I'm in the process of getting a custom build AR style rifle (.223) and it will be primarily for coyote calling. Shots range from 10 yds to 300. I rarely take 300yd shots without a very steady rest, so most shots will be under 200yds. I want a scope that permits quick target acquisition and the best visibility possible. I've blown shots where the coyote was close, but I forgot the scope was set on 12X and was gone before I could make adjustments. I'll mostly be shooting off a tripod or bipod. My budget can hopefully be under $500. I've read some about scope options, but want to hear from you guys out there who have experience and needs similar to mine.
Scope recommendations?
- Thread starter Sniper66
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$500 is more than plenty for a good 300 yard scope. Lots of options. What do you like/dislike in scopes? .223 is pretty flat shooting to 300 yards, so you don't really need ranging reticles or ballistic drop reticles. They can be nice though, and you may end up with an opportunity for longer shots.
Keep an eye out and find a good sale to get ore bang for the buck.
Here is a Vortex at the top of your budget on sale regularly $900. A lot of bang for the buck and way more scope than needed, but nice.
I caught the 3-9x40 Meopro on sale last year at Camera Land and gave my sons one for X-Mas. Plenty of scope for the job.
Keep an eye out and find a good sale to get ore bang for the buck.
Here is a Vortex at the top of your budget on sale regularly $900. A lot of bang for the buck and way more scope than needed, but nice.
I caught the 3-9x40 Meopro on sale last year at Camera Land and gave my sons one for X-Mas. Plenty of scope for the job.
Chuck R.
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Also in NE KS.
Calling I use a 1-6X Leupold VX6. It's got BDC out to 500 and the CDS dial is tuned to my 60 grain Nolser BT yote load.
and half the time I'm sitting with the AR on a tripod with a shotgun in my hands. We end up hiking way more than shooting so my typical varmint rigs sit at home. Kind of amazing how hard it is to get long shots in eastern KS. I use a lightweight build I put together a few years ago for 3Gun:
16" Larue LW barrel, whole rig is just about 7lbs
I've also made the mistake off too much with a 6.5-20X MK4 on a heavy barreled .223. All I saw coming in (and going out) was a grayish blur.
I'm about to pull the trigger on one of these:
https://www.eurooptic.com/vortex-viper-pst-4-16x50-ffp-rifle-scope-ebr-1-mrad-pst-416f1-m.aspx
Just to set up for use in load development for my ARs with LPVs or RDS. I might build more on a precsion rig to go under it this summer though.
Calling I use a 1-6X Leupold VX6. It's got BDC out to 500 and the CDS dial is tuned to my 60 grain Nolser BT yote load.
and half the time I'm sitting with the AR on a tripod with a shotgun in my hands. We end up hiking way more than shooting so my typical varmint rigs sit at home. Kind of amazing how hard it is to get long shots in eastern KS. I use a lightweight build I put together a few years ago for 3Gun:
16" Larue LW barrel, whole rig is just about 7lbs
I've also made the mistake off too much with a 6.5-20X MK4 on a heavy barreled .223. All I saw coming in (and going out) was a grayish blur.
I'm about to pull the trigger on one of these:
https://www.eurooptic.com/vortex-viper-pst-4-16x50-ffp-rifle-scope-ebr-1-mrad-pst-416f1-m.aspx
Just to set up for use in load development for my ARs with LPVs or RDS. I might build more on a precsion rig to go under it this summer though.
No complaints w 2-7X (bud w my old rifle).
My 700 used to wear a 4-12XAO VX2......now wears a reg 3-9X.
No chucks around, didn't need 12X afield.
View attachment 826842
My 700 used to wear a 4-12XAO VX2......now wears a reg 3-9X.
No chucks around, didn't need 12X afield.
View attachment 826842
I am becoming a Big Burris Fan. The Fullfield E1 Offers decent glass for the money and an Iron clad lifetime warranty.
https://www.bbc-m.net/products/optics-burris-200341-000381003416-2915
I run a Varacity 3-15 on My AR-10 in 6.5 Creedmoor
https://www.bbc-m.net/products/optics-burris-200341-000381003416-2915
I run a Varacity 3-15 on My AR-10 in 6.5 Creedmoor
+1 for the vortex pst 4-16 for $500
If you want to spend less, or want lower magnification, the vortex strike eagle 1-8 is a very useful scope and would be great. Point blank range for a .223 is about 220 yds with a 50 yd zero, no need for a holdover or to dial on a yote from 0-220,
If you want to spend less, or want lower magnification, the vortex strike eagle 1-8 is a very useful scope and would be great. Point blank range for a .223 is about 220 yds with a 50 yd zero, no need for a holdover or to dial on a yote from 0-220,
cdb1
Member
I have a MeoPro 3.5-10x44 and really like it. On my AR I use for coyotes occasionally I have a VX-R 2-7x33 that is just about perfect.
