If you’re seeking the best Varmint scope for good target acquisition, you have come across the right place to find the one for yourself. Here, you will learn all about the distinct qualities one should look into in scope, the perfect eye relief distance, the power range of the magnifier, type of coating, capped or exposed turrets, first focal plane, or the second focal plane, and more.
Let’s be fair with the requirements you intend to have in your scope, pen them out, and make a comparison of those all with the excellent features of the scopes I am going to tell you about.
These are some finest and top of the line scopes in the market of all time. I am a senior shooter and will try my best to make the selection decision easy to have the best varmint scope for 223.
5 Best List of Varmint Scopes for Coyote Hunting
- Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane
- Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Riflescope
- Athlon Optics, Argos BTR
- Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope
Usually, scopes look the same, and you as a beginner do not find any considerable difference in them except their piece count, knobs styles, and finish coloring. But there are so many other things you need to know about scopes, their features, outlines, designs, functionalities, and more. Here, I’ll explain every point briefly to develop your understanding for making you able to select the proper scope.
1) Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Cheap Varmint Scope

The objective lens diameter | 50 mm |
Magnifier power | 3x to 9x |
Exit pupil | 16.6 to 5.6 mm |
Eye relief | 3.75 |
Field of view at 100 yards max | 10.5 ft |
Adjustment range at 100 yards | 60 inches |
Scope’s weight | 13.2 ounces |
Sport type | Hunting |
- Max Elevation and Windage adjustment
- Quick target acquisition (QTA)
- Fully coated optics
- Recoil, fog, and waterproof
- Ideal magnification for mid to long-range shooting
- Standard eye relief within budget
The Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm scope provides many good features; most of them are thoroughly tested and updated to make your shooting quick, crisp, and accurate. So if you want to enjoy the genuine sharpness of the rapid target acquisition, or you aim for long-range hunting or shooting, you can have this scope varmint long-range with the utmost confidence. It withstands the recoil of the heavy rifle as well.
Max Elevation and Windage Adjustment
The windage knob is at the right side of the scope, and it helps the adjusted t of the reticle left to right, anyway you want to set it up according to the condition. On the other hand, the elevation knob is located on the top of this scope. And it helps you adjust the reticle up and down, as the situation demands.
One thing you should keep in mind is that you should adjust it to zero. That’s the point where you can get your desired shots perfectly and effectively placed.
Quick Target Acquisition (QTA)
When you select a scope for your Vermont rifle, the most important thing you need to ensure is that it provides fast and quick target acquisition. Because when you lock in the target and suddenly start moving, you need to have a short, focused scope to give a sharp night vision of it.
Because it is a game of seconds, and you cannot afford to waste time adjusting your scope while your target is moving. So, choose rationally to make your choice the best varmint scope for 223 so far.
Fully-Coated Optics
Optics demand care and safety. The more your lens is covered with multiple layers of aluminum, the higher the protection of the sights. This best budget varmint scope comes with great solid and thick stock aluminum layers to protect all the glass surfaces to the max.
You get to use the clean and readily usable lens every time you pick your riflescope up. So, save your time and money by keeping your optics from dirt, debris, dust, and oily sticky components.
Recoil, Fog, and Waterproof
It is one of the iconic and classic rifle scopes amongst American shooters. It is the top line scope that withstands every heavy and sharp recoil. So, to avoid this recoil and to make you safe from any unfortunate incident, you need to buy a scope that resists the recoil to the max.
Moreover, this super optical device comes with significant argon purged to make the scope fog and waterproof. So, you can enjoy this rare combination for your mini 14 as well. To know about that, read a comprehensively written article on the best scope for mini 14. It will help you find the most acceptable optical partner for sure.
Ideal Magnification with Vast Eye Relief
What will you do if you aim for long-range hunting and are standing too far from your target and not getting a clear vision of it? Let me tell you; you will need to zoom in on the picture to make your target closer to your eyes.
Not in physical but image. This beautiful choice of optics comes with an ideal magnification power; by adjusting it, you can zoom in and zoom out the image as per your need.
Moreover, ere relief plays a vital role in a perfect and safe shooting venture. You cannot have the desired results until you have vast eye relief. It is the distance between your eye and the scope. The more it will increase, the higher the safety will be. So, choose the scope with huge eye relief and multiple magnification setting options.
