Introduction
Coyote hunting presents a unique set of challenges for any marksman. These cunning creatures are incredibly wary, their senses are sharp, and they often frequent environments that demand long-range accuracy. When considering the ideal setup for taking down these elusive predators, the AR-15 platform has become a favored choice due to its inherent versatility and adaptability. However, even the most accurate AR-15 is rendered ineffective without the right optic. This article serves as your comprehensive guide to selecting the *best scope for coyote hunting AR 15*, ensuring you’re equipped to make ethical and effective shots.
The success of a coyote hunt hinges on several crucial elements, but the most paramount is having a high-quality riflescope. A poorly-chosen optic can mean the difference between a successful hunt and a missed opportunity. A well-chosen scope will not only enhance your ability to spot and identify coyotes but will also increase your chances of making a clean and ethical shot at varying distances. Investing the time and effort into understanding the crucial features and options is a necessary investment, ultimately adding to your hunting prowess.
Magnification: Seeing the World in Closer Detail
One of the foremost considerations when selecting a scope for coyote hunting is magnification. Unlike hunting in dense woods where close-range shots dominate, coyote hunting often involves engaging targets at distances that stretch from a hundred yards to well beyond three hundred. The need for variable magnification becomes apparent to successfully navigate these ranges.
Consider scopes that offer a range like three to nine power or a similar offering. Such a range grants you the flexibility to quickly adjust your magnification based on the distance to the target and the surrounding environment. At closer ranges, you can dial down the magnification for a wider field of view and faster target acquisition. When the coyote is further out, a simple adjustment of the magnification enables you to get a closer look, allowing for more precise aiming. This flexibility is essential for adapting to unpredictable hunting situations.
Objective Lens Size: Gathering Light for Optimal Clarity
The objective lens size of your scope refers to the diameter of the front lens. The larger the objective lens, the more light the scope can gather, resulting in a brighter image. This becomes particularly critical in the low-light conditions often prevalent during dawn and dusk, when coyotes are most active.
While a larger objective lens offers superior light-gathering capabilities, it also typically means a bulkier and heavier scope. The perfect scope for coyote hunting seeks a balance. A lens size between forty and fifty millimeters is often a solid choice, offering a good compromise between brightness and manageability. It gathers plenty of light for clear viewing in the critical early morning and late evening hours, without adding excessive weight to your AR-15.
Reticles: Guiding Your Aim with Precision
The reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point within the scope. It is a critical feature that can significantly affect your accuracy and hunting success. Several types of reticles are commonly used, each with its strengths and weaknesses.
Simple Crosshair Reticles
These are the most basic type. While easy to understand, they often lack the features needed for long-range shots.
Bullet Drop Compensating (BDC) Reticles
These reticles are designed with markings below the main crosshair that correspond to specific distances, accounting for bullet drop at longer ranges. BDC reticles can be a tremendous asset when estimating the distance to the coyote and making accurate shots. They offer a user-friendly way to compensate for the effects of gravity on your bullet’s trajectory.
Mil-Dot Reticles
Employed by military personnel and often found in tactical scopes, these reticles use dots or hash marks to help you estimate range and wind drift. They require some training to master, but offer a high degree of accuracy.
Illuminated Reticles
These reticles feature a light that illuminates the crosshairs, making them easier to see in low-light conditions. For coyote hunting, where dawn and dusk are prime hunting times, illumination can be invaluable. They offer a more distinct aiming point in the darkness, helping you make accurate shots when light is minimal.
Choosing the right reticle will depend on personal preference and the type of hunting you anticipate. Consider your shooting style and the distances you typically engage coyotes at when selecting the reticle.
Durability and Build Quality: Withstanding the Rigors of the Hunt
Coyote hunting is rarely a gentle pursuit. You might traverse rough terrain, endure harsh weather conditions, and experience significant recoil from your AR-15. Consequently, the scope you choose must be built to withstand these conditions.
Invest in a scope that is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. Water resistance protects against rain and snow, while fog-proofing ensures clear visibility during temperature changes. Shockproof construction is essential to handle the recoil of the AR-15, which can be substantial. High-quality materials and meticulous construction are signs of a durable scope that will withstand the test of time and challenging hunting conditions. It’s worth paying a little more upfront for a scope that will perform consistently over many hunting seasons.
Turrets: Precision Adjustments for Accuracy
The turrets are the dials on your scope that allow you to make adjustments to the reticle for elevation (vertical) and windage (horizontal). These are crucial for zeroing your scope and making adjustments to compensate for bullet drop and wind drift.
Reliable and accurate turrets are essential. Look for scopes that offer clear and tactile clicks for each adjustment. Some scopes feature exposed turrets, which are easy to adjust in the field, while others have capped turrets that protect the dials from the elements. Consider zero-reset turrets as well. These allow you to quickly reset your turret to zero after sighting in your rifle, making it easy to return to your original settings if you need to make adjustments during a hunt.
Eye Relief and Eye Box: Comfort and Efficiency
Eye relief refers to the distance between your eye and the scope’s ocular lens when you have a full field of view. Sufficient eye relief is critical to avoid injury from recoil, especially with the AR-15’s relatively powerful cartridge options. Look for a scope with a comfortable eye relief of at least three inches.
