Squirrels are small and very fast-moving animals and we all know how hard it is to shot small targets. Without perfect aim, you can hunt them down. In this article, we will help you to find the best scope for 22LR squirrel hunting. It will make your hunting experience easier and enjoyable.
Let’s start.
8 Best Squirrel Hunting 22LR Scopes
There are too many scopes out there in the market and for the beginners, it is near to impossible to find the right scope. We picked the top products for your 22LR cartridge.
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Now, let’s discuss in details.
#1. Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7×35
When it comes to accuracy, Vortex Diamondback is one of the best scopes in its class. It fits with most of the rifles. Its lens is multi-coated and can provide crystal clear images. The scope is outstanding for brightening the image in the darkness.
We know squirrels are fast-moving animals and you must aim quickly. Vortex diamondback can do this easily because of its fast-focus eyepiece. It also offers easy reticle focusing which is important for small animal hunting.
Now, let’s come to turrets. The scope offers mental on metal precision turrets which gives you the opportunity to do zero-reset just after sighting in. There is a high-quality glide erector system that helps to improve tracking and repeatability.
If you want to continue hunting in the rain or winter, you must consider it. This scope is well-built and offers lifelong protection from fog and water. The argon purged and the O-ring seals the scope very well and protect it from water and fog.
There is no join in the tube, it comes in one piece with hard anodized finishing. It gives shockproof and makes the scope durable.
Another important feature is the reticle and this scope comes with a V-plex reticle that is suitable for any kind of hunting. The scope comes at a price below $200.
Special Features
- Multi-coated lens
- 30mm Objective lens
- 7x magnification ability
- Second focal plane reticle
- Can cover up to 100 yards
- Clear target image
- Good turret clicks
- Water and fog proof
- Great light transmission
#2. Simmons Truplex .22 Mag
Here comes out the second pick, it is manufactured by Simmons which is one of the largest optic brands and ruling the market for over 20 years with pride.
Simmons Truplex is built using the highest quality material and scope rings. Just like our first pick, it also offers fully-coated lenses. The objective lens is 33mm and can zoom up to 9x. As the name suggests it comes with a triplex reticle.
The parallax correction is offered from 50 years to infinity. The scope has a long eye relief with a quick target acquisition system that can be really helpful to target a small squirrel.
The one-piece tube is a high-quality one and very light but durable. The scope can be used in rain and winter because of its water and fog-proof feature.
It is a lightweight scope, gross weight is only 284g which is lighter compared to other scopes of this class. It comes in two different colors – matte black and silver.
Special Features
- 32mm objective lens
- Up to 9x magnification
- Truplex reticle
- Multi-coated lens
- Very lightweight: 284g
- .25 click value at 100 yards
- Water & fog proof
- Shockproof
- Long eye relief
- Pocket-friendly price
#3. Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II
Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 BDC150 is another great scope for 22LR and performs excellently in squirrel hunting. The scope comes with a 40mm objective lens and can be zoomed up to 9x.
The 150 reticle is an excellent addition to this scope. Generally, this kind of feature comes only with scopes priced near to $300, like these. The lens is multi-coated and offers a clear view of the target. Like its other competitors, it is water, fog, and shockproof.
The 3.6-inch eye relief is long enough for comfortable hunting. The scope is suitable for both short and long-distance shooting.
Another special feature of the scope is its spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets which plays an important role while hunting squirrel. The scope is pocket-friendly, you are not going to spend too much to own this awesome item.
Small animal-like squirrel needs perfect aiming and this scope offers all you need. Its excellent windage and elevation adjustment helps a lot to target perfectly.
However, the magnification adjustment is a bit complex and for newbies, it may seem hard to use.
Special Features
- 150 BDC reticle
- 40mm objective lens
- 9x magnification capacity
- Multi-coated lens
- Water & fog proof
- A bit heavy – 1.3 pounds
- Excellent light transmission
- 50 yards parallax setting
- Spot on Ballistic match system
- Matte black color
- Budget-friendly
#4. Barska 3-9×32 Plinker
Hope you are enjoying our review. Now we will review another excellent rifle scope that is called as Barska Plinker 22 rifle scope. This scope is an option if you want the best striking performance.
The scope offers 3x to 9x magnification which is decent enough to target a small object. The objective lens is 32mm which is bigger than the previous scopes we reviewed in this article.
In terms of weight, it is a lightweight one that gives the opportunity to handle it easily. A rifle is quite heavy and if the scope adds extra weight then it becomes a problem for the hunter/shooter.
This is extremely effective with 22 rifles and rimfires. The scope offers a 12-inch tube that fits most of the rifles.
The eye relief is a bit smaller than Nikon ProStaff but good enough. The scope also offers a 0.25inch click value at 100 yards. There is a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty, so, you will never feel disappointed with this product.
Special Features
- 32mm objective lens
- 5-inch eye relief
- Fully multi-coated lens
- 30/30 reticle
- Maximum 9x magnification
- 5-ounce weight
- Water and fog proof
- Adjustable windage and elevation
- 12-inch tube
- 25-inch click value
- Includes mounting rings, lens cover
#5. Vortex Optics Crossfire II
Vortex is a brand that never compromises with quality. The same goes for Vortex Optics Crossfire II. The scope has a 32mm objective lens that uses a fully multi-coated lens. You can see a clear and bright image. Aiming squirrels is much easier with this scope.
We all know how important magnification is. It can do a 7x magnification. However, it is lower than the previous models we discussed.
The V-Plex reticle of the scope is outstanding and made for all-purpose hunting. You will never feel uncomfortable because of its long eye relief. You can keep an eye on the target for a long time without any issues.
