Hey guys I am new to this forum and somewhat new to hunting with an AR (more specifically, I am very new to the types of attachments involved in setting up an AR for a specific purpose); I have been a bolt gun guy all my life. This site seems to have a knowledgable and respectful community and that is why I decided to join.

I just recently finished building a lighter AR for hunting coyotes. My geographical location for hunting is farmland -- the flattest, most open, and obstacle-free farmland. I am having trouble figuring out what optic to run. Right now I have Yankee Hill flips. I don't know if magnification will be helpful as I will need quick acquisition. Also, we do a lot of night-time 'yote hunts and I am not sure if reflex style set-ups will have too much glare. Should I invest in some better irons like Troy? Max range is 200 yards and that is a big MAX. Average range is about 100 yards.

Thanks

I went hunting yotes the first time and had no real idea what I was doing had 3 buddies with me so I brought 4 different types of rifles. I did figure this out, irons are worthless, cheap scopes do ok but my Leupold s and my Nikon did great. with a little moon light you  could easily see 200yds.


I would go with the Nikon P-223 or they have a Coyote line.


Leupold AR.


Should work in be in that under $300 range, others will chime in with some ideas.



 

Midway USA has a Nikon P-223 3-9x scope on sale for $150 with free shipping.  Sale ends today!  That is a savings of about $50 over Walmart.  This is a descent scope and has a BDC reticle designed for a 55gr plastic tip bullet like the Hornady V-MAX.  Also Recommend the Burris P.E.P.R. scope mount as it comes with 2 sets of top rings, smooth and picatinny so you can easily mount a shooting light on top of your scope.

I just put this same scope and mount on my daughter's AR today and I really like the setup.

Low magnification, big objective is what you want if night time is a possibility.  I'd look for something with a 50 mm objective, that'll bring in a lot of light.

Go with a 1-4x and you'll be happy, especially within 200m and with 100m as your average. I prefer the Burris MTAC, mostly due to the fact that it works like a big objective red dot sight on 1x, but anything similar to that will work just fine. Hell, even a red dot will work just fine at those ranges, and will help with quick acquisition and to keep your AR lightweight. I've whacked a lot of predators with my AR and a red dot sight.

I really like my Nikon P-223 in the fixed 3x.
It gives me plenty of magnification to get shots out to about 250 yards

Primary Arms Compact is a sweet scope.

Take a look at the Weaver Kaspa. I have the 1-6x X 32. I know, made in China but it has the Weaver name and warranty. The glass coatings and eye relief are not the best but what I like about it, it has a nice BDC reticle and it has illuminated black crosshairs. In low light you can follow an animal and as the crosshairs pass over a dark area the illumination will still make them visible. It is a really nice feature for transitioning from bright to dark fields of view. I'm really glad I decided to pick it up when PSA and Weaver had them on sale.

I'm in need of another scope and I think my next scope will also be illuminated. Maybe Primary Arms. Maybe one day and Leupold or Weaver.

Look at a red dot if you want to be quick with it, or look for an illuminated 1-X scope.  I have a 1-6 Firefield that I can shoot with both eyes open.  it's illuminated so I can use it as a red dot as well.

I use a cheapo Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x50. It shoots great, has very clear optics, and it has never missed. Best of all, I think it can be had for around $150 right now just about anywhere.

In late 2012 I shot this little kitty at 237yds. with this scope. No problem! She was 20lbs..