The Ruger 10/22 is the classic American squirrel rifle—fast, reliable, and endlessly customizable. But even the best rifle needs a great scope to make the most of every shot. Squirrels are small, quick, and often hiding in thick branches, so a good optic must be clear, lightweight, and fast on target. This guide highlights the top scopes for Ruger 10/22 squirrel hunting, along with a practical buyer’s guide, detailed reviews, a comparison table, and straightforward answers to common rimfire hunting questions.
Quick Picks
- Leupold FX-I 4×28 Rimfire — Best Fixed Power
- Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire — Best Versatile Zoom
- Simmons 3-9×32 .22 Mag Truplex — Best Budget Option
Buyer’s Guide: What Makes a Great Squirrel Scope for Ruger 10/22?
Rimfire hunting is unique—shots are close, targets are small, and weight matters for offhand shooting. Here’s what matters most for a 10/22 squirrel scope:
- Low Magnification: 2-7x, 3-9x, or fixed 4x. Wide field of view at low power for fast target finding; a bit of zoom helps on distant treetop shots.
- Rimfire Parallax: Scopes made for .22 LR have parallax set at 50 or 60 yards, so you get crisp focus for all squirrel distances.
- Lightweight Build: 8–14 oz keeps your 10/22 balanced for fast shooting in the woods.
- Simple, Bold Reticle: Duplex, V-Plex, or Truplex reticles are fast and uncluttered—easy to see squirrels against busy backgrounds.
- Fast Focus Eyepiece: Lets you quickly bring targets into sharp view, even with glasses or in variable light.
- Durability: Waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof for hunting in any weather or rough terrain.
- Easy Mounting: Low-profile scopes sit nicely on 10/22 receivers, helping you get a natural cheek weld and quick sight picture.
Detailed Reviews — Best Ruger 10/22 Squirrel Hunting Scopes
Leupold FX-I 4×28 Rimfire
Who it’s for: Hunters who want the lightest, simplest, and fastest rimfire scope for shooting squirrels at any distance in the woods.
- Key Benefits:
- Fixed 4x power—perfect for offhand shots and quick target acquisition
- Rimfire parallax set at 60 yards—ideal for squirrel ranges
- Ultra-lightweight (7.5 oz)
- Duplex reticle for fast sight picture
- Leupold lifetime warranty, made in the USA
- Pros:
- Bright, clear glass—helps in thick leaves or shadows
- Very forgiving eye relief for fast shooting
- Classic look and reliability
- Cons:
- Fixed power only (no zoom)
- Premium price for a rimfire optic
- Final Verdict: For those who value simplicity, speed, and long-term reliability, the FX-I 4×28 is the gold standard for squirrel hunting. Click for price:
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire
Who it’s for: Squirrel hunters who want zoom flexibility—perfect for shots at every range, from 15-yard ground shots to 70-yard limb-nappers.
- Key Benefits:
- 2-7x magnification with rimfire parallax at 50 yards
- V-Plex reticle—simple, easy to see on small targets
- Fully multi-coated glass for sharp images in brush
- 14.3 oz—balances well on the 10/22
- Vortex VIP lifetime warranty
- Pros:
- Fast focus, easy adjustments
- Handles any weather or bumps
- Works for rabbits, grouse, and other small game, too
- Cons:
- Slightly heavier than fixed scopes
- No illumination (not needed for squirrels)
- Final Verdict: The Crossfire II 2-7×32 is a flexible, proven scope—great for all-around rimfire use and squirrel action in any conditions. Click for today’s deal:
See Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Price
Simmons 3-9×32 .22 Mag Truplex
Who it’s for: Hunters and families on a budget, or those who want a backup optic for loaner rifles, new shooters, or high-volume practice.