Make Buying Decision:
Suppose you look at the detailed features of this scope. In that case, you will conclude that it offers almost all the most desired and anticipated traits of an excellent optical instrument, whether you need max windage and elevation adjustment, recoil resistance, waterproofing, or a power magnifier.
You can conveniently have all this by keeping this scope on your bucket list. It adds value to your shooting and enhances the standard of the shots every time you pull the trigger in any condition, no matter its daylight or night mode.
2) Vortex Optics Crossfire II SFP Best Varmint Scope for 223

The objective lens diameter | 56 mm |
Material | Aircraft-grade aluminum |
Sport type | Hunting |
Color | Black |
Adjustment graduation | ¼ MOA |
Max windage and elevation adjustment | 60 MOA |
Parallax setting | 10 yards to infinity |
- Second focal plane for fixed view
- Single piece formation
- Nitrogen purged with O-ring sealed for waterproofing
- Fast focus eyepiece with ample eye relief option
- Avant-garde Fully multi-coated lens for safety
It is full of features, with high-quality performance, and is budget-friendly for the beginner and professionals. If you haven’t come across Virtex yet, you need to try this uniquely designed optical device once.
You can enjoy the robust construction for the ultimate stability and balanced shots, and its entire body is covered with multi-layers of high-grade aluminum. So, to know more, lend your eyes to the details below.
Second Focal Plane for Fixed View
When you adjust the magnifier, the target’s picture grows or shrinks, but the reticle size doesn’t change with the modification in magnification; this is called the second focal plane. Usually, the second focal plane is the best for coyote hunting at low lighting conditions, and it provides the fixed vision with clarity.
However, if you pair it with a ballistic turret, you can get the center punch without adjusting the magnification at all. So, first, look at your shooting style, and then decide which scope is best for the job, whether it is a second or first.
Single Piece Formation
To make sure 100% strength and security of the scope, its construction matters a lot. This super best scope for varmint hunting comes with a one-piece formation.
So when you are on the field and lock in your target, you need to ensure that your scope is working fine. And in doing so, the single-piece formation plays a significant role. It also makes the scope shockproof and gives a smooth shooting flow without burdening the shooter.
Nitrogen Purged with O-Ring Sealed for Waterproofing
If you are shooting in the rainy season, in cold weather, you must be facing the difficulty of fog, moisture, and water on your lenses. These liquid components blur the target image, and you cannot lock in the target accurately.
Luckily, this scope offers you a nitrogen-purged feature. That withstands all the moisture and water hazards well enough to provide you with complete neat and clean optics to engage the target quickly.
Fast Focus Eyepiece with Large Eye Relief Option
The fast focus eyepiece allows the shooter to enable diopter settings sharply. Furthermore, it gives solace and relaxation to the shooter’s eyes. A scope is not complete without this-worldly feature.
Moreover, considerable eye relief distance is a must element for a perfect shooting session. Therefore, you need to choose a scope with ample space for eye relief.
You can also enjoy this feature by selecting a scope from another article written by me, the best scope for Remington 700. Click on the link to read this insightful and informational piece of aid.
Avant-Garde Fully Multi-Coated Lens
It is probably the most demanding and valuable feature in a scope. Without knowing the coating type, never decide on purchase at all. Hold on, take a long breath, search for the options, and find the advanced grade fully multi-coated lens for the profound hunting practice.
In this type of coating, the scope comes with multiple aluminum layers to preserve the scope’s body from all sorts of potential threats. I have been in the scopes market industry for more than a decade, and I always put this trait in my top priority while choosing the best varmint scope.
Make Buying Decision:
You can find the answer to this question in the above-explained features. It is very well answered that why choose this scope for your varmint hunting? If you want your scope to tell you the true meaning of excellent eye relief, considerable magnification range, and one-piece construction advantages, you can attain all this by making the right choice. The Vortex Optics Crossfire II SFP can make it up all this for you conveniently.
3) Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Scope Varmint Long Range

Min magnification | 6x |
Max magnification | 18x |
The objective lens diameter | 50 mm |
Material and Coating | Plastic & Aluminum |
Finish | Black |
Model | Banner 6–18x 50mm Multi-x |
Sport type | Hunting |
- Durable and innovative design
- Fully Low light support
- Dusk and Dawn brightness
- Multilayers coating for ultra-clarity
- 100% moisture & waterproof
- Fast focus eyepiece
Bushnell knows how to amaze the shooters and hunters by providing them unique and innovative designs of scopes. My attention always goes to its long-range magnification and the considerable eye relief distance.
