Grouse hunting is all about quick shots, walking miles through brush, and making every opportunity count. Whether you’re using a .22, .410, or a lightweight air rifle, a good scope helps you spot, track, and cleanly take these fast-moving upland birds. The right optic needs to be fast, light, and built for the unpredictable action grouse hunting is famous for. This guide covers the best scopes for grouse hunting, how to choose the right one, and answers to common upland hunter 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 Rimfire — Best Budget Option
Buyer’s Guide: What Makes a Great Grouse Hunting Scope?
Grouse hunting has unique demands—shots are often close, targets are quick, and weight matters when you’re on the move. Here’s what to look for:
- Low Magnification: 2-7x or fixed 4x lets you acquire birds quickly without losing them in a tiny field of view. Too much zoom is actually a disadvantage in thick woods.
- Lightweight Build: Under 12 ounces is best—lighter rifles are easier to carry and shoulder in the brush.
- Rimfire Parallax: Scopes designed for rimfire (.22 LR, .22 WMR) or airguns have close parallax (usually 50 yards or less), which is ideal for grouse distances.
- Simple, Bold Reticle: No busy BDC or tactical marks—just a classic duplex or fine crosshair for fast target pickup.
- Durability: Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof—because your rifle might get banged up walking through thickets.
- Compact Size: Shorter, low-profile scopes are less likely to snag on branches and brush.
- Fast Focus Eyepiece: Lets you snap to clarity on moving birds.
Detailed Reviews — Best Scopes for Grouse Hunting
Leupold FX-I 4×28 Rimfire
Who it’s for: Hunters who want the simplest, lightest, and fastest scope for snap shooting at close range in the woods.
- Key Benefits:
- True rimfire parallax set at 60 yards—ideal for grouse
- Fixed 4x power—no need to mess with zoom
- Ultra-lightweight (7.5 oz)
- Leupold glass and reliability
- Classic duplex reticle
- Pros:
- Made in USA, lifetime warranty
- Crystal-clear image in heavy cover
- Perfect for .22 LR, .22 Mag, or .17 HMR
- Cons:
- No variable zoom—fixed at 4x
- Premium price for a rimfire scope
- Final Verdict: For old-school hunters or anyone who loves simple, fast, and super-reliable optics, the FX-I is the gold standard for small game. See price:
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire
Who it’s for: Grouse and squirrel hunters who want some zoom flexibility—perfect for shots in the brush and open logging roads.
- Key Benefits:
- 2-7x magnification for brush to 70-yard clearings
- Rimfire parallax at 50 yards
- Vortex’s V-Plex reticle—simple and bold
- Just 14.3 oz, balances well on lightweight rifles
- Fully multi-coated for good dawn/dusk performance
- Pros:
- Strong warranty, reliable zero
- Great for all rimfire and small-caliber shotguns
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Cons:
- A bit heavier than fixed scopes
- No illumination
- Final Verdict: This Vortex is versatile, clear, and easy to use—great for any hunter who needs both speed and flexibility. See today’s deal:
See Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Price
Simmons 3-9×32 .22 Mag Rimfire
Who it’s for: Hunters on a budget, youth shooters, and anyone who wants solid performance for less—great for .22 rifles and airguns alike.
- Key Benefits:
- 3-9x zoom for flexible small game use
- Truplex reticle—easy to pick up on birds
- Rimfire parallax at 50 yards
- Only 10 oz—easy on compact rifles
- Includes rimfire rings for fast mounting
- Pros:
- Very affordable
- Good clarity for the price
- Well-proven in the field for decades
- Cons:
- Not as bright or rugged as Leupold or Vortex
- Plastic turret caps
- Final Verdict: The Simmons .22 Mag is the “can’t miss” for anyone looking for real value. Great starter or backup optic for grouse and more. Click for price:
See Simmons 3-9×32 .22 Mag Price
Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 1.5-4.5×32
Who it’s for: Grouse hunters who hunt early or late and want a super-bright, wide-angle view for those quick shots at the edge of the woods.
- Key Benefits:
- 1.5-4.5x zoom—super fast for close cover
- Dusk & Dawn multi-coated glass for low light
- Multi-X reticle—simple and fast
- Compact and lightweight (10.5 oz)
- Pros:
- Wide field of view for moving birds
- Affordable and easy to mount
- Weatherproof build
- Cons:
- Not rimfire specific parallax
- Not as crisp at max zoom as premium models
- Final Verdict: This Bushnell is a favorite for upland and small game—fast, bright, and a great deal for the woods. See latest price:
See Bushnell Banner 1.5-4.5×32 Price
Hawke Vantage 2-7×32 AO Rimfire
Who it’s for: Hunters who want adjustable parallax for extra-sharp focus, great for .22 LR, .17 HMR, or even airgun use in close cover.
- 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 and compact
- Pros:
- Great clarity for the price
- Versatile—good for rabbits and squirrels, too
- Lifetime Hawke warranty
- Cons:
- AO adjustment takes a second to set
- Reticle is a bit busy for some grouse hunters
- Final Verdict: The Hawke Vantage is a top pick if you hunt all small game and want one scope for everything. Click for price:
See Hawke Vantage 2-7×32 AO Price
Comparison Table
| Name | Magnification | Objective | Weight | Rimfire Parallax | Special Feature | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leupold FX-I 4×28 | 4x | 28mm | 7.5 oz | Yes | Fixed power, ultra-light | Check Price |
| Vortex Crossfire II | 2-7x | 32mm | 14.3 oz | Yes | Zoom flexibility | Check Price |
| Simmons .22 Mag | 3-9x | 32mm | 10 oz | Yes | Budget, comes with rings | Check Price |
| Bushnell Banner | 1.5-4.5x | 32mm | 10.5 oz | No | Low-light optimized | Check Price |
| Hawke Vantage AO | 2-7x | 32mm | 12.3 oz | Yes, AO | Adjustable parallax | Check Price |
FAQ — Scopes for Grouse Hunting
What’s the best magnification for grouse hunting?
2-7x or fixed 4x is perfect. Grouse are usually close, so you want a wide field of view for quick shots.
Should I get a rimfire-specific scope?
Yes! Rimfire scopes have parallax set for close shots, which is crucial for accurate hits on small, close targets like grouse.
Do I need an illuminated reticle?
Not necessary. Grouse hunting is all about daylight shots and quick aiming. Simple duplex or fine crosshairs are best.
Will these scopes fit on shotguns or air rifles?
Yes, most will fit .410 shotguns, .22 LR, .17 HMR, and airguns with the right mounts. Always check your gun’s rail type before buying.
What’s the best budget scope for youth hunters?
Simmons 3-9×32 .22 Mag Rimfire is a great affordable pick for young or new hunters. Lightweight, easy to use, and proven in the woods.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Grouse hunting rewards speed, skill, and a steady shot. A lightweight, clear, and quick-acquiring scope helps you put more birds in the bag. Every scope above is trusted by small game hunters, easy to mount, and built to survive the brush. Click any link to check today’s deals, see more reviews, and get ready for your best grouse season yet!