The best varmint scope needs to handle a genuinely different job than a standard big game hunting scope, since varmint shooting for prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and similar pests typically means high magnification for precise shot placement on a small target, real elevation adjustment for extended range, and a build that can take a high volume of shots in a single outing without losing zero.
Our top pick for most serious varmint shooters is the Nightforce NXS 5.5-22×56, a scope built with the elevation travel, tracking precision and high magnification genuinely suited to a full day at the prairie dog town.
Best Varmint Scopes Comparison
| Image | Name | Key Features | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Nightforce NXS 5.5-22×56 | Elite tracking, genuine extended range elevation travel | Check Price |
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Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 | First focal plane, built for high volume shooting | Check Price |
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Athlon Ares BTR Gen 2 4.5-27×50 | Exceptional glass and zero stop for the price | Check Price |
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Barska AO Varmint 4-16×50 | Genuine budget value, functioning parallax adjustment | Check Price |
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Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40 | Reliable entry point for occasional varmint outings | Check Price |
Each of these scopes suits a slightly different level of varmint shooting, from a dedicated prairie dog town setup through an occasional weekend outing. Here is what sets each one apart.
1) Nightforce NXS 5.5-22×56 – Best Overall
The Nightforce NXS earns the top spot for serious varmint shooters with genuinely elite tracking precision and enough elevation travel to handle real extended range shots on a small target like a prairie dog or ground squirrel. Nightforce’s reputation for durability under hard, sustained use means this scope holds zero reliably through a high volume shooting day, exactly the kind of punishment a productive prairie dog town session delivers.
The 5.5-22x magnification range gives real precision for placing a shot on a genuinely small target at distance, and the large 56mm objective keeps the sight picture bright even at maximum magnification.
Key Features
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 5.5-22x |
| Objective | 56mm |
| Standout feature | Elite tracking, extended elevation travel |
Pros
- Genuinely elite tracking precision for extended range shots
- Holds zero reliably through high volume shooting
- Bright sight picture even at maximum magnification
Cons
- Premium price exceeds what occasional varmint shooting needs
For serious prairie dog town shooters this is the scope to check first.
2) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 – Best for High Volume Shooting
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II brings genuine first focal plane accuracy to varmint shooting, meaning the reticle’s holdover marks read correctly at any magnification, a real advantage when ranges change shot to shot across a prairie dog field. Reviewers consistently point to this scope’s durability and tracking as being built for exactly the sustained, repeated firing a productive varmint outing involves.
For a shooter who wants genuine precision rifle grade capability without stepping into flagship Nightforce or Razor pricing, this scope delivers real value at the high volume shooting tier.
Key Features
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 5-25x |
| Objective | 50mm |
| Reticle | First focal plane, illuminated |
Pros
- Genuinely accurate holdover at any magnification
- Built for sustained, high volume shooting durability
- Strong value below flagship pricing tiers
Cons
- More scope and cost than an occasional varmint shooter needs
Read our full Vortex Viper PST Gen II review for a deeper look at this scope.
3) Athlon Ares BTR Gen 2 4.5-27×50 – Best Value
The Athlon Ares BTR Gen 2 delivers genuinely exceptional glass quality and a first focal plane reticle at a price well below many of its direct competitors, making it a real standout for a varmint shooter who wants precision rifle features without a precision rifle budget. A zero stop system adds genuine confidence when dialing for distance and returning to a standard zero between shots.
The extended 4.5-27x magnification range gives real reach for the longer shots a prairie dog field can present as the day goes on and the closer targets thin out.
Key Features
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 4.5-27x |
| Objective | 50mm |
| Reticle | First focal plane, illuminated |
Pros
- Genuinely exceptional glass quality for the price
- First focal plane accuracy at any magnification
- Zero stop system for confident repeated dialing
Cons
- Not quite the tracking pedigree of the Nightforce or Vortex Viper PST above
Read our full Athlon Ares BTR Gen 2 review for a closer look at this scope.