The finger adjustable turrets give extra flexibility to sighting in quickly and you can reset it fast. You can easily target the varmint and shoot. The MOA clicks help to get the finest adjustments.
The tube is 1-inch in diameter and constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum. Its quality ensures long-life and light-weight performance. Like all other scopes, it also has O-ring sealed and water, fog proof features.
Special Features
- 32mm objective lens
- 7x magnification
- Long eye relief
- Anti-reflective & fully multi-coated lens
- MOA clicks adjustment
- Aircraft-grade aluminum
- Water and fog proof
#6. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn
Finally, we could include a product of Bushnell. We believe there is no need to introduce this brand. They are already dominating the market with excellent products.
Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn has a 40mm objective lens which is much bigger compared to all the scopes we discussed as of now. The magnification is also 3x-9x more than its competitors. The 10x magnification is outstanding to aim at squirrels.
It has a drop zone of 22 reticles. The BDC turret is suitable and specially built to work with 22LR. You can also replace the turret if you want. The side parallax adjustment improves accuracy.
However, the eye relief is not big enough. It has a 3.4-inch eye relief which can be a problem if you want to use it for a long time. But, the tube diameter is 1” which is good.
The scope is longer than others as well. Generally, we see 12-inch tubes but this one has a 1-inch tube which can be helpful to use with heavy rifles. This item also offers caliber-specific models. For example, you can get a customized unit for 17 WSM or 17 HMR.
Special Features
- 40mm objective lens
- 3x-9x magnification
- Side parallax adjustment
- Objective parallax adjustment
- 4-inch eye relief
- 1-inch tube diameter
- 5-inch long tube
- Caliber specific options
#7. Sightmark Ultra Shot
Sightmark Ultra Shot is an exceptional scope. The product is marketed by Sightmark which holds a strong ground in the firearms market.
The best feature of this scope is the night vision feature. You can target anything in the dark. It also offers close-range and fast-moving targeting capabilities. You will never get a better experience from anything else.
A squirrel is a fast-moving target, you can achieve the maximum success rate if you consider this one.
It is also great to use in the dark. You can use the side button to increase or decrease the brightness. It gives infinite eye relief and a 105-foot field of view.
It is a waterproof item but heavy fog can harm your hunting experience. The matte black color gives it a military-grade item look. It comes with a lifetime limited warranty. The high-grade aluminum body creates a protective shield.
Special Features
- Night vision scope
- 33mm objective lens
- Infinite eye relief
- 50 MOA adjustment
- 105’ field of view
- 6-oz weight
- Multi-reticle
- Corrected parallax
- Aluminum body
- 25 hours of battery life
- Affordable price
#8. Tasco MAG39X32D Rimfire Series
Tasco is another popular brand manufacturing scope for a decade. The 32mm objective lens gives clear and bright images. It has a Magenta multi-layered coated lens and can magnify up to 9x.
One thing we must mention is the design. The design of the scope is extraordinary and beautiful. If you see it physically you will obviously try to buy it only for its look. However, Tasco didn’t compromise with the quality to make it beautiful.
It comes with a 1-inch tube that used a monotube construction method. It is a full-size rifle scope and can fit in most rifles.
However, eye relief disappointed us. It has only 3-inch eye relief which is significantly lower than its competitors and can cause a problem for professional hunters.
Special Features
- 32mm objective lens
- Magenta coating lens
- Up to 9x magnification
- Eyeball focusing
- ¼ MOA adjustments
- 1-inch diameter tube
- Matte finish
- Low-budget scope
How to Choose the Best .22LR Scopes?
Choosing the right scope is the most important part to become a pro hunter. If you failed to choose the right one, it will not only be a loss of money but also can hamper your shooting experience.
.22LR is one of the most popular calibers in the U.S. for rimfire rifles. The bullet is powerful and can go up to 50 yards without much drop. But, to hunt squirrels you need something that can cover at least 100 yards.
To adjust the bullet drop and get the accuracy you need a quality scope. We have already shown you our top picks from the market. But, depending on your needs, you have to choose one from the list.
But, how?
We will help you with that as well.
To choose the one you have to look at some features and then decide.
Magnification
You are here because you want to hunt down the irritating squirrels but they are really very small in size. Moreover, when you want to shoot from a distance they seem like a tiny point.
So, magnification is very important to earn success. We suggest choosing a 7x to 9x magnification scope to get better accuracy.
Range
You can find scopes that even cover over 500 yards but you don’t need that. If your scope covers 100 yards that is enough to hunt squirrels. Buying long-distance scopes are not wise in terms of money. A long-range scope can cost you over $1000.
Lens
We use a scope to see the target better. If the lens can’t offer this perfect it is not worthy. You should always choose a fully multi-coated lens as it gives a clear image and also improves brightness in the dark.
Reticle
As you need close-range shooting, most of the reticles will work for you. There is no need to spend more to get an expensive scope.
Weight
Rimfire rifles are not heavy and we never want to make it imbalance using a too heavy scope. Light-weight scopes are perfect in this case.
Built-material
You must consider a scope that uses high-quality aluminum. The scopes are left in storage for a long-time, so, if the material is not good it will lose its quality.
We always recommend water and fog-proof scopes under $300.
Conclusion
We tried to reveal the truth and help you to find the best scope for 22LR squirrel hunting. Now, it’s your time to choose one from the list. However, some people prefer to use 177 pellets for squirrel hunting.
Remember, you own a great rifle and cartridge. All you need is a good scope. Pick wisely and save money.