Coyote hunting presents a unique set of challenges, demanding stealth, patience, and the right equipment. When the sun dips below the horizon and the shadows grow long, your success hinges on one critical piece of gear: your riflescope. Low-light conditions can turn a clear shot into a guessing game, making superior light transmission and clarity non-negotiable for any serious predator hunter.
An AR-15 is a versatile platform for varmint control, but it needs an optic that can keep pace. The ideal scope for this task must gather every available photon, provide a sharp, bright image, and offer a reticle that allows for quick, accurate shots on moving targets in dim environments. We have compiled a list of eight top-tier scopes specifically chosen to excel when the light fades, ensuring you maintain the advantage over your cunning quarry.
Top AR-15 Scopes for Low-Light Coyote Hunts
- Bushnell Engage 3-9x40mm Riflescope with Deploy MOA
- Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Riflescope
- TORIC UHD 4-20×50 30mm MRAD PRS Long Range Riflescope
- Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 Riflescope
- Scope Throw Lever for Nikon ProStaff P-Rimfire 3-9x40mm
- Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44mm FFP Riflescope
- Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope with ACSS Raptor
- Sig Sauer Whiskey5 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
Bushnell Engage 3-9x40mm Riflescope with Deploy MOA
The Bushnell Engage series brings high-performance optics within reach for the dedicated coyote hunter. Its fully multi-coated lenses are the key to its low-light performance, delivering bright, high-contrast images when you need them most. The classic 3-9×40 configuration is perfectly suited for the typical engagement distances encountered in the field.
This scope is built for quick and intuitive use. The Deploy MOA reticle provides clear 1-MOA hashmarks for windage and elevation, allowing for rapid holdovers without dialing. Toolless Locking Turrets (TLT) make zeroing a simple process and prevent accidental adjustments, while the EXO Barrier protection repels water, oil, and debris to keep your lens clear in all conditions.
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Riflescope
For the hunter who demands the absolute best in optical clarity and rugged reliability, the Leupold VX-5HD stands out. Its high-definition lens system and Twilight Max light management system work in concert to provide an exceptionally bright and sharp sight picture, extending your shooting light well into dusk and dawn. The versatile 3-15x magnification range is ideal for both close-quarter shots and longer-range opportunities.
This scope is packed with innovative features designed for the field. The Custom Dial System (CDS-ZL2) allows you to order a custom turret dialed to your specific load and conditions, making long-range holdovers as simple as spinning the dial. The push-button ZeroLock system ensures your zero stays put, and the Guard-ion hydrophobic lens coating sheds water and dirt effortlessly.
TORIC UHD 4-20×50 30mm MRAD PRS Long Range Riflescope
The TORIC UHD is a premium long-range scope that brings exceptional optical technology to the coyote hunting world. It utilizes an Ultra High Definition system with an ED lens and SCHOTT HT glass to eliminate color fringing and provide superior light transmission. The large 50mm objective lens gathers ample light, making it a formidable tool in low-light situations.
Built for precision, this scope features a robust one-piece 30mm tube and precision-machined turrets with .1 MRAD per click adjustments. The locking turret and multi-rotation zero stop ensure you can make repeatable, accurate adjustments without getting lost, even when dialing for extreme distances. The “Christmas tree” style reticle offers extensive holdover and windage points for engaging moving targets at varying ranges.
Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 Riflescope
The Athlon Argos BTR GEN2 offers impressive long-range features at an accessible price point. Its first focal plane (FFP) design means the reticle’s subtensions remain accurate at all magnification levels, which is crucial for making quick windage and elevation calculations on a coyote that isn’t standing still. The 6-24x magnification provides ample power for identifying targets at a distance.
Fully multi-coated optics enhance light transmission for a brighter view in critical dawn and dusk hours. With a generous 50mm objective lens and a side parallax adjustment that goes down to 10 yards, this scope provides a clear image and parallax-free viewing at virtually any hunting distance. It is a solid choice for hunters who appreciate the utility of a tactical-style scope.
Scope Throw Lever for Nikon ProStaff P-Rimfire 3-9x40mm
This product is an accessory designed to enhance the functionality of a specific scope model. A throw lever is a simple but highly effective add-on that attaches to the magnification ring of your riflescope. It provides a larger, more ergonomic surface to grip, allowing you to change magnification quickly and positively without fumbling.
In a fast-paced coyote hunt, where a target can appear at close range and then move away rapidly, the ability to swiftly adjust your zoom can make a significant difference. This particular lever is custom-made from carbon fiber reinforced material for a perfect fit and maximum durability, ensuring it performs reliably when you need it.
Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44mm FFP Riflescope
The Vortex Diamondback Tactical is a well-regarded scope that bridges the gap between hunting and tactical applications. Its first focal plane EBR-2C reticle ensures that holdover points are consistent across the entire 4-16x magnification range, which is ideal for shot placement on coyotes at unknown distances. The 44mm objective provides a good balance of light gathering and mounting profile.
Built on a 30mm tube for increased durability and a wider adjustment range, this scope features exposed tactical-style turrets that are finger adjustable and resettable to zero. The optics are fully multi-coated, and the one-piece construction is sealed with O-rings to be fog-proof and waterproof, making it a dependable companion in harsh weather conditions.
Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope with ACSS Raptor
For hunters who favor close-to-medium range engagements, a low-power variable optic (LPVO) is an excellent choice. The Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm offers true 1x magnification for fast, both-eyes-open shooting, which can be critical for a coyote that appears suddenly at close range. The 6x top end gives you the precision needed for a well-placed shot out to several hundred yards.
The standout feature is the ACSS Raptor reticle, a second focal plane design optimized for 5.56/.223 ballistics. It provides intuitive holdovers for wind and moving targets, along with a horseshoe for rapid acquisition. The illuminated reticle is a major advantage in low light, ensuring your aiming point stands out against a dark or shadowy target.
Sig Sauer Whiskey5 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
Sig Sauer’s Whiskey5 series is designed to deliver high performance for hunters and shooters. The 3-15x44mm model provides a versatile magnification range that is well-suited for the varied distances of coyote hunting. Sig Sauer’s proprietary HDX optical system is engineered to provide exceptional resolution and color fidelity for a clear, sharp sight picture.
This scope features a Motion Activated Illumination (MAI) system on certain reticles, which activates the illuminated center dot when it senses movement and powers down to conserve battery life. With a waterproof and fog-proof construction, the Whiskey5 is built to handle the elements, ensuring reliability from the first light of dawn to the last light of dusk.
What to Look For in a Scope for AR 15 Coyote Hunting in Low Light
When you’re hunting coyotes, especially during those crucial low-light hours at dawn and dusk, your scope isn’t just an accessory—it’s your most critical tool. I’ve spent plenty of time in the field, and the difference between a good scope and a great one becomes painfully obvious when the sun starts to fade. Here’s what I focus on when picking a scope for this specific job.
First and foremost, you need light. Lots of it. This comes down to the objective lens size and the quality of the glass. A larger objective lens (like 44mm or 50mm) gathers more light, but it also sits higher on your rifle. You need to balance size with a comfortable cheek weld. More important than raw size, however, is the quality of the glass coatings. Fully multi-coated lenses are the gold standard; they minimize light loss from reflections and significantly improve image brightness and clarity. This is one area where you really do get what you pay for.
Next, consider the reticle. For a fast-moving target like a coyote, a simple duplex or a more advanced illuminated reticle is the way to go. An illuminated reticle is a game-changer in low light. When your target is a grey shape in a grey field, a small red or green dot at the center of your crosshair lets you place your shot quickly and accurately. Just make sure the illumination settings are low enough to not wash out your target or ruin your night vision.
Magnification is another key factor. Coyote hunting often involves scanning large fields and taking shots at varying distances. A variable power scope, like a 3-9x or 4-12x, gives you the versatility you need. You can keep it on a low power for scanning and close-range, quick shots, then crank it up for a more precise shot across a field. Parallax adjustment is also a nice feature to have for those longer shots, as it helps ensure your point of aim is true regardless of your eye position.
Finally, don’t forget the fundamentals. Your scope must be durable, fog-proof, and shockproof. It’s going to get bumped around in the truck and exposed to temperature swings. A solid warranty from a reputable company is your best insurance policy. When you’re looking for the 8 best scopes for AR 15 coyote hunting for low light, prioritizing light transmission, a useful reticle, and versatile magnification will lead you to a optic that performs when it matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What magnification is best for coyote hunting with an AR-15?
For most coyote hunting scenarios with an AR-15, I find a variable scope in the 3-9x or 4-12x range to be the sweet spot. This gives you a wide field of view on the lower end for spotting moving targets in thick cover, and enough magnification on the high end to make an ethical shot out to 300 yards or so. Higher magnifications can be overkill and make it harder to acquire a fast-moving target.
Is an illuminated reticle necessary for low-light coyote hunting?
While not absolutely necessary, an illuminated reticle is a massive advantage. In low light, a traditional black reticle can disappear against a dark background or blend into a coyote’s fur. A faint red or green dot in the center allows you to maintain a precise point of aim without obscuring your target. It dramatically speeds up target acquisition when light is fading.
What is the most important feature for seeing in low light?
It’s a combination, but if I had to pick one, it’s the quality of the glass and its coatings. A scope with high-quality, fully multi-coated lenses will transmit significantly more light to your eye than a cheaper scope with a large objective lens but poor coatings. Superior glass clarity and light transmission are what truly separate adequate low-light scopes from exceptional ones.
Can I use a .223/5.56 scope on other rifles?
Often, yes. Many modern scopes designed for the .223/5.56 cartridge use a standard reticle that is not caliber-specific. However, some scopes have a “BDC” (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle that is calibrated for the trajectory of a specific .223 or 5.56 round. If the scope has a standard duplex or MIL/MOA-based reticle, you can absolutely use it on other calibers. Just be mindful that a BDC reticle calibrated for a .223 will not be accurate on a different cartridge like a .308.
How much should I spend on a good low-light scope?
You can find decent entry-level options in the $200-$400 range, but for truly reliable performance in critical low-light conditions, I recommend looking in the $500 to $1,000 bracket. This is where you typically find the better glass, more robust construction, and reliable illuminated reticles that make all the difference. Investing in a quality scope is investing in your success and ethical hunting practices. When reviewing the 8 best scopes for AR 15 coyote hunting for low light, you’ll notice this price point is where performance really takes off.