When it comes to coyote hunting with a .223 caliber rifle, having the right optics can make all the difference between a successful hunt and a missed opportunity.
A precision scope tailored to the needs of varmint hunters can greatly enhance your accuracy and effectiveness in the field.
If you aim to enjoy a coyote hunting experience under any circumstances, we strongly recommend investing in one of the top varmint rifle scopes designed for .223 caliber rifles.
Coyote hunting presents a unique and challenging experience for hunters, often requiring them to venture out during the night when these elusive predators are most active.
In this guide, we will explore the top scopes available for .223 coyote hunting, highlighting their features and performance to help you choose the best one for your specific hunting needs.
Here is our pick for the best scope for .223 coyote hunting:
Top 8 Best Scopes for .223 Coyote Hunting
- Leupold VX-3i 6.5-20×50: Best for 223
- Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 Riflescope
- NightForce NXS scope 5.5-22x56mm
- Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27X56mm FFP
- Burris Scout 2-7x32mm
- Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm
- Trijicon TR24G Accuppoint 1-4X24mm Riflescope
- Athlon Optics Talos 4-16x40mm Rifle Scope
Leupold VX-3i 6.5-20x50mm Side Focus Riflescope
The Leupold VX-3i 6.5-20x50mm Riflescope is an outstanding choice as the best scope for .223 coyote hunting, offering a wide range of features that make it a top pick for hunters.
One of its standout qualities is its exceptional glass clarity, which provides optimal image quality. Leupold employs its proprietary lens coating, DiamondCoat2, which reduces glare, protects against scratches, and allows ample light transmission.
It features a Fine Duplex CDS reticle, offering fast and precise target acquisition. The CDS (Custom Dial System) allows for customization to your specific firearm and ammunition, calculating ballistics and holdovers for long-range shots.
The scope provides an eye relief of 3.7 at high magnification and 4.5 at low magnification, generally sufficient for most shooting situations, though it may feel a bit tight at extremely long ranges.
Durability is a strong suit of the VX-3i, as Leupold subjects all their scopes, including this one, to rigorous testing with their recoil simulation machine, known as the Punisher. This ensures its resilience against heavy recoil and harsh conditions.
The elevation and windage turrets on the VX-3i are precise with ¼ MOA finger clicks, making adjustments easy and audible with solid clicks.
Zeroing the scope is a straightforward process, requiring only a few shots, and it holds zero effectively even after firing over 5000 rounds.
With a variable magnification range of 6.5-20x, the Leupold VX-3i is well-suited for intermediate to long-range shooting, making it an excellent choice for .223 varmint hunting.
The side focus parallax adjustment is a notable feature, ensuring that distortion is never a concern, and it’s user-friendly.
Pros
- Clear glass
- Fine Duplex CDS reticle
- Precise turrets
- Variable magnification
- Durability
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Generous amount of eye relief
Cons
- Eye relief is a bit tight at extremely long ranges
Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 Riflescope
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9×40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope is a versatile and purpose-designed optic, tailored to the needs of traditional hunters.
What sets this scope apart is its BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) reticle, which allows for precise adjustments when shooting at distant targets, compensating for bullet drop effectively.
The Crossfire II boasts fully multicoated lenses, which enhance light transmission and durability, making it a reliable choice for various lighting conditions. This optical system ensures a clear and bright view, aiding in target acquisition and accuracy.
In terms of ease of use, the riflescope is equipped with zero-reset-capable turrets, simplifying windage and elevation adjustments.
The generous eye relief, ranging from 4.5 inches to 3.8 inches, accommodates users of diverse rifles, including those with heavy recoil, while maintaining eye safety and comfort.
Pros
- Exceptionally clear and bright optics
- User-friendly zeroing process
- Excellent eye relief
- Affordable pricing
- Beneficial BDC Reticle
- High durability
- Easy and precise adjustments
Cons
- Lacks true 1x magnification, which may be a drawback for some users.
NightForce NXS Tactical Scope – 5.5-22x56mm
The NightForce NXS Tactical Scope, with a 5.5-22x56mm configuration, is an uncompromising choice for hunters who demand the best.
