Nothing sharpens your aim like a squirrel hunt with a .22 rifle. Squirrel hunting is a classic test of marksmanship, patience, and woodsmanship. To get the most from your rimfire rifle, you need a scope designed for precise shots at small targets, often in tricky lighting and dense cover. Whether you’re plinking from a rest or hunting squirrels in tall timber, the right optic will boost your hit rate and make every hunt more enjoyable. Here’s a comprehensive, practical guide to the best scopes for .22LR squirrel hunting this season.
Quick Picks
- Best All-Around: Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×33 EFR
- Best for Close Shots & Precision: Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire
- Best Budget: Simmons 3-9×32 .22 Mag
Buyer’s Guide: What Makes a Great Squirrel Hunting Scope?
Here’s what separates an excellent .22LR squirrel scope from the rest:
- Parallax Adjustment: Squirrels are small and often close—scopes with parallax set at 50 yards or less, or adjustable objective (AO/side focus), are key for sharp shots.
- Magnification Range: For most rimfire hunting, 2-7x or 3-9x is ideal. You want a wide field of view for quick target acquisition and enough zoom for those 50–75 yard head shots.
- Rimfire-Specific Models: Rimfire scopes are designed for closer focus and lighter weight, plus they often come with the correct mounting rings for .22 rails.
- Reticle Type: Simple duplex, fine crosshair, or BDC reticles are best. You want a reticle that won’t cover a squirrel at distance, but is still easy to see in the woods.
- Light Transmission: Clear, bright glass is crucial for hunting early mornings or shaded timber.
- Weight: Lightweight scopes (under 13 oz) keep your .22LR balanced and fast-handling for offhand shots or quick swings.
- Durability: Even on a .22LR, waterproof and fogproof construction is a must—early mornings can be dewy and weather changes fast.
Top Scopes for .22LR Squirrel Hunting
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×33 EFR
Why it’s the gold standard: The VX-Freedom EFR (Extended Focus Range) is built specifically for rimfire and air rifle hunters. Parallax is adjustable down to 10 yards, making it razor-sharp for close and distant squirrels alike. Crystal-clear glass, fine duplex reticle, and legendary Leupold durability make it a once-in-a-lifetime .22 scope.
- 3-9x zoom for woods or longer shots
- Adjustable objective (AO) for true parallax-free aiming from 10 yards to infinity
- Lightweight at just over 11 oz—keeps your .22 lively
- Scratch-resistant lenses and weatherproof build
Pros:
- Unmatched clarity, even at dusk
- Superb close-range focus for shooting in thick cover
- Backed by Leupold’s lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Costs more than most rimfire scopes, but truly a “buy once, cry once” optic
- No illumination (but not needed for squirrel hunting)
Final Verdict: If you want the last .22 squirrel scope you’ll ever need, this is it. Perfect for youth and adult hunters who want precision and lasting value.
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire
Why it’s a top choice for woods or close-range: The Crossfire II Rimfire is lightweight, sharp, and designed for rimfire ranges with parallax set at 50 yards. The V-Plex reticle is fine enough for squirrel heads but bold enough to see in dark timber. Reliable, affordable, and backed by a great warranty.
- 2-7x zoom is perfect for fast shooting and tight cover
- Bright, clear glass for all-day hunting
- Waterproof, fogproof, and built to last
- Rimfire-specific mounting compatibility
Pros:
- Wide field of view—great for tracking moving squirrels
- Super lightweight (approx. 12 oz)
- Vortex’s VIP lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Fixed parallax at 50 yards (not adjustable)
- Not as much zoom for long-range shots, but ideal for most hunts
Final Verdict: For most squirrel hunters, especially those in thick woods or shooting offhand, this is a perfect blend of price, size, and performance.
Simmons 3-9×32 .22 Mag
Why it’s a budget legend: The Simmons .22 Mag has helped generations of hunters take their first squirrels. It’s lightweight, affordable, and comes with rimfire mounting rings. Parallax is set at 50 yards, and the glass is surprisingly clear for the price.
- 3-9x zoom for close and mid-range hunting
- Truplex reticle for easy aiming
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof
- Weighs only 10 oz—keeps your .22 easy to handle
Pros:
- Incredible value for beginner or backup .22s
- Easy mounting, fits most .22 dovetails
- Good enough glass for most daylight hunting
Cons:
- Limited clarity in very low light or at max zoom
- Turret adjustments are basic but functional
Final Verdict: If you’re looking for a great first scope or an upgrade from factory optics, the Simmons .22 Mag punches way above its price class.
Other Notable Scopes
- Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40: Wide objective for better light in brush; rimfire parallax and simple, effective reticle.
- Primary Arms Classic Series 6×32: Fixed magnification, razor-sharp glass, lightweight and affordable for high-precision shooters.
- Nikon PROSTAFF Rimfire II 3-9×40: Sharp, reliable, and made specifically for rimfire rifles (discontinued but still available new/used).
Comparison Table
| Scope | Magnification | Parallax/Focus | Best For | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leupold VX-Freedom EFR | 3-9×33 | Adjustable objective (10 yds–∞) | Precision, close or far | $300-$400 |
| Vortex Crossfire II Rimfire | 2-7×32 | Fixed at 50 yds | Woods, fast action | $120-$140 |
| Simmons .22 Mag | 3-9×32 | Fixed at 50 yds | Budget, beginners | $50-$60 |
| Bushnell Rimfire | 3-9×40 | Fixed at 50 yds | Thick brush, low light | $60-$100 |
| Primary Arms Classic 6×32 | 6×32 (fixed) | Fixed at 50 yds | Open shots, precision | $80-$120 |
| Nikon PROSTAFF Rimfire II | 3-9×40 | Fixed at 50 yds | All-around rimfire | $110-$150 |
FAQ: .22LR Squirrel Hunting Scopes
What magnification is best for squirrel hunting?
2-7x or 3-9x covers almost all squirrel hunting scenarios. Use 2-4x for quick shots up close, and 7-9x for longer shots or when squirrels are hugging branches high up.
Do I need adjustable parallax?
If you shoot a lot under 50 yards or want to maximize accuracy, an adjustable objective (AO) or side focus is a great feature. Fixed 50-yard parallax is fine for most hunts.
Is an illuminated reticle necessary?
Not really for squirrels. Most shots are taken in daylight or moderate shade. Fine, bold, or duplex reticles are more important than illumination.
What rings do I need for a .22 scope?
Most rimfire scopes come with 3/8” dovetail rings. Some .22 rifles use Weaver or Picatinny rails, so check your rifle and choose the right rings for a secure fit.
Are rimfire-specific scopes better than centerfire scopes for .22LR?
Yes—rimfire scopes have parallax set for closer distances, lighter recoil specs, and generally lighter construction. They’re made for the way you use a .22 in the squirrel woods.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The best scope for .22LR squirrel hunting is one that’s clear, lightweight, and lets you see every twitching ear and bushy tail in the woods. For hunters who want the very best, the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×33 EFR is a lifetime scope for any rimfire. The Vortex Crossfire II Rimfire offers excellent clarity and handling at a great price, while the Simmons .22 Mag remains the king of budget-friendly performance.
Mount your new scope with quality rings, sight in at 50 yards, and practice quick offhand shots. The squirrels won’t stand a chance—and you’ll enjoy every hunt that much more.