The 8 Best Scopes for Coyote Hunting

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One of the important tools required for hunting coyotes is a rifle scope. When attached to your rifle, it makes it easier to aim and drop your kill, the farther the distance the scope can see, the better.

There are different scopes available on the market, but what tells them different are the features, price, range, magnification, and many more.

This article would help identify the best scopes for coyote hunting, differentiate the scopes, analyze them, and ensure you have a great experience when hunting. It would also help outline the factors you should consider before buying any scope.

This is a list containing the best scopes for coyote hunting.

  • Vortex Diamondback 
  • Vortex Viper HS-T 
  • Nightforce Optics 5-20×56 SHV Riflescope 
  • Nikon P-Tactical .223
  • Vortex Strike Eagle 
  • Leupold VX-3i 
  • Vortex Crossfire II
  • CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 

Best Scopes for Coyote Hunting: Our Top Picks

1. Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 FFP

Best Scopes for Coyote hunting - 1. Vortex Diamondback

Amazing magnification range, great for farther kills.

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
  • Length: 14.5”
  • Weight: 24.6 oz
  • Tube Diameter: 30mm
  • Eye Relief: 3.87”
  • Magnification: 6 – 24X
  • Field of View @ 100 yards: 18ft – 4.5ft
  • Reticle Focal Plane: 1st Focal Plane
  • Illuminated Reticle: None
  • Turret type: Tactical MOA

The special feature that makes this product stand out from others is its amazing magnification range. This scope can be used with different rifles, shotguns, and muzzleloaders. 

The Vortex Diamondback has a multicoated lens, and it ensures clarity regardless of the weather condition. It gives a bright vision whether it is during dawn or dusk. Its fast-focus eyepiece makes it easy to use. So, you get to see clearly at a rapid rate. Once the coyotes are in your kill range, you can easily hunt them down.  

This scope has a rugged construction that is water, shock, and fog proof. You can also camouflage the scope easily while hunting. It is difficult to find any other product that offers a rigid construction like the Vortex Diamondback. 

Pros

  • Quick and easy reticle focusing
  • Excellent clarity and sharp resolution
  • Smooth magnification changes
  • Shockproof, waterproof, fog proof
  • Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Tube

Cons

  • Crosshairs are a bit fine
  • A bit heavy

Verdict

This is a great scope for hunting generally, and its distinct features make it stand out among other products and vortex models. 

2. Vortex Viper HS-T 6-24×50

Best Scopes for Coyote Hunting - 2. Vortex Viper HS-T

This is the best AR-15 rifle scope by Vortex. 

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
  • Length: 15.5″
  • Weight: 22.6 oz
  • Tube Diameter: 30mm
  • Eye Relief: 4″
  • Magnification: 6 – 24X
  • Field of View @ 100 yards: 17.8 ft – 5.1 ft
  • Reticle Focal Plane: 2nd Focal Plane
  • Illuminated Reticle: None
  • Turret type: Tactical MOA

Just like all Vortex products, this is a strong and effective rifle scope. It is one of the best scopes available for any type of hunting. You would get precise shots from a long-range when it is used with an AR-15 rifle, and this is because of its VMR-1 Reticle. It has XR coating, and a multi-coated lens, this allows for improved vision. It has a waterproof tube, and the exposed turrets make it easy for finger-adjustable clicks. 

The Vortex Viper is filled with argon gas, this prevents the scope from fogging. The lens is tightly secured to withstand strong impact and recoil. It is also waterproof and shockproof. When you buy the Vortex Viper; quality, durability, efficiency, and effectiveness are all guaranteed. 

This rifle scope is built using top-grade aluminum, this gives it the hard-anodized sturdy finish. Its matte finish help minimize glare in the sun, and it is resistant to dust, dirt, and scratch. It is easy to adjust the trajectory of this scope over long distances. The reticle of this scope has a red dot, and this comes in handy when the light in the kill zone is poor. Its magnification features are off the charts, and it has extra-low dispersion glass to improve resolution and color. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eye_relief

Pros

  • Excellent resolution and color fidelity
  • Great for long-range shots
  • Consistent eye relief
  • Extra low dispersion glass
  • Shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof
  • Aircraft-Grade Aluminum

Cons

  • Expensive

Verdict

This is a great rifle scope for hunting, but it works great for coyotes because it has features that would help counter the cunning nature of coyotes. 

