Squirrel hunting with a .22 rifle is one of America’s most classic and enjoyable small game pursuits. It’s about quiet mornings, quick shots in the timber, and the satisfaction of making a perfect shot on a twitching tail. But squirrels are small, fast, and often high in the branches—so your scope needs to be sharp, lightweight, and focused for close to mid-range accuracy. The right .22 scope makes all the difference, whether you’re targeting heads at 15 yards or stretching out to 60. Below, you’ll find the best .22 scopes for squirrel hunting in 2025, plus advice on what features really matter for your next hunt.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire MOA
- Best Value: Simmons 3-9×32 .22 Mag AO Rimfire Scope
- Best Premium: Leupold VX-3HD 2.5-8×36
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing a .22 Scope for Squirrel Hunting
- Magnification: 2-7x, 3-9x, or 4-12x is perfect for .22 squirrel hunting. Higher magnification can help at 50+ yards, but too much zoom can make close shots slower or blurry.
- Parallax Setting: Rimfire-specific scopes usually set parallax at 50 or 60 yards—critical for close shots. Adjustable Objective (AO) or side focus is ideal for headshots at 15–25 yards.
- Weight & Size: Compact, lightweight scopes help you swing easily and shoot offhand in the woods.
- Reticle: Simple duplex or fine BDC reticles stand out best against small targets and brushy backgrounds.
- Glass Quality: Multi-coated lenses are brighter and sharper at dawn, dusk, or under heavy canopy.
- Durability: Waterproof and fogproof is essential—mornings can be dewy and rifles get knocked around in the brush.
- Warranty: Stick to major brands that offer lifetime warranties for peace of mind.
Detailed Product Reviews
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire MOA
Who it’s for: Dedicated squirrel hunters wanting top clarity, sharpness, and classic Leupold reliability for rimfire rifles.
- Parallax set at 60 yards—ideal for .22LR and .17 HMR
- Rimfire MOA reticle—easy holdover for tiny targets
- Lightweight (11.1 oz), waterproof, fogproof
- Legendary Leupold Full Lifetime Guarantee
Pros:
- Edge-to-edge clarity, even in thick timber
- Bright enough for dawn or evening hunts
- Perfect fit for most .22 hunting rifles
Cons:
- Priced at a premium
- No adjustable parallax (but set perfectly for rimfires)
Final Verdict: This is the “buy once, cry once” .22 scope—ready for a lifetime of squirrel hunting. See price.
Simmons 3-9×32 .22 Mag AO Rimfire Scope
Who it’s for: Hunters wanting crisp focus for close shots and solid reliability under $100.
- Adjustable objective (AO) for parallax-free shots at 10 yards and out
- Quick target Truplex reticle—easy to see against bark and leaves
- Lightweight and includes rimfire rings
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
Pros:
- Great for headshots at 10–60 yards
- Excellent value and easy to mount
- Surprisingly tough for its price
Cons:
- Not as bright as premium glass in deep shade
- Some prefer beefier turrets for dialing (most hunters set and forget)
Final Verdict: The top pick for hunters on a budget who want real rimfire performance. Check price.
Leupold VX-3HD 2.5-8×36
Who it’s for: Squirrel hunters wanting the very best glass for dawn, dusk, and deep woods.
- VX-3HD glass—Leupold’s sharpest rimfire scope yet
- Simple Duplex reticle—fast to see and quick to aim
- Compact and ultra-light (11.4 oz)
- Waterproof, fogproof, built for real hunting
- Lifetime warranty
Pros:
- Unmatched clarity in low light and shadow
- Balances well on most .22 rifles
- Extremely rugged for the field
Cons:
- Pricey, but top glass for serious hunters
- Parallax set for 100 yards (not a problem for 20+ yard shots)
Final Verdict: The clear choice for those who want the absolute best glass on a .22 squirrel rifle. See details.
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire
Who it’s for: New and experienced hunters wanting a simple, rugged, and proven rimfire scope.
