Are you in the market for the best scope for AR-15 coyote hunting? If your answer is yes, you have come to the right place. We have put together this buying guide that has all the information you need to find the right scope for your coyote hunting expeditions.
Coyote hunting is an activity that is thrilling and rewarding. It provides a way for one to hone their hunting skills as these predators are not easy to hunt. This is due to the fact that coyotes are by far the most canny and clever predators out there. On top of that, they are cautious and stealthy all the time.
If you use the AR-15 rifle for coyote hunting, a scope is an invaluable tool to have. A good scope will not just make your hunting competitive, but also boost your accuracy when you are hunting in the less ideal hunting environments. Investing in the right optic will also help you hunt down these predators with ease in all seasons.
Attributes of a Great Scope for Coyote Hunting
If you are buying a scope for AR-15 coyote hunting for the first time, you are probably wondering what makes one great. Firstly, the scope should be optimized for use in low light environments. Coyotes are mainly active at dawn, dusk and night. As such you will need a scope that is able to perform under such lighting environments.
Furthermore, the scope should have a housing that is built with durability in mind. The more the robust the construction is, the more the scope will be resistant to shock, impacts and rough use during use.
The other essential features that the best scope for AR-15 coyote hunting need to have include:
- A housing that has dependable protection from water, fog, dust, mist and other elements
- Lightweight and portable design
- Variable and versatile magnification power
- Decent amount of eye relief
- Crisp and easy to use reticle
Best Scopes for AR-15 Coyote Hunting
Coyotes are a challenging predator to hunt. Here is a list of the best scopes for AR-15 coyote hunting that are designed to make the hunting expedition less challenging for the avid hunters. Let’s have a look
1) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Coming in first is the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope. This rifle scope is made with the avid hunters in mind. It comes with everything you need to make your hunting expeditions more competitive and successful.
The variable 3-9x magnification power is built in a second focal plane reticle. At all zoom settings, the reticle maintains the same size for quick, accurate shots every time. Besides, the scope yields a spacious field of view through the whole zoom range for speedy scanning and easy tracking of the coyotes as they move.
Another feature that makes this optic the best scope for AR-15 coyote hunting in low light visibility. It employs a Twilight Light Management System that is responsible for maximizing optical performance in low level light settings.
Furthermore, Leupold designed the scope with durability in mind. It has a rugged 1-inch main tube made from 6061-T6 aluminum. Over and above that, the optical tube has reliable water and fog protection for all weather use.
Features
- 1-inch tube diameter
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Scratch resistant lenses
- 6061-T6 aluminum housing
- Twilight Light Management System
- Versatile 3:1 zoom ratio
- 1/4 MOA finger click
- Second focal plane reticle
Pros
- Sufficient eye relief
- Great low light performance
- Lightweight
- High build quality
Cons
- Flimsy windage adjustment dial
2) Vortex Crossfire 3-9×40 Riflescope
The Crossfire 3-9×40 Riflescope is a cost-effective rifle scope that is built with versatility in mind. It is lightweight, portable and designed with an intuitive interface that makes it easy to use even for the beginners.
Built with a variable 3-9x magnification power, the scope is ideal for close and medium range coyote hunting. At close ranges, the scope provides an ultra-wide field of view and better target acquisition when you ramp the magnification up to 9x.
Another remarkable feature of this scope is the Dead-Hold BDC reticle. The customized compensating reticle sub tensions minimize guesswork on both hold over and wind drift corrections. This makes the scope ideal for hunting at ranges where calculating bullet drop is important.
Optically, the scope has fully multi-coated optics to limit glare and ensure high level of light transmission. As a result, you get bright and detail rich image views through the whole zoom range. Besides that, the scope has a rugged aluminum housing that is anodized with a durable, scratch proof and non-reflected finish.
Features
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- Anti-reflective lens coatings
- SFP Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Capped resettable windage and elevation turrets
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 3-9x total magnification
- 1-inch diameter tube design
- Aerospace grade aluminum housing
Pros
- Lightweight
- Budget friendly
- Bright and accurate
- Versatile
Cons
- Non illuminated
3) Bushnell Trophy 3-9×40 Rifle Scope
Sitting comfortably in third is the Bushnell Trophy 3-9×40 Rifle Scope. This is a variable power scope with 3-9x total magnification. It is good for close to medium range hunting in all lighting and weather conditions.
