Scope for Varmint/Predators .223

H

Hutch218

New member
I just bought a Remington 700 SPS Tactical for varmints and predators. I live in Kansas, and most of what I've seen is coyotes. I am very new to predator and varmint hunting, so I just have a couple of questions. First, should I get a 4-12x40 or a 3-9x40? I have a friend who thought I should get a 3-9 because sometimes you get coyotes closer than 30 yards, but I plan on shooting more than coyotes with theis gun, so I wasn't sure. Second, should I get a Leupold VX-II or a VX-I? I, personally, cannot tell much of a difference between the two, but I imagine that most of the difference would be during low-light conditions. I have a VX-I on my .30-06 and it has been fine for me, but I was wondering if the VX-II is that much better. Like I said, most of my hunting is going to be coyotes, but I plan on shooting bobcats and a lot of furbearers and varmints. Basically, I will shoot anything in season, but coyotes will be the most prominent.

Thanks,
Matt
 
Welcome to the board and prepare yourself for 100 opinions!

I would go with the nicer scope(VXII)3-9. My 4.5-14 has NEVER made it past 4.5 power when calling. Most of the critters I call are well within 100yds by the time I get a shot. This of course is completely dependent on the area you hunt... You may be after longer range shots. See Leupolds website for the specific differences between the two.

Eric
 
Congrats on your new rifle. I've got the same rifle and I put a 3-9x40 Bushnell Elite 4200 on it. I'm extremely pleased with both the rifle and scope. MI VHNTR
 
well, I live in Kansas so my hunting land can kind of vary between wooded areas and open prairie, but most of it is wooded areas with fields and meadows, so I dont imagine I will get a lot of shots past 150 yards when I'm calling. I just thought about the 4-12 in the event that I hunt something besides predators, but I suppose that there aren't a lot of things that will be out past the range of a 9x scope. I'll most likely just go with a 3-9x40. As far as the VX-I and VX-II, is there any reason in particular that you would go with the nicer one? From what I have read the only difference is a little nicer glass, better lens coatings, and click-style adjustment instead of the friction-adjustment knobs. I am just not sure if that is worth a little over $100. Thanks for your opinions guys, I will take them all into account.
 
It sounds as though you have two ideas in mind to select from. Either the 3x9 or the 4x12. The one power range difference on the lower end is not going to have an great effect on you finding a coyote at 30 yards. That is a matter of getting used to acquiring a target on the move in close. There is no tremendsous gain in being one power lower at 30 yards. The three power range difference on the top end(9X as opposed to 12X) will indeed make a difference on smaller targets or targets at extended range. If brightness during low light is a concern(you mentioned) then increase your objective size to a 50mm.

You say you are new at this predator game. Well the objective of calling is to get them to come to you, the closer the better. Keep the scope set on the lower power. If they hang up out there you will have time to increase power, not vice versa if they surprise you in close.

All this being said, my calling rifles all wear VX-III 4.5x14x50. Any new scope purchases lately though, I've shy'd away from the Leupold to the upper end Bushnells such as the 4200 and the 3200, great quality, yet at least two hundred dollars less. You will buy upper end Bushnells almost for what you pay for the VX-II's.
 
Take a look at the scopes by Mueller. Ive really enjoyed mine. My .223 has a Bushnell 3200 3x9 But my Savage has the mueller. Its a 4x16x50 mm Lighted recticle, adjustable Objective, and its very clear. Gunblast did a write up on it, and I pleased with my choice. Good luck on your Scope Hunt !
 
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Take a look at the scopes by Mueller. Ive really enjoyed mine. My .223 has a Bushnell 3200 3x9 But my Savage has the mueller. Its a 4x16x50 mm Lighted recticle, adjustable Objective, and its very clear. Gunblast did a write up on it, and I pleased with my choice. Good luck on your Scope Hunt !



I have a Mueller on my 22-250, illuminated reticle, 11 choices of "lit". Works well for me, but as the man said, Good Luck in your search and happy hunting!.

John
 
I have a Leupold VXIII 3x-9x on one .223 and a Leupold Fixed 4x on the other. If I could have only one, it would be the 4x because most of my area is thick cover. Both are great scopes. You can't go wrong with the 3x-9x, it usually stays on 3x unless I am shooting gophers.
 
I have a bushnell 4200 elite 2.5X10X40 on my .223 i think its one of the best scopes for calling low power for close and moving shots and 10X for the far stuff.

Gary
 
For the money i dont think you can beat it. I put a mueller apv 4.5-14x44 on mine and love it. I also put the same scope on another rifle as well. It is crystal clear and under $130
 
Just wondered ,what is the warrenty on the mueller and where is it made ?Pentex has some in that price range ,made in china.,do'nt know anyone that has one tho.I like the price.
 
I purchased a CZ 527 in .223 about five or six years ago and was going through the same thought process. The rifle was purchased for coyote hunting, but was going with me on a P-dog hunt so I needed something to cover both aspects.

I ended up with a Bushnell 3200 4-12x40 and the scope has performed for me very well. The p-dog hunt fell through that year but I still have been happy with the scope.
 
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Just wondered ,what is the warrenty on the mueller and where is it made ?Pentex has some in that price range ,made in china.,do'nt know anyone that has one tho.I like the price.

You can find Mueller scopes at EABCO.com
 
I hunt in Kansas once a year. I use a B&L 4-16 4200 and a Burris 3-12. The 3-12 is a battle tank of scopes, it is a really durable scope and that is an understatement.

I really can tell the difference in the low settings 3-4 power realistically. If a dog comes in at 30 yards, I'll bust him with either, and if I miss him, it sure won't be because of the scope.

In Kansas, you really have the chance to get some long shots. We shot several between 275-325 yards. In my opinion, I would think that a 4-12 or a 4-16 would be perferred, but that is just me. 3-9's are sure cheaper than 4-12 or 4-16's...folks really love what they can afford.

You are in a great place to hunt coyotes!

Good luck!
 


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