In this review, we cover the best scope for Ruger 10/22 squirrel hunting. Let’s get to it.
When it comes to squirrel hunting with the Ruger 10/22, choosing the right scope can make all the difference in accuracy, efficiency, and overall enjoyment.
The ideal optic for this task needs to strike a balance between a wide field of view for spotting quick-moving targets in dense woods and enough magnification for precise mid-range shots.
Lightweight construction, sharp glass clarity, and reliable weatherproofing are also key, especially for early morning or damp woodland conditions where squirrels are most active.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a rimfire enthusiast, choosing a scope tailored to the unique demands of squirrel hunting will elevate your shooting performance and help you make every shot count.
Best Scopes for Ruger 10/22 Squirrel Hunting
1) Leupold VX-Freedom 3- 9x40mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is the best Scope for Ruger 10/22 Squirrel Hunting. It is a top choice for Ruger 10/22 owners looking for precision, durability, and low-light performance. With its versatile 3:1 zoom ratio, this scope provides crisp image clarity across short to medium ranges, making it ideal for targeting small game in dense woods or across open fields.
The 3-9x magnification range allows for fast target acquisition at close distances while still delivering the reach needed for longer shots when necessary.
Engineered from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum and punishment-tested for extreme durability, this scope is built to handle recoil far beyond what a .22LR delivers.
It’s one-inch main tube keeps the weight down and ensures compatibility with a wide range of mounts for your Ruger 10/22. The matte black finish and scratch-resistant lenses also give it a rugged, stealthy appearance while withstanding tough outdoor use.
Where the VX-Freedom truly excels is in low-light performance. Thanks to Leupold’s proprietary Twilight Light Management System, hunters get up to 10 extra minutes of shooting light, reducing glare and enhancing clarity at dawn or dusk, critical moments for squirrel hunting.
Whether you’re perched in the woods during early morning hours or waiting for movement before sunset, the improved light transmission can make all the difference.
Precision is another hallmark of this scope. The 1/4 MOA finger-click adjustments for windage and elevation provide repeatable, dependable tracking, allowing you to dial in your shots quickly and confidently.
The turret design supports Leupold’s Custom Dial System (CDS), which can be customized to match your ammo’s ballistics. After submitting your load data, Leupold will laser-etch an elevation dial specifically for your setup, allowing you to range, dial, and shoot without the need for holdovers or guesswork.
Finally, the scope is 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, making it a reliable companion in any weather. Whether you’re dealing with foggy mornings, light rain, or accidental bumps in the field, the VX-Freedom won’t let you down.
Pros
- Exceptional low-light performance with Twilight Light Management System
- Durable 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- 1/4 MOA finger-click turrets for precise, repeatable adjustments
- Custom Dial System (CDS) compatibility for tailored ballistic dialing
- 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Lightweight one-inch main tube, ideal for a Ruger 10/22
- Scratch-resistant lenses and sleek matte black finish
Cons
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Not illuminated, which may limit performance in extremely low light
2) Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope
The Simmons Truplex .22 Mag Riflescope is designed for rimfire rifles. This scope blends affordability with surprising optical clarity and reliable mechanics, all in a compact, lightweight package. With a 3-9x magnification range and a 32mm objective lens, it gives you the versatility to scan the treetops or zero in on distant movement in open terrain.
One of the best features is the TrueZero Flex Erector System, which ensures a rock-solid point-of-aim that won’t shift across magnification ranges or adjustment cycles. Combined with TrueZero windage and elevation dials, the scope offers consistent and dependable MOA click adjustments, essential for maintaining accuracy over time. The turrets are also capped, protecting your settings when you’re moving through brush or taking your rifle in and out of a case.
The QTA (Quick Target Acquisition) eyepiece provides a constant eye relief of 3.75 inches, allowing for quick, repeatable shots and a wide, forgiving eyebox that’s particularly useful for fast-moving targets like squirrels.