The selling point of this optic is low light performance. It has a large 40mm objective lens that collects as much light as possible inside the optics. On top of that, the lenses are fully multi-coated to offer high light transmission in any lighting condition. The exterior of the lenses is also coated with a rain guard HD lens coating to provide a clear, unobstructed view in all weather conditions.
For added convenience, the Bushnell Trophy 3-9×40 Rifle Scope has fast focus eyepiece and 1/4 MOA fingertip windage and elevation adjustments. In terms of construction, the optic has a robust housing which goes a long way to maximize durability and longevity. It is also 100% waterproof, fog proof and shockproof.
Features
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 3-9x variable magnification
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Multi-X reticle
- Rain guard HD lens coating
- 1-inch single-piece tube
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustments
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Inexpensive
- Good quality construction
- Easy solid adjustments
- Bright and clear optics
Cons
- Narrow field of view
4) Trijicon AccuPoint TR-24 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
Next on our list of the best scope for AR-15 coyote hunting is Trijicon AccuPoint TR-24 1-4x24mm. Carrying the renowned Trijicon name, this rifle scope comes with a ton of impressive features that you require to make your hunting expeditions more rewarding.
Built with a variable 1-4x zoom range, the rifle scope is ideal for coyote hunting at close to medium ranges. It provides a wide angle of view at all magnification and consistent eye relief to ensure rapid target acquisition.
Furthermore, this rifle scope is made to be virtually indestructible. It is built on a 30mm tube which offers greater adjustment range and a variety of mounting options. Over and above that, it is waterproof, fog proof and shock proof to weather whatever nature will have in store for your hunt.
With a mere weight of 14.4oz, the Trijicon AccuPoint TR-24 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope is lightweight to scatter heavy recoil and be easy to maneuver in the field. It is also built with a battery free illuminated reticle that enables confident aiming in any light and a broad windage and elevation adjustment of 90 MOA.
Features
- 6061-T6 aluminum housing
- Waterproof and fog proof
- 30mm main tube
- 1-4x magnification
- Fiber optics and tritium illumination
- Second focal plane reticle
- 90 MOA windage and elevation adjustment
- Repositionable magnification lever
Pros
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Confident aiming in any light
- Quick and easy adjustment
- Large field of view
- Crystal clear optics
Cons
- Short eye relief
5) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope
When it comes to versatility and performance, the Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope is hard to beat. This low power variable optic will enable you adapt to any situation, taking down targets at close to long ranges with incredible precision.
The scope is designed with extra-low dispersion glass that guarantee unmatched resolution and color accuracy. In addition to that, it has fully multi-coated lenses that amplify light transmission in low level light settings.
To complement the phenomenal optical features, this rifle scope is built tough with aircraft grade aluminum. The quality construction coupled with water and fog protection make the scope ideal for use under any environment. Even better, it is anodized against scratches and corrosion that causes rust when you use the scope in wet environments.
What’s more is the Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope has an illuminated reticle which provides a clear point of aim in any lighting condition. This optic is also equipped with a generous eye relief to maximize glassing comfort and a fast focus eyepiece for simple and quick reticle focusing.
Features
- 30mm main tube
- Second focal plane reticle
- Aircraft grade aluminum housing
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 11 brightness settings
- 140 MOA windage and elevation adjustment range
- Fast focus eyepiece
- XD lens elements
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Illuminated reticle
- Great value for money
- Excellent craftmanship
Cons
- No parallax adjustment
6) NightForce 2.5-10x42mm NXS Compact Rifle Scope
Another best scope for AR-15 coyote hunting in our list is NightForce 2.5-10x42mm NXS. Getting this rifle scope for your hunting expedition will not just hone your shooting accuracy, but also boost your speed of target acquisition.
The scope is built with a large 42mm objective lens for more effective low light performance. Additionally, the lenses feature high-end antireflective coatings to minimize light loss through internal reflection.
This rifle scope is available in multiple reticle options all of which are illuminated. During use, you can easily customize the brightness of the reticle using the multiple illumination intensities included. Other than that, the scope has a generous eye relief of 3.5 inches so it is comfortable to shoot with, with or without eyeglasses.
In terms of construction, NightForce 2.5-10x42mm NXS rifle scope is made with the most durable materials to ensure many years of use. The scope also brings to the table 100 MOA adjustment range for maximum total travel.
