Elevate your air rifle’s performance by mounting an efficient rifle scope. Today’s focus is on the best varmint scopes for 22-250 that will work effortlessly with any air rifle you own to ensure you land precise shots every time.
The .22-250 Remington is a popular choice among hunters for varmint control, and we are here to walk you through the best scopes to take your hunting a notch higher.
The 22-250 Remington stands out in the hunting field for its exceptional speed, flat trajectory, and accuracy. Known for its ability to reach high velocities, it is favored for long-range shots on small game such as coyotes, prairie dogs, and other varmints. However, to maximize the potential of this high-velocity cartridge, pairing it with the right scope is crucial.
What Makes a Great Varmint Scope for 22-250?
Several factors make a great varmint scope for 22-250 and the first one is variable magnification. A scope with high and variable magnification is ideal for engaging targets at long distances, while lower magnifications provide a broader field of view for tracking fast-moving animals.
Furthermore, the scope should have a crisp and easy-to-use reticle such as mil-dot or ballistic drop compensation (BDC).
Additionally, a good varmint scope for the .22-250 should be equipped with quality glass that delivers clear and bright images in different lighting conditions, especially during dawn or dusk when varmints are most active.
Last but not least, the scope should also be robust enough to withstand the elements and the recoil of the firearm.
7 Best Varmint Scopes for 22-250
Below, we’ll explore some of the best varmint scopes for the .22-250, highlighting their features, strengths, and why they are well-suited for this specific cartridge. Let’s get started.
1)Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 SFP Riflescope
Specifications
- Magnification: 4-12x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
- Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
- Field of View: 32.4′ – 11.3′ @ 100 yds
- Tube Size: 1 Inch
- Eye Relief: 3.1 inch
- Length: 12”
- Weight: 14.2 oz
The Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 SFP Riflescope is one of the best varmint scopes for 22-250. It stands out for its performance and reliability in all hunting fields.
With a magnification range from 4x to 12x, the scope offers flexibility for a variety of distances, making it suitable for mid to long-range shooting. The 40mm objective lens ensures ample light transmission, providing bright and clear images even in low-light conditions.
Furthermore, the fully multi-coated lenses enhance image quality, offering crisp and sharp views with excellent color fidelity. The scope also features a second focal plane (SFP) reticle design which is ideal for holdover and windage adjustments at various magnifications.
Durability is another standout feature of the Diamondback 4-12×40 SFP. The single-piece tube is made from aircraft-grade aluminum and is fully waterproof and fog-proof for all-weather use.
Moreover, the precision turrets offer smooth and precise adjustments, allowing for easy zeroing and consistent tracking. The scope also features a fast-focus eyepiece that is convenient for quickly acquiring a sharp sight picture.
Pros
- Affordable with premium features and performance
- Lightweight design
- Durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Large field of view for easy target finding
Cons
- Narrow eye relief
2) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
- Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
- Field of View: 13.6 Feet
- Weight: 12.2 ounces
Leupold is renowned for its rugged and reliable optics and the VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is no different. It is a top-tier optic that blends rugged durability with exceptional optical clarity, making it an excellent choice for varmint hunters.
The highlight of this rifle scope is its low-light performance. The optics are incredibly clear, offering sharp, bright images from dawn to dusk. Besides, the Twilight Light Management System further enhances low-light performance by providing more natural light.
With the 3-9x magnification range, the scope is versatile enough for mid to long-range shooting. The 40mm objective lens provides a broad field of view and sufficient light-gathering capability. The precision ¼ MOA finger-click adjustments for windage and elevation offer easy, repeatable adjustments.
In terms of build quality, the VX-Freedom is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof. The solid construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of tough hunting conditions without losing zero or compromising performance. Additionally, its lightweight design, weighing just 12.2 ounces, makes it easy to mount on a variety of rifles without adding too much bulk.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight design
- Solid and reliable construction
- Exceptional low-light performance
- Broad field of view
Cons
- No parallax adjustment
3) Burris Fullfield E1 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
- Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
- Field of View: 33 – 13 ft @ 100 yds
- Tube Size: 1 Inch
- Eye Relief: 3.1 – 3.4 in.
- Length: 12.2 inches
- Weight: 13 oz
As one of the best varmint scopes for 22-250, the Burris Fullfield E1 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is an excellent optic for hunters seeking a versatile and high-quality optic at a mid-range price.
