In this post, we will look at the best scope for 22LR squirrel hunting recommendations. Hunting squirrels is not an easy ordeal as you are up against hypervigilant and erratic small game. That’s why you need a scope particularly made for this purpose. The scopes are a game-changer and will enhance your ability to pinpoint elusive targets with ease and confidence.
The majority of people use shotguns with birdshot, handguns, or rimfire rifles to hunt these animals. The.22 long rifle is a great option since it does the least amount of damage while still providing adequate punch at a distance to anchor the squirrel to the spot. We will walk you through all you need to know about the best scope for 22LR squirrel hunting to help you identify the right option.
How Much Magnification Do You Need For Squirrel Hunting?
For squirrel hunting, a moderate magnification range is typically recommended. Magnification levels around 4x to 12x are popular choices among hunters. This range provides enough magnification to clearly see small targets like squirrels at various distances without sacrificing field of view or image clarity. Additionally, a scope with adjustable magnification allows for versatility in different hunting scenarios, such as tracking squirrels in dense foliage or taking longer shots across open fields. Ultimately, the ideal magnification depends on factors like hunting environment, personal preference, and shooting skills.
Best Scopes for 22LR Squirrel Hunting
1) Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm Riflescope
Specifications
- Hunt-Plex reticle
- It weighs 0.6 pounds
- 33mm objective lens diameter
- 3.7 to 4.2 inches of eye relief
- 6061-T6 aluminum construction
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- 2x low magnification
- 7x high magnification
- Second focal plane
Pros
- Very well made
- Expansive field of view
- Clear glass
- Easy to zoom in
Cons
- No reticle illumination
Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm is the best scope for 22LR squirrel hunting. It hosts an array of features to lighten your hunting path and make it successful. This scope seamlessly combines precision, durability, and innovation to elevate your hunting experience.
With standard finger click adjustments, this scope empowers you to make precise tweaks on the fly, maintaining accuracy with ease. For enhanced customization, the optional CDS dial offers precise elevation adjustments tailored to your rifle and ammunition, ensuring unmatched accuracy over various distances.
A fast-focus locking eyepiece ensures swift target acquisition and crystal-clear sight picture adjustments even in the midst of fast-paced hunts. Its scratch-resistant lenses are crafted to endure the rigors of the outdoors, delivering pristine clarity and optimal light transmission with every shot.
Thanks to the high-contrast adjustment markings, the VX-Freedom simplifies dial adjustments, even in low-light conditions, while its ergonomic power selector allows for seamless magnification changes with gloved hands.
Despite its robust feature set, the VX-Freedom remains ultra-lightweight, ensuring minimal strain during long hunting expeditions. Built to withstand the elements, it boasts waterproof and fogproof construction, guaranteeing reliability in any weather conditions.
To top it all, it is backed by Leupold’s renowned lifetime guarantee.
2) Vortex Diamondback 2-7x35mm Rimfire Riflescope
Specifications
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Shockproof construction
- V-Plex reticle
- Argon purged and O-ring sealed
- Hard anodized finish
- Fast focus eyepiece
- One-inch tube
- 50 yards to infinity focus range
- 35mm objective lens diameter
- 2x to 7x magnification
- 3.1 to 3.5 inches of eye relief
Pros
- Quality glass
- Tactile adjustments
- lightweight
- Unbeatable warranty
- Easy to use
Cons
- Eye relief could be better
The next recommendation is the Vortex Diamondback 2-7x35mm riflescope. It is durable, precise, and flawless optically.
The 2x to 7x magnification is great for squirrel hunting. The field of view is wide at the low magnification and that makes it a real asset for getting on, and staying on running game. The high 7x magnification is sufficient for small varmints.
Crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, the Diamondback boasts a robust construction that can withstand the harshest of hunting conditions. Fully multi-coated lenses ensure maximum light transmission and image clarity, allowing for sharp, vivid views of your quarry.
Designed to handle the recoil and impact of high-powered rifles, this scope features a shockproof construction that instills confidence with every shot. The fast-focus eyepiece enables quick and easy reticle focusing, ensuring swift target acquisition in dynamic hunting situations.
It is encased in a solid one-piece tube with a hard anodized finish, ensuring it is not only shockproof but also aids in concealing your position from wary prey. Argon purging and O-ring seals provide fogproof and waterproof performance, ensuring clear sight pictures and reliable operation in any weather condition.
It is equipped with metal-on-metal precision turrets, the Diamondback offers the ability to zero reset after sight-in, facilitating effortless adjustments on the fly. The precision glide erector system ensures accurate tracking and repeatability, ensuring your shots land exactly where intended, time and again.
