As a hunter, with an increase in popularity of AR 15’s, it’s time-consuming finding the best scope for AR 15 coyote hunting to go along with it. We understand how difficult it is to spot these animals, especially at night.
Understanding which accessory will offer the best advantages is even harder due to accounting for many features and the several brands claiming theirs is better than everyone else’s.
To offer a few, better options, we’ve come up with top-rated products you’ll love. Our extensive reviews and accompanying buying guide will help discover which is the right choice to satisfy your needs. We’ll dissect every aspect from its magnification to its weight to discover the best scope for AR 15 coyote hunting.
What is the Best Coyote Scope for an AR 15?
To capture these animals, a hunter requires a proper coyote scope for AR 15 use. Before getting into our reviews, the information below provides useful details about coyote scopes. This includes important aspects such as explaining magnification, the objective lens, reticle, and more. By its conclusion, you’ll find a recommendations of top-rated products to find the best scope for night hunting coyotes.
How to Choose the Best Scope for AR 15 Coyote Hunting?
Magnification
When focusing on finding the best AR 15 coyote scope, magnification is a prime focus as this determines range. There is no best magnification as it all depends on your specific needs. Do you hunt out in open plains or in a more wooded area?
AR 15 scopes for coyote hunting are based on what terrain you’re planning on being on. If you understand your game may be more than 300 yards out, then a scope with a strong power zoom function closer to 20 or higher may be of greater benefit. Anything closer, under 200 yards, for example will require a far smaller power zoom, perhaps closer to six or seven.
Objective Lens
Quality AR 15 optics for coyote hunting vary according to where you are located, similar to magnification. With long-range use, a larger objective lens is the way to go. The objective lense deals with light gathering at the distance and a larger objective lens allows more light to enter. Subsequently, this brightens an image, a useful factor in long-range shooting.
Something to keep in mind, is that scopes with larger objective lenses are bulkier and require a higher placement on your rifle. When it comes to mid-range shooting around 200 yards or so, a smaller lens is more useful. The same can be said with close-range in thick woods under a 100 yards. An objective lens of at least 50mm provides good minimal coverage.
Reticle
While researching a high-quality coyote hunting scope for your AR 15, consider reticles. They have a variety of styles to choose from. There are traditional crosshairs in addition to more complex features such as rangefinder reticles.
Regardless of your decision, reticles are intended to provide precise aim. Tracking down coyotes in particular requires reticles as you can experience several dynamics trying to hunt one down due to their tendency to run and hide. Mil-dot reticles are common and can offer enough elevation adjustment to enhance your overall experience.
Hunting Time
Another vital aspect to consider is the time of day you go out. In daytime hours, there’s not much need to use illumination provided you have enough brightness. During low-light situations, a night scope for an AR 15 use is a better choice. There are many night vision scopes for coyote hunting. An illuminated reticle can provide clearer sight in both daytime and low-light conditions.
Durability
You can find yourself in numerous situations such as rainy or windy weather. A good scope for coyote hunting has the durability to withstand some harsh use. Many coyote scopes for AR 15s have features such as water-resistance, fog-proof, shockproof, and even abilities to hold its own against recoil from your rifle. Such durability ensures it will maintain its quality through several hunts.
Weight
Weight can either benefit or hurt you.. When choosing a scope, focus on your rifle’s weight. You want to be sure to have the best lightweight scope that doesn’t weigh down your rifle. This depends on the materials used to make it, which you can discover more about by reading the technical details of each product.
You need the best AR scope for coyote hunting to improve your game. To find it, check out our recommendations of the top-rated products.
7 Scopes for AR 15 Coyote Hunting – Reviews
If you’re in the market for a new scope, check out our reviews of seven of the best scopes for AR 15 coyote hunting. We broke down our reviews to address features on top of the benefits and disadvantages of each scope, offering you details to choose the product that will best serve your hunting needs.
| Product | Magnification | Objective Lens | Reticle | Durability | Weight |
| Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600 | 3x-9x | 44mm | BDC 600 | Waterproof and Fog-proof | 15oz |
| Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane | 2x-7x | 32mm | V-Plex (MOA) | Aircraft-grade aluminum | 14.2oz |
| CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope | 6x-24x | 50mm | Illuminated Mil-dot | Rain-proof | 22.2oz |
| CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope | 2.5x-10x | 40mm | Illuminated Mil-dot | Scratch-resistant coating | 32oz |
| Nikon Buckmasters II Scope | 3x-9x | 40mm | BDC | Shockproof | 13oz |
| Tasco Varmint Scope | 2.5x-10x | 42mm | True Mil-dot | Multi-layered and fully-coated | 19.1oz |
| Primary Arms Orion ACSS Reticle Riflescope | 4x-14x | 44mm | Mil-dot | Aluminum construction | 23.9oz |
Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600 – Best Scope for AR 15 Coyote Hunting
The Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600 is a top choice for many when it comes to AR 15 coyote scopes due to how well it allows you to have exact aiming points. It’s lightweight, compact, and it features generous eye relief for those with heavy recoil rifles. This even protects against fog and water for longer use.