Although you usually do not find it, it is a rare feature to get an almost 18 times closer image of the target by adjusting the magnifier power. It enables the shooter to hit the mark with super ease and perfection. It also creates a magical pair with a 50mm objective lens diameter.
Durable and Innovative Design
It would help if you did not compromise over the durability of scope, and this one comes with extensive durability. To explain that further, the argon purged facility makes it secure and protects the scope from outer extreme weather conditions.
It resists water and moisture perfectly. Moreover, the scope’s body in itself is a piece of solid stock of aluminum, and it can maintain strength well enough.
Fully Low Light Support
If you seek a scope to hit the target in low lighting conditions and want to enjoy a bright resolution picture of the target, the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Scope perform up to the mark. It can provide the ultimate crystal clear image from long-range distances and multiply your shooting skills by 100.
So make your dark ways lighter with this super low light supported optical device and enjoy the high-quality pictures in any condition.
Dusk and Dawn Brightness
The two times are so tricky for shooting, dusk, and dawn. In both, you do not get sufficient light quantity to lock in your target accurately. But, with the help of specially designed for the job, the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Scope, you can make it possible. Moreover, shooting is an expensive hobby to pursue, but this budget scope helps you save your money with quite a good margin.
Multilayers Coating for Ultra Clarity
Layers of aluminum play a significant role for clarity purposes. And if the full scope is fully protected and covered with multiple layers of solid aluminum stock, it can amaze you with exceptional results. All you have to do is to pay attention to the coating while pursuing a varmint scope.
100% Moisture & Waterproof
Usually, hunters have to face the problem that their scope’s lens does not provide a quality image due to its moisture and water. If you order this argon purged and fully O-ring sealed scope, you’ll indeed not have to face this trouble at all.
And you can get the same feature by ordering a scope from the Best Scopes for a 30-30 Marlin 336. It is an insightful piece of guidance for you to know about the options you have to go with.
Make Buying Decision:
I think it is not difficult to justify the selection of this scope if you have read the details above. There are so many blissful features you get along with, and it is not expensive comparatively as well. So, if you want to enjoy genuine traits, such as the best construction material, high quality of target image from long distance, you are good to go for this fantastic optical machine.
4) Athlon Optics, Argos BTR Varmint Scope Magnification

Main tube diameter | 30 mm |
Eye relief distance | 3.3 inches |
Turret style | Exposed |
Focal plane type | First |
FoV at 100 yards | 16.7 to 4.5 Ft. |
Max magnification | 24x |
Material | Aircraft-grade aluminum |
- First focal plane
- Argon purging for waterproof
- Aerospace-grade aluminum layers
- Advanced fully multi-coated optics
- Fully illuminated reticle
- Max elevation and windage adjustment
Athlon optics made its way by introducing some excellent scopes to the hunter’s world. If you look at the features that Athlon Optics, Argos BTR offers, it seems like Athlon has decided to beat all other competitors in the market.
If you want to know what the sound quality aluminum layers do or what argon purged technology does for waterproofing, you can learn these facts by trying this super cheap varmint scope for 223.
First Focal Plane
Most scopes come with the first focal plane except a few ones because of their popularity and effectiveness. It allows the shooter to focus on varying ranges for target acquisition, as it is adjustable with the change in magnification of the scope.
On the other hand, the second focal plane comes with one fixed set of the reticle. And it remains the same even if the magnifier changes the power range. So amaze yourself with this phenomenal optical device for your varmint hunting.
Argon Purging for Waterproof
When it comes to securing the lenses from rain and moisture, it takes a full-fledged developed technology to withstand these. It is a process in which gas is used to purge all the humidity and water drops inside the scope.
And the O-Ring seal helps the scope resist all the hazards from the outer environment. So, take your scope a long way ahead by extending its life. So, keep it safe from water drops, fog, and moisture. It is indispensable for optimum performance and long-lasting scope.
Aerospace-Grade Aluminum Layers
Nowadays, most scopes come in aluminum alloy construction. If the building is of aerospace-grade aluminum, this is a plus. However, you can enjoy the bonus strength by ensuring your scope is made up of solid aluminum alloy stock.
When it comes to Athlon scopes, you get this feature generously. It minimizes the lags during the lock in the target and maximizes the fast locating of the target.