- Key Benefits:
- 3-9x zoom for flexible small game use
- Truplex reticle—easy to pick up on tiny squirrels
- Rimfire parallax at 50 yards
- Just 10 oz—keeps your rifle light
- Comes with rimfire rings for easy mounting
- Pros:
- Very affordable
- Consistent, proven reliability for decades
- Great for young hunters and practice
- Cons:
- Not as bright as higher-end models in bad light
- Plastic turret caps
- Final Verdict: The Simmons .22 Mag is unbeatable for the price—simple, rugged, and trusted by rimfire hunters everywhere. Click for deals:
See Simmons 3-9×32 .22 Mag Price
Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9×40
Who it’s for: Squirrel hunters who want maximum brightness for those tricky dawn and dusk hunts—great for thick woods and big, mature timber.
- Key Benefits:
- 3-9x magnification and 40mm objective for more light
- Dusk & Dawn multi-coated glass
- Multi-X reticle for fast, clear aiming
- Weatherproof and fogproof
- Lightweight (13 oz)
- Pros:
- Excellent field of view at low power
- Proven in wet, cold, and rough weather
- Easy to mount on any 10/22
- Cons:
- No rimfire-specific parallax (but still sharp at squirrel ranges)
- No rings included
- Final Verdict: The Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 is a top pick for squirrel hunters who hunt early, late, or in dense woods. See price below:
See Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 Price
Hawke Vantage 2-7×32 AO Rimfire
Who it’s for: Hunters who want adjustable parallax for tack-sharp focus at any distance—great for .22 LR, .17 HMR, and airgun use in the squirrel woods.
- Key Benefits:
- 2-7x zoom, AO down to 10 yards for ultra-close shots
- Rimfire .22 LR subsonic reticle for easy holds
- Fully multi-coated glass
- Lightweight (12.3 oz)
- Lifetime Hawke warranty
- Pros:
- Excellent clarity and focus for small targets
- Versatile for all small game, not just squirrels
- Very easy to use for kids and adults alike
- Cons:
- AO adjustment requires a quick manual turn
- Reticle has more markings than a simple duplex
- Final Verdict: The Hawke Vantage is a smart choice for squirrel hunters who want the sharpest focus at every distance. Click for price:
See Hawke Vantage 2-7×32 AO Price
Comparison Table
| Name | Magnification | Objective | Weight | Rimfire Parallax | Reticle | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leupold FX-I 4×28 | 4x | 28mm | 7.5 oz | Yes | Duplex | Check Price |
| Vortex Crossfire II | 2-7x | 32mm | 14.3 oz | Yes | V-Plex | Check Price |
| Simmons .22 Mag | 3-9x | 32mm | 10 oz | Yes | Truplex | Check Price |
| Bushnell Banner | 3-9x | 40mm | 13 oz | No | Multi-X | Check Price |
| Hawke Vantage AO | 2-7x | 32mm | 12.3 oz | Yes (AO) | Rimfire Subsonic | Check Price |
FAQ — Scopes for Ruger 10/22 Squirrel Hunting
What’s the best magnification for squirrel hunting with a 10/22?
2-7x or fixed 4x is ideal. 3-9x works too, but keep it at low power for quick shots. Squirrels are usually 20–50 yards away, so wide field of view matters most.
Is a rimfire-specific parallax important?
Yes. Rimfire scopes focus crisply at closer ranges—helping you hit small targets accurately. Avoid centerfire-only scopes for best results.
Do I need an illuminated reticle for squirrel hunting?
No. Squirrel hunting is all about daylight, and a bold duplex or Truplex reticle is easy to see against bark and leaves.
Will these scopes fit on a standard Ruger 10/22?
Yes, all these scopes fit standard 3/8″ dovetail or Weaver rails. Most come with rimfire rings or you can add your own.
What’s the best value for beginners or kids?
The Simmons 3-9×32 .22 Mag is super affordable and reliable for young hunters or anyone just getting started.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The Ruger 10/22 is a squirrel hunter’s classic, and these scopes are designed to help you make the most of every day in the woods. Whether you’re a veteran rimfire shooter or setting up a young hunter, every option here delivers clarity, speed, and proven field results. Click any link to check today’s deals, see more reviews, and get ready for your best squirrel season yet!