Understanding the Demands of Coyote Hunting
The howl of a coyote echoing through the night. The chase is on, and for many hunters, the AR-15 rifle is the tool of choice to tackle this elusive quarry. But the AR-15 is only as good as the gear you pair with it, and at the heart of any successful coyote hunt lies a reliable, high-performing scope. A scope is more than just a sighting device; it’s a critical component for making precise shots in challenging conditions. This guide dives deep into the world of optics, helping you select the *best scope for AR-15 coyote hunting*. We’ll explore essential features, top recommendations, and everything you need to know to elevate your coyote hunting game.
Coyote hunting is a unique challenge, demanding a blend of skill, patience, and the right equipment. To effectively choose a scope, it’s vital to understand the specific needs of this pursuit.
One of the most significant factors is **long-range shooting**. Coyotes are often wary and can be found at distances where precision is paramount. Your scope must allow for accurate aiming at extended ranges, providing the magnification and clarity needed to identify and target the animal.
**Low-light conditions** are also a common reality. Coyotes are most active during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours. A scope needs excellent light-gathering capabilities to see the target clearly when available light is minimal. The ability to maintain a clear sight picture is crucial for safe and accurate shots.
**Quick target acquisition** is another necessity. Coyotes are agile creatures, often moving quickly and unpredictably. The scope must allow for rapid target acquisition, allowing you to get on target and make the shot before the coyote disappears. Features such as illuminated reticles can prove immensely helpful in these situations.
Consider the **coyote itself and the terrain** you’ll be hunting in. Coyotes may be spotted in wide-open fields or dense brush. Your scope’s features must align with the environment you’ll be facing to guarantee you can utilize the scope to the fullest.
Essential Features to Prioritize When Selecting a Scope
With these considerations in mind, let’s explore the crucial features that define a top-tier scope for coyote hunting.
Magnification: The Power of Perspective
One of the first specifications to consider is magnification. For coyote hunting, a **variable magnification** scope is highly recommended. This allows you to adjust the power to suit the situation at hand. A scope with a range like 3-15x, 4-16x, or 5-20x is usually a good starting point. This allows for lower magnification for closer shots in thick brush and higher magnification for those longer ranges where you must reach out to the coyote.
Objective Lens: Gathering Light for Clarity
The objective lens is the front lens of the scope. Its size is measured in millimeters (mm) and significantly impacts the scope’s light-gathering ability. A larger objective lens, such as 44mm, 50mm, or even 56mm, allows for more light to enter the scope, resulting in a brighter image, especially vital in low-light conditions. However, keep in mind that a larger objective lens will increase the scope’s overall size and potentially require higher scope rings. Choose a size that balances light gathering with the practicality of your AR-15 setup.
Reticle: The Guiding Light for Your Shots
The reticle is the crosshair or aiming point inside the scope. Several reticle types are suitable for coyote hunting. A reticle with features like a **Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC)** will allow you to compensate for bullet drop at different ranges. A BDC reticle has specific markings that correlate to bullet drop at various distances, which is extremely useful for long-range coyote hunting.
**Illuminated reticles** are also invaluable. These reticles have built-in illumination that allows you to see the crosshairs more clearly in low light. The red or green illumination contrasts against the background, which helps with quick target acquisition.
Finally, consider reticles with **MOA (Minute of Angle) or MRAD (Milliradian)** measurements. These units help with precise adjustments for windage and elevation.
Turrets: Fine-Tuning Your Aim
The turrets on a scope are the dials used to adjust windage (left-to-right) and elevation (up-and-down). Look for scopes with reliable and adjustable turrets. They allow you to fine-tune your aim to match the conditions. They should have clear, precise clicks for easy adjustment.
The ability to **zero** the scope is crucial. This is the process of adjusting the reticle to align with your bullet’s point of impact at a specific range. Once zeroed, you can use the turrets to compensate for wind and bullet drop.
Build Quality: Durability for the Hunt
The scope must withstand the rigors of the field. Seek out scopes that are **waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant**. These scopes are designed to hold up to the elements, including rain, dust, and accidental bumps.
Pay attention to the materials and construction quality. A high-quality scope is typically constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum and offers a solid feel.
