I am new to hunting and just wondering what is important to look for in a scope? I am going to be hunting coyotes probably out to about 200 meters and am wondering what I should look for. The scopes I have used for target type shooting seem to have more magnification then would be helpful and also take a while to find a target. Any specific advice or recommendations would be appreciated, preferably in the 0-$1000.00 price range. It will be going on a .223. I do not know much about scopes either so please be as specific as possible. Thanks!
hunting scope recomendations
- Thread starter newshot
- Start date
I like a variable power scope the hunting coyotes as I never know what the distance will be. I hunt them in thick cover & out in open fields where the distances could be over 300 yards. I have a 4-12x50mm scope on my .223 & it serves me well. If you are not going over 200 yards, you could probably get by with a 2-7x30mm. The larger lens(objective) on the end of the scope, means more light will enter the scope. Larger objective lens also mean the scope is heavier. Most people recommend spending as much as you can afford for quality optics. There are many brands out there that have a good reputation. Leupold, Nikon, Trijicon, Zeiss, Bushnell, & Burris all make great scopes. I suggest you go into a reputable gunshop & look at different models before you make up your mind.
George
George
Dominion Link
CGN frequent flyer
Agree- I have a couple of Redfield Revolution scopes now and I find them to be good value for the price. I have a 4-12x on my Mini, but a 3-9x work well also.
I'll likely never buy an other scope that is not FFP and that does not have a mil or moa reticule you can't beat quick and accurate hold-offs in a fast snap shooting scenario . if I were you I'd research these types of scopes as well, mag range 4-14 for what you are planning on doing.
Caustic has it right. For fast adjustments at multiple distances, First Focal Plane and mil dot or moa reticle is the only way to go.
Once you sight your gun you can use the hash marks to adjust your point of aim at different distances. Once you figure out how far away the critter is you just move your point of aim.
IE you use one of the hash marks as you cross hairs and not the middle line. Take some time with one and you will never go back to a plain set of cross hairs.
Once you sight your gun you can use the hash marks to adjust your point of aim at different distances. Once you figure out how far away the critter is you just move your point of aim.
IE you use one of the hash marks as you cross hairs and not the middle line. Take some time with one and you will never go back to a plain set of cross hairs.
i also agree with the redfield. i use the 3-9x50 on my .30-06 and a 3-9X40 on my varmit guns. great quality for the price. plus warrenty work done in okatoks alberta.
as for mildots, the accu-range reticle is awesome
just put the center circle on fur and fire! also works great when using round paper targets.
Sask_Hunter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Saskatchewan
Pathfinder
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Northeast Ontario
Is weight a consideration ? a Leupold VX2 in either 2-7x33m or 3-9x40mm suite my needs 99% of the time.
I don't think the weight will be a big issue. I was wondering about the 33m field of view...would this only effect light transmission or is it s smaller field of view too? There is a leupold 2-7 on the EE for just a little over the price of one new, so it is tempting lol
i also agree with the redfield. i use the 3-9x50 on my .30-06 and a 3-9X40 on my varmit guns. great quality for the price. plus warrenty work done in okatoks alberta.
as for mildots, the accu-range reticle is awesome
I like the theory of that reticle, but at 200m that must block out a lot of the target, no?
Suka
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I'm a hunter, not a long range target shooter. As mentioned, the redfield scopes are a bargain. They're a great scope, incredibly clear and bright. We've also got bushnell scopes. People scoff at them, but they're a great scope for the dollar, and act exactly as they're supposed to. I shot a deer today with one on my blr, and have never had a bad one.
On my coyote rifle I have a bass pro shop brand 4-12, paid under 150.00 for it. It's super accurate on my .243. I'm very comfortable killing running coyote's with it out to about 400 yds.
Point being, don't think you have to spend big bucks for accuracy, mostly you pay big bucks for trends or brand names. (unless you're into long range shooting, in which case I'm completely ignorant.)
On my coyote rifle I have a bass pro shop brand 4-12, paid under 150.00 for it. It's super accurate on my .243. I'm very comfortable killing running coyote's with it out to about 400 yds.
Point being, don't think you have to spend big bucks for accuracy, mostly you pay big bucks for trends or brand names. (unless you're into long range shooting, in which case I'm completely ignorant.)
Pathfinder
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Northeast Ontario
I don't think the weight will be a big issue. I was wondering about the 33m field of view...would this only effect light transmission or is it s smaller field of view too? There is a leupold 2-7 on the EE for just a little over the price of one new, so it is tempting lol
i also agree with the redfield. i use the 3-9x50 on my .30-06 and a 3-9X40 on my varmit guns. great quality for the price. plus warrenty work done in okatoks alberta.
as for mildots, the accu-range reticle is awesome
I like the theory of that reticle, but at 200m that must block out a lot of the target, no?
I think its a decent low light scope but you would get more light in with a bigger objective. if you dont' care about weight a 50mm would be nice. I really only use the 33mm on lightweight guns.
