Tony Abi Saab of Lebanon is the owner of Brescia Middle East, and import-export company. In the following article, Tony Abi Saab discusses the best rifles and scopes for small game hunting.
Whether hunting for the thrill or for meat, small game hunting makes a great option. Squirrels, rabbits, and other small species are generally abundant and easy to find, and learning to mark these small, quick animals is a good way to hone hunting skills.
Tony Abi Saab of Lebanon says that the equipment that is needed to hunt small game differs from big game hunting equipment. Using too large of a caliber is likely to decimate a small animal and scopes have to be highly accurate to track small critters.
Tony Abi Saab on the Best Small Game Hunting Rifles
Tony Abi Saab of Brescia Middle East explains that rifles used for hunting small game need to be highly accurate and pack just the right amount of power. The .22 caliber long rifle (LR) is the go-to for hunting squirrels, rabbits, and similar-sized species. Tony Abi Saab of Brescia Middle East says that these are the top .22 LRs used for hunting in small game.
Ruger 10/22 LR
Tony Abi Saab of Lebanon says that the Ruger 10/22 tops the list for its reliability and accuracy. It’s a highly customizable semi-automatic, rimfire rifle. Because of its popularity, it is easy to find and there are many versions to choose from. Tony Abi Saab of Brescia Middle East says that the Ruger 10/22 is a lightweight gun which makes it user-friendly for hunters of all statures and easy to control for increased accuracy.
Marlin Model 60
The Marlin Model 60 is a rimfire .22 tube-fed semiautomatic long rifle with a 14-round capacity. It features a ramp front sight and adjustable open rear sight. The Marlin 60 is arguably the most accurate .22 LR and quite reliable, although less so than the Ruger 10/22.
Tony Abi Saab explains that it is a less expensive option than the Ruger and although it is no longer in production, it is easy to find after having been manufactured continuously in the U.S. for 60 years.
Mossberg 802 Plinkster
The Mossberg 802 is a .22LR bolt-action rimfire rifle perfect for hunting small game. It’s one of the most inexpensive options but is still highly reliable and accurate. It features adjustable front and rear fiber optic sights and a 10-round magazine capacity. Tony Abi Saab of Brescia Middle East says that the Mossberg 802 is easy to find new or used and fits into almost any budget.
Best Small Game Hunting Optics
Tony Abi Saab reports that squirrels, rabbits, prairie dogs, and other small game are challenging to track because of their small size and speed. Having the right optics is critical. A small-game riflescope should be clear, accurate, and have a wide field of vision. Here are the best riflescopes for honing in small game.
Simmons 3-9x32mm Waterproof Fogproof Matte Black Riflescope
As its name suggests, the Simmons 3-9×32 is waterproof and won’t fog with drastic changes in temperature. Tony Abi Saab explains that the zoom ranges from 3X to 9X which is sufficient small game hunting, and the hydro-shield coating guarantees a clear view. It has a field view of 100 yards and performs well under most conditions. Rubber dial surfaces make adjustments easy.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x33mm Riflescope
Tony Abi Saab of Brescia Middle East says that the Leupold VX-Freedom is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. It features a 3:1 zoom ratio for clarity at close- or long-ranges, sophisticated glare-reduction, and an adjustable objective. Leupold’s Advanced Optical System ensures the resolution and clarity needed by small-game hunters even in low-light conditions.
Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 Riflescope Illuminated
The Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 features an illuminated BDC reticle designed to provide contrast so that the reticle is visible in any light condition with six brightness levels. It is waterproof and fog-proof with multi-coated optics. The magnification dial and focus ring are textured to make them easy to turn with enough resistance to prevent accidental rotation.
Final Thoughts
Tony Abi Saab of Brescia Middle East says that while it offers much of the same satisfaction as big game hunting, hunting in small game is unique in many ways. Using the right equipment is key to a successful hunt. The .22LR is the small-game hunting staple for good reason and those reviewed above are tried-and-true options that offer the unique features prized by small game hunters of all experience levels.
Due to the size and speed of small animals, the right riflescope is a necessity for hunting in small game. Tony Abi Saab of Brescia Middle East says that those reviewed in the above article complement .22LRs and enhance visibility without costing a fortune. Equipped with the right gear, the small-game hunter will be ready to take on any challenges.