The stand-out feature of this rifle scope is the Ballistic Plex E1 reticle. It is designed for long-range precision and comes equipped with windage marks to help compensate for bullet drift in windy conditions. The reticle is easy to use and uncluttered, making it ideal for both novice and experienced shooters.
Furthermore, the scope features a 40mm objective lens perfect for various hunting environments. It gathers ample light in the optics and provides clear, bright images even in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. The scope’s multi-coated lenses also enhance light transmission, improving visibility and contrast.
Durability is another strong point for the Burris FullField E1. It is constructed with a single-piece aluminum tube for ultimate durability. Furthermore, the optical tube is waterproof and fog-proof to ensure reliability in tough weather conditions.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Robust and reliable all-weather construction
- Ease of use
- Great features for the price
Cons
- Narrow eye relief
4) Hawke Sport Optics Airmax EV 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 4-12x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
- Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
- Field of View: 29.9 – 11ft @100yds
- Tube Size: 1 Inch
- Eye Relief: 3.5”
- Length: 12.9 inches
- Weight: 18.4 oz
The Hawke Sport Optics Airmax EV 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope is a highly regarded scope tailored for avid hunters. It is built with a multitude of quality and user-friendly features to accommodate hunters of all levels.
This rifle scope boasts an AMX reticle specifically designed for air gun trajectories. The reticle is housed in the second focal plane and offers multiple aim points for both holdover and windage.
The 4-12x magnification range is versatile, providing clear, bright images across a wide field of view. To complement the versatile magnification, the scope features a 40mm objective lens that makes it effective even in low-light conditions.
Durability and construction are other strong points of the Hawke Airmax EV. It is built from high-quality aluminum which makes it shockproof and resistant to the recoil often associated with powerful air rifles. Additionally, the scope is nitrogen-purged and fully waterproof, so it can withstand different weather conditions without fogging.
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- High construction quality
- Bright and clear optics
- Relatively lightweight design
Cons
- Non-illuminated
5) Bushnell Engage 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
- Parallax Adjustment: Fixed, 100 Yards
- Field of View: 38ft @ 3X to 13ft @ 9X
- Tube Size: 1 Inch
- Eye Relief: 0 in. / 101.6mm
- Length: 13 inches
- Weight: 19.2 oz / 544g
The Bushnell Engage 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope is one of the best varmint scopes for 22-250 for beginners. It is an impressive mid-range optic that is easy to use and reliable in the hunting field.
Built with a large 50mm objective lens, the scope allows for excellent light transmission, providing bright, sharp images even in low-light conditions. Additionally, it features Bushnell’s proprietary EXO Barrier lens coating, which repels water, dust, oil, and debris, ensuring that you maintain a clear field of view in harsh environments.
The 3-9x magnification range is versatile enough for both close and mid-range shooting, offering flexibility for various hunting and shooting scenarios. Furthermore, the turrets are tactile and easy to adjust, allowing for precise windage and elevation corrections. The scope also features a generous eye relief of 4 inches for safety and comfort when shooting heavier-recoil rifles.
In terms of construction, the Bushnell Engage 3-9x50mm is built with durability in mind. It is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, making it waterproof and fog-proof. Over and above that, the reticle design featuring Bushnell’s Deploy MOA reticle provides fine aiming points, making it suitable for long-range shots while still offering ease of use for beginners.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Affordable yet quality
- Long eye relief
- Large field of view
- Ease of use
Cons
- Non-illuminated
6) Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
- Field of View: 39 – 12.7ft @100yds
- Click Value: ¼ MOA
- Tube Size: 1 Inch
- Eye Relief: 5 in
- Length: 12.7in
- Weight: 17 oz
Here is another budget rifle scope for beginners and budget-conscious hunters. The Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope offers exceptional clarity and value for hunters and shooters looking for a reliable, mid-range scope.
The optical clarity of the scope is impressive. Thanks to the fully multi-coated lenses, it delivers a bright, clear image with excellent light transmission in dawn and dusk conditions. Besides, the 3-9x magnification range provides versatility, allowing users to quickly adjust between closer and long-range targets.
To complement the optical finesse, the scope is built with a 1-inch mono-tube to ensure durability. It is also nitrogen-purged, shockproof, and waterproof to handle tough conditions without losing performance.
The Vantage 3-9x40mm scope also features an adjustable objective (AO) that eliminates parallax error and aids in image focusing. Furthermore, the turrets offer a smooth, positive click with ¼ MOA adjustments, making it easy to zero in your rifle.
