Optic rec for varmint (mostly coyote) on an AR 5.56

[LightWeightN8]

I'm new to hunting and want to use my AR for some coyote. Would like to be able to reach out to 200-300 yards but also not be limited on a closer shot. Was thinking some sort of LPVO as I'd like it serve also as a self defense weapon (can I have it do both?).

What would you run for this? Would like to not spend over $500, lower would obviously be better.

 

[Dr. Zeus]

I have a vortex razor gen ii 1-6. It's nice but over the budget you described. My brother in law just bought the vortex venom 1-6. They are usually around 300 bucks and are considered the best budget lpvo. I looked through it a couple of times and liked it.

As far as lpvo vs. something higher like a 3-9, it all depends on your environment. I live in iowa, where the hunting environment usually consists of farm fields and wooded fingers. When the crops are in or if you're limited to a small shooting window, definitely an lpvo. The variable zoom is nice for longer shots and target identification, better than a red dot w/ magnifier for a general purpose ar15.

My brother inlaw before he bought his lpvo, had a 3-9 on his ar, a coyote came hopping through the crp about 20 yards from us, my brother inlaw couldn't even find it in his scope while I was able to shoot it on the move, he went and bought that venom later that day lol.



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[Dr. Zeus]

And as far as using your ar15 as a general purpose/self defense/hunting rifle. Yes, you can. But I wouldn't be using an sbr or ar pistol. I would stick with a longer barrel. A longer barrel length will achieve higher velocities. Preferably a 16" mid length gas or 18" rifle length gas for a GPR, while in my opinion I would keep the 20" for a dedicated hunting rifle. Try to keep your 16/18" rifle as short as possible by mounting a k can on it.

Depending on your rifling, I would experiment with different loads of varmint rounds that compare to the .556 ammo you have stocked up.

Buy a 20 round or smaller magazine to make shooting prone if the situation presents itself, easier and more comfortable.




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