The eye box is the range of positions where you can see a clear image through the scope. A forgiving eye box makes it easier to quickly acquire your target, even when you’re not perfectly aligned behind the scope. This can be a significant advantage in fast-paced coyote hunting situations where precise shot placement matters.
Top Scope Recommendations for Coyote Hunting on AR-15
Finding the best scope for coyote hunting means considering multiple factors to ensure it fits your needs. While many high-quality scopes exist, here are a few options designed to perform exceptionally well:
Scope 1: The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44
This scope delivers exceptional clarity and performance, making it a good choice for coyote hunting. Its second focal plane (SFP) reticle is very popular. The exposed turrets are easy to adjust for windage and elevation. The fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear images, even in low-light conditions.
Key Features: 3-15x magnification, 44mm objective lens, illuminated reticle options, exposed tactical turrets, and a durable build.
Pros: Excellent optical clarity, versatile magnification range, durable construction, and easy-to-use turrets.
Cons: It could be considered heavy, it has a slightly higher price.
Why it’s a good choice: This scope offers an ideal combination of clarity, magnification, and ruggedness for coyote hunting at various distances.
Price Range: $700 – $900
Scope 2: Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40
Leupold is renowned for quality, and this scope delivers great value. It is a lightweight, durable, and provides crisp imagery and is very appropriate for an AR-15. It will be great for hunters on a budget.
Key Features: 3-9x magnification, 40mm objective lens, easy to adjust dials, multi-coat lens system.
Pros: Lightweight, reliable, exceptional clarity, lifetime guarantee.
Cons: The magnification range is limited compared to some of the other options.
Why it’s a good choice: Offers a fantastic balance of performance, reliability, and affordability.
Price Range: $300 – $400
Scope 3: Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen2 6-24×50
If you tend to hunt further distances, this scope offers excellent clarity and range capabilities. It is a great option if you want a better magnification range and a more tactical look.
Key Features: 6-24x magnification, 50mm objective lens, illuminated reticle.
Pros: Exceptional value, clear image, tactical turrets, and higher magnification.
Cons: Heavier, the price could be considered mid-range.
Why it’s a good choice: If you want to hunt at longer distances, you can’t go wrong with this scope.
Price Range: $450 – $600
Mounting Your Scope on an AR-15
Once you’ve selected your scope, the next step is mounting it securely to your AR-15. A quality scope mount is essential for ensuring proper alignment, stability, and accuracy.
Consider a one-piece scope mount, which is typically more stable and provides better alignment than a two-piece setup. Brands like LaRue Tactical, Aero Precision, and Vortex offer excellent options designed specifically for AR-15 platforms. Proper installation includes securing the mount tightly to the Picatinny rail on your rifle, leveling the scope during mounting, and then tightening the scope rings to the manufacturer’s specifications. This will ensure that your scope is held firmly and won’t shift during recoil.
Tips for Coyote Hunting with Your AR-15 and Scope
Your scope is just one part of a successful coyote hunt. Proper technique and preparation are equally important.
Zero Your Scope
Before heading out to hunt, meticulously zero your scope at the distance you’ll be shooting at. This process involves shooting at a target, adjusting the scope to compensate for bullet impact, and ensuring your reticle is properly aligned.
Understand Ballistics
Learn the ballistics of your chosen ammunition, understanding bullet drop, wind drift, and the impact those have at varying distances. This will enable you to make accurate shots at longer ranges.
Scouting and Awareness
Spend time scouting your hunting area, looking for signs of coyote activity, such as tracks, scat, and prey. Learn about the coyote’s movements, preferred habitats, and feeding patterns. The more you understand them, the better your chances of success.
Use Appropriate Ammunition
Choose the right ammunition for your AR-15 and coyote hunting. The best option will vary depending on the cartridge of your rifle and the expected distances. Always adhere to legal and ethical hunting practices.
Consider a Rangefinder
A laser rangefinder can precisely measure the distance to your target, helping you make accurate shots. A rangefinder can be a valuable addition to your gear, especially when hunting at longer distances.
Conclusion
Choosing the *best scope for coyote hunting AR 15* is a key decision. It involves carefully considering magnification, objective lens size, reticle type, durability, turret design, eye relief, and the eye box. By selecting a scope that matches your hunting style, the hunting conditions in your area, and your budget, you’ll be well-equipped to take on the challenge of hunting coyotes. Ensure you research models, and select a scope that fits your specific needs and allows you to maximize your success in the field.
The journey to finding the perfect scope can be daunting, but the rewards—increased accuracy, ethical harvests, and the satisfaction of outsmarting a cunning predator—are well worth the effort.
Resources
Vortex Optics: https://vortexoptics.com/
Leupold: https://www.leupold.com/
Athlon Optics: https://athlonoptics.com/
Various online hunting forums (e.g., Hunting Life)
Disclaimer
Hunting laws and regulations vary by state and locality. It is the responsibility of all hunters to know and obey the laws in the areas where they hunt. Always check with your local game and wildlife authorities before hunting coyotes or any other game species. Be sure to practice responsible and ethical hunting techniques and to comply with all safety guidelines.