3) Leupold FX-1 4x28mm Rimfire Riflescope
Specifications
- One-inch main tube
- 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Matte finish
- Capped finger click adjustments
- 28mm objective lens diameter
- 6061-T6 aluminum build
- 4.5 inches of eye relief
- Duplex reticle
- Fixed 4x magnification
- Twilight Light Management System
- Second focal plane reticle design
Pros
- Clear glass with excellent brightness
- Great eye relief
- Crisp reticle that doesn’t obstruct the target
- Featherlight
Cons
- Rings and mounts are not included
4) Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12x40mm Riflescope
Specifications
- 4x low magnification
- 12x high magnification
- Adjustable objective for parallax correction
- High-quality aluminum construction
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- High torque zoom ring
- 1/4 MOA low profile fingertip turrets
- Matte anodized finish
- 40mm objective lens
- Second focal plane
- One-inch main tube
- 0.25 MOA adjustment click value
Pros
- Ease of mounting and zeroing
- Construction quality
- Great glass
- Adjustable objective
Cons
- Optical quality deteriorates at maximum magnification
Constructed from a robust 1-inch mono-tube chassis, the Vantage boasts superior strength and durability, capable of withstanding the recoil of even the most powerful rifles. Its rugged design ensures reliability in the face of harsh hunting conditions, allowing you to focus on the thrill of the hunt without worrying about your equipment.
One of the standout features of the Vantage is its side focus control, allowing for parallax adjustment to infinity. This feature ensures that your reticle remains perfectly aligned with your target, eliminating any potential optical distortions and maximizing your shooting precision, especially when engaging targets at varying distances.
As another best scope for 22LR squirrel hunting, the Vantage is equipped with low-profile no-snag fingertip turrets, allowing for quick and precise adjustments without compromising on sleekness or functionality. With 1/4 MOA adjustments, you can fine-tune your shots with confidence, ensuring optimal accuracy even at extended ranges.
It features fully multicoated optics, ensuring maximum light transmission and exceptional image clarity across the entire magnification range. Whether you’re scanning dense forests or peering through twilight, this riflescope delivers crisp, vivid images of your elusive targets.
For added convenience, the Vantage features a fast-focus eyebell and high-torque zoom ring, allowing for swift adjustments to suit changing hunting scenarios. This riflescope offers unparalleled optical clarity, rugged durability, and intuitive features designed to enhance your hunting experience, augmenting it as one of our top options.
5) Hawke Sport Optics 4-16x50mm Riflescope
Specifications
- Variable 4x to 16x zoom
- 30mm tube
- Adjustable parallax from 10 yards to infinity
- 50mm objective lens
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Glass-etched reticle with red and green illumination
- First focal plane
- Aircraft-grade aluminum structure
- Wide angle optical system
- An erector system to maximize internal stability
- High torque zoom ring for magnification adjustment
Pros
- Glass clarity
- Illuminated reticle
- Adjustable objective
Cons
- Parallax adjustment is at the front
This riflescope is equipped with a wide-angle optical system and 11-layer fully multi-coated optics to deliver exceptional clarity and brightness, providing crisp, vivid images of your quarry in various lighting conditions.
A major selling point for this riflescope is its glass-etched reticle with red and green illumination. With five levels of brightness to choose from, you can tailor the reticle illumination to suit your preferences and ambient lighting conditions, ensuring optimal visibility and contrast against your target.
The reticle is set on the first focal plane ensuring that its size adjusts proportionally with magnification changes. This feature allows for precise holdover and ranging at any magnification setting, empowering you to take accurate shots even at extended distances.
The riflescope is equipped with 1/10 MRAD exposed and locking turrets, allowing for quick and easy windage and elevation adjustments with confidence. Whether you’re dialing in for a long-range shot or making rapid corrections in the field, these turrets ensure repeatable accuracy with every adjustment.
Construction-wise, it features a robust 30mm mono-tube chassis, which offers superior strength and durability, capable of withstanding the recoil of high-powered rifles without compromising on performance. Its nitrogen-purged, water, shock, and fog-proof design ensures reliability in the face of harsh hunting conditions, allowing you to focus on the thrill of the hunt without worrying about your equipment.
The riflescope is made with precision in mind as it features a side focus control for parallax adjustment to infinity. This feature eliminates optical distortion and ensures that your reticle remains perfectly aligned with your target, allowing for confident and accurate shots at any range.
