Quick question.....wondering if AO is needed or not?

Gylar

Gylar

Regular
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
9   0   0
Location
SW Ontario
I was just wondering if a scope with AO is needed for hunting coyote within a 300 yard range? Or am i better off without? Also what magnification range would work best? 4x-12x or 14x? or should i look at a 3x-9x? maybe 2.5x to 10x?

I just don't really know what would work the best for me in that situation? AND i'll definitely be spending a decent chunk of money (either a Leupold, Nikon, or high end Bushnell) so i don't want to turn around and have something that just isn't practical. I should add i'll be using a .223 for the chore at hand and will occasionally punch paper out to 300 yds as well.

Any help or advice is appreciated!
 
If you know you're likely to be making shots at 250-300, AO would be a worthwhile feature IMO. Most scopes have their parallax set for 100-150.

The vitals of a 'yote are not all that big.
 
I've always questioned the value of AO on hunting optics.....I understand the principal but I truly question its real-world worth, especially on sub 300 yard shots. Long-distance shooting on the range.....no question it's worthwhile.
 
On a big game rifle I agree. On a varmint/predator rig I feel the better focus at longer ranges helps to 'aim small' given the smaller vital zone of a 'yote, or the overall size of a gopher etc.
 
i personally think it is a PITA. When you spot a coyote out in the field, (especially around here) The buggers start to run, so you dont have time to be adjusting your scope to focus it for the shot.
 
I've found it a pain shooting out in the field at varmints at varying distances, in that not only is parallax out, but focus is constantly changing. It seems sharper at varying distance on fixed parallax scopes. For a serious varmint rig with parallax adjustment, I'd insist on side adjust, not adjustable objective. Its a PITA reaching forward and adjusting while you look through the scope. Maybe someone's got a better way. Its a love / hate relationship out in the field.
 
Hmmm, all valid points. I agree for distance an AO scope would work just fine, but as Rotaxpower suggested, do i have time to be adjusting and figuring out just how far the coyote is from me? I've heard with non AO scopes, that usually its set at around 100 - 150 yds, so parallax is usually an issue with the shorter shots? Or long shots over 200 yards as well? So does that mean there only worth while scopes at that range its set?

Another point.... Will i really be set at a high magnification for hunting coyotes? Esepcially since they run/walk a lot and i'll have them coming in to a decoy set around 50 yds?

As i said before, thats a lot of money to fork out for decent glass, but it would be a shame if i got into the field and found i really didn't need that extra adjustment? I dunno, the more advice the better!
 
Grizzlypeg said:
I've found it a pain shooting out in the field at varmints at varying distances, in that not only is parallax out, but focus is constantly changing. It seems sharper at varying distance on fixed parallax scopes. For a serious varmint rig with parallax adjustment, I'd insist on side adjust, not adjustable objective. Its a PITA reaching forward and adjusting while you look through the scope. Maybe someone's got a better way. Its a love / hate relationship out in the field.
Click to expand...



I agree Grizzlypeg. If i do decide to get a scope with paralax adjustment, it would be a side adjust not the AO style on the bell.
 
Just to put the error in perspective, if you shoot with a standard high power scope that is set for no error at 150 yards, and its an approximately 2" objective, regardless of the power settings the maximum parallax error would be 1" at 300 yards, 1.6" at 400 yards and around 3/4" at 50 yards and a little more at 25 yards. Perhaps not worth bothering on a coyote shoot? The factors are distance from paralax setting and objective diameter. Scope power doesn't come into play other than making it more noticeable.
 
Lemme get this straight.....

So 1" at 300 yards and 3/4" at 50 yards (if its paralax is set at 150 yards) is the maximum error... Thats not particularily good considering most my shots will be anywhere from 20 yards up to 200. Plus i'm figuring shots are gonna be a little closer because the decoy will be 20 - 50 yards away. I can see why this kind of scope would be bad for varmits but good for big game then. So lets just say for example, i spot a yote about 250 yards out coming in towards me to check out my decoy and such, now will i have to adjust paralax out to 250 to start then dial it back as the yote gets closer? That seems like a pain in the butt considering your tracking it at the same time and such.?
 
Formula is:

max error = 0.5 * objective diameter * (range to target - range to focus) / range to focus

So the larger the objective, the greater the potential error. If your eye remains centred in the scope, there is no error, regardless of distance or paralax setting. That quote of 1" at 300 yards for a scope set at 150 is the maximum. It assumes you move your eye right to the edge of view. Doubt you'd do that with a consistent cheek weld.
 
Ohhh ok....so thats not all that bad then, so basically it may be quicker to line up a shot with a non AO without much error? Of course thats with the understanding that my eye is lined up perfectly.

If your in my situation Grizzlpeg, what would be your choice?
 
The error is only a factor if you're not holding your gun properly. If your eye is perfectly aligned with the centre of the scope (as it should be) there will be zero error. If the gun fits you and the scope is mounted properly, you won't have any problems. The error figures stated are the MAXIMUM error possible if you were looking through the very edge of the glass.
Most of my guns have AO scopes, and for field use, I generally don;t bother to adjust the AO for each individual shot. If you're in an area where the shot is likely to be short, set the AO to 50 yards and go. Likewise, if you're in an area that's likely to offer a longer shot, set the AO to 100 or 150 (not too far out, in case you DO have to make a short range shot).
 
Last edited:
I have adjustable objective on a couple of my rifles, but I would never have it on a deer hunting rifle. Its unnecessary and annoying. If its set to 150 yards and a deer walks out at 40 yards its blurry as hell. I think its the probability that you can prejudge the distance of the game that would affect my decision. Like prosper says, if the game is likely at 100 yards or more and you set it for 100 or 150 you should be good to go. But if you truly are shooting from 10 to 210 yards without much time to make adjustments its a royal pain in the arse. If you shoot targets and are after that 1/4" 5 shot group, its useful.

If you have good shooting habits and don't move your gun around, and the maximum error you might encounter gets reduced to 1/2" or less, you have bigger things to worry about like distance and wind than half an inch or less aiming error. I apologize for not having a firm answer, its something of a toss up. At least go into it (making the decision) knowing the issues and tradeoffs.
 
Last edited:
Thanks Grizzlypeg for clearly stating some of the issues/tradeoffs and advice. Its really helped me to come to a decision with what i'll truly need. I've owned two AO scopes so i'm limited to experience with the other kind. I had the opportunity to go out hunting with my 22lr with AO and after trying to fiddel with it i just ended up leaving it at 50 yards. Although i love it for the range, not really good for the field in my opinion. (unless of course your shooting prairie dogs at a distance and such)

Now that i know what i want, just gotta figure out what magnification range i need. Those Leupolds vxIII's 4.5-14x seem ideal, but i've also got my eye on the 2.5-10x..... Wonder what would be better? Any ideas?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom