary, the Primary Arms Classic Series 6x32mm scope is a high-quality, reliable optic designed for precision shooting with rimfire rifles. Its fixed magnification, ACSS reticle, and durable construction make it an excellent choice for squirrel hunting and target shooting.

While the fixed magnification and parallax setting may limit versatility for some users, the overall performance and value of this scope make it a solid investment for any shooter seeking a dependable and straightforward optic.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Rimfire Scope for Squirrel Hunting

1. Magnification

Versatility: A magnification range of 3-9x is common and provides flexibility for both close and mid-range shooting.
Fixed vs. Variable: Fixed magnification scopes, like the Primary Arms Classic Series 6x32mm, offer simplicity and consistent performance, while variable magnification scopes provide adaptability for different distances.

2. Objective Lens Diameter

Light Transmission: Larger objective lenses (e.g., 40mm) allow more light to enter the scope, which is beneficial in low-light conditions such as dawn and dusk.

3. Reticle Type

BDC Reticle: Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) reticles, like those found in the Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II, are useful for compensating for bullet drop at various distances.
Duplex Reticle: Simple and effective for quick target acquisition, as seen in the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn scope.
ACSS Reticle: Provides additional holdover points and windage adjustments, helpful for varying shooting conditions.

4. Lens Coatings

Multi-Coated Lenses: Ensure maximum light transmission and clear, bright images, which is essential for early morning and late evening hunts.

5. Parallax Adjustment

Fixed vs. Adjustable: Fixed parallax settings (e.g., 50 or 100 yards) are common in rimfire scopes. Adjustable objective (AO) allows for parallax correction at different distances, offering more precision.

6. Durability

Construction: Look for scopes with single-piece tube construction made from durable materials like aircraft-grade aluminum.
Weather Resistance: Ensure the scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof to withstand various environmental conditions.

7. Eye Relief

Comfort: Sufficient eye relief (e.g., 3-4 inches) ensures a comfortable shooting experience and reduces the risk of eye strain or injury from recoil.

8. Adjustment Mechanisms

Turrets: Easy-to-use windage and elevation turrets with clear, audible clicks for precise adjustments.
Zero-Reset: Features like zero-reset turrets enable quick re-zeroing after sighting in.

9. Weight and Size

Compact and Lightweight: A lighter scope is easier to handle and mount on a rifle, which is important for maneuverability during hunting.

10. Price

Budget: Consider your budget and find a scope that offers the best balance of features and affordability.

11. Pros and Cons Analysis

Analyze Reviews: Look at detailed reviews (like those provided) to understand the pros and cons of each scope model. Consider how each scope’s features align with your hunting needs and preferences.

By considering these factors, you can select a rimfire scope that enhances your squirrel hunting experience, providing clear visuals, accurate targeting, and reliable performance in various conditions.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the ideal rimfire scope for squirrel hunting is a journey that combines understanding your unique needs with appreciating the subtle nuances of each optic. From the versatile magnification ranges and reticle types to the robustness of construction and clarity of lenses, each feature plays a pivotal role in your hunting success.

As we’ve explored in this guide, the right scope can significantly enhance your accuracy, improve your visibility in low-light conditions, and ensure that each shot counts. Whether you favor the advanced trajectory compensation of the BSA Sweet .22, the low-light excellence of the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn, or the user-friendly features of the Simmons .22 Mag, there is a perfect scope out there tailored to your preferences and hunting style.

Remember, the key to a successful squirrel hunt isn’t just in your skills but also in the quality of the equipment you choose. Investing in a reliable, high-performing rimfire scope will not only increase your chances of a fruitful hunt but also make each outing more enjoyable and rewarding.

As you prepare for your next adventure, take the time to consider the factors discussed in this guide, and choose a scope that aligns with your needs and budget. With the right optic, you’ll be ready to tackle the challenges of squirrel hunting with confidence and precision.

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