As a predator hunter, having the right gear can make all the difference in your success. One essential piece of equipment is a high-quality scope for your AR-15 rifle. A good scope can help you acquire targets quickly and make accurate shots, even in low-light conditions. To help you choose the Best AR 15 Scope for Predator Hunting needs, we’ve compiled a list of five top picks. Whether you’re hunting coyotes, foxes, or other predators, these scopes are sure to enhance your hunting experience. Plus, as an affiliate, we’ve included links to where you can purchase these scopes to make your shopping experience easier.
Click the links below to purchase these top-rated AR-15 scopes and take your predator hunting to the next level:
- Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x50mm Riflescope
- Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 Riflescopes
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-4×24 Riflescope
- Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm Riflescope
What is The Best Caliber for Predators?
The best caliber for hunting predators depends on several factors, including the size of the predator, the hunting environment, and personal preferences.
Here are some popular calibers for hunting predators like coyotes and foxes:
- .223 Remington/5.56x45mm: This is a popular choice for predator hunting due to its low recoil, flat trajectory, and availability in AR-15 rifles. It’s effective for coyotes and foxes at medium ranges.
- .22-250 Remington: Known for its flat trajectory and high velocity, the .22-250 is a favorite among predator hunters for its long-range performance and minimal pelt damage.
- .243 Winchester: A versatile caliber suitable for hunting a variety of game, including predators. It offers good long-range performance with manageable recoil.
- .204 Ruger: Known for its high velocity and flat trajectory, the .204 Ruger is a popular choice for varmint and predator hunting, offering excellent accuracy and minimal pelt damage.
- .17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire): While not as common for predator hunting, the .17 HMR is a great choice for smaller predators like foxes and bobcats at closer ranges due to its flat trajectory and low recoil.
What is The Best Magnification for an AR15 Scope?
- For close to mid-range shooting (up to 300 yards), a low to moderate magnification scope, such as 1-4x or 1-6x, is ideal.
- For mid-range shooting (300-600 yards), a scope with magnification in the range of 3-9x or 4-12x is suitable.
- For long-range shooting (beyond 600 yards), a scope with a magnification of 6-24x or higher may be preferred.
Best AR 15 Scope for Predator Hunting
1) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope is a versatile and reliable optic designed for a variety of shooting applications.
With a magnification range of 3-9x and a 40mm objective lens, it offers a good balance between low and high magnification settings, making it suitable for short to mid-range shooting.
Features a second focal plane reticle, which means that the reticle size remains constant relative to the target as you change the magnification. Making the reticle easier to use for holdover and windage corrections, as the suspensions remain accurate at all magnification levels.
It is constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, the Crossfire II is durable and can withstand recoil and harsh weather conditions.
Also, nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed, making it waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring reliable performance in various environments.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 inch
- Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC (MOA) or V-Plex (MOA)
- Eye Relief: 3.8 inches
- Field of View: 34.1-12.6 feet/100 yards
- Turret Style: Capped
- Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
- Travel Per Rotation: 15 MOA
- Max Elevation Adjustment: 60 MOA
- Max Windage Adjustment: 60 MOA
- Parallax Setting: 100 yards
- Length: 11.7 inches
- Weight: 15 ounces
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable
- Has good optical quality
- Versatile magnification range
Cons
- None
2) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x50mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x50mm Riflescope is a versatile and high-performance optic designed for a wide range of hunting and shooting applications.
One of the standout features of the scope is its Twilight Light Management System, which helps to maximize light transmission, reduce glare, and provide a clear and bright sight picture even in challenging lighting conditions such as dawn or dusk.
Has a second focal plane reticle, which means that the size of the reticle remains constant relative to the target as you change the magnification.
Also has a magnification range of 3-9x and a large 50mm objective lens, thus offering excellent light transmission and clarity, making it well-suited for use in low-light conditions.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 inch
- Reticle: Multiple options available, including Duplex, Rimfire MOA, and Tri-MOA
- Eye Relief: 4.17-3.66 inches
- Field of View: 33.1-13.6 feet/100 yards
- Turret Style: Capped or exposed (depending on model)
- Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
- Travel Per Rotation: 15 MOA
- Max Elevation Adjustment: 60 MOA
- Max Windage Adjustment: 60 MOA
- Parallax Setting: Fixed at 150 yards (or parallax-free)
- Length: 12.39 inches
- Weight: 17.1 ounces
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Durable scope
- Has Twilight Light Management System
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
Cons
- None
3) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 Riflescopes
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 Riflescope is a versatile and high-performance optic designed for a wide range of shooting applications.
Features a magnification range of 1-8x and a 24mm objective lens, thus offering a wide field of view at low magnifications and the ability to engage targets at medium to long ranges with precision.
One of the key features of the scope is its true 1x magnification setting, which allows for both-eyes-open shooting at close range, making it ideal for quick target acquisition and engaging fast-moving targets.
Has a second focal plane illuminated reticle, typically the AR-BDC3 or AR-BDC4 reticle, which is designed for use with AR-style rifles. The illuminated reticle offers brightness settings to match the lighting conditions, ensuring a clear and visible aiming point in various environments.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1-8x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm
- Tube Diameter: 30mm
- Reticle: AR-BDC3 or AR-BDC4 illuminated reticle (second focal plane)
- Illumination: 11 brightness settings with off positions between each setting
- Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
- Field of View: 116.6-14.4 feet/100 yards
- Turret Style: Capped
- Adjustment Graduation: 1/2 MOA
- Travel Per Rotation: 44 MOA
- Max Elevation Adjustment: 100 MOA
- Max Windage Adjustment: 100 MOA
- Parallax Setting: Fixed at 100 yards
- Length: 10 inches
- Weight: 17.6 ounces
Pros
- Versatile magnification range
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Illuminated reticles
Cons
- None
4) Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-4×24 Riflescope
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-4×24 Riflescope is a versatile and compact optic designed for close to mid-range shooting.
