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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[xsn10s]

If it were me and if I had $500 to spend I'd just get the Vortex PST 1-6 MRAD demo scope for $499 @ eurooptic. It would work for a dual purpose setup. If you were purely just varmint hunting or shooting targets then I'd opt for a cheaper option. Or if you want to spend alittle more get a Trijicon Credo 1-4 ($692). I'd rather have a tougher optic if I'm considering a home defense optic. There are a ton more options out there.

 

[mcseal2]

I have a Sig 1-10x on my Ruger Scout rifle that seems to be working well. I have not had it that long.

If you're looking at 300 yard shots on coyotes or other varmints be sure to get a fine enough reticle it doesn't cover the whole chest of the yote at distance. I have a Huskemaw 1-6x that does. Some tactical reticles are a little heavier for quick shooting and not ideal for precision on a smaller target.

My personal calling AR has a 5-20x scope I leave on 8x most of the time, and a 45 degree red dot for quick shots. I find that set-up to work well without me having to move my hands more to adjust the power on the scope. The less I move the better in the more open country I often hunt.