Coyote hunting with a .223 rifle demands a scope that delivers precision, speed, and clarity. This guide will walk you through the best scopes for 223 coyote hunting and help you make an informed purchase.
The .223 Remington cartridge is known for its flat trajectory and low recoil. This makes it a popular choice among predator hunters. However, to unlock its full potential, pairing it with the right optic is crucial. Whether you’re hunting in open fields, dense brush, or during low-light hours, the right scope will significantly improve your accuracy and success rate.
What Makes a Scope Ideal for 223 Coyote Hunting?
The best scopes for 223 coyote hunting should offer:
1.Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope is the best scope for 223 coyote hunting.
Built on a robust 30mm tube, this high-performing rifle scope offers generous adjustment ranges and excellent durability for field use. Besides, the first focal plane reticle is valuable for long-range shooting, as it maintains accurate holdovers and ranging at all magnification levels.
Optically, the scope’s glass quality is impressive, delivering sharp, bright images with strong color fidelity, even in low-light conditions. It also features XR fully multi-coated lenses and low-dispersion glass to enhance clarity and resolution.
This scope also stands out in terms of usability and tactical features. The exposed tactical-style turrets offer crisp, audible clicks with zero stop for fast and reliable adjustments. Moreover, the illuminated reticle is highly functional in varying light conditions, with intuitive controls that allow for easy brightness adjustments without interfering with your sight picture.
Above all, this rifle scope offers a solid balance of ruggedness, accuracy, and flexibility at a price point that’s still within reach for dedicated enthusiasts.
Pros
- Outstanding optical clarity
- Solid build quality withstands recoil and impact
- Illuminated reticle
- Generous adjustment range
Cons
- Limited eye relief
2. Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope is a standout in the mid- to high-end optics category, offering exceptional performance for hunters.
Built around a durable 30mm main tube, this scope delivers excellent light transmission and image clarity, even in challenging low-light conditions. The High Definition lenses provide crystal-clear images with minimal distortion, and the Twilight Max HD Light Management System significantly extends usable shooting light at dawn and dusk.
Regarding zoom power, the 3-15x magnification range makes it incredibly versatile for everything from close-range woodland hunting to spotting game across open fields. Besides, it is housed in the second focal plane to ensure that the reticle size remains constant, providing a clean, consistent view throughout the zoom range.
What truly sets the VX-5HD apart is its rugged design and premium features. The ZeroLock CDS (Custom Dial System) elevation dial prevents accidental adjustments and allows shooters to return to zero with confidence. Besides, the side focus parallax adjustment and tactile, repeatable turrets offer smooth handling, even with gloved hands.
To top it all off, the scope is built to withstand harsh environments with a waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof body that ensures reliability in any weather condition.
Pros
- High-performance optics
- Sleek, lightweight design
- Built to last
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- The price point is on the higher end
3. SIG SAUER Whiskey3 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope 1 inch Tube
Next, we have the SIG SAUER Whiskey3 3-9×40. This rifle scope offers a surprisingly polished experience for its modest price point.
The glass is crisp and clear, delivering vivid field clarity and excellent light transmission. Furthermore, the fully multi-coated, low-dispersion optics translate to sharp, bright images whether you’re stalking game at dawn or dialing in targets at dusk.
The variable 3-9× magnification gives this model plenty of flexibility for close- to mid-range shooting, and the straightforward QuadPlex reticle gives a clean sight picture without clutter. Additionally, the adjustments are precise and tactile.
Moreover, the fast-focus eyepiece is quick to dial in, ensuring rapid target acquisition when seconds count. The eye relief is also generous and remains consistent throughout the magnification range.
Durability is another highlight. The scope is built tough to holds zero reliably even in the wake of magnum-caliber recoil. It is also fog-proof, waterproof, shock-resistant for use in all weather conditions.
Pros
- Solid and rugged aluminum housing
- Generous eye relief
- Lightweight design
- Illuminated reticle
- Industry leading optical clarity for any situation
Cons
- Doesn’t include lens covers
4. Trijicon Credo HX CRHX1542 2.5-15x42mm Rifle Scope
Carrying the renowned Trijicon name, the Credo HX delivers an impressive blend of optical performance and rugged design tailored for hunters looking to take their skills a notch higher.
It boasts a wide 2.5 to 15× magnification range and a bright 42 mm objective that provides a sharp, clear field of view across various distance. Furthermore, the optics feature fully multicoated lenses and generous eye relief, yielding crisp resolution, consistent contrast, and accurate color rendition even under low-light conditions.
The adjustable 15× power allows for precise shot placement, while the first-focal-plane illuminated reticle ensures holdover markings remain reliable at any zoom level. Moreover, the scope is well-balanced package for mixed-terrain use, with clean and intuitive adjustments for parallax, windage, and elevation.
Construction-wise, the 30mm tube us built to withstand harsh hunting environments. On top of that, it is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, offering dependable waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant performance.
Moreover, the main tube supports robust turrets, delivering a satisfying tactile click and smooth operation with positive reset and zero stop features for field fine-tuning.
Pros
- Exceptional craftsmanship
- Illuminated reticle
- Relatively lightweight construction
- Broad adjustment range
- Superb low-light performance
Cons
- Carries a premium price tag
5. Vortex Crossfire II Rifle Scope, 4-12x44mm
The Crossfire II 4‑12×44 continues Vortex’s tradition of delivering solid performance at a budget-friendly price point.