This scope offers exceptional versatility and a rugged appearance that complements its outstanding performance. When you have this scope, you’re armed with the capability to tackle a wide range of shooting scenarios, and it’s designed to excel at every one of them.
The NXS lives up to its reputation as a formidable tool, suitable for precision shooting even at extreme distances. Whether you’re targeting prairie dogs at 1000 yards or beyond, this scope is up to the task.
When you crank up the magnification, you can expect the image quality to remain consistently high, ensuring that you maintain a clear and accurate view of your target.
One of the standout features of this scope is its SFP, glass-etched, illuminated reticle. This reticle design includes 2 MOA tall and 2 MOA wide crosshairs, delivering extreme precision, especially when aiming at small targets situated at significant distances.
The NightForce NXS is equipped with a robust 30mm tube, the Hi-Speed Turret System and it can withstand 1250G of force.
Pros
- Exceptional lens clarity
- Illuminated reticle
- Hi-Speed Turret System
- Clarity at max magnification
- Parallax side focus
- Glass-etched reticle
- 30 mm tube body
Cons
- Heavy
Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27X56mm FFP
The Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56mm rifle scope stands as a renowned optic with a rich history of triumph in various shooting competitions.
It has consistently proven itself as one of the most exceptional scopes ever crafted, making it a versatile and high-performing choice for both long-range shooting and hunting endeavors.
While it might carry a bit of weight, the Razor HD Gen II has built an impressive reputation for its unwavering reliability.
Over time, its track record in the market has led to the availability of attractive deals, further enhancing its overall desirability.
This rifle scope excels in delivering superior image clarity and brightness, extending across the entire field of view. It features a 6x zoom range and a robust 34mm single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube.
The advanced L-Tec turret system is designed to prevent unintentional adjustments of the elevation turret, ensuring that it always remains within the sight-in range.
A prominent feature of this shockproof rifle scope is its Apochromatic objective lens system. This sophisticated system incorporates index-matched lenses, effectively correcting color aberrations and delivering precise color correction across the entire visual spectrum.
Pros
- Locking illumination ring
- Availability of Horus reticles
- Exceptional optical clarity
- Ample eye box for comfortable viewing
- High durability for lasting performance
- Effective light transmission
- Precise turret adjustments
Cons
- Considerable weight, which may not be ideal for those seeking a lightweight scope.
Burris Scout 2-7x32mm
The Burris Scout 2-7X32 scope is a must-know optic, especially for those who appreciate the value of scout rifles designed for action-packed hunting adventures.
If you haven’t acquainted yourself with the Scout, it’s time to get in the game, as scout rifles are built for action, and action is what you need when you’re out on the hunt.
What sets the Burris Scout scope apart is its exceptional lightweight design, making it an ideal match for lighter rifles like the AR. You won’t have to worry about added weight burdening your firearm or causing it to feel top-heavy.
This scope is purposefully designed to sit forward on your rifle, providing generous eye relief, the convenience of keeping both eyes open for enhanced situational awareness, and full clearance for mounting in front of the ejection port.
Featuring index-matched Hi-Lume coatings, a one-piece tube construction, a double internal spring-tension system, and full weatherproof capabilities, the Burris optic excels in the field.
Its compatibility with scout setups ensures that no varmint can escape your watchful eye.
Pros
- Affordable cost
- Versatile low to variable magnification
- Exceptionally long eye relief
- Compact and lightweight
- Incorporated ballistic reticle for enhanced accuracy
- Very clear
Cons
- Absence of included lens caps
Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm SFP Riflescope
The Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 Tactical SFP Riflescope is a precision instrument designed with hunters in mind.
It features capped turrets of exceptional quality, ensuring precise elevation and windage adjustments that perfectly align with the preferences of elk hunters, regardless of the hunting conditions.
A standout feature that sets this riflescope apart is its zero-reset capability, a unique convenience that simplifies the often intricate task of returning to the zero setting after sighting in. This feature is exclusive to the Diamondback Tactical SFP scope and significantly enhances the shooter’s experience.
The optical excellence of this scope is rooted in XD lens elements and XR multi-coatings, working harmoniously to maximize light transmission. The result is exceptionally clear and sharp images enhancing the hunter’s visual experience.