3. Nightforce SHV 5-20×56 Riflescope

This is the best night vision scope for coyote hunting.

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 56mm
  • Length: 15.2″
  • Weight: 30.5 oz
  • Tube Diameter: 30mm
  • Eye Relief: 3.15″ to 3.54″
  • Magnification: 5 – 20X
  • Field of View @ 100 yards: 17.9 ft – 5.0 ft
  • Reticle Focal Plane: 2nd Focal Plane
  • Illuminated Reticle: Yes
  • Turret type: Tactical MOA

If you love hunting at night, you would discover that not all rifle scopes can work in this condition. However, the Nightforce Optics is a scope you can use any time of the day; both morning and night. It is made using advanced and high-quality materials which make it perfect for hunting coyotes. It relies on batteries, and it can effectively work for up to 18 hours. 

This rifle scope has a ballistic calculator that ensures the hunter hits the target regardless of how far out you might be from your kill. It also has a video recorder that helps record your hunting expedition on smart devices. Its night vision mode does not have any effect on your eyesight because it has eye relief that ensures your eyes are comfortable while taking long-range shots at night. 

Pros

  • Excellent night rifle scope. 
  • Great illuminator. 
  • Good optical lens. 

Cons

  • The video recorder’s quality is not up to standard. 
  • No proper scope tuning. 

Verdict

For those looking to hunt at night, this should be your go-to rifle scope. Works perfectly during the day and at night. It is perfect for hunters carrying out intense hunting. 

4. Nikon P-Tactical .223

If you want the best, buy Nikon.

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
  • Length: 12.4”
  • Weight: 16.9 oz
  • Tube Diameter: 25.4mm
  • Eye Relief: 3.6′
  • Magnification: 3 – 9X
  • Field of View @ 100 yards: 33.5” – 11.5”’
  • Reticle Focal Plane: BDC 600
  • Illuminated Reticle: None
  • Turret type: Tactical MOA

Nikon is a top-brand, they make cameras, scopes, and many more products. The P-Tactical .223 is a reliable scope from the brand. It is great for hunting generally and works exceptionally well for hunting coyotes. For those on a budget, the price tag of this rifle scope is pocket-friendly. However, it would still perform better than most highly priced scopes in the market. 

The windage and elevation adjustment of this product is comparable to none, they are the right size, and are easy to adjust. The matte finish of this scope helps improve its overall appearance. Though it is not shiny like other scopes, it provides class like no other. Though the reticle might be small, it is ideal for dark backgrounds. 

Pros

  • Spot On Ballistic Technology
  • Constant, Generous Eye Relief
  • Quick Focus Eyepiece & Spring-loaded Instant Zero-reset Turrets
  • Waterproof, Fogproof, and Shockproof

Cons

  • Small reticle.

Verdict 

This is a pocket-friendly rifle scope with top-notch features, and it is also suitable for hunting in areas with a dark background. If you are on a budget, this is the right scope for you, and it works effectively. 

5. Vortex Strike Eagle

With the Vortex Strike Eagle, you would always take precise shots. 

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm
  • Length: 10.0”
  • Weight: 17.6 oz
  • Tube Diameter: 30mm
  • Eye Relief: 3.5”
  • Magnification: 1 – 8X
  • Field of View @ 100 yards: 109 – 14.4 ft
  • Reticle Focal Plane: 2nd Focal Plane
  • Illuminated Reticle: Yes
  • Turret type: Low Capped

The Vortex Strike Eagle is perfect for people going on an organized hunt, it would give you precision every time you take a shot. Just like all Vortex products, the glass of this scope has different appropriate features for the price it goes for. Though it does not have low-dispersion, this scope would still outperform other brands that are in the same price category. 

