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Posted: 1/14/2008 8:10:30 AM EDT
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What is a good power scope for shooting coyotes up to 300 yards? Is 9x enough or do I need 12x-16x? |
The higher you go, the easier to see your wobble though. It'd be nice to try all 3 at a target of similar size of a coyote. I think they make targets that fit the bill. Go into one of them super stores, like Bass Pro. Stand as far away as you can and check it out. |
| Don't count on a majority of long shots. I've been hunting them for years and kill most within 100yds. In fact, I prefer to hunt with a buddy and a 10 ga. for the ones that slip in. Get a 3-9 with a large objective to gather more light. I like to stick with the 3-9 so I don't have to screw with an adustable objective. |
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I've shot more coyotes with a 4x32 than any other optic. My favorite is a 3-9x40 Zeiss (or any other high quality) that is clear and bright without being too bulky or expensive. I always keep it set on 3x magnification. Works great for close-in shots and gives a wide field of view for running shots at longer distances. I can't say I've hit very many coyotes beyond 150 yards because anything that far away is usually running and makes for a tough shot. The lower magnification helps in that instance because I get a wider field of view which is critical for fast moving targets. |
9x is plenty. Think up until just recently the Marines used fixed 10X on all there long range sniper rifles. They were making human kills out to and past 1000'. I would get a variable poer scope with a 9X max. You could actually do with something with less power like a 6x. Remember the higher the power the smaller your field of view thru the scope. Higher power also makes it harder to acquire targets in the field of view and makes it much harder to track or make a hit on a moving.target. Also the lower the power used the easier you will be able to see your target in low light. It has to do with pulip size and stuff but on a 40mm obj 4.5 is about best setting for low light. You want the lowest power setting that you can effectively accurately place the cross hairs on the part of the target you want to hit. Hunting is not the same as paper punching. Look at the ACOGs. They regularly make hits out past 300' with only 4x. I have been using a 4.5-14 Leupy lately. When hog and deer hunting I had it on 4.5x most of the time. I'm now going to be selling it and its in new condition for 1/2 of what I paid. Just to much mag now that I'm getting rid of my TRG-22 as well. Tim |
| I have been calling coyotes since the 70's in Southern New Mexico and West Texas. I find the 3x9 is more than enough and many times 9x is too much. I think in LA the cover would be darn thick, you will be surprised if you play the wind and make your stands right you can bring them in under 20 yards. 300 yard shots are for the Outdoor Channel Marketing folks trying to sell scopes and high dollar guns... |
Get a 3-9 w/ 40mm fixed objective and good rings with the money it would take to get a good 12x-16x scope and you will be more than happy. ETA: I assume this is going on a .223/5.55 AR? If so what where you planning as your zero to reliably shoot up close and to 300+ yds? I would suggest a 200yd zero and call it a day. I see plenty of yotes at distance here but they rarely stand still long enough to make a clean/accurate shot. |
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I wouldn't get too wrapped up in high powered scopes. the higher the power, the narrower the field of view. Heres the scenario, you spot the 'yote at 200 yrds, your binoculars are 6X, your scope is cranked up to 20X. You point your rifle in his general direction, what do you see? grass. you search right, more grass. You search left, more grass. Wait was that a glimps of it? Back to the binoculars, hes at 100 yrds and just winded you. Personally, I dont feel anything over 6X is needed unless your prairie dog hunting where you can camp on a mound or two and wait on one to pop out... |
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