Small game hunting is all about quick shots, tricky angles, and often tiny targets. Whether you’re after squirrels, rabbits, groundhogs, or even crows, you need a scope that’s fast, clear, and able to handle a variety of ranges. Your optic should help you make those accurate shots—up close and out to 100+ yards—without weighing you down or slowing your swing. In this guide, you’ll find the top scopes for small game hunting in 2025, plus a simple buyer’s guide, a detailed comparison, and answers to the most common questions.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire MOA
- Best for Adjustable Parallax: Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 FFP
- Best Premium: Leupold VX-3HD 2.5-8×36
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in a Small Game Hunting Scope
- Magnification: 2-7x, 3-9x, or 4-12x is ideal for rimfires and small-bore rifles. Too much zoom narrows your view and can slow you down for moving targets.
- Parallax Adjustment: Small game often means close shots (20–50 yards). Scopes with adjustable parallax, AO, or side focus make for much sharper, more accurate aiming up close.
- Glass Quality: Fully multi-coated glass is crucial for crisp images, even in shaded woods or on cloudy days.
- Weight & Size: A light, compact scope won’t throw off your rifle’s balance. Lighter is often better for fast swings or spot-and-stalk hunting.
- Reticle Type: A simple duplex or fine BDC reticle is easiest to see on small targets. Avoid overly thick crosshairs or “busy” tactical reticles.
- Durability: Even rimfires need waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction—especially for damp mornings or heavy use.
- Warranty: Lifetime, no-questions-asked warranties are now the standard for quality scopes.
Detailed Product Reviews
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire MOA
Who it’s for: Anyone looking for the best all-around small game hunting scope for .22LR or .17HMR rifles.
- Custom Rimfire MOA reticle for precise holds
- Crystal-clear glass with Leupold’s Twilight Light Management
- Parallax set at 60 yards—perfect for rimfires
- Ultra-lightweight (11.1 oz) and compact
- Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof
- Leupold Full Lifetime Guarantee
Pros:
- Sharp, bright, and simple to use
- Ideal for squirrels, rabbits, and even pest birds
- Tracks perfectly, holds zero on any rimfire
Cons:
- No adjustable parallax (fixed at rimfire distance)
- Not ideal for air rifles or ultra-close targets
Final Verdict: The go-to scope for most .22 and .17 small game hunters—clear, light, and tough. Check current price.
Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 FFP
Who it’s for: Hunters who want precision, adjustable parallax, and FFP reticle for longer or tricky shots on wary small game.
- FFP EBR-2C reticle with fine hash marks for precision
- Side parallax adjustment from 20 yards to infinity
- Fully multi-coated glass, sharp at all powers
- Zero-reset tactical turrets for dialing
- Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof
- Lifetime VIP warranty
Pros:
- Perfect for prairie dogs, groundhogs, and challenging shots
- Turrets and parallax work for rimfire or small centerfires
- Serious precision at a reasonable price
Cons:
- Heavier than a classic hunting scope
- More features than needed for casual plinking
Final Verdict: The best scope for those who love dialing and long shots on small, elusive targets. See reviews.
Leupold VX-3HD 2.5-8×36
Who it’s for: Discerning hunters who want premium glass and feather-light handling for rimfires or small game rifles.
- High-contrast VX-3HD glass with great color and edge clarity
- Just 11.4 oz—almost disappears on the rifle
- Parallax fixed at 150 yards (great for .22 Mag, .17 HMR, or .22 Hornet)
- Simple, fine Duplex reticle
- Waterproof, rugged, lifetime warranty
Pros:
- Superb low-light performance
- Incredibly light and compact
- Premium feel and tracking
Cons:
- More expensive than standard rimfire scopes
- No AO or side parallax
Final Verdict: If you want the absolute best glass in a small hunting package, this Leupold is tough to beat. See on Amazon.
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire
Who it’s for: Hunters seeking a lightweight, affordable, and forgiving scope for fast-moving small game.
- V-Plex reticle—simple and fast for sighting small animals
- Parallax set at 50 yards for rimfires
- Shockproof, waterproof, fogproof
- Weighs just 14 oz
- Lifetime VIP warranty
Pros:
- Easy to acquire targets at any range
- Excellent field of view at low power
- Great value for money
Cons:
- No adjustable parallax
- Not as sharp at highest settings as pricier glass
Final Verdict: The “no-brainer” scope for .22 or .17 rifles—simple, quick, and effective. See details.
Burris Droptine 2-7×35 Rimfire
Who it’s for: Those who want a robust, all-weather scope with perfect magnification for brush or woodland small game.
- Ballistic Plex reticle for quick holdover estimation
- Parallax set at 50 yards
- Matte finish, waterproof/fogproof
- Lifetime warranty
- Lightweight (13 oz)
Pros:
- Great field of view and quick target acquisition
- Simple, rugged construction
- Reliable for squirrel, rabbit, and pest hunting
Cons:
- No adjustable parallax
- Not for extreme long-range rimfire
Final Verdict: Ideal for anyone who wants simplicity, durability, and top Burris reliability. Check price.
Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 Drop Zone-22
Who it’s for: Hunters who want a scope with an easy BDC reticle, fast focus, and reliability at a fair price.
- Drop Zone-22 BDC reticle calibrated for .22LR
- Parallax set at 50 yards
- Fast-focus eyepiece, waterproof/fogproof
- Shockproof and rugged
Pros:
- Great for moving targets or changing ranges
- Simple, easy-to-read BDC holdovers
- Consistent performance season after season
Cons:
- No AO or side focus
- Not as compact as some others here
Final Verdict: For classic small game hunting on a .22, this Bushnell makes it fast and easy. Check it out.
Comparison Table
| Name | Magnification | Parallax | Weight | Reticle | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire MOA | 3-9x | Fixed 60 yd | 11.1 oz | Rimfire MOA | Check Price |
| Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 FFP | 4-16x | Adjustable | 23.1 oz | EBR-2C FFP | Check Price |
| Leupold VX-3HD 2.5-8×36 | 2.5-8x | Fixed 150 yd | 11.4 oz | Duplex | Check Price |
| Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire | 2-7x | Fixed 50 yd | 14 oz | V-Plex | Check Price |
| Burris Droptine 2-7×35 Rimfire | 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 small game hunting?
3-9x is perfect for most small game, offering enough zoom for precise shots out to 100 yards but a wide field of view for close-range action. 2-7x is ideal for heavy brush or fast shots. For prairie dogs or longer shots, 4-16x is helpful.
Is adjustable parallax important for small game?
Yes—especially for precise shots at varying distances. Adjustable parallax (AO or side focus) ensures your reticle stays sharp on tiny targets at close range.
Should I use an FFP or SFP scope?
For most rimfire and small game hunting, SFP is fine. FFP is helpful for long-range or precision shooters, but not required for classic squirrel or rabbit hunts.
Can I use a big game rifle scope on my rimfire?
You can, but most are heavier, overpowered, and parallaxed for 100+ yards. A scope built for rimfire is usually lighter, better balanced, and sharper for close shots.
What is the best reticle for small game?
Simple duplex or BDC reticles are best—fine enough for small targets but easy to see in the woods. Avoid thick crosshairs or overly complex tactical reticles.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Small game hunting is fast-paced, challenging, and loads of fun. The right scope brings the action into focus, letting you make the most of every shot. The Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire and Vortex Crossfire II are proven, lightweight options for classic squirrel and rabbit hunters. For longer shots or dialing, the Vortex Diamondback Tactical or Burris Droptine deliver excellent features and real field reliability. Ready to see the difference? Click any link above to check today’s best prices and get set for your next hunt!