- Parallax set at 50 yards—ideal for .22LR
- V-Plex reticle—easy to see, not cluttered
- Multi-coated glass, waterproof and shockproof
- VIP lifetime warranty from Vortex
Pros:
- Light, compact, and easy to use
- Outstanding for offhand and brush hunting
- Trusted by thousands of small game hunters
Cons:
- No AO or side focus
- Not quite as bright as Leupold glass in deep cover
Final Verdict: A safe pick for any .22 squirrel hunter—simple, durable, and effective. See price.
Burris Droptine 2-7×35 Rimfire
Who it’s for: Hunters who want a rock-solid, all-weather rimfire scope for any conditions.
- Parallax fixed at 50 yards for rimfire accuracy
- Ballistic Plex reticle—easy for long shots
- Ultra-lightweight at 13 oz, waterproof and shockproof
- Forever warranty from Burris
Pros:
- Simple, fast, and rugged in the field
- Excellent clarity for under $200
- No fuss—mount and hunt
Cons:
- No adjustable parallax
- Limited zoom for long-range shooting
Final Verdict: A proven choice for traditionalists who want simplicity and toughness. See reviews.
Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 Drop Zone-22
Who it’s for: Hunters seeking a budget BDC reticle and good glass for under $100.
- Drop Zone-22 BDC reticle for easy holdover at longer rimfire distances
- Parallax set at 50 yards
- Shockproof, waterproof, clear for the price
- Good eye relief, simple controls
Pros:
- Great for fast field shooting at mixed ranges
- Solid performance for budget hunters
- Holds zero on most .22s
Cons:
- No AO or side focus
- Not for extreme low-light woods
Final Verdict: Top value scope for squirrel hunters needing a BDC reticle on a budget. Check price.
Comparison Table
| Name | Magnification | Parallax | Weight | Reticle | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire | 3-9x | Fixed 60 yd | 11.1 oz | Rimfire MOA | Check Price |
| Simmons 3-9×32 AO .22 Mag | 3-9x | AO (10 yd–∞) | 10 oz | Truplex | Check Price |
| Leupold VX-3HD 2.5-8×36 | 2.5-8x | Fixed 100 yd | 11.4 oz | Duplex | Check Price |
| Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 | 2-7x | Fixed 50 yd | 14 oz | V-Plex | Check Price |
| Burris Droptine 2-7×35 | 2-7x | Fixed 50 yd | 13 oz | Ballistic Plex | Check Price |
| Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 Drop Zone-22 | 3-9x | Fixed 50 yd | 16.9 oz | Drop Zone-22 BDC | Check Price |
FAQ
What magnification is best for a .22 squirrel scope?
Most hunters use 3-9x or 2-7x. You’ll have enough zoom to see small targets in the trees, but not so much that close shots become difficult. Adjustable parallax is a bonus for headshots at 10–25 yards.
Why use a rimfire-specific scope?
Rimfire scopes are parallax adjusted for 50–60 yards, so you get a sharp reticle and no aiming errors up close. Centerfire scopes often have parallax set at 100+ yards, which can lead to misses on close squirrels.
Should I get a scope with adjustable parallax (AO)?
AO or side focus is helpful if you want perfect focus at 10–25 yards—great for headshots and when hunting with a suppressed .22 in thick cover. If you only take shots at 30 yards and beyond, fixed parallax is fine.
Can I use these scopes on air rifles?
Many of these are airgun-rated or fine for low to medium-powered air rifles. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for spring-piston or magnum airguns.
What’s the most important thing in a .22 squirrel scope?
Clarity and reliable parallax at close range—nothing else matters if your target looks blurry or your reticle is off. All picks above deliver these for rimfire hunters.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The best .22 scope for squirrel hunting should be clear, easy to use, and rugged enough for real woods adventures. Whether you pick the sharp Leupold VX-Freedom, the feature-rich Simmons AO, or the proven Vortex Crossfire II, every option above is field-proven and ready to help you bag more squirrels this season. Ready to upgrade your favorite rimfire? Click any link above to check today’s best prices and get set for better accuracy and more success!