Understanding the Needs of Coyote Hunting
Long-Range Shooting
The crisp, cold air bites at your face as dawn paints the eastern sky. You scan the treeline, AR-15 at the ready, your heart thrumming with anticipation. The coyote – a wily adversary – is out there, somewhere in the shadows, and you’re ready. This is the thrill of coyote hunting, a test of skill, patience, and the right equipment. And central to your success? The scope. Selecting the *best scope for AR-15 coyote hunting* is not just a decision; it’s an investment in your hunting experience. It can mean the difference between a fleeting glimpse and a clean shot.
Low-Light Conditions
The AR-15 has become a favorite tool for coyote hunters, offering a blend of accuracy, reliability, and modularity. This rifle platform allows for customization, making it suitable for a variety of shooting scenarios. But without a top-tier scope, that potential is limited. A quality optic is vital for identifying targets at a distance, compensating for bullet drop, and adjusting for wind, all crucial elements of successful coyote hunting. In this guide, we’ll navigate the factors that contribute to selecting the ideal scope, offering insights to empower you to make an informed choice.
Fast Target Acquisition
Coyote hunting demands specific characteristics from your optics. This predator is known for its intelligence, its ability to disappear in an instant, and its preference for open, often challenging terrains. Your scope needs to excel in these environments.
Durability
Hunting coyotes often involves shots at ranges extending beyond what most people would consider “close.” The terrain can vary, but a good scope needs to allow you to make accurate shots at considerable distances. This is where the magnification range of your scope comes into play. Having the ability to zoom in on a distant target can be critical.
Key Features to Look For in a Coyote Hunting Scope
Magnification
Low light is a frequent companion of the coyote hunter. Dawn and dusk, the times when coyotes are most active, pose challenges for any scope. That’s why the scope you choose should be adept at gathering ambient light, providing a bright, clear sight picture. A scope with large objective lenses and quality glass coatings is an absolute necessity.
Objective Lens Size
The very nature of coyote hunting means your targets may appear, and disappear, quickly. When a coyote emerges from cover, or starts to move across your field of vision, you’ll need quick and decisive target acquisition. Reticles and illumination features can significantly enhance your ability to spot, lock on, and track moving targets.
Reticle
Furthermore, the demands of the hunt place a premium on durability. The scope will be exposed to harsh conditions; it needs to be able to stand up to rain, mud, and recoil, day after day. A rugged build is essential for long-term performance and reliability.
Turrets
Knowing the specific needs of your hunting style allows you to narrow your search for the *best scope for AR-15 coyote hunting*. Let’s delve into the crucial features that will make or break your hunt.
Glass Quality
The magnification range is perhaps the first consideration. Scopes often indicate magnification with a number followed by another number (e.g., 3-9x or 4-16x). The first number represents the lowest magnification and the second the highest. For coyote hunting, a versatile range is often desired. A scope with a low-end magnification, such as 3x or 4x, allows for a wider field of view, which helps you locate moving targets at closer ranges. The higher magnification, such as 12x, 14x, or even 16x, enables you to see and accurately place shots at extended distances.
Durability and Weatherproofing
However, more magnification is not always the best solution. Too much magnification can reduce your field of view, making it harder to find the target and track moving animals. Also, higher magnifications can amplify any shake or wobble, reducing image clarity. Think about the terrain you typically hunt. If you mainly hunt in open areas, a scope with a higher magnification might be beneficial. If the terrain is dense or rugged, a scope with a lower magnification at the low end can be advantageous.
Top Scope Recommendations
Scope 1
The objective lens is the front lens of the scope, and its size directly impacts how much light enters the scope. A larger objective lens (e.g., 40mm, 50mm, or 56mm) gathers more light, resulting in a brighter image, particularly critical during low-light conditions. However, a larger objective lens often means a larger and heavier scope. This impacts how the scope feels on the rifle, and its overall profile. You need to find a balance between light gathering capabilities and the portability of your weapon.
Scope 2
The reticle is the aiming pattern within the scope. Several types of reticles can be found on the market. A simple duplex reticle, with thicker outer posts and a thinner crosshair, provides ease of use and is suitable for general hunting. However, BDC, or Bullet Drop Compensating, reticles have markings or stadia lines designed to help you estimate bullet drop at different distances. These can make precise shots at long ranges easier. Illuminated reticles, where the reticle itself is lit, greatly enhance visibility in low light.
Scope 3
Some scopes offer illuminated reticles with multiple brightness settings. This is a great advantage as they can be dialed down to provide optimal visibility without obscuring the target or being distracting in darker environments. Choosing the ideal reticle depends on your personal preferences, your hunting style, and the typical ranges at which you hunt.
