Choosing the right scope for an AR-15 used for coyote hunting involves balancing field of view, magnification, reticle design, optical clarity, weight, and low-light performance. Coyotes can appear at different distances and in varying lighting conditions, so a scope that offers useful magnification without becoming cumbersome can be particularly valuable.
For this guide, we evaluated five scopes with different strengths, including low-power variable optics (LPVOs) and traditional hunting scopes. Our selections are based on published manufacturer specifications and an analysis of which features may suit coyote-hunting applications. We do not claim first-hand testing or personal use of these products unless specifically stated.
Quick Comparison: Best AR-15 Scopes for Coyote Hunting
| Scope | Magnification | Objective | Focal Plane | Reticle | Weight | Best For | Check Price |
| Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 FFP | 1-8x | 24mm | FFP | EBR-8 BDC MOA | 23.9 oz | Overall versatility | |
| SIG Sauer TANGO-MSR 1-6×24 | 1-6x | 24mm | SFP | HELLFIRE FL-6 | 18.5 oz | Lightweight AR-15 setup | |
| SIG Sauer TANGO-MSR Compact 1-6×24 | 1-6x | 24mm | SFP | BDC6 | 26.5 oz with mount | Compact setup | |
| Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Hunt-Plex | 3-9x | 40mm | SFP | Hunt-Plex | 12.2 oz | Traditional hunting setup | |
| Bushnell AR Optics 1-6×24 Illuminated | 1-6x | 24mm | SFP | BTR-1 | 19.1 oz | General-purpose AR platform |
Specifications can vary by exact SKU or production version. Always verify the current configuration before purchasing.
How We Evaluated These Scopes
Rather than selecting scopes simply because they are marketed for AR-style rifles, we looked at features that can matter when choosing an optic for coyote hunting.
Magnification Range
Coyote hunting can involve relatively short and moderate distances, making a useful low-power setting important. Higher magnification can also help when a hunter needs a more detailed view of a distant animal.
Field of View
A wider field of view can make it easier to locate and track a moving animal through the optic, particularly at lower magnification.
Reticle Design
A reticle should be easy to see against different backgrounds and lighting conditions. Illuminated reticles can provide an additional aiming reference when lighting becomes challenging.
Optical Performance
Glass quality, lens coatings, objective size, and light transmission can all influence the viewing experience, especially around dawn, dusk, or under overcast conditions.
Weight and Size
An optic adds weight and bulk to a rifle. A lighter scope may be attractive to hunters who carry their equipment for extended periods.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Hunting environments can expose optics to rain, fog, temperature changes, dust, and impacts. Waterproof and fogproof construction can therefore be useful considerations.
Best AR-15 Scope for Coyote Hunting
1. Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 FFP
Best Overall Versatility
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 FFP stands out for its broad magnification range and first focal plane reticle. Its 1-8x range gives it a useful combination of low-power viewing and additional magnification when a more detailed view is needed.
Vortex lists the scope with a 24mm objective, 30mm tube, 3.9 inches of eye relief, and a field of view ranging from 113.6 feet at 1x to 14.1 feet at 8x at 100 yards. It weighs 23.9 ounces.
Key Features
- 1-8x magnification
- 24mm objective lens
- First focal plane EBR-8 BDC MOA reticle
- Illuminated reticle
- 30mm tube
- 3.9-inch eye relief
- 113.6 feet field of view at 1x
- 14.1 feet field of view at 8x
- Capped turrets
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction
- Throw lever included
The first focal plane design means the reticle’s subtensions remain proportional to the image as magnification changes. Vortex also describes the EBR-8 BDC reticle as being designed for holdover applications with common .223/5.56 and .308/7.62 loads.
Why It May Suit Coyote Hunting
The 1x setting provides a wide field of view, while the 8x maximum gives considerably more magnification than a conventional 1-6x LPVO. That makes the Strike Eagle particularly interesting for hunters who want one optic that can cover a relatively broad range of viewing situations.
Pros
- Wide 1-8x magnification range
- First focal plane reticle
- Illuminated reticle
- Broad field of view at 1x
- Durable weather-resistant construction
- Useful combination of low and higher magnification
Cons
- Heavier than some traditional hunting scopes
2. SIG Sauer TANGO-MSR 1-6×24
Best Lightweight LPVO Option
The SIG Sauer TANGO-MSR 1-6×24 is designed as a low-power variable optic for AR-style platforms and offers a relatively lightweight configuration without sacrificing the flexibility of variable magnification.
The current SIG Sauer specification lists an 18.5-ounce weight, 30mm tube, 1-6x magnification, 24mm objective, and 3.93 to 3.74 inches of eye relief. Its field of view ranges from 124.8 feet at 1x to 19.6 feet at 6x at 100 yards.
