Ever felt that frustrating moment when a quick squirrel zips up a tree, and your shot just… misses? That’s often the difference between the perfect scope and one that just doesn’t cut it for small game hunting. The Ruger 10/22 is a fantastic, reliable rifle, but pairing it with the wrong optic turns a fun squirrel hunt into an exercise in frustration. You need clear magnification for those tiny targets, but too much power makes tracking difficult.
Choosing the right scope for squirrel hunting involves balancing magnification, eye relief, and durability—all without breaking the bank. Many hunters struggle to find the sweet spot between a budget-friendly optic and one that actually performs well in the woods. Getting this wrong means missed opportunities and wasted ammo.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what features matter most for tree rats and pinpoint the best scopes that perfectly match the legendary Ruger 10/22 platform. By the end of this post, you will know precisely which scope setup will turn those frustrating misses into clean, successful shots.
Top Scope For Ruger 10/22 Squirrel Hunting Recommendations
- Magnification:4x;Objective Diameter: 1.26" (32mm); Eye Relief: 3.3" (83.82mm) Length: 7.48"(190mm);
- With the fully coated optical glass, the rifle scope would give you a bright and high-contrast image.
- Made of high-strength aluminum alloy and with its one-piece tube construction, the scope is definitely for greater strength and durability.
- Inert gas purged, fog,shock, water proof, this scope can be used under any weather condition.
- The length of the whole scope is 7.48" (190mm), which makes this compact scope suitable for quick moving and aiming.
- Tactical 4X32 Compact Cross Rangefinder Hunting Reticle for 1022 10/22 with Weave Ring
- Mist proof with shock resistant housing, nitrogen purged with sealed O-ring.
- The scope is constructed from durable and lightweight T6 6061 aircraft grade aluminum.
- Scope Rings - Design in hollowed-out configuration between the ring and the bottom of the base, to release heavy duty when clamping your scope.
- Advanced multilayer lenses with rain protection that give you better light transmission for optimal brightness and true color throughout the light spectrum.
- FAST & EASY INSTALLATION – Complete mounting hardware included; installs quickly using standard tools with no gunsmithing needed.
- FIXED 4X MAGNIFICATION WITH MIL-DOT RETICLE – 4x32 scope provides a clear sight picture with mil-dot reticle for consistent holdover and precise target alignment.
- RUGER 10/22 COMPATIBLE MOUNTING KIT – Includes Picatinny/Weaver rail base and 1-inch rings for direct installation with no adapters or permanent modifications required.
- BLUE MULTI-COATED LENSES – Enhances light transmission, reduces glare, and helps protect lenses from scratches for dependable outdoor performance.
- RUGGED ONE-PIECE ALUMINUM BODY – Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum; nitrogen charged, fog-proof, shock-resistant, and built to maintain zero under recoil.
- Adjustable Illuminated Setting: Green and red illuminations, 5-level brightness available, allow the hunter to use normally in any light conditions.
- Clearer View: Magnification: 3X to 9X. Objective lens: 40mm. Field of view: 13.41-40.38ft @ 100 yards. Equipped with the multi-layer coated lens, the 3-9x40 scope has 95% light transmittance, clearer than the single-coated lens.
- Accurate & Rapid Aiming: Capped reset turrets are finger adjustable with MOA clicks that can be reset to zero after sighting in. Windage & elevation click value: 1/4 MOA 1/4" @ 100yards, eye relief：2.95"-3.94".
- Convenient & Sturdy: The CVLIFE 3-9x40 rifle scope is made from high-strength aluminum alloy. Completely sealed and nitrogen-filled makes it fog and rainproof, working great in all weather conditions. The ocular is built with a dioptric adjustment lens that can provide nearsighted and farsighted users with a clear viewfinder image without the use of eyeglasses.
- Easy to Install: There are two 20mm mounts with the scope.
- For Ruger 10/22 model. Length: 4.65". Weight: 1.5 oz.
- 11-slot rail. included set screws into the Ruger 10/22 factory mounting holes
- Use for the mounting of Picatinny or Weaver standard scopes, red dots, magnifiers, or laser sight
- Made out of durable high quality material - 6061-T6 aluminium alloy. Sturdy and durable.
- Sleek new design allows you add on any standard 21mm picatinny or weaver accessories. Mounting hardware included.
- Universal 10/22 Compatibility: Fits most Ruger 10/22 variants including Standard, Carbine, and Takedown configurations.
- 11 Tactical Mounting Slots: Adjustable optic positioning for improved eye relief and custom scope configurations.
- Precision Fit & Zero Retention: Engineered for a tight receiver interface that holds alignment through recoil and heavy use.
- 6061-T6 Aircraft-Grade Construction: CNC-machined from solid aluminum for lightweight strength, zero flex, and long-lasting precision.
- Hard-Anodized Matte Finish: Corrosion-resistant, glare-reducing, and built to withstand rough outdoor conditions.
- Dedicated one piece scope mount compatible with the Ruger 10/22 platform
- 1 inch in diameter for precision mounting of standard 1 inch tube scopes
- Available in both an offset ring version - with rings offset 2 inches forward for more flexible eye relief - and an inline ring version with rings lined up directly above the factory mounting holes.