The fast-focus eyepiece at the rear of the scope allows for effortless and swift reticle focusing, a valuable advantage when engaging in long-distance shooting and ranging.
Pros
- Outstanding value for its price range
- Impressive field of view
- Convenient magnification ring rib for rapid adjustments
- Multi-coated lenses for enhanced clarity
- Affordable pricing
- Tactical-style turrets for precise adjustments
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof for durability
Cons
- Limited reticle options may not cater to all preferences.
Trijicon TR24G Accuppoint 1-4X24mm Riflescope
If you’re ready to invest in a high-end scope featuring an illuminated reticle, the Trijicon TR24G could be the perfect choice for your coyote hunting needs.
This scope offers fiber optic-powered illumination, eliminating the need to carry spare batteries, and ensuring your scope remains operational without the hassle of battery changes.
The fiber optics system also automatically adjusts the reticle’s brightness to match the available light conditions, ensuring optimal visibility and performance in varying lighting situations.
What’s particularly advantageous is that the illumination doesn’t emit visible light, so your prey won’t detect your presence.
The green triangle reticle may pose some visibility challenges in direct sunlight, but this becomes less of an issue when hunting in low-light conditions, which is often the case with coyote hunting.
To further enhance stealth and reduce the risk of revealing your position, this scope is designed to be anti-reflective, preventing any unwanted glare from moonlight or the illuminated reticle.
This variable Rifle Scope provides true 1x magnification (and up to 4x) within a straight 30mm tube, delivering consistent eye relief at all magnification levels.
Furthermore, the Trijicon AccuPoint Rifle Scope is equipped with multi-layer coated lenses, delivering superior clarity with zero distortion, enhancing your overall shooting experience.
Pros
- Long eye relief to protect you from any recoil
- Lifetime warranty
- Automatically adjusts brightness and contrast to available lighting
- Lightweight
- Generous windage and elevation adjustment
- Clear glass
- Holds zero
- Ultra-durable
Cons
- Difficult to see the green triangle in direct sunlight
Athlon Optics Talos 4-16x40mm Rifle Scope
What sets this scope apart is its variable power capabilities, and unlike some other scopes, it maintains image clarity even at maximum power settings, ensuring crisp visuals throughout the zoom range.
With fully multi-coated glass, this scope is your go-to choice for hunting during the low-light hours of early morning or late evening when light conditions can be challenging.
Designed as a one-piece tube, it offers the strength and moisture resistance that hunters seek. The incorporation of nitrogen in its construction renders the scope both waterproof and fog-proof, ensuring reliable performance in various weather conditions.
Among all the Athlon scopes available, this particular model boasts the longest eye relief. At 4x magnification, you’ll enjoy a generous eye relief of 3.8 inches. However, if you adjust the magnification to the maximum 16x, the eye relief slightly reduces to a still respectable 3.35 inches.
Additionally, it features a third turret that facilitates focusing at close ranges, down to 15 yards.
It’s worth noting that the exterior lens of the Athlon Optics Talos 4-16x40mm Second Focal Plane scope lacks a protective coating. This means extra care should be taken to prevent accidental scratches on the lens.
Pros
- Great eye relief
- Durable
- Crisp images at maximum magnification
- Multi-coated lenses
- Glass is clear
- Illuminated reticle
- Holds zero well
Cons
- Exterior lens lacks a protective coating
Conclusion
In summary, choosing the best scope for .223 coyote hunting is crucial for accuracy and success in the field.
The top scopes offer various advantages, such as the Leupold VX-3i’s excellent glass clarity and CDS reticle, the affordability and BDC reticle of the Vortex Crossfire II, the precision of the NightForce NXS Tactical Scope, the optical clarity and reliability of the Vortex Razor HD Gen II, the lightweight design and compatibility of the Burris Scout, the value and tactical features of the Vortex Diamondback, the innovative illumination and stealth of the Trijicon TR24G, and the generous eye relief of the Athlon Optics Talos.
Each scope caters to different needs, ensuring there’s a suitable option for every .223 coyote hunter.