6) Athlon Optics 4-12x40mm Riflescope
Specifications
- One-inch tube diameter
- Matte finish
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- The lenses are fully multi-coated
- Waterproof and fogproof
- 15 MOA adjustment range
- Shockproof build
- 40mm objective lens
- 4x minimum magnification
- 12x maximum magnification
- Glass-etched reticle
Pros
- Clear glass
- Fairly priced
- Holds zero
- Tracks well
Cons
- Mushy and stiff parallax knob
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Scope for 22LR Squirrel Hunting
Every shooter needs the best of their guns and rifles. This also applies if you want your hunt to be rewarding. Some considerations to have in mind before making a decision include;
Optical Quality
Look for a scope with high-quality optics, including fully multi-coated lenses and a wide-angle optical system. These features ensure maximum light transmission, clarity, and brightness, providing crisp, vivid images of your targets in different lighting conditions.
You must have a clear view to achieve precision and accuracy when taking down your target.
Adjustment Turrets
The best scope for 22LR squirrel hunting should have precise adjustment turrets, preferably with exposed and locking turrets for quick and easy windage and elevation adjustments. Features like 1/10 MRAD or 1/4 MOA adjustments ensure precise shot placement and repeatability, especially when making corrections for windage and elevation.
Size and Weight
Choose a scope that balances performance with portability, considering factors like size and weight. Opt for lightweight designs that won’t add unnecessary bulk to your rifle, making it easier to carry and maneuver during extended hunting expeditions.
The .22LR is not that heavy, but if you mount a bulky scope, there is a chance to miss the balance. As .22LR rifles, they go well with a lightweight riflescope. A heavy scope will make you miss your target because of the bulkiness so weight is an instrumental aspect when looking for the best scope for 22LR squirrel hunting.
Objective Lens Size
When purchasing a scope, the size of the lens is very crucial. It aids in light transmission creating a clear image . More light on the eye means brighter, clearer visuals when using a large objective lens. One thing needs to be mentioned: the objective lens size can affect the magnification of the scope.
Durability
A good scope should have a rugged construction capable of withstanding the recoil of .22LR rifles and the rigors of outdoor hunting. Features like a robust mono-tube chassis, shockproof design, and waterproof/fogproof construction ensure long-lasting durability and reliability in the field.
Cost
The next thing to consider before choosing the best scope for 22LR squirrel hunting is the cost. The majority of scopes available today are reasonably priced. The focal length, features, brand, and material of the scopes will all affect the price.
The price is more for a bigger scope. Bigger scopes include more features. Selecting a smaller scope can ease the financial strain on you. The price can also stipulate how powerful the scope is.
Parallax Adjustment
Consider scopes with side focus or adjustable parallax control for eliminating optical distortion and ensuring that your reticle remains perfectly aligned with your target, particularly at longer ranges.
Also Read:
FAQs on Best Scope for 22LR Squirrel Hunting
What is the Best 22 Rifle for Squirrel Hunting?
The Ruger 10/22 is arguably the most popular .22 rifle found in the hands of squirrel hunters every season. It is deadly accurate, lightweight, portable, and dependable. You can work on squirrels in the treetops fast with this semi-automatic squirrel thumper.
What Type of Gun is Best for Squirrel Hunting?
The rifles most frequently bought on a squirrel hunt are .22 guns that come in short, long, or long rifle. Nowadays, most people use long-rifle as they are readily available. Hollow point bullets are unnecessary, but the rise in predator hunting has made them occasionally easily accessible in box stores.
Is An Illuminated Reticle Necessary for Squirrel Hunting?
An illuminated scope can be handy when hunting in low-light environments. It is not necessary if you hunt at a field with sufficient lighting or during the day. However, if you want to hunt near dusk or dawn when there is increased squirrel activity, an illuminated scope can be the thin line between heading home empty-handed or having a successful trip.
Can I Use a Fixed Scope for Squirrel Hunting?
You certainly can. Fixed scopes have magnification that is not adjustable.
On the other hand, they are typically less expensive, lighter, more robust, smaller, and less sophisticated. They are simple to operate and lightweight.
Higher or variable magnification is required for more vivid images if your target is moving, prancing over long distances, or there is less light passing through the lens. You cannot get that with a fixed scope.
Conclusion
We hope you have all the information you need to select the best scope for 22LR squirrel hunting. By prioritizing factors like durability, optical clarity, and ease of use, you can confidently choose the best scope and you’ll be ready to tackle any hunting challenge and elevate your squirrel hunting game to new heights..