Eye Relief and Eye Box: Comfort and Safety
**Eye relief** is the distance between your eye and the scope’s eyepiece that allows for a full field of view. Adequate eye relief is important for both comfort and safety. It prevents the scope from hitting your eyebrow when you fire. A good rule of thumb is to choose a scope with at least three to four inches of eye relief.
The **eye box** is the range of eye positions that still allows you to see a full, clear image through the scope. A generous eye box makes it easier to quickly acquire the target and get on target.
Budget: Balancing Performance and Cost
Finding the *best scope for AR-15 coyote hunting* often comes down to balancing performance and cost. The price of a scope varies considerably, from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. Set a realistic budget that you can afford. There are excellent options at various price points. Research and read reviews from other hunters before making your final decision.
Top Scope Recommendations for Coyote Hunting
Here are some of the most popular scopes for coyote hunting:
Scope A: Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44
This scope is often seen as a great value, combining excellent optical quality with practical features.
- Features:
- Variable 3-15x magnification.
- 44mm objective lens.
- Available in various reticle options (including illuminated).
- Exposed tactical turrets for easy adjustments.
- Pros: Excellent glass quality for the price, durable build, clear image, and user-friendly turrets.
- Cons: Some may find the turrets a bit stiff.
- Price Range: ~$900-$1200.
- Why It’s a Good Choice: Its magnification range makes it versatile for short-to-medium range shots. The clarity is excellent and with solid performance, it provides a lot of scope for the money.
- Features:
- Variable 3-9x magnification.
- 40mm objective lens.
- Duplex reticle.
- Reliable and durable construction.
- Pros: Lightweight, clear optics, excellent reputation for reliability, and a classic coyote hunting scope.
- Cons: Not the best choice for extremely long-range shots.
- Price Range: ~$300-$500.
- Why It’s a Good Choice: It’s a reliable choice for the coyote hunter who wants a quality scope at a reasonable price, especially for those who don’t need the ultra-long-range capabilities.
- Features:
- Variable 3-10x magnification.
- 42mm objective lens.
- Illuminated reticle options are available.
- Excellent low-light performance.
- Pros: Extremely durable, exceptional optical clarity, known for reliability and durability.
- Cons: Higher price point.
- Price Range: ~$1000-$1500.
- Why It’s a Good Choice: Its unmatched clarity and durability make it an excellent choice for demanding hunting situations.
- Mount the scope on your AR-15, making sure it’s securely attached.
- Find a safe firing range.
- At the recommended zeroing distance (usually 100 yards), aim at a target.
- Fire a three-shot group.
- Assess where your shots are hitting. Use the turrets to adjust the windage and elevation until your point of impact matches your point of aim.
- The **.223 Remington** and **5.56 NATO** rounds are extremely popular and readily available.
- **Bullet weight and performance** should be taken into consideration for the task at hand. Choose bullets that have good terminal performance.
Scope B: Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40
This is a versatile and reputable brand, known for high-quality optics.
Scope C: Nightforce SHV 3-10×42
Nightforce is known for making high-quality, rugged scopes and is the choice for some of the toughest hunters.
Mounting and Zeroing Your Scope: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you’ve selected the *best scope for AR-15 coyote hunting*, proper mounting and zeroing are critical for accuracy.
Start with the **scope rings or mount**. Select rings/mounts that are compatible with your AR-15’s rail system and that will properly fit the scope’s tube diameter. Ensure the rings/mounts are of good quality and that they securely attach to the rifle.
**Mounting techniques** are important. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to correctly install the rings/mounts and scope. Align the scope properly, paying attention to eye relief and eye box.
**Zeroing your scope** involves the following steps:
If you’re unsure about any step, consider consulting a qualified gunsmith.
Ammunition: The Final Piece of the Puzzle
The final piece is ammunition. Coyote hunting with an AR-15 allows you to consider several suitable calibers. The best ammo for coyote hunting should match your chosen scope.
Conclusion
Selecting the *best scope for AR-15 coyote hunting* is an essential step in maximizing your success in the field. By considering these key features and the recommended scope choices, you can make an informed decision. Remember to match your scope to your hunting style, the terrain, and the distances you typically shoot. Start researching and comparing scopes today. Happy hunting!
