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Best Scope for Coyote Hunting: Top 7 Scopes for Precision, Speed & Low-Light Performance

When it comes to predator control or nighttime varmint hunting, having the best scope for coyote hunting can mean the difference between a clean shot and a missed opportunity.
Coyotes are elusive, fast, and mostly active in low-light conditions, so your optic needs to deliver clear glass, reliable tracking, and excellent light transmission. Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of scopes across various rifles — from .223 AR platforms to bolt-action .243s — and in this review, I’ll share the top picks that excel in clarity, speed, and accuracy for coyote hunting.

🏆 Top Product List: 7 Best Scope for Coyote Hunting of 2025

Here’s a quick look at my best picks before diving into the detailed reviews:

1. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 (Dead-Hold BDC)

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The Vortex Crossfire II is an all-time favorite among varmint hunters thanks to its rugged construction, crystal-clear glass, and budget-friendly price. It’s ideal for those who want dependable daylight and dusk performance without breaking the bank.
Specs:
Magnification: 3-9x
Objective Lens: 40mm
Tube Diameter: 1 inch
Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
Eye Relief: 3.8–4.4 inches
Pros:
Excellent low-light visibility
Reliable zero retention
Smooth turret operation
Cons:
Slight edge blur at 9x
Not ideal for long-range beyond 400 yards
Glass Clarity & Reticle: The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is perfect for quick holdover adjustments, ideal when coyotes dart across a field.
My Setup & Experience: Mounted on my Ruger American Predator (.223), I achieved zero in just five rounds. I tested it in freezing temperatures and fog — no fogging or shift in zero after 300 rounds.
Verdict: Best affordable, all-around scope for day hunts up to 300–400 yards.

2. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x

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If you’re serious about nighttime predator hunting, the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro offers cutting-edge digital optics with night vision and ballistic computation in one unit.
Specs:
Magnification: 5–20x
Sensor: 4K Ultra HD
Features: Ballistic Calculator, Video Recording, Night Vision
Battery Life: 18 hours
Pros:
Crystal-clear digital image day/night
Integrated rangefinder
Long battery life
Cons:
Heavier than optical scopes
Slight learning curve with digital menus
Experience: I used this on my AR-15 with a 20 MOA rail during a winter night hunt. The onboard ballistic calculator matched my 55-grain V-MAX perfectly.
Customer Feedback: Reddit hunters praise its image quality and recording features, especially for night hunts.
Verdict: Top pick for night coyote hunting with digital precision.

3. Trijicon Huron 2.5-10x40 Riflescope

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The Huron is purpose-built for hunters who want legendary Trijicon durability and bright optics for fast shots in dawn and dusk conditions.
Specs:
Magnification: 2.5–10x
Objective Lens: 40mm
Reticle: BDC Hunter
Eye Relief: 2.9–3.9 inches
Pros:
Exceptional glass clarity
Robust, aircraft-grade housing
Great low-light performance
Cons:
Premium price
Slightly heavy
Field Experience: I mounted it on my Tikka T3x in .243 Win using 30mm rings. Zeroing took six shots, and it held perfectly after 200+ rounds. The BDC reticle allowed smooth holdovers from 100 to 400 yards.
Verdict: For hunters who prioritize optical excellence and ruggedness, this is a top-tier choice.

4. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40

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Lightweight, American-made, and built for field conditions, the VX-Freedom is a dependable scope for coyote hunters who value simplicity and reliability.
Specs:
Magnification: 3–9x
Lens Diameter: 40mm
Tube: 1 inch
Reticle: Duplex
Weight: 12.2 oz
Pros:
Lightweight and rugged
Crisp Leupold glass
Excellent warranty
Cons:
No parallax adjustment
Reticle lacks illumination
Experience: Mounted on a Savage Axis II .22-250, the VX-Freedom proved rock solid. I tested from 100 to 350 yards under a full moon — reticle visibility remained sharp.
Verdict: A top-value, classic coyote scope for day and dusk shooters.