Pros
- Simple to use
- Great value for the price
- Exceptional low-light performance
- Lightweight and portable design
Cons
- Lacks premium features found in higher-end optics, such as illuminated reticles
7) ATN X-Sight 5 3-15x UHD Smart Day/Night Hunting Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-15x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
- Display Resolution: 1280×960 pixels
- Tube Size: 30mm
- Eye Relief: 90mm
- Battery Life: 10 hours
- Field of View, Angle: 9 degrees
The ATN X-Sight 5 3-15x UHD Smart Day/Night Hunting Rifle Scope is hard to beat when it comes to versatility and performance. It is designed with cutting-edge features that hunters demand.
Optically, the scope features ultra-high-definition optics that deliver crisp and clear imaging across the 3-15x magnification. This makes it ideal for mid to long-range shooting.
Moreover, the day and night capabilities allow users to seamlessly switch between low-light environments and bright daylight without losing visual clarity. The scope also features a ballistic calculator, rangefinder, and advanced recoil-activated video recording (RAV) which provide a professional-grade experience in all hunting fields.
Another feature that sets the ATN X-Sight 5 apart from other smart scopes is its connectivity and user interface. The built-in Wi-Fi allows for real-time streaming and sharing, which can be a game changer for collaborative hunting or scouting sessions.
Above all, its ergonomic design ensures comfortable handling in the field while the durable construction stands up to harsh outdoor conditions.
Pros
- Impressive blend of traditional optics and modern technology
- Robust and reliable construction
- Versatile 3-15x magnification
- Ultra-low power consumption
- Custom reticles
Cons
- Narrow eye relief
Further Reading
- Best Rangefinder Scopes for Hunting
- Best Scopes for Savage 17 HMR Rifle
- Best 308 Scopes for Hog Hunting
- Best Vortex Scopes for 308 Hunting
How to Choose the Best Varmint Scopes for 22-250
Light Gathering Ability
The objective lens is responsible for light gathering in a scope. A larger objective lens of 40mm or 50mm allows more light to enter the scope, improving clarity in low-light conditions. This is particularly important for dawn or dusk hunting.
Reticle Type
The reticle you choose should match your hunting needs and style. Crosshair reticles are the simplest and great for precision shooting. For long-range varmint hunting, it is best to get a mil-dot or BDC reticle. You can also get a scope with an illuminated reticle for low-light conditions.
Read: Best Scopes for 30-06 Springfield
Turret Adjustments
Look for exposed turrets that are easy to adjust for windage and elevation. Click adjustments (1/4 MOA is common) allow for precise corrections. Some of the best varmint scopes for 22-250 feature a zero-reset function that lets you easily return to your initial zero after making adjustments.
Durability
Varmint hunting can be rough on equipment. Look for scopes that are built with durability in mind to withstand abuse and rough handling. Additionally, consider scopes that are fully waterproof, dustproof, and fog-proof for use even in adverse weather conditions.
Read: Best 300 Yards Rifle Scopes
Lens Coatings
Lens coatings are vital for the best varmint scopes for 22-250. Fully multi-coated lenses provide better light transmission and reduce glare. The coatings also help provide extra dust and scratch protection.
Eye Relief
A minimum of 3-4 inches of eye relief is ideal, especially with higher-recoil rifles. This helps prevent scope bites and provides comfort during extended shooting sessions.
Weight and Size
Consider how the weight and size of the scope will affect the balance of your rifle. A lightweight scope can be beneficial for carrying over long distances. Furthermore, the more lightweight a scope is the better it becomes at dispersing recoil.
Read: Best Scopes for Winchester XPR
Budget
The best varmint scopes for 22-250 vary significantly in price. Mid-range options often offer a good balance of quality and performance. Set a budget that aligns with your needs and look for a scope that offers the best value within that range.
What Magnification Do You Need?
The ideal magnification power for a varmint scope for .22-250 depends on how far you will be hunting and the hunting environment.
A scope with 3-9x or 4-12x is suitable for short to medium ranges (100-300 yards) in dense timber environments. These scopes are also versatile and good for different hunting environments.
4-16x or 6-18x, on the other hand, are ideal for medium to longer distances (up to 500 yards or more). This range gives you enough magnification to identify and shoot small targets like prairie dogs or groundhogs with ease.
Read: Best 500 Yards Scopes
Conclusion
Hopefully, this buying guide has been insightful. With the array of rifle scopes available on the market, the best varmint scope for 22-250 is one that blends best with your specific hunting style and needs. Look at the features that make each scope the right purchase and settle for the model that will revolutionize your hunting.