Advanced fully Multi-Coated Optics
For me, coating comes first. Whenever I go to buy a varmint scope, I always look for the coating before anything else. This Athlon optical device comes with multiple layers of advanced aluminum.
You can enjoy the same Avant grade aluminum coating within a $200 budget; for knowing so, click on the best rifle scope under 200. It is an extensive article that provides numerous options within budget.
Max Elevation and Windage Adjustment
The elevation knob helps the shooter adjust the reticle from up to down as per the situation demands. In comparison, the windage adjustment allows you to change the reticle from left to right for quick target locating. This fantastic scope comes with great adjustment options for both.
Make Buying Decision:
If you want almost all the outstanding and most popular features of the excellent scope for varmint hunting aiding partners, you can go for this best varmint scope without any reluctance.
It takes your shooting to new heights and introduces you to the technical aspects of shooting you were unaware of. So feel confident and compare the features of this sighting instrument with the list of specifications you are looking for.
5) Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Long Range Varmint Scopes

Main tube diameter | 1 inch |
Magnification min | 3.5 x |
Magnification max | 10x |
Eye relief low | 4.4 inches |
Eye relief high | 3.6 inches |
Field of view | 29.8 low to 11 high |
Finish and weight | Black and 12.6 Oz |
- Unusual low light performance
- Lightweight for ultra-stability
- Twilight max light management system
- Fog and waterproof tested deep in 33 ft
- Extreme weather resistant
- Designed and engineered by the USA
There are numerous great features this excellent scope carries but the best one is its lens’ versatility. The lens is coated in Diamond; this makes it unique and better than all other scopes in this pricing range. Moreover, its power magnification range makes it even more alluring, and it also manages the right amount of light transmission through the scope to the shooter’s eyes.
Unusual Low Light Performance
When we look at the light transmission of this scope, it seems like Leupold has taken the lighting feature so seriously. It has done a tremendous job by increasing light transmission more than all other scopes in the market. But, the best aspect of it, it maintains the transmission the way it fits in the scenario. And this is why I call it the best Varmint scope I have ever used so far.
Lightweight for Ultra Stability
A scope without stability is for nothing. Throw it out immediately and pick the one with an excellent stability-providing facility. If we talk about this Leupold scope, it provides stability and balanced shooting because of its lightweight.
Do you know how important weight is for stability? Let me tell you a bit; these are tangent with one another like blood with the body. The more you will decrease the weight of the scope, the higher the stability will be.
Twilight Max Light Management System
It is a fantastic technology for light management. It gives you more than 20 minutes of shooting light without a break. Additionally, it saves you from the blinding flash. It adds colors to create a pleasing contrast that makes the picture more visible and perfect for taking the shot.
You can enjoy this worldly feature in some other Leupold scopes; to know about them, click on this article the best scope for Ruger 10-22. It keeps all the necessary information relating to best scopes for Ruger 10 22, features, outlines pros, buying guide, and more.
Fog and Waterproof Tested Deep in 33 Ft.
I have been using scopes for more than a decade, and this is probably the most frequent and irritating problem I have ever faced in scope. Scopes usually go out of order whenever the weather changes its eyes because of fog and water, but not in this case.
So you can get rid of this problem with the help of this scope. Moreover, Leupold has tested this cope underwater up to 33 Ft. to check its credibility and waterproofing. And it was great.
Extreme Weather Resistant
It is so rare but a fantastic factor if your scope can fight the weather severities. Luckily, Leupold takes care of it well and consistently produces some great scope with all the fighting spirits against weather unpredictability.
So, if you want to taste the genuine and profound performance of unprecedented scope, you can go for this one with the utmost faith.
Make Buying Decision:
Now, it’s time to find the reason for choosing this incredible optical partner for your Varmint. There is not one, but many for sure. Its versatility of the lenses, the great magnification range, low light relentless performance, and more.
So, make you’re shooting a worthwhile venture to pursue for a long time ahead. Add value to your shooting, and take your targets down with every perfect shot without missing a single one.
Buying Guide for Best Scope for Varmint Hunting
Now, it is time to give you a full-fledged and impartial understanding of the Best varmint scope. Usually, with a good-looking scope you pick up, you have to face the aftermath. So, always search and then research the same. And if you want to save time, you can go through the details given below in this guide. So, go through these with diligence and patience.