The aspherical lens technology and high-transmission coatings produce crisp, sharp images across the field of view, from edge to edge. With fully coated optics, contrast and light transmission are improved, even in shaded woodlots or cloudy weather.
Built from a one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube, the Simmons .22 Mag scope is both lightweight (10 oz) and durable, offering waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof protection.
The HydroShield lens coating repels moisture, keeping your view clear in adverse weather. Additionally, the 50-yard parallax setting is tuned perfectly for rimfire rifles like the Ruger 10/22, eliminating error at typical squirrel-hunting distances.
And to top it all off, Simmons includes scope rings right in the box, saving you time and money on setup.
Pros
- Designed specifically for .22 LR and rimfire hunting
- The TrueZero system maintains zero through all magnification and settings
- QTA eyepiece with generous 3.75″ eye relief for fast, reliable target acquisition
- Sharp edge-to-edge clarity with aspherical lens technology
- HydroShield lens coating for weather-resistant clarity
- Lightweight and compact—perfect match for Ruger 10/22
- Capped turrets protect windage/elevation settings in the field
- Parallax-free at 50 yards, ideal for small game
- Rings included
Cons
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Fixed parallax—not adjustable for closer/farther than 50 yards
3) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope
When it comes to pairing a high-performance scope with the Ruger 10/22 for squirrel hunting, the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope stands out as a top-tier choice. Built with durability, optical clarity, and hunter-friendly features in mind, this scope balances versatility and reliability, perfect for navigating the unpredictable distances and lighting conditions typical in small-game hunting.
The 2-7x magnification range offers a sweet spot for squirrel hunting. At 2x, you get a wide field of view (up to 42 feet at 100 yards), ideal for scanning the canopy or brush for movement. At 7x, the scope lets you zoom in precisely for clean headshots at longer distances.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is particularly helpful when judging holdover, making it easier to compensate for bullet drop without second-guessing your aim, an important edge when squirrels are high up in trees or darting across branches.
Built from a single-piece tube of aircraft-grade aluminum, the Crossfire II offers rugged, shockproof construction. It’s O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, so it remains waterproof and fogproof even in humid early-morning woods or sudden downpours.
This tough build quality is complemented by ultra-hard, scratch-resistant lens coatings, which protect the scope’s exterior optics from dirt, oil, and abrasion.
The fully multi-coated lenses deliver bright, sharp images with excellent contrast, essential when distinguishing a squirrel’s silhouette against dark bark or in dense foliage.
The scope’s long eye relief (up to 4.7 inches) and ultra-forgiving eye box make quick target acquisition a breeze, while the fast-focus eyepiece allows you to fine-tune the reticle focus quickly when moving between different ranges.
And, like all Vortex optics, the Crossfire II is covered by Vortex’s unlimited, unconditional VIP Lifetime Warranty—a rare level of peace of mind that sets it apart in this price range.
Pros
- Ideal 2-7x magnification range for squirrel hunting
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle helps with precise holdover at varying distances
- Long eye relief and forgiving eye box for quick target acquisition
- Fully multi-coated lenses for bright, crisp images
- Rugged, shockproof, and waterproof construction
- Scratch-resistant external lens coatings
- Fast-focus eyepiece for easy reticle adjustment
- Backed by Vortex’s VIP Lifetime Warranty
Cons
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No illumination for low-light hunting conditions
4) Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope
For squirrel hunters looking to pair their Ruger 10/22 with a premium optic, the Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope delivers the perfect mix of performance, clarity, and lightweight design. With a versatile 2- 7x magnification range, this scope offers a wide field of view for fast target acquisition in dense cover, while still providing enough magnification to take accurate shots at mid-range distances.
Built with Leupold’s Advanced Optical System, the VX-Freedom stands out for its outstanding light transmission, industry-leading glare reduction, and excellent resolution.
This matters in real-world squirrel hunting, where lighting conditions shift rapidly under the forest canopy. The image remains bright and crisp, even in early morning or late afternoon when squirrels are most active.