With a magnification range of 1-4x and a 24mm objective lens, it offers a wide field of view at 1x for quick target acquisition and the ability to zoom in to 4x for more precise shots at medium ranges.
Features a second focal plane reticle, which is a simple and intuitive reticle design that is easy to use and allows for quick target acquisition.
Constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, it is also rugged and durable, able to withstand recoil and rough handling in the field.
The lenses are fully multi-coated, thus providing bright, clear, and sharp images with high contrast and resolution. Also features a fast-focus eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing, as well as capped turrets for protecting the zero settings and preventing accidental adjustments
Specifications
- Magnification: 1-4x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm
- Tube Diameter: 30mm
- Reticle: V-Plex reticle (non-illuminated)
- Eye Relief: 4 inches
- Field of View: 96.1-24.1 feet/100 yards
- Turret Style: Capped
- Adjustment Graduation: 1/2 MOA
- Travel Per Rotation: 30 MOA
- Max Elevation Adjustment: 100 MOA
- Max Windage Adjustment: 100 MOA
- Parallax Setting: 100 yards
- Length: 9.8 inches
- Weight: 14.8 ounces
Pros
- Fully Multi-Coated Lenses
- Fast-Focus Eyepiece
- Affordable Price
- Rugged Construction
Cons
- Non-Illuminated Reticle
5) Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm Riflescope is a high-quality optic designed for a wide range of shooting applications.
Has a Twilight Max HD Light Management System, which provides excellent light transmission, reduces glare, and enhances contrast and resolution, especially in low-light conditions. Making it an excellent choice for hunters who often find themselves in low-light environments.
Features a second focal plane reticle, typically the Duplex reticle, which is a classic and proven design that is easy to use and offers a clear aiming point.
Also, the lenses are scratch-resistant which provides excellent clarity, contrast, and color fidelity. The scope also features a fast-focus eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing, as well as finger-click adjustments for windage and elevation.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3.5-10x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 inch
- Reticle: Multiple options available, including Duplex, Wind-Plex, and Boone & Crockett
- Eye Relief: 4.4-3.6 inches
- Field of View: 29.8-11 feet/100 yards
- Turret Style: CDS (Custom Dial System) or capped
- Adjustment Graduation: 1/4 MOA
- Travel Per Rotation: 15 MOA
- Max Elevation Adjustment: 65 MOA
- Max Windage Adjustment: 65 MOA
- Parallax Setting: Fixed at 150 yards (or parallax-free)
- Length: 12.6 inches
- Weight: 13.1 ounces
Pros
- Has a CDS (Custom Dial System) Turret Option
- Twilight Max HD Lens Coatings
- Multiple Reticle Options
- Rugged Construction
Cons
- Has Fixed Parallax Setting
- Non-illuminated
Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best AR 15 Scope for Predator Hunting
When choosing the best AR-15 scope for predator hunting, several factors should be considered:
- Magnification Range: A scope with a variable magnification range, such as 3-9x or 4-12x, offers versatility for various hunting distances. For predator hunting, a scope with a lower magnification setting is often preferred for quick target acquisition in dense brush or when predators are moving quickly.
- Objective Lens Size: A larger objective lens, such as 40mm or 50mm, can gather more light, resulting in a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions, which is crucial for predator hunting, as many predators are most active during dawn, dusk, or at night.
- Reticle Type: A simple and intuitive reticle, such as a duplex or German #4 reticle, is often preferred for predator hunting. An illuminated reticle can be beneficial in low-light conditions, making it easier to see the reticle against dark backgrounds.
- Durability: Look for a scope that is rugged and durable, able to withstand the recoil of an AR-15 and harsh hunting conditions. The scope should be waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof to ensure reliable performance in all weather conditions.
- Eye Relief: Generous eye relief is important to prevent scope eye injuries, especially when using a high-powered rifle like the AR-15. Look for a scope with at least 3-4 inches of eye relief.
- Weight and Size: Consider the weight and size of the scope, as you’ll want a scope that balances well on your AR-15 and doesn’t add unnecessary bulk or weight.
- Price: Set a budget and look for a scope that offers the features you need within your budget. There are many excellent scopes available at various price points.
FAQS
- Should I prioritize durability in a predator hunting scope?
Yes, durability is important for a predator hunting scope. Look for waterproof scopes, fogproof, and shockproof to withstand the rigors of hunting in various environments.
- Can I use a regular scope for predator hunting or do I need a specialized one?
Yes, you can use a regular scope for predator hunting, but a scope specifically designed for hunting, with features like an illuminated reticle and durable construction, may enhance your hunting experience.
- What is a good budget for a quality predator hunting scope?
Prices can vary widely, but you can find quality predator-hunting scopes in the $200 to $500 range. Spending more may get you additional features or higher-quality optics.
Final Thoughts
A high-quality AR-15 scope can greatly enhance your hunting experience, allowing you to acquire targets quickly and make accurate shots, even in challenging conditions.
After reviewing the five best AR-15 scopes for predator hunting, it’s clear that each scope offers its own unique set of features and benefits. Whether you prioritize durability, magnification range, or reticle type, there’s a scope on our list that’s sure to meet your needs.
We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your options and find the perfect scope for your predator-hunting adventures. Remember, investing in a quality scope is an investment in your hunting success. Happy hunting!
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