Key Features
- 1-6x magnification
- 24mm objective
- Second focal plane
- Illuminated HELLFIRE FL-6 reticle
- 30mm tube
- 18.5-ounce weight
- Integrated throw lever
- Waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof construction
- 11 illumination settings
Why It May Suit Coyote Hunting
The 1x setting provides a particularly broad field of view, with SIG Sauer listing 124.8 feet at 100 yards. At 6x, the scope provides substantially more magnification for viewing targets at greater distances.
For an AR-15 that needs to remain relatively lightweight, the 18.5-ounce scope weight is another relevant consideration.
The illuminated HELLFIRE FL-6 reticle may also be useful when the reticle needs to remain visible against darker or visually complicated backgrounds.
Pros
- Relatively light at 18.5 ounces
- Wide field of view at 1x
- 1-6x magnification range
- Illuminated reticle
- Throw lever included
- Weather-resistant construction
Cons
- Second focal plane reticle
3. SIG Sauer TANGO-MSR Compact 1-6×24
Best Compact LPVO Configuration
The SIG Sauer TANGO-MSR Compact 1-6×24 takes the familiar 1-6x LPVO concept and packages it in a shorter design. SIG Sauer lists the scope at only 8.4 inches long and supplies it with a factory-installed, pre-leveled ALPHA-MSR mount.
The manufacturer lists a 26.5-ounce weight including the mount, 3.7 inches of eye relief, 122.1 feet of field of view at 1x, and 20.1 feet at 6x.
Key Features
- 1-6x magnification
- 24mm objective
- Second focal plane
- Illuminated BDC6 reticle
- 8.4-inch overall length
- 30mm tube
- Factory-installed ALPHA-MSR mount
- Six illumination settings
- Flip-back lens covers
- Waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof construction
Why It May Suit Coyote Hunting
The compact 8.4-inch design can be appealing when keeping the optic setup streamlined is important. The 1x setting also provides a 122.1-foot field of view at 100 yards, according to SIG Sauer.
The included mount is another practical feature because it means the scope is supplied as a more complete mounting package rather than requiring a separate mount purchase.
Pros
- Compact 8.4-inch design
- 1-6x magnification
- Wide field of view at 1x
- Illuminated BDC6 reticle
- Factory-installed mount
- Weather-resistant construction
Cons
- Heavier than the scope-only TANGO-MSR
4. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Hunt-Plex
Best Traditional Hunting Scope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Hunt-Plex takes a different approach from the LPVOs above. Instead of starting at 1x, it begins at 3x and reaches 9x, making it more oriented toward traditional hunting applications.
Leupold lists the scope at 12.2 ounces, making it substantially lighter than the LPVO options discussed above. It has a 40mm objective, 1-inch maintube, 4.2 to 3.7 inches of eye relief, and a field of view of 33.1 feet at 3x and 13.6 feet at 9x at 100 yards.
Key Features
- 3-9x magnification
- 40mm objective lens
- Hunt-Plex reticle
- Second focal plane
- 12.2-ounce weight
- 1-inch tube
- 4.2-3.7 inches of eye relief
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction
- Advanced Optical System
- 60 MOA elevation and windage adjustment range
Why It May Suit Coyote Hunting
The 3-9x range offers more maximum magnification than a 1-6x LPVO while maintaining a familiar hunting-scope format.
The 40mm objective is also larger than the 24mm objectives used by the LPVOs in this comparison. Leupold’s Hunt-Plex reticle uses bold outer sections with a finer center aiming area, which the manufacturer describes as helping the reticle remain visible in lower-light conditions while retaining a fine center for precision.
Its 12.2-ounce weight is another major consideration for hunters who prioritize a lightweight rifle.
Pros
- Very light at 12.2 ounces
- 3-9x magnification
- Larger 40mm objective
- Simple hunting-oriented reticle
- Good field of view at 3x
- Waterproof and fogproof construction
Cons
- No 1x setting
5. Bushnell AR Optics 1-6×24 Illuminated
Best AR-Oriented General-Purpose Option
The Bushnell AR Optics 1-6×24 Illuminated is another LPVO-style option designed around the AR platform. Bushnell’s published AR Optics specifications list a 1-6×24 configuration with an illuminated BTR-1 reticle, second focal plane, 30mm tube, and 19.1-ounce weight.
Bushnell has also described the AR Optics 1-6×24 as an optic that can transition from close-range viewing to midrange use, and the company lists its Throwhammer feature and EXO Barrier coating among the line’s characteristics.
Key Features
- 1-6x magnification
- 24mm objective
- Illuminated BTR-1 reticle
- Second focal plane
- 30mm tube
- Approximately 19.1-ounce weight
- Approximately 112 feet field of view at 1x
- Approximately 16 feet field of view at 6x
- Throwhammer magnification control
- EXO Barrier coating
Why It May Suit Coyote Hunting
The 1-6x range is a practical middle ground for an AR-15 optic. The low-power end provides a broad field of view, while 6x gives additional magnification for situations where a more detailed view is required.
Its 19.1-ounce weight also keeps it relatively competitive with other compact LPVO configurations.
Pros
- Versatile 1-6x range
- Illuminated reticle
- 30mm tube
- Relatively moderate weight
- AR-oriented design
- Throwhammer magnification control
Cons
- Second focal plane
Factors to Consider When Choosing an AR-15 Scope for Coyote Hunting
1. Magnification Range
Magnification should match the distances and terrain where you expect to hunt. A 1-6x or 1-8x LPVO gives you a low-power setting while still providing additional magnification when needed.
A traditional 3-9x scope takes a different approach, trading away the 1x setting for greater magnification at the top end.
2. Field of View
Field of view becomes especially relevant when viewing moving animals or scanning an area.
Scopes with lower minimum magnification generally provide a wider field of view. For example, the SIG TANGO-MSR 1-6×24 is listed at 124.8 feet at 1x, while the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 provides 33.1 feet at 3x.
3. Objective Lens Size
The objective lens influences the scope’s physical dimensions and optical characteristics. A 40mm objective, such as that found on the Leupold, can be attractive for traditional hunting configurations, while 24mm objectives are common on compact LPVOs.
However, a larger objective does not automatically make one scope better for every hunting situation.
4. First vs. Second Focal Plane
A first focal plane reticle changes size relative to the image as magnification changes, while a second focal plane reticle maintains a consistent apparent size.
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 FFP uses a first focal plane EBR-8 reticle, while the SIG TANGO-MSR 1-6×24 and Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 use second focal plane reticles.
5. Illuminated Reticle
An illuminated reticle can make the aiming point easier to distinguish against dark or complex backgrounds. It is particularly worth considering if you expect to hunt around dawn, dusk, or under changing light conditions.
Not every hunter needs illumination, however, and a conventional reticle can offer a simpler configuration.
6. Weight
Weight is easy to overlook when comparing scopes online.
The Leupold VX-Freedom listed here weighs only 12.2 ounces, while the SIG TANGO-MSR weighs 18.5 ounces and the Vortex Strike Eagle FFP weighs 23.9 ounces.
The difference can become meaningful when combined with the rifle, ammunition, sling, and other equipment carried in the field.
7. Weather Resistance
Coyote hunting can involve cold mornings, precipitation, dust, and temperature changes. Waterproof and fogproof construction can therefore be useful features.
Both the Vortex Strike Eagle and SIG TANGO-MSR are listed by their manufacturers as waterproof and fogproof, while Leupold lists the VX-Freedom as waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What magnification is best for an AR-15 used for coyote hunting?
There is no single magnification range that suits every coyote-hunting situation. A 1-6x or 1-8x LPVO can provide a broad low-power field of view while retaining additional magnification. A 3-9x scope can provide more magnification at the upper end but does not offer a 1x setting.
2. Is a 1-6x scope good for coyote hunting?
A 1-6x scope can be a versatile option because it combines a low-power setting with up to 6x magnification. The suitability depends on the terrain, expected distances, lighting, and the hunter’s preferences.
3. Should I choose an illuminated reticle for coyote hunting?
An illuminated reticle can be useful when the reticle needs additional contrast against a dark or complicated background. However, it is not essential for every hunter. The decision should take into account expected lighting conditions, battery requirements, reticle design, and personal preference.
Conclusion
The best AR-15 scope for coyote hunting depends on the balance of magnification, field of view, weight, reticle design, optical performance, and hunting conditions you expect to encounter.
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 FFP offers a broad 1-8x range and first focal plane reticle, while the SIG Sauer TANGO-MSR 1-6×24 provides a lighter LPVO configuration with a wide field of view. The TANGO-MSR Compact emphasizes a shorter overall design and supplied mount.
For hunters who prefer a traditional hunting scope, the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Hunt-Plex offers a lightweight 3-9x configuration with a larger 40mm objective. The Bushnell AR Optics 1-6×24 Illuminated provides another AR-oriented LPVO option with a 1-6x range and illuminated reticle.
Before purchasing, verify the exact model, reticle, focal plane, mounting requirements, and current specifications. Hunting regulations also vary by jurisdiction, so always check the applicable local and state rules before hunting. If you also hunt deer, our guide to the best riflescopes for deer hunting covers another common hunting application.