At just 11.1 ounces, the scope is ultra-lightweight, ensuring your Ruger 10/22 remains easy to carry and handle during long outings. The 6061-T6 aluminum construction ensures durability, while the scope’s shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof build guarantees it can handle anything a squirrel hunter might encounter, from sudden rain to accidental bumps against tree trunks.
Another standout feature is the fast-focus, locking eyepiece, which lets you quickly dial in and maintain reticle sharpness. The 3:1 zoom ratio ensures fluid transitions between magnifications, and finger-click 1/4 MOA adjustments make zeroing straightforward.
The scratch-resistant lenses hold up well in rugged terrain, protecting the glass when navigating through thick brush or setting the rifle down.
Offered with Hunt-Plex and Duplex-style reticles, the VX-Freedom provides a simple, uncluttered sight picture that works exceptionally well for small game.
And as with all Leupold scopes, it’s designed, machined, and assembled in the USA,a testament to its quality and craftsmanship. Leupold also backs it with a lifetime guarantee, ensuring long-term peace of mind.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact—ideal for rimfire rifles like the Ruger 10/22
- Excellent optical clarity and glare reduction from the Advanced Optical System
- Durable, waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction
- Fast-focus locking eyepiece for quick reticle adjustments
- Scratch-resistant lenses built for rugged use
- Made in the USA and backed by Leupold’s lifetime guarantee
- Wide field of view for fast target acquisition
Cons
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No illuminated reticle for low-light scenarios
5) Vortex Diamondback Rimfire 2-7x35mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Diamondback Rimfire 2-7x35mm Rifle Scope is one of the best Scopes for Ruger 10/22 Squirrel Hunting. It is designed specifically for close-range rimfire applications, this scope balances durability, clarity, and precision, perfect for navigating thick woods and taking accurate shots at elusive small game.
With its 2- 7x magnification and 35mm objective lens, this scope offers a generous field of view (up to 64.3 ft at 100 yards), making it easier to track fast-moving squirrels in dense brush. The V-Plex reticle, Vortex’s most versatile hunting reticle, provides a simple yet precise sight picture that excels in the field. Whether you’re shooting at 20 yards or stretching out to 75 yards, the reticle remains clean and intuitive.
Durability is a key highlight of the Diamondback Rimfire. The solid one-piece tube, made of aircraft-grade aluminum, is shockproof and recoil-resistant, even on heavier-hitting firearms like shotguns and muzzleloaders. The hard anodized finish not only improves the scope’s resilience but also reduces glare and helps you stay concealed in the woods.
Vortex goes the extra mile with argon purging and O-ring seals, ensuring the scope is 100% waterproof and fogproof for all-weather performance. Meanwhile, the fully multi-coated lenses deliver excellent light transmission and clarity from dawn till dusk, just when squirrels are most active.
The fast-focus eyepiece and metal-on-metal precision turrets allow for quick target acquisition and confident zeroing, backed by Vortex’s Precision Glide Erector System for reliable tracking.
Weighing in at 14.2 ounces, the scope adds minimal weight to your rifle and comes with a 50-yard fixed parallax, which is perfect for rimfire use. To top it all off, Vortex includes their legendary VIP Lifetime Warranty, covering repair or replacement no matter what—no receipt needed, no questions asked.
Pros
- Designed specifically for rimfire rifles like the Ruger 10/22
- Exceptional clarity from fully multi-coated lenses
- Durable, shockproof aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Fogproof and waterproof with argon gas purging
- User-friendly turrets with zero-reset capability
- Reliable performance across a wide range of hunting conditions
- Backed by Vortex’s unlimited, no-fault VIP Lifetime Warranty
Cons
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No illumination for extremely low-light conditions
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Scope for Ruger 10/22 Squirrel Hunting
Below are the most important considerations for the best scope for Ruger 10/22 squirrel hunting.