Here are some key features:
Key Features & Benefits
- Magnification: 3x-9x
- Objective Lens: 44mm
- Reticle: BDC 600
- Durability: Waterproof and fog-proof
- Weight: 15oz
This features open-circle aiming points from 100-600 yards, positive click reticle adjustments, and sealed O-rings for protection.
Pros
- Good relief
- Lets in light well
- Clear image quality
Cons
- Reticle could be more pronounced
- Hard holding zero
- Blurry when used indoors
Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600 is a compact rifle that withstands harsh use in various environments and provides exact aiming points.
Check on AmazonVortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane – Best AR Scope for Coyote Hunting
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane has a fast-focus eyepiece and easy-to-reset MOA turrets. If you’re looking for variety, you can find it with this one thanks to the all-purpose reticle that can be used to transform this into something beyond a coyote scope for AR 15 hunting. It also features sealed O-rings and is nitrogen purged for protecting against the elements.
Here are some key features:
Key Features & Benefits
- Magnification: 2x-7x
- Objective Lens: 32mm
- Reticle: V-Plex (MOA)
- Durability: Aircraft-grade aluminum
- Weight: 14.2oz
With the use of aircraft-grade aluminum in its construction, it can hold its own under harsh use, and it makes good use of an all-purpose hunting reticle for variety.
Pros
- Clear in foggy conditions
- Doesn’t add unnecessary weight
- Longer eye relief
Cons
- Could benefit from a sunshade
- Adjustments aren’t that crisp
- Reticle can be too thick
Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane is ideal for hunting various game, and it offers long-lasting eye relief for an extended time out in the field.
Check on AmazonCVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50 Scope – Best Coyote Scope for AR15
CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50 Scope offers illuminated AR 15 optics for coyote hunting. It comes with helpful accessories such as a lens cover and sun shade. In addition, this has 11 settings, three adjustable knobs, and it provides a bright field of view.
Here are some key features:
Key Features & Benefits
- Magnification: 6x-24x
- Objective Lens: 50mm
- Reticle: Illuminated mil-dot
- Durability: Rain-proof
- Weight: 22.2oz
This features tremendous magnification and zoom quality, and it has red and green illumination. It’s also coated well for weather protection.
Pros
- Holds strong to recoil
- Sturdy build
- Good zoom quality
Cons
- Too large for some rifles
- Illumination works best in low-light
- Takes a lot of adjustments for zero
CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50 Scope has a clear zoom quality, ideal weather protection, and it holds zero well once adjusted to it.
Check on AmazonCVLIFE 2.5-10x40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope – Best Scope for Night Hunting Coyotes
CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope is a top choice for many when it comes to a night scope for coyote hunting. You can illuminate using green or red, and it even includes laser sight built-in for more precise shooting. There’s also a built-in Kellner eyepiece so you can have a greater field of view.
Here are some key features:
Key Features & Benefits
- Magnification: 2.5x-10x
- Objective Lens: 40mm
- Reticle: Illuminated Mil-dot
- Durability: Scratch-resistant coating
- Weight: 32oz
There are five levels of red and green illumination, and with the scratch-resistant coating on the exterior lenses, it can withstand dirt and scratches.
Pros
- Built-in laser sight
- Easy to operate
- Zeros in quick
Cons
- Heavy
- Short eye relief
- No instructions
CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope features scratch-resistance, clear illuminated sights, and laser sights that’s easy to use.
Check on AmazonNikon Buckmasters II Scope – Best AR Scope for Coyote Hunting
The Nikon Buckmasters II Scope features a highly accurate BDC reticle that’s ideal when you’re hunting coyotes at long distances. More so, when it comes to a coyote hunting scope for AR 15 use, this provides remarkably bright sights, useful for those low-light situations. It’s even waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof for longevity.
Here are some key features:
Key Features & Benefits
- Magnification: 3x-9x
- Objective Lens: 40mm
- Reticle: BDC
- Durability: Shockproof
- Weight: 13oz
With it being shockproof, it can withstand bumps and accidental drops, and it also offers good BDC for shooting out beyond 600 yards.
Pros
- Offers sharp image quality
- Fast-focus
- Good for low-light conditions
Cons
- Needs more forgiving eye relief
- Maybe hard to set at times
- Lacks a rear adjustable focus
Nikon Buckmasters II Scope is a high-performing scope under various weather and light conditions, and it features ideal clear and bright sights.