Magnification
As I have told you earlier, I spent more than a decade in the scopes industry, and magnification is always looked up to in a scope. It enables you to have a closer vision of the target from the extended ranges. When you struggle with the clarity of the target’s image, you can adjust the magnifier to make it fix for a better vision.
Eye Relief with Recoil Resistance
Eye Relief is the distance between the scope and your eye. It saves you from the misfortunes of the rifle’s recoil. Moreover, an incredible scope comes with excellent strength to deal with the recoil considerably.
Because when you pull the trigger, the gun produces a recoil, and you can get hurt by it badly. You can avail this excellent pair of features by selecting any scope from the five discussed above.
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
Windage adjustment plays a vital role in the adjustment of the reticle from left to right. But the thing you need to focus on is its limits of adjustment. It should go to the zero rifle settings.
Moreover, the max elevation helps you fix the reticle from top to bottom. These two are inevitable for gaining the expected outcomes. It refines your shots even in rough conditions and gives you crystal clear visibility of the target.
Construction Type
No one can refute the implication of construction material. It is as important as the rifle for shooting. Nowadays, the steel and aluminum fabric is so popular amongst the shooters’ community all over the US.
Of it is plastic, iron, or some other stuff, leave it at the spot. And get the one stuffed with solid aluminum alloy metal. It multiplies the stability with a 100 and enables you to take a perfect shot every time you lock in a target.
Type of Lens Coating
There are usually four this of lens coating available in the market. And the best one out of all four is the fully multi-coated lens type. It furnishes multiple layers for ultra-protection to the scope’s body.
In addition, all the glass surfaces and lenses perform well because of various layers of aluminum. So, choose rationally, and opt for the best one always.
Field of View
Last but not least, the field of view plays a significant part in providing you the best view of the target. It is measured at 100 yards in feet. It tells you how much you can see through your scope from left to right at a distance. And it has a solid opposite connection with magnification; the more you increase the magnification, the less the field of view will be, and vice versa.
How to Use the Best Varmint Scope for Effective Hunting?
Once you have purchased the best varmint scope for 223 rifle hunting, now it comes to using it effectively. Often people invest a lot in scopes but cannot get the desired outcomes due to a lack of knowledge about using the same.
There are few steps you need to follow for gaining the conclusions you expect from your scope.
- Firstly, make sure your scope is fully integrated; if it’s not single-piece construction, tie all parts well enough that they become immovable at all.
- Adjust the knobs well, and make its lens and glass surface clean and tidy for clarity.
- After that, you will need an excellent mount that ensures the fixation of the optical instrument limitlessly.
- After buying a light and robust mount, you need to read out the process of how to sight in a rifle scope. It is an insightful article that gives you more than enough knowledge and tricks for sighting in a scope flawlessly.
- Once you are done with it, make sure your tripod is of excellent quality; for availing, one click on the best tripod for spotting scope and choose one that suits your scope the most.
By following these tips, you can surely get the outcomes beyond your expectations.
After studying and using these five included in this article, and many other scopes, I concluded that the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Riflescope is the best option for you to go for Varmint hunting. It is also best for coyote hunting. You can enhance the standard of your hunting by a significant margin, as it gives you a premium quality resolution of pictures of targets from varying ranges. I have used it myself and found it excellent optical support for the hunters’ community. It is a valuable addition to the sighting industry for sure.
Best Product Recommended
Not evey scope is feasible for varmint hunting, except a few ones. The best scopes you can go for all are added in his article. Whether it is Leopold VS-3i, Vortex Crossfire II, or Simmons 8-Point. Go for any of these with the utmost confidence.
There are some great rifles you can use for the perfect varmint hunting, including Ruger 77/22, Remington 700, Henry varmint, and Browning X bolt. All these are super useful for varmint hunting and come on top of the list for the job.
If you aim for short to mid-range hunting, the 3-9×40 is the essential and inevitable magnification pair. And if you want to increase the range, you may go for the 3-18×50, it will give you a picture of the target with more clarity, and you can get an 18 times closer image of the varmint.
It is a minimal list when it comes to suggesting the best scope for hunting coyotes or varmint. If you want to make a rational decision at the very first attempt of your purchase, you can go for any of the scopes from the above-discussed list of optical devices. ATN, Simmons, Vortex, Athlon, and Leupold are the best brands for producing some great scopes for the job.