Varmint hunting calls for a unique set of optics. Whether you’re picking off prairie dogs at 300 yards, chasing coyotes at first light, or eliminating groundhogs and foxes at the edge of a field, you need a scope that delivers crystal-clear glass, precise adjustments, and enough magnification for those small, distant targets. The right scope helps you spot, aim, and connect on every shot—making varmint control not just effective, but a whole lot more fun. Here’s your guide to the best scopes for varmint hunting in 2025.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP
- Best Value: Burris Fullfield E1 4.5-14×42
- Best Lightweight: Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12×40
Buyer’s Guide: What Makes a Great Varmint Scope?
Varmint hunters face special challenges—tiny targets, long distances, and lots of shooting. Here’s what to look for in a top scope:
- Magnification: For field and prairie varminting, 4-16x, 4.5-14x, or even 5-25x is ideal. More zoom lets you see and hit small targets at 200+ yards. For close-range pest control, 3-9x or 4-12x is enough.
- Objective Size: 40mm–50mm objectives offer plenty of light transmission for clear dawn-to-dusk shooting.
- Parallax Adjustment: Side focus or adjustable objective (AO) is essential. Accurate parallax focus at various distances ensures your reticle stays true for small, distant critters.
- Reticle Type: Mil-dot, MOA hash, or BDC (bullet drop compensation) reticles let you adjust for holdover and wind—critical when every inch counts.
- Turrets: Exposed, zero-reset or zero-stop turrets are great for dialing exact distances. Capped turrets are fine if you prefer holdovers or mostly hunt within 200 yards.
- Glass Quality: Look for fully multi-coated or HD/ED glass. This matters most for identifying varmints at range and in heat mirage.
- Durability: Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof construction is key for all-weather hunting.
- Weight: Lighter scopes are easier to carry for walk-and-stalk hunts, but heavy bench or truck guns can handle larger optics.
- Warranty: Only trust brands that stand behind their optics for life.
Top Scopes for Varmint Hunting
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 FFP
Why it’s best overall: The Viper PST Gen II is a serious varmint hunter’s dream. Its huge 5-25x zoom brings distant prairie dogs or groundhogs right into your lap, while the 50mm objective keeps things bright in any conditions. The EBR-2C reticle in the first focal plane means your holdovers are always accurate, and exposed zero-stop turrets let you dial yardages fast. The glass is crisp, the build is tough, and the illuminated reticle is a bonus for low-light coyote hunts.
- 5-25x magnification for every varmint scenario
- 50mm HD objective for serious brightness
- EBR-2C FFP illuminated reticle
- Zero-stop, tactical turrets for precise dialing
- Side parallax focus down to 25 yards
- Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof
- VIP Lifetime Warranty
Pros:
- Huge zoom range, crystal clear glass
- Reliable, accurate adjustments for long shots
- Handles any hunting weather or caliber
Cons:
- Heavier than some field scopes (but perfect for bench or truck use)
- Premium price (worth it for serious varmint shooters)
Final Verdict: If you want to hit small targets at extreme range, this is the scope that will do it all—season after season.
Burris Fullfield E1 4.5-14×42
Why it’s best value: The Fullfield E1 4.5-14×42 is a favorite among coyote and varmint hunters for a reason. Its Ballistic Plex E1 reticle gives you simple, accurate holdover marks for drop and wind. The zoom range is perfect for everything from foxes in the woods to prairie dogs at 300 yards. The glass is clear, the build is light, and the price is unbeatable for its feature set.
- 4.5-14x zoom—great for any varmint terrain
- 42mm objective, fully multi-coated
- Ballistic Plex E1 reticle (SFP)
- Side parallax focus
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Burris Forever Warranty
Pros:
- Easy to use, holds zero well
- Lightweight and balances great on sporter rifles
- Excellent value for performance
Cons:
- No illumination for night hunts
- Not a first focal plane reticle
Final Verdict: The Fullfield E1 delivers all the zoom, clarity, and precision you need for successful varmint control—without breaking the bank.
Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12×40
Why it’s best lightweight: The VX-Freedom 4-12×40 is the perfect balance of power and portability for hunters who walk and stalk. The glass is bright and sharp, and the classic duplex reticle makes target acquisition fast on running or standing varmints. It’s extremely light, balances well on any rifle, and is proven to handle recoil from .223 up to .22-250 or .243. Lifetime warranty and built in the USA.
- 4-12x magnification—great for fields or woods
- 40mm objective, advanced coatings
- Duplex or Tri-MOA reticle options
- Compact, only 13 oz
- Shockproof, fogproof, waterproof
- Leupold lifetime guarantee
Pros:
- Featherlight and easy to handle
- Fast, simple reticle for moving targets
- Legendary reliability and service
Cons:
- No parallax adjustment (factory set at 150 yds)
- No illumination or advanced holdover marks
Final Verdict: The VX-Freedom is unbeatable for walk-and-stalk hunts, lightweight varmint rifles, and fast action in the field.
Other Notable Varmint Scopes
- Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 FFP: Affordable first focal plane scope, ideal for shooters on a budget who want precise holdovers and side focus.
- Bushnell Engage 4-16×44: Excellent glass, side parallax, and Deploy MOA reticle for fast adjustments.
- Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50: Huge magnification for benchrest or long-range prairie dog shooting.
- Nikon ProStaff 5 3.5-14×40 SF: Bright glass, easy side focus, and proven reliability for the field.
Comparison Table
| Scope | Magnification | Objective | Reticle | Weight | Parallax | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Viper PST Gen II | 5-25x | 50mm | EBR-2C FFP illum. | 31 oz | Side focus | $900-$1,100 |
| Burris Fullfield E1 | 4.5-14x | 42mm | Ballistic Plex E1 | 15.3 oz | Side focus | $200-$250 |
| Leupold VX-Freedom | 4-12x | 40mm | Duplex/Tri-MOA | 13 oz | Fixed (150 yds) | $300-$350 |
| Primary Arms SLx FFP | 4-14x | 44mm | Mil-dot FFP | 23.9 oz | Side focus | $230-$270 |
| Bushnell Engage | 4-16x | 44mm | Deploy MOA | 20.1 oz | Side focus | $290-$350 |
| Vortex Diamondback Tactical | 6-24x | 50mm | EBR-2C FFP | 24.6 oz | Side focus | $400-$500 |
| Nikon ProStaff 5 SF | 3.5-14x | 40mm | BDC | 17.1 oz | Side focus | $270-$350 |
FAQ: Scopes for Varmint Hunting
What’s the best magnification for varmint hunting?
4-16x or 4.5-14x is perfect for most field or prairie hunts. Go higher (5-25x, 6-24x) for benchrest or extreme-range prairie dog shooting. For up-close pest control, 3-9x or 4-12x is plenty.
Do I need parallax adjustment?
Yes, for shots past 100 yards or on small targets. Parallax keeps your reticle and target in the same focal plane, boosting your accuracy at distance.
Are illuminated reticles worth it for varmints?
Illumination is great for coyotes, dusk/dawn hunts, and shooting in thick brush. For most prairie dog or groundhog shooting in bright sun, it’s not essential.
Will these scopes hold up to .204 Ruger, .223, .22-250, or .243?
Absolutely—all listed scopes are rated for common varmint calibers, including high-velocity and magnum rounds.
Is first focal plane (FFP) needed?
FFP is great for dialing and using reticle holds at any magnification, but not strictly required. Second focal plane (SFP) scopes work well for set-it-and-forget-it shooters or those who use max power for distance shots.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The best scope for varmint hunting lets you spot tiny targets, hold accurately for drop and wind, and make every shot count. The Vortex Viper PST Gen II is the top pick for extreme-range hunters, the Burris Fullfield E1 delivers unbeatable value and precision, while the Leupold VX-Freedom is perfect for mobile hunters and light rifles. Mount up, zero your scope, and get ready for the most rewarding varmint season yet!