Check on AmazonTasco Varmint 2.5-10x 42mm Scope – Best Scope for Coyote Hunting with AR
One of the best AR 15 scopes for coyote hunting remains the Tasco Varmint 2.5-10x 42mm Scope thanks to its easy of adjustments, how well it holds a tight zero, and its versatile range. It has clear optics as well. Also, with the true mil-dot reticle, it can give you an easier time estimating the overall range, and it’s insanely useful whether you’re hunting in a field or in the woods.
Here are some key features:
Key Features & Benefits
- Magnification: 2.5x-10x
- Objective Lens: 42mm
- Reticle: True Mil-dot
- Durability: Multi-layered and fully-coated
- Weight: 19.1oz
This makes use of a large objective lens and a true mil-dot reticle for optimal coyote hunting in various conditions for intermediate and long ranges.
Pros
- Installs easily
- Ideal mil-dot use
- Holds zero
Cons
- Too long and big for some rifles
- Minimal eye relief
- Could use better brightness
Tasco Varmint 2.5-10x 42mm Scope features good mid or long-range use, and it has clear optics that are easy enough to set and use.
Check on AmazonPrimary Arms Orion ACSS Reticle 4-14x44mm Riflescope – Best Scope for AR 15 for Coyote Hunting
Primary Arms Orion ACSS Reticle 4-14x44mm Riflescope utilizes a revolutionary reticle so you don’t waste any time adjusting the range. It has six brightness settings as well. Furthermore, as a good scope for coyote hunting, it does a good job at keeping the target image sharp even at further ranges.
Here are some key features:
Key Features & Benefits
- Magnification: 4x-14x
- Objective Lens: 44mm
- Reticle: Mil-dot
- Durability: Aluminum construction
- Weight: 23.9oz
It features an ACSS HUD DMR 5.56 Nato reticle that offers quick ranging and wind holds, while the front focal design maintains its size through the various levels of magnification.
Pros
- Large tube diameter
- Accurate tracking
- Quality reticle
Cons
- Not the best in higher light conditions
- Doesn’t include scope cap
- Hard to turn illumination knob
Primary Arms Orion ACSS Reticle 4-14x44mm Riflescope provides quick ranging, and it has a tough construction for waterproof and windproof capabilities.
Check on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions about Best Coyote Scope for AR 15
For those of who you who may still have some questions or concerns about finding the best AR 15 scopes for coyote hunting, take a look at a few questions and answers below. Each should better inform you on finding the right scope for your individual needs.
What is the best scope for long range shooting?
When searching for the best AR scope for coyote hunting at long ranges, you need something with not just a powerful zoom, but also a clear image. Your scope may have 14x magnification or higher, but all of it means little if the image isn’t clear.
So, when searching for a long-range scope, find something like the CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24x50mm that has 11 settings, a powerful zoom, and a bright field of view. It also features a mil-dot reticle, which offers a better wind hold and range finding abilities.
What do scope numbers mean?
Before you buy a coyote scope for your AR 15, it’s best to know exactly what all those numbers mean so that you aren’t confused. For a brief explanation, these numbers deal with the optical parameters of the scope. You may see something such as 4x, which simply means that it magnifies four times.
You can also see numbers such as 42mm on the scope. This just denotes the objective lens size. So, a 4x-10x42mm has four times magnification with a 42mm diameter lens.
Who makes the best rifle scopes?
It isn’t easy to determine which company makes the best scopes for an AR 15 coyote gun. Many of them have features that work best for one situation but poorly for another. With that said, to choose only one, Nikon has been a leader in the optical products industry for more than 90 years. They make use of high-quality materials and clear imaging for ideal hunting.
Best Scope for AR 15 Coyote Hunting – Summing Up
When comparing our top seven choices, we recommend the Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600 as the best scope for AR 15 coyote hunting. It won’t weigh down your rifle, features great eye relief for the most intense recoil, and it offers clear image quality. All in all, it’s a sound scope that’s budget-friendly and easy to use.
We also recommend these products:
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane: Versatile reticle and forgiving eye box.
- CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24×50 Scope: Holds sturdy to recoil and features red and green illumination.
- CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e Red & Green Illuminated Scope: Built-in laser sight alongside illuminated sights.
- Nikon Buckmasters II Scope: Shockproof and features bright sights.
- Tasco Varmint 2.5-10x 42mm Scope: True mil-dot is useful for mid to long range hunting.
- Primary Arms Orion ACSS Reticle 4-14x44mm Riflescope: High-performing, quick ranging reticle.