5. NightForce ATACR 5-25x56 F1

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The ATACR is for precision shooters who demand elite-level optics for long-range coyote engagements in open terrain.
Specs:
Magnification: 5–25x
Reticle: MOAR F1
Focal Plane: First
Tube: 34mm
Weight: 37.6 oz
Pros:
Military-grade precision
ZeroStop system
Crystal-clear glass even at 25x
Cons:
Expensive
Heavy for field carry
My Experience: Mounted on a .22-250 Remington with 34mm one-piece rings. I achieved consistent sub-MOA hits at 500 yards. Zero held after 400 rounds and multiple turret resets.
Verdict: If you hunt in open plains or large fields, this is the ultimate long-range predator scope.

6. Primary Arms SLX 1-10x28mm SFP

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The SLX 1-10x28mm offers versatility for both close-range and mid-distance shots — perfect for fast-moving coyotes.
Specs:
Magnification: 1–10x
Objective Lens: 28mm
Tube: 30mm
Reticle: ACSS Raptor SFP
Illumination: Yes
Pros:
Wide field of view at 1x
Excellent illumination
Great for AR-platforms
Cons:
Slight chromatic aberration at 10x
Experience: I ran this on my AR-15 with 55-grain FMJ loads. The illuminated ACSS reticle made snap shots on moving coyotes easy, even at dusk.
Verdict: Perfect hybrid optic for close-to-midrange coyote hunting on semi-autos.

7. Sightmark Wraith Digital Night Vision Riflescope

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This digital optic bridges the gap between traditional glass and thermal scopes, offering superb night vision at an affordable price.
Specs:
Magnification: 4–32x
Resolution: 1080p HD Sensor
Night Vision: Yes (IR Illuminator Included)
Battery: 4.5 hours
Pros:
Excellent night clarity
Easy to zero and adjust
Custom reticles and video recording
Cons:
Limited battery life
Slight lag at high zoom
Experience: Used on a .223 AR platform with an external battery pack for night stands. It performed impressively on moonless nights out to 200 yards.
Verdict: Budget-friendly night vision option for serious coyote hunters.

🧠 How to Choose the Right Scope for Coyote Hunting

Magnification Range: For close-to-midrange shots, 3–9x or 1–10x scopes are ideal. For open fields or long shots, go with 4–16x or 5–25x models.
Low-Light Performance: Coyotes are most active at dawn or dusk. Choose lenses with high light transmission and large objectives (40–56mm).
Reticle Type: BDC or illuminated reticles help you track moving targets and maintain visibility in poor lighting.
Durability: Look for nitrogen-purged, shockproof, waterproof construction to handle recoil and tough weather.
Mounting: Use quality 30mm or 34mm rings and ensure proper torque to maintain zero after recoil.

❓ FAQs

1. What magnification is best for coyote hunting? 3–9x for wooded or close terrain, and 4–16x for open fields.
2. Can I use night vision scopes for coyotes? Yes, digital scopes like the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro or Sightmark Wraith are perfect for night hunts.
3. What’s the best caliber for coyote hunting? .223 Rem, .22-250, and .243 Win are the most common and effective.
4. Are FFP or SFP scopes better for coyotes? SFP scopes are faster for close shots; FFP is better for long-range precision.
5. What’s the ideal objective lens size? 40–50mm offers the best light transmission without adding too much weight.

🏁 Conclusion

After countless hours in the field, I can confidently say the best scope for coyote hunting depends on your environment and shooting style. For traditional daylight setups, the Vortex Crossfire II and Leupold VX-Freedom are unbeatable. If you hunt at night, the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro or Sightmark Wraith are top choices. And for those seeking long-range dominance, the NightForce ATACR stands as the gold standard.
Each of these optics delivers clarity, reliability, and precision — exactly what you need to outsmart one of North America’s most cunning predators.

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