4) Barska AO Varmint 4-16×50 – Best Budget Pick
The Barska AO Varmint proves a genuinely capable varmint scope does not require a large budget, with an adjustable objective parallax dial that actually functions well for precise focus at varying distances, a real, practical feature not always found at this price point. The straightforward 30/30 duplex reticle keeps the sight picture clean and uncluttered for shot placement on a small target.
For a shooter getting into varmint hunting who wants to confirm they enjoy it before investing in a premium optic, this scope covers the fundamentals well.
Key Features
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 4-16x |
| Objective | 50mm, adjustable objective parallax |
| Reticle | 30/30 duplex |
Pros
- Genuinely functional adjustable objective parallax at this price
- Clean, uncluttered duplex reticle for precise shot placement
- Real budget value for a first varmint setup
Cons
- Glass clarity and tracking precision trail the premium options here
Budget conscious varmint shooters should check this scope out.
5) Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40 – Best Entry Level
The Vortex Diamondback suits a shooter who varmint hunts occasionally rather than as a dedicated pursuit, with reliable glass and Vortex’s unlimited lifetime warranty backing a genuinely dependable, no drama optic. This scope will not match the elevation travel or high magnification of a dedicated varmint setup, but it handles a casual weekend outing well.
The straightforward 4-12x range and Dead-Hold BDC reticle keep things simple for a shooter who wants one versatile scope covering both occasional varmint shooting and standard hunting duties.
Key Features
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 4-12x |
| Objective | 40mm |
| Reticle | Dead-Hold BDC |
Pros
- Genuinely reliable glass backed by an unlimited lifetime warranty
- Versatile enough for both varmint and standard hunting use
- Budget friendly entry point
Cons
- Magnification and elevation travel fall short of a dedicated varmint build
Read our full Vortex Diamondback review.
What to Look For in a Varmint Scope
High magnification deserves genuine priority for varmint shooting, since the targets themselves are small and precise shot placement matters more than it does for typical big game hunting. A scope reaching 20x or higher gives real, usable precision for a prairie dog or ground squirrel at extended range.
Elevation adjustment range and tracking accuracy matter more here than for most hunting scenarios, since a productive varmint outing genuinely involves dialing for distance repeatedly as targets present themselves at varying ranges. A first focal plane reticle also earns real consideration, since it keeps holdover marks accurate no matter what magnification you are on at the moment of the shot.
Durability under high volume, sustained firing is a genuinely different demand than most hunting scopes are built for. A scope that holds zero reliably through dozens or even hundreds of shots in a single outing saves real frustration compared to one that starts walking off zero partway through the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What magnification do I need for varmint shooting?
A scope reaching at least 16x, and ideally 20x or higher, gives genuine precision for placing a shot on a small target like a prairie dog at extended range.
Do I need a first focal plane scope for varmint hunting?
It is a real advantage if ranges vary significantly shot to shot, since the reticle’s holdover marks stay accurate at any magnification rather than only at one fixed setting.
How much elevation adjustment do I need for varmint shooting?
This depends on your cartridge and the typical distances at your shooting location, but a genuinely dedicated varmint scope should offer enough elevation travel to dial confidently well past 400 yards.
Can I use a standard hunting scope for varmint shooting?
For occasional or casual varmint shooting, yes, a standard hunting scope like the Vortex Diamondback works fine. For a dedicated, high volume prairie dog town outing, a scope with higher magnification and more elevation travel genuinely performs better.
Conclusion
The best varmint scope prioritizes high magnification, genuine elevation adjustment range and durability under sustained, high volume shooting over the features a typical big game hunting scope emphasizes. The Nightforce NXS earns our top recommendation for its elite tracking and extended range capability, the Vortex Viper PST Gen II suits high volume shooting with genuine first focal plane accuracy, the Athlon Ares BTR Gen 2 delivers exceptional value, the Barska AO Varmint offers a genuine budget entry point, and the Vortex Diamondback suits the occasional varmint outing. Match your scope to how often and how seriously you actually shoot varmints.
See Also: 5 Best Scopes for Coyote Hunting
I’m Jake, a dedicated shooter and hunter who has spent years testing rifles, scopes, and gear in the field. I write from real experience, sharing what truly works, not what’s trendy. My goal is to give you honest, practical insights that help you make the right choices for your adventures and pursuits.