Mounting and Zeroing Your Scope
Proper Mounting
The turrets, located on the top and side of the scope, allow you to adjust the reticle’s position to compensate for bullet drop and wind drift. These adjustments are measured in MOA (Minute of Angle) or MRAD (Milliradian). MOA is based on inches per hundred yards, while MRAD is based on centimeters per hundred meters. Understanding the difference between MOA and MRAD is essential to correctly adjust your scope for accurate shots.
Zeroing Procedures
Tactical turrets offer quick and easy adjustments, often with a zero-reset function. This allows you to dial in your adjustments, quickly reset your zero, and then use the turrets for subsequent adjustments. Capped turrets offer a more traditional approach, requiring you to remove caps to make adjustments. Choose the turret style that best fits your needs and experience.
Tips for Successful Coyote Hunting
Practice
The quality of the glass is paramount. High-quality glass provides a clearer, brighter image with reduced distortion. This helps you identify targets at distance and see finer details, especially important when trying to identify a coyote. The glass should also have multi-coatings to minimize glare and maximize light transmission. Coatings are especially important in low-light conditions, helping you see the target as the sun rises or sets.
Windage and Elevation Adjustments
Coyote hunting scopes must be tough. They’re regularly exposed to the elements and constant recoil. Look for scopes that are waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. The construction materials of the scope will also impact durability. Look for scopes made from aircraft-grade aluminum or similar materials that are designed to withstand harsh conditions. These scopes tend to retain their zero, and remain reliable, shot after shot.
Field Considerations
Finding the *best scope for AR-15 coyote hunting* can be a balancing act. Consider the various tradeoffs and which features are most important for your hunt. Next, we’ll look at some specific scope recommendations to help you on your way. (Note: Actual scope recommendations will need to be inserted based on research.)
(*Insert Scope Recommendation 1 – Example: Vortex Viper PST Gen II*)
This scope offers excellent value and performance. Its features include a versatile magnification range, offering clarity and resolution. The turrets provide precise adjustments and the illuminated reticle aids in low-light target acquisition.
Pros include its wide magnification range, illuminated reticle, and robust construction. Cons might include its weight, which can be higher than some more compact options. Overall, this scope offers a solid balance of performance and price, making it a strong contender for coyote hunting.
(*Insert Scope Recommendation 2 – Example: Leupold VX-Freedom*)
Leupold is a trusted name in optics, and the VX-Freedom is a popular choice. It offers excellent glass quality for the price, reliable performance, and a lightweight design.
Pros are its lightweight design, clear optics, and reliability. Cons may include a smaller magnification range compared to some other options, which may not be suitable for long-range shooting. This scope is a great choice for hunters looking for a dependable and lightweight option.
(*Insert Scope Recommendation 3 – Example: Nightforce NX8*)
For those seeking top-tier performance, the Nightforce NX8 offers exceptional clarity, durability, and precision. This scope is designed for demanding hunting environments.
Pros include its exceptional glass, rugged durability, and precise adjustments. Cons would include its higher price tag. This scope is suited for the serious coyote hunter who wants the best possible optics.
Mounting your scope correctly is just as important as the scope itself. Select high-quality rings or a one-piece mount that fits your AR-15. Ensure that the scope is properly aligned with the bore of your rifle to ensure accuracy and avoid any damage. The proper torque on your screws is critical, and using a torque wrench is always recommended to prevent over-tightening, which can damage the scope or the rifle.
Once mounted, you need to zero your scope. This is the process of adjusting the reticle to align with the point of impact of your bullets at a specific distance. Place a target at a chosen range (e.g., 100 yards), fire a few shots, and observe where the shots hit. Then, adjust the turrets on the scope to move the reticle until the shots hit the bullseye.
Successful coyote hunting goes beyond equipment. Practice is key. Familiarize yourself with your rifle and scope at different distances and shooting positions. Learn to read the wind and compensate for wind drift.
Consider the different shooting positions that you may need to employ on the hunt. In the field, you must be ready for anything, and practice will develop your skills and muscle memory.
Also, consider the other skills that are important for successful coyote hunting, such as concealment, and stalking. Understand where the wind is blowing in the area and how to remain out of the coyote’s line of sight.
Conclusion
After hours of preparation, practice, and dedication, you may experience the rush of a successful coyote hunt.
As a final tip, always double-check your zero before going out into the field, and make sure to bring any necessary tools for adjustment.
Choosing the *best scope for AR-15 coyote hunting* requires careful consideration of your needs, the environment, and your budget. This guide has provided you with the key features to consider, from magnification to reticle types, glass quality, and durability. Remember, your scope is a tool, and like any tool, it needs to be matched to the job.
(Example recommendation): For hunters on a budget, a Leupold VX-Freedom offers excellent value. If budget isn’t a primary concern, the Nightforce NX8 provides premium performance.
This is just the beginning; enjoy the sport responsibly, adhere to all local laws, and respect the environment. Now, go forth and hunt!