As one of the best scopes for 223 coyote hunting, it features a 4–12× magnification range that offers versatile adaptability for both close-range target shooting and moderate-distance hunting.
To complement the versatile zoom power, this rifle scope features a 44 mm objective that lends decent light-gathering ability without adding unnecessary bulk. Furthermore, the fully multi-coated lenses produce clear, bright images with excellent color fidelity and clarity, even toward the edges of the field.
Build quality is strong for the price, with a rugged aluminum housing that is solid without excessive weight. It is also nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed for waterproof and fog-proof performance, and to withstand recoil with dependable reliability.
Other noteworthy features included are a crisp and fast focus eyepiece, generous eye relief, and a clean, functional, and easy to use in low‑light conditions reticle.
Pros
- Easy to zero and maintain zero even after repeated use
- Exceptional value for the price
- Durable construction
- Dependable tracking
- Solid optical clarity
Cons
- Non-illuminated
6. Vortex Diamondback Tactical FFP 4-16x44mm
Last but not least, we have Vortex Diamondback Tactical FFP 4-16x44mm rifle scope. This optic strikes a fine balance between affordability and performance, making it a top choice for hunters looking to step into long-range precision without breaking the bank.
The standout feature is its first focal plane reticle. It maintains accurate holdovers and sub-tensions at any magnification level. Furthermore, the exposed tactical turrets offer crisp, audible clicks and dependable tracking, allowing for quick and precise adjustments in the field.
Optical quality is another area where this scope excels for its price range. The fully multi-coated lenses and extra-low dispersion glass deliver sharp, bright images with minimal chromatic aberration, even in low-light conditions.
Construction-wise, the scope is built with Vortex’s rugged durability. The 30mm tube provides ample room for adjustments and is shockproof, waterproof, and nitrogen purged for fog resistance.
Above all, the scope includes a side parallax knob, enhancing focus at varying distances and a ribbed magnification ring that allows for fast, easy adjustments to ensure you don’t miss that perfect shot.
Pros
- Excellent build quality with durable 30mm tube
- Crisp and clear optics
- Precise, repeatable turrets with zero-reset
- Side parallax adjustment for fine-tuning focus
- Generous eye relief
Cons:
-
Slight chromatic aberration at maximum magnification
Criteria for Choosing the Best Scopes for 223 Coyote Hunting
Whether you are buying a scope for .223 coyote hunting for the first time or looking for a backup optic, the following critical factors should guide your decision to ensure optimal performance in the field.
Magnification
First and foremost is magnification. Coyotes are often engaged at medium to long ranges, so a variable magnification scope, such as a 3-9x or 4-12x, will suffice. Such a scope magnification offers the flexibility to acquire targets quickly at close range while providing the clarity needed for precision shots at a distance.
Optical Clarity and Lens Quality
Next, consider optical clarity and lens quality. A clear sight picture can make all the difference when identifying and tracking fast-moving game in challenging terrain. High-definition, fully multi-coated lenses ensure a bright, crisp image even in low-light conditions, crucial for dawn and dusk hunts when coyotes are most active.
Reticle Type
Another essential consideration is the reticle type. A simple duplex reticle works well for quick target acquisition, but a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) or mil-dot reticle can greatly aid in estimating holdovers and windage adjustments when taking longer shots. Illuminated reticles are also be beneficial in low-light situations.
Durability and Build quality
Furthermore, durability and build quality should not be overlooked. The best scopes for 223 coyote hunting should withstand harsh outdoor conditions, including recoil, rough handling, and varying weather. Look for scopes that are shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof for dependable performance in the field.
Eye Relief
Here is another key factor, particularly on lightweight rifles chambered in .223. Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the rear lens of a scope at which you can see the full field of view. Ample eye relief is important as it helps prevent scope bite while ensuring comfortable shooting posture, especially when quick follow-up shots are necessary.
Adjustment Turrets
Next, consider the adjustment turrets and tracking accuracy. Precision turrets with tactile and audible clicks are useful for making quick adjustments on the fly, especially when dealing with moving or distant targets. Zero-reset or zero-stop features add convenience and confidence during critical moments.
Price
When choosing the best scopes for 223 coyote hunting, price is another important factor to consider. While high-end scopes offer advanced features like superior glass clarity, illuminated reticles, and extended durability, they often come at a premium. For most hunters, finding a balance between performance and budget is key. Affordable scopes can still provide reliable performance, especially with modern optics technology making quality more accessible.
FAQs
- Are compact scopes a good choice for .223 coyote rifles?
Yes. Since the .223 platform is often lightweight and maneuverable, a compact or low-profile scope helps maintain the rifle’s balance and handling.
- What magnification is best for coyote hunting with a .223 rifle?
For most coyote hunting scenarios, a 3-9x or 4-12x magnification is ideal. It provides flexibility for close-range and mid-range shots in different hunting environments.
- Is a first focal plane (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP) scope better for coyote hunting?
It depends on your hunting preferences and needs. For typical coyote hunting ranges, a second focal plane (SFP) scope is generally more practical and affordable. It maintains a consistent reticle size across magnifications, which works well for quick shots and varmint hunting.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, taking all the information in this buying guide into account will help you select a scope that maximizes the capabilities of your .223 rifle and enhances your effectiveness in coyote hunting scenarios. Keep in mind that choosing the best scope for .223 coyote hunting ultimately comes down to clarity, precision, durability, and adaptability to different lighting and terrain conditions.