Magnification Range
For squirrel hunting, a moderate magnification range like 2-7x is ideal. This range offers the flexibility to spot quick-moving squirrels in brush at low power and zoom in for more accurate shots at longer distances. High magnification is generally unnecessary for rimfire shooting and can reduce the field of view, making it harder to track fast-moving targets in dense cover.
Reticle Design
A simple, versatile reticle is crucial for small game hunting. Options like a basic duplex or BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) reticle are effective because they provide quick target acquisition without clutter. When targeting fast, nimble game like squirrels, the reticle should help guide the eye naturally without adding complexity that might slow down your shot
Optical Clarity and Coating
Lens quality can make or break a hunting scope. Fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission, reduce glare, and improve contrast, critical for spotting camouflaged squirrels in early morning or shaded environments. Clear optics allow for better identification of targets and precise shot placement, even in dim lighting.
Eye Relief and Eye Box Forgiveness
Generous eye relief and a forgiving eye box are key for fast, comfortable shooting. You don’t want to spend precious seconds adjusting your head position to get a full sight picture. A scope with long eye relief gives you flexibility in mounting and helps maintain clear visuals even when shooting from awkward or quick angles.
Build Quality and Durability
Since squirrel hunting often involves rugged terrain and brush, your scope must be built to withstand bumps, drops, and recoil. A single-piece tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum offers strength and shock resistance. Tough construction ensures your scope remains zeroed and operational over time, even with frequent use in the field.
Weather Resistance
Scopes used for hunting need to be reliable in various weather conditions. A waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof build ensures that the scope functions well in rain, humidity, or sudden temperature changes. Gas purging and O-ring seals help maintain internal clarity and performance, which is essential during unpredictable woodland hunts.
Weight and Size
A compact, lightweight scope is beneficial for a rimfire rifle like the Ruger 10/22. It helps maintain the rifle’s natural balance and makes the firearm easier to handle, especially on long treks or when making quick offhand shots. A lighter setup reduces fatigue and supports faster reaction time.
Adjustment Precision and Ease of Use
Precise, repeatable adjustments for windage and elevation are essential, especially when transitioning between shooting distances. Easy-to-use turrets and a fast-focus eyepiece help you quickly dial in your scope and keep your reticle sharp. This level of control is especially useful for fine-tuning your aim on small, elusive targets.
Best Scope for Ruger 10/22 Squirrel Hunting FAQs
What magnification range is best for squirrel hunting with a Ruger 10/22?
A 2-7x magnification range is ideal for squirrel hunting. It offers a wide field of view at lower power (2x) for spotting quick movements in dense foliage, and enough zoom (up to 7x) for precise shots at mid-range distances—typically 25 to 75 yards.
Do I need a specific reticle type for squirrel hunting?
Yes, a simple and uncluttered reticle like a V-Plex or Dead-Hold BDC is perfect. These reticles help with fast target acquisition and can assist with estimating holdover without being too busy, which is especially useful when tracking small, fast-moving targets like squirrels.
How important is durability and weather resistance in a squirrel hunting scope?
Extremely important. Since squirrel hunting often takes place in early mornings or damp woodland environments, your scope must be waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. Features like nitrogen or argon purging, O-ring sealing, and scratch-resistant lenses ensure reliable performance in tough outdoor conditions.
Conclusion
The overall mindset that a shooter should have while purchasing the above scope should be based on various factors.
These factors include; clarity and accuracy, features, price, clarity of pictures, and maintenance. You should compare the features of the various scopes and consider what works for your environment and budget.
With an idea of what you have in mind, hitting the market becomes very easy and you will be satisfied with your choice.
We hope this best scope for Ruger 10/22 squirrel hunting review has been insightful.
See Also
- 6 Best BB Guns for Squirrels
- 7 Best Pellet Guns for Squirrels Hunting and Shooting
- 6 Best Air Rifles for Squirrels and Rabbits