Chuck R.
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Nature Boy
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I’ve shot a buddies Vortex PST. You’ll like it
The Leupold 1-6X is along the lines I'm considering. Also considering a red dot with only 1X, which is fine for close work, but not long shots. BTW, in addition to hunting locally (Osage, Douglas, Anderson, Marshall counties) I also hunt western Kansas with wide open spaces...Thomas and Rawlings counties. I already have several varmint rifles with scopes from 3.5-10X to 6-24X. So don't need more of them. This is the first AR I've ever considered. Also thinking about a low magnification scope with a swing out magnifier. Hard to know which will work best for me, having so little AR experience. BTW, the shop I'm working with is in Ozawkie....not too far from you. Thanks for the help. Tom
Chuck R.
Member
Effectively the 1-6X at 1X is a red-dot. It's quick, just as quick as long as you can get decent cheek-weld, which shouldn't be an issue hunting. If they weren't you wouldn't see them dominating the 3gun game, where most of the TGTs are well withing an RDS practical distance. One of the guys I yote hunt with runs an ACOG in 4X, pretty quick up close and halfway decent at distance. I like the LPVs better through, IMHO a more flexible option.
I'd avoid the swing out magnifier. Used to have one on a carbine, took a defensive carbine class and it rained. IF you think it's a PITA to keep 2 lenses clear, try 4......
Is your shop off of RT4??? I hunt western KS, but mostly ditch chickens and deer....it's a ways to drive for varmints.
Chuck...Here's the link to their website. http://freestatearmament.com/index.html They are located on highway 92, just east of Rt 4 on Main St that runs parallel to 92. I'm working with Tony Stein, great guy.
The ranches I hunt out west are 5-6 hours drive. I only go when I can spend 3-4 days and shoot priaire dogs too. I have the good fortune of access to a few ranches, which total about 12-15 square miles. So, I can set up as many times as I have time for. But, often I get into the prairie dog shooting so much that I don't take the time to call coyotes....not a bad problem to have. Thanks for the scope advise! Tom
LRDGCO
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I think hunting scopes should be no more than 9x magnification and believe that paying less than $500 will not render you unable to hit anything. Target scopes are another matter entirely.
I am in the cogitation stage of a similar build and got a nice little email from Cameraland NY, with whom I have happily done business before, announcing a sale on the Zeiss 3x series. Since I am unlikely to shoot much beyond a cartridge's MPBR, not feeling I'm a good enough shot to start 'figuring things out ' at 300 yards, I chose the 2-7x32. It was I believe $218. Yes, it's basement level Zeiss. But for a 300 yard hunting scope, it's great value for money.
I am in the cogitation stage of a similar build and got a nice little email from Cameraland NY, with whom I have happily done business before, announcing a sale on the Zeiss 3x series. Since I am unlikely to shoot much beyond a cartridge's MPBR, not feeling I'm a good enough shot to start 'figuring things out ' at 300 yards, I chose the 2-7x32. It was I believe $218. Yes, it's basement level Zeiss. But for a 300 yard hunting scope, it's great value for money.
Chuck R.
Member
Sniper66,
Thanks for the link, I never knew those guys existed. I'll check them out next time I'm out that way.
If you want to go another route and build it yourself, drop me a line. I've got the tools and have done several.
Chuck
Thanks for the link, I never knew those guys existed. I'll check them out next time I'm out that way.
If you want to go another route and build it yourself, drop me a line. I've got the tools and have done several.
Chuck
Chuck,
You're welcome. And thanks for the offer of help. I have a friend who loves ARs and has made the same offer. He accompanied me on my initial exploration of this shop and he's convinced they'll do a great job. They have some great examples of their work. Also meeting with my buddy this afternoon to look over all his scope options. At this point, your recommendation of the 1-6X is the top contender. Thanks again. Tom
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