- All Monstrum scope mounts and accessories come with a lifetime guarantee
Choosing the Right Optic for Your Ruger 10/22 Squirrel Hunting Adventures
The Ruger 10/22 is a fantastic rifle for squirrel hunting. It is light, accurate, and fun to shoot. To really bring out its potential for small game, you need a good scope. This guide helps you pick the best one for chasing those bushy-tailed critters.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a scope, certain features matter most for squirrel hunting. Squirrels are small and often move quickly in trees.
- **Magnification Range:** You don’t need huge power. A 2-7x or 3-9x scope works perfectly. This lets you zoom in close for small targets without losing sight of the surroundings. Too much power makes the field of view too narrow.
- **Objective Lens Diameter:** This is the size of the front lens. Look for a 32mm or 40mm objective lens. Bigger lenses let in more light, which helps when hunting early in the morning or late in the evening when squirrels are most active.
- **Eye Relief:** This is the safe distance between your eye and the scope’s eyepiece. Since the 10/22 has very little recoil, this is less critical than on a big-game rifle, but good eye relief prevents bumps when you shoot quickly. Aim for 3 inches or more.
- **Reticle Type:** The crosshairs matter. A standard duplex reticle is fine. However, a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle can help if you shoot past 75 yards, though for close-range squirrel work, a simple clear reticle is often best.
Important Materials and Durability
A good scope needs strong materials to last. You will carry it through brush and sometimes the weather might turn bad.
The main body, or tube, should be made of aircraft-grade aluminum. This material keeps the scope light, which is great for carrying the 10/22 all day. Quality glass is crucial for clear vision. Look for scopes that boast “fully multi-coated” lenses. This coating reduces glare and lets more light through. Cheaper scopes use simple plastic lenses that scratch easily and look blurry.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality jumps up when manufacturers pay attention to small details.
What Improves Quality: Clear glass and precise adjustments (turrets) improve quality. If you can easily turn the adjustment knobs and they click solidly, the scope holds its zero (stays accurate). Nitrogen purging inside the scope prevents the lenses from fogging up when you move from a cold outside area into a warm shelter. This fog-proofing is a major quality booster.
What Reduces Quality: Poorly machined turrets that feel mushy or loose reduce quality. Plastic internal parts wear out fast. If the scope uses thin metal tubing, it might bend if you accidentally bump it against a tree branch. Always check user reviews to see if the scope holds its zero after several hundred rounds.
User Experience and Use Cases
How a scope feels when you use it determines if you like it. For squirrel hunting, you need fast target acquisition.
The 10/22 is often used for walk-and-stalk hunting or sitting in a fixed spot. If you are walking, you want a lighter scope that balances well with the rifle. If you sit in a tree stand, you might prefer slightly more magnification for shots across a field. The scope must mount easily; ensure the scope tube diameter (usually 1 inch for rimfire scopes) matches your 10/22’s scope rings. A simple, bright view lets you spot a small squirrel hiding in dappled sunlight much faster than a complicated scope.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Scopes for Ruger 10/22 Squirrel Hunting
Q: What is the best magnification range for squirrels?
A: A 3-9x magnification range is usually the sweet spot. It gives you low power for fast shots and enough zoom for distant, careful shots.
Q: Does the 10/22 need a special type of scope mount?
A: Yes. The Ruger 10/22 typically uses a Weaver-style base. You will need scope rings designed for a Weaver or Picatinny rail to attach your new scope securely.
Q: Should I get a scope with adjustable parallax?
A: For general squirrel hunting under 100 yards, adjustable parallax is not necessary. Fixed parallax settings around 50 or 75 yards work fine for the 10/22’s typical range.
Q: How important is the scope’s waterproof rating?
A: It is very important. You should always choose a scope that is O-ring sealed and nitrogen-filled to protect the internal mechanics from rain and humidity.
Q: Can I use a scope designed for larger rifles?
A: Yes, you can, but rimfire scopes are often lighter and built for the lower recoil of the .22 LR. They also tend to have less expensive glass while still offering excellent clarity for small targets.
Q: What is the minimum eye relief I should accept?
A: Try to find at least 3 inches of eye relief. This keeps your eyebrow safe, especially if you lean into the scope quickly.
Q: Does the reticle need to be illuminated?
A: Illumination is a bonus, not a requirement. It helps when the target is dark (like a squirrel against deep shadow), but it drains batteries and adds cost.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a good squirrel hunting scope?
A: You can find very good, reliable scopes for the 10/22 in the $100 to $200 range. Spending much less might mean sacrificing glass clarity.
Q: Will a heavy scope affect my 10/22’s balance?
A: Yes, heavy scopes can make the rifle feel front-heavy and tiring to carry. Stick to scopes under 15 ounces if you walk a lot.
Q: What objective lens size is best for low light?
A: A 40mm objective lens gathers more light than a 32mm lens, making it better for dawn and dusk hunting sessions.