Got a new DPMS AR15 with a 16" barrel. Looking for the proper scope to put on the gun for coyote hunting. Is putting a SS 10X42 scope on this gun overkill for the guns accuracy? Would I be just as good with a Leupold 3X9? With the larger scope on the gun can this set-up produce accuracy at out to 250-300yds or do I need to get a longer bull barrel if interested in using this gun for predator hunting? Thanks for the input. Todd
New AR15 - Expected Accuracy?
- Thread starter gasman
- Start date
- Status
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
A 10x fixed power scope on a coyote rifle would be a major mistake.
The narrow field of view will make it next to impossible to track a running coyote 30-40 yards away when all you can see through it is a patch of brown hair going 30 miles an hour!
3x-9x is way plenty, and you would do well to leave it set on the lowest power most all the time until a coyote stops and looks back at you way out yonder!
I would suggest a 2x-7x-33 as perfect for a 16" carbine.
I have killed coyotes with a 4x on a 30-06 at 400, and one at 517 with a 3x-9x on a 22-250.
Too much magnification is always way more of a problem then not enough.
A 300 yard coyote only appears to be 33 yards away through a 9x, and only 42 yards through a 7x.
You can probably throw rocks that far!!
rc
The narrow field of view will make it next to impossible to track a running coyote 30-40 yards away when all you can see through it is a patch of brown hair going 30 miles an hour!
3x-9x is way plenty, and you would do well to leave it set on the lowest power most all the time until a coyote stops and looks back at you way out yonder!
I would suggest a 2x-7x-33 as perfect for a 16" carbine.
I have killed coyotes with a 4x on a 30-06 at 400, and one at 517 with a 3x-9x on a 22-250.
Too much magnification is always way more of a problem then not enough.
A 300 yard coyote only appears to be 33 yards away through a 9x, and only 42 yards through a 7x.
You can probably throw rocks that far!!
rc
Agreed.
As much as I like high magnification, it can be a hindrance in any but target applications.
Mt target/varmint/range guns have relatively high power scopes on them, unlike my hunting rifles.
My scoped 16" AR has a 1.65 X 5 on it. A 1 X 4 would be excellent as well.
You can shoot under MOA with 1X.
As much as I like high magnification, it can be a hindrance in any but target applications.
Mt target/varmint/range guns have relatively high power scopes on them, unlike my hunting rifles.
My scoped 16" AR has a 1.65 X 5 on it. A 1 X 4 would be excellent as well.
You can shoot under MOA with 1X.
matrem
Member
I certainly agree that a fixed power 10 is not the ideal scope for hunting coyotes.
I've shot a fair amount of vermin out to about 300 yds- maybe a bit beyond (never a coyote though, mostly groundhogs)) with a 16" bbl AR equipped with a 2-7 x33, and I've never been able to blame lack of magnification for not hitting them.
Go with a 2-7 or 3-9 and you'll do fine.
I've shot a fair amount of vermin out to about 300 yds- maybe a bit beyond (never a coyote though, mostly groundhogs)) with a 16" bbl AR equipped with a 2-7 x33, and I've never been able to blame lack of magnification for not hitting them.
Go with a 2-7 or 3-9 and you'll do fine.
kimbernut
Member
Millet DMS-1
I put a Millet DMS-1 1-4 on my CMMG 16" H BAR. I thought I had made a mistake and needed more magnification so I tried a 2.5-10 Weaver. I could do no better so I switched back and have learned to appreciate the DMS-1 which comes with the dot in the donut reticle.
I put a Millet DMS-1 1-4 on my CMMG 16" H BAR. I thought I had made a mistake and needed more magnification so I tried a 2.5-10 Weaver. I could do no better so I switched back and have learned to appreciate the DMS-1 which comes with the dot in the donut reticle.
ole farmerbuck
Member
I have a 6x20 and a 3x9 on my AR's but the one with the 6x20 is for p-dogs. And yes, you will need the higher power for 150-200 yard head shots.
- Status