It has an illuminated reticle; this means that sighting your kill during the day would not be a problem. This product has a second focal plane design which allows you to take accurate shots always, also, when you zoom in on your prey, the markings on the reticle would not increase. 

The turrets are responsive, though the elevation dial is quite small but easy to turn. It has sharp focus adjustments, which makes it ideal for hunting coyotes. 

Pros

  • Sharp focus adjustment. 
  • Precise. 
  • Rugged build.

Cons

  • Odd reticle design.

Verdict

Though this product has an odd reticle design, it is still one of the best rifle scopes available, and the pocket-friendly price does not impede its exceptional performance when you are hunting. 

6. Leupold VX-3i 

For those looking for an AR-15 rifle scope, at an affordable rate, this is the product to buy. 

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
  • Length: 12.6″
  • Weight: 12.6 oz
  • Tube Diameter: 1”
  • Eye Relief: 4.4 – 3.6″
  • Magnification: 3.5 – 10X
  • Field of View @ 100 yards: 29.8 – 11ft
  • Reticle Focal Plane: 2nd Focal Plane
  • Illuminated Reticle: None
  • Turret type: Capped

For those that require a rifle scope for their AR-15 rifle, this is the best available on the market. The lens quality of this product is great, but there are other rifle scopes with better quality. If you need a reliable scope without breaking the bank, here is the product for you. 

It has a great light system, but it is not advisable to hunt at night with this scope. The light system allows it to perform well in areas with low-light conditions not at night. So, you can still get your prey at dusk. The turrets of this scope are easy to turn, and simple to use. 

Though this product does not have parallax adjustment, the visual and reticle plane work well enough to reduce the chances of a parallax error. 

Pros

  • Durable and clear glass. 
  • Easy to use turrets. 
  • Great light system.

Cons

  • No parallax adjustment.  

Verdict

This is a great scope for coyote hunting, and its light system makes it suitable for hunting at dusk. It is simple to use and can be used to hunt different prey, not only coyotes. 

7. Vortex Crossfire II 

Accuracy and precision in one rifle scope. 

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 56mm
  • Length: 14.3″
  • Weight: 21.1 oz
  • Tube Diameter: 30mm
  • Eye Relief: 3.5″
  • Magnification: 3 – 12X
  • Field of View @ 100 yards: 36.7 ft – 9.2 ft
  • Reticle Focal Plane: 2nd Focal Plane
  • Illuminated Reticle: None
  • Turret type: Capped

This is an AR-15 rifle scope, and it offers great precision and accuracy for coyote hunters. It is made from high-grade aluminum, and carrying this model along on your hunting expedition is easy because of its lightweight. 

The lens of this product offers a clear, undistorted picture quality. So, you would have a clear view of what is in your crosshairs. Its crisp reticle offers more precision. The turrets have a capped design, this makes it easy to adjust the turrets, and this is one of the most important features of AR-15 coyote hunting scopes generally.

Though the vortex crossfire does not have a lens cap, its optics are durable enough. This is expected of any Vortex product. 

Pros

  • Great glass scope quality. 
  • Clear and reliable. 
  • Amazing performance regardless of weather conditions.  

Cons

  • No lens cap. 

Verdict

When buying a rifle scope, hunters always put different factors into consideration. For those that have precision and accuracy at the top of their list, then this is the right product to buy. 

8. CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 

User-friendly, durable, and amazing magnification. 

Features

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
  • Length: 15.75′
  • Weight: 630gram
  • Tube Diameter: 25.4mm
  • Eye Relief: 3.52”
  • Magnification: 6 – 24X
  • Field of View @ 100 yards: 28 ft
  • Reticle Focal Plane: Mil-Dot Reticle
  • Illuminated Reticle: Yes

This user-friendly rifle scope is one of the best tools all coyote hunters should have. With this scope, you can easily view and target your kill. CVLIFE produced this product specifically for hunting coyotes. One of its amazing specifications is the clear view you get, regardless of how far away the coyote is. 