Features
- 30mm main tube
- Second focal plane reticle
- Adjustable parallax
- 5-10x magnification range
- 100 MOA windage and elevation adjustment range
- Multiple intensities of reticle illumination
- Integrated power throw lever
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Illuminated reticle
- Good eye relief
- High quality workmanship
Cons
- Pricey
7) Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm Riflescope
Our last but certainly not least scope recommendation for AR-15 coyote hunting is Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm. This variable power rifle scope is a versatile powerhouse on the hunting grounds. It will improve your precision and performance in all hunting environments and boost your odds of acquiring targets accurately.
Built with exclusive technologies like the DiamondCoat 2 lens coating and Xtended Twilight Lens System, the scope reveals all detail of targets in different light settings. This includes dusk and dawn when coyotes are mostly active.
Furthermore, the scope has a generous eye relief to enhance glassing comfort. The lightweight construction of 12.6oz makes maneuverability in the field convenient and plays a big part is shaking off fierce recoil. This enhances the scope’s overall durability.
Another remarkable thing about the Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm scope is solid construction. It is made from aerospace grade aluminum, a high-quality material that is durable but lightweight. The scope is also 100% waterproof and fog proof so it is ready for use in the field, in all conditions.
Features
- Blackened lens edges
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Xtended Twilight Lens System
- Aerospace grade aluminum housing
- Diamondcoat 2 lens coating
- 1-inch body tube
- 5-10x magnification power
- 25 MOA impact point correction
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Lightweight design
- Outstanding durability
- Large field of view
- Great low light visibility
Cons
- Non illuminated
What Magnification Do You Need?
A successful hunting expedition does not just require rapid reflexes and excellent hunting skills, but also the right hunting gear. For coyote hunting scopes, it is best to get a variable power scope that will help you pursue the predators at different ranges and in different hunting environments with ease.
Whether you are a beginner in hunting or a seasoned hunter, you will need a magnification of up to 9x or 12x depending on how far you will be shooting as well as your hunting needs. The broader the zoom is, the better as you will have the flexibility to use the scope at varying ranges.
Things to Look for in the Best Scope for AR-15 Coyote Hunting
Optics Quality
This is the first thing to consider. A scope for AR-15 coyote hunting is as good as its optics. Look at the type of glass elements used and opt for the best glass you can afford. Over and above that, ensure that you get a scope whose lenses are fully-coated or fully multi-coated. Lens coatings are important in enhancing light transmission and limiting glare.
Objective Lens Diameter
Coyotes are mainly active at dawn or dusk as they are nocturnal. This calls for a scope that has a large objective lens diameter to gather significantly large volume of light. Besides, the larger the diameter of the aperture is, the more spacious the field of view becomes.
Weight
Weight is another important thing to consider when shopping for the best scope for AR-15 coyote hunting. If you get a scope that is heavy and large in size, it might get in your way of shooting and even affect the precision of the rifle. Avoid such scopes and instead look for a lightweight scope that weighs not more than 2 pounds.
Durability
Whether you are buying your first scope for coyote hunting or looking for an upgrade, pay attention to the build quality and the type of materials used. The best scope for AR-15 coyote hunting is crafted using high-quality materials such aircraft grade aluminum.
With the quality construction, the scope is able to weather the rough handling that hunting predisposes it to. A good scope should also be 100% waterproof, fog proof and shock proof for added protection.
Eye Relief
Don’t forget to check eye relief. This is an important feature of every scope and it determines how comfortable your shooting will be. Irrespective of whether you wear eye glasses or not, we recommend that you invest in a scope that has a long eye relief of 3.5” and above.
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FAQs
- What is the best magnification for an AR-15 coyote hunting scope?
3-9x is the best scope magnification for AR-15 coyote hunting. It is broad enough to help you hunt the predators at varying ranges and in different hunting environments. Scopes with 3-9x zoom power also provide a significantly wide field of view which is essential for hunting.
- Which AR-15 scope works best for coyote hunting?
The best scope for AR-15 coyote hunting is one that comes with all the features you require to make your expeditions a success. It should be easy to use, functional and made with excellent workmanship to endure whatever nature will have in store for your hunt.
Final Thoughts
With the ever-evolving optics industry, you will always find a multitude of scopes that are excellent for AR-15 coyote hunting. Look at the features that each scope brings to the table and make your selection based on what your hunting needs and habits are. Hopefully, the information in this guide has been informative and of great help to you.