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.

 

[Slickhill]

I’ve had a 1.25-4 Leupold Firedot on my all purpose truck rifle for years. It’s an 18” rifle gassed AR that stays in the pickup year around for whatever I may need a rifle for. I’ve killed hundreds of pigs, coyotes, deer, sick cows, and whatever else needed shooting with it.

It’s been great. I don’t use it for dialing but I check zero periodically since it gets banged around in the back seat and it’s never failed to be right where it’s supposed to be. The illuminated dot in the center of the crosshair is useful for movers and low light. I keep a pack of batteries in the console and 5 20rd ASC SS 20rd mags in the door pocket, three loaded up with 77TMKs and a couple with cheap 55gr SPs for blasting rocks and stuff.

I’ve killed coyotes and pigs from 20’ to 350 yards. I’ve rarely felt wanting for more magnification.

 

[Stubborn_bowhunter]

I use a cheap sig msr tango. It's alright.

I'd like to go trijicon eventually.

 

[Jtb.kfd]

My son and I do a lot of coyote hunting and we have many setups. My absolute favorite is a .224 Valkyrie with a Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24, second focal plane scope. These scopes are within your budget new. The reticle has a half circle crest with a dot in the center for fast target acquisition when they come in fast or at an unexpected angle. The power dial has a nice throw lever that is easy to manipulate with gloves on and the glass is clear. They also have illuminated reticles which is really nice in low light. I have shot coyotes over 400yds with this setup, it has BDC marks below the main reticle you can get dialed for your load/range. Out of all
my predator guns, this setup gets used the most. It would also work well for a home defense setup with the low power range and good field of view.

 

[Jtb.kfd]

Here are some photos of the setup. As for durability, I have used this in every type of weather and it gets banged around a lot. Never had an issue in 6+ years of hard hunting with it.