It has a dual illumination (red and green), they help ensure that you can view your crosshairs with a high level of brightness. You can also target the coyotes rapidly using the eye relief feature it comes with. Its smooth turret is also an eye-catching feature that most hunters would love. 

Pros

  • It is affordable. 
  • Red and green light illumination. 
  • User-friendly.    

Cons

  • Low battery power. 
  • Inefficient knobs. 
  • a little long
  • turrets are passable but not great.

Verdict

The features of this product would attract most professional hunters, and also ensure you enjoy a top-grade hunting experience. It has great standards and functions. 

What Makes a Great Coyote Hunting Scope? 

Coyotes are cunning animals, and an AR-15 rifle with the right hunting scope would ensure that you can target your kill precisely, this would help ensure you get an amazing experience hunting coyote. 

Different features contribute to making a great coyote hunting scope. An AR-15 coyote hunting scope must have a great range, and also can acquire the intended target very fast. AR-15 coyote hunting scopes should be light enough to carry around when going on a hunt, and it must be properly coated to prevent fogs and other factors that might influence the hunt.  

Furthermore, the right AR-15 coyote hunting scope has to be shock and weatherproof. This would ensure that it can work effectively under varying weather conditions. The right coyote hunting scope have a rigid construction that helps ensure durability and effectiveness. Here is a list of factors you should consider before buying any scope for coyote hunting.  

Buyer’s Guide

When you want to buy a Coyote scope, you should always have it in mind that they are cunning and elusive creatures, so you ought to be well-prepared to hunt them down. 

Having a good scope would help ensure that you have a high chance of outsmarting and bringing down the coyotes. This buyer’s guide would put you through things you should know before buying any rifle scope.

Magnification

One of the important factors to consider when going coyote hunting is magnification. This would help ensure that you can stay as far away as possible from the kill zone. Apart from making sure you get the right kill; it would also serve as a form of protection to the hunter. The lengthier the magnification level, the better. The right scope should be capable of magnifying your kill at a top-level, and the magnified picture displayed must also be really clear. Before buying a scope, you should carry out adequate research regarding its magnification proficiency. 

Type of Reticle

The reticle type is what would help in estimating the distance of your kill, and also judge the bullet drop. The reticle is also responsible for calculating, and adjusting the wind movement. Most experts always advise that the proper reticle for you is that which was designed specifically for your bullet. Though this is not always the case. A duplex reticle would also get the job done, but buying a stylish scope with a reticle you are comfortable with would provide better performance. 

Contrast and Clarity

Coyote hunting scopes are usually made from high-quality glass. However, if you do not want to spare any expense, you should go for an AR-15 scope with great contrast and clarity. This would help ensure that colors are not washed out. To do this, the coat should be multi-coated not just a single coating. You should also watch out for the anti-fog abilities, so you would not lose sight of your kill if the weather conditions are not favorable. 

Light-gathering

The best time of the day to hunt coyotes is at dusk and dawn. So when you want to coyotes at dawn and dusk, it is better to do this with a scope with light-gathering capabilities. This can be done by using a scope with a large objective lens. When you have this, your hunting expedition would be a huge success.  

Price

This is a really important factor, when you want to buy a scope, you should ensure that you choose a scope that would align with your budget, so you do not choose a rifle scope that exceeds your stipulated budget. There are great scopes at an affordable price, but it requires the right level of research to determine which scope is more effective at its price range. There are different price ranges, and the features determine the price attached to each rifle scope.

Final Verdict

AR-15 rifle scope is a great tool to have when you are going hunting, it would help ensure that you have an amazing and successful hunt. Whether you are hunting coyotes or any other prey, you should get the best AR-15 scope available on the market. This would help ensure that you get the best out of your hunt. It offers better precision. 

The ideal coyote hunting scope regardless of your budget is the Vortex Diamondback. It is great for far kills, amazing prices, and very effective while hunting. However, for those on a lower budget, you can go for the vortex strike eagle. It is easy to use, affordable, and very effective. After reading this article, selecting the right scope for coyote hunting would be easy. 

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