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Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 14, 2015, 10:39 AM:
 
I had a thought the other day. There are many different ways to go, in mounting glass on a rifle intended primarily for hunting coyotes.

So, what I think would be interesting is a survey, tell us what you use and tell us what you would buy if you suspect what you are using is not the ultimate in coyote medicine?

I have a few different types of coyote rifles and maybe you do too. Just tell us what you got and how absolutely satisfied you are with your choice.

Inquiring minds want to know?

To start it off; my favorite daytime calling rifle is a Remington 700 chambered 22-243Middlested and it has a U.S. Optics SN3 1.8X10 scope on it. I have no plans to change anything, anytime soon. See how easy that was?

Good hunting. El Bee
 
Posted by UTcaller (Member # 8) on September 14, 2015, 12:51 PM:
 
My .22-250 AI has a Leupold VX3 4.5x14-40mm with the CDS turret. I really love this scope alot. And I have never been a die hard Leupold guy at all.

My 17 Tactical has a Swarovski 2x10-42mm and this glass is amazing especially in low light conditions, it seems to be the perfect scope for this setup.

Good Hunting Chad
 
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 14, 2015, 01:33 PM:
 
Yes, I have a 4.5X14X50 Leupold mounted on my 25'06Ackley, used exclusively for long range "targets" at night; in open country. It's very satisfactory.

Good hunting. El Bee
 
Posted by DanS (Member # 316) on September 14, 2015, 04:44 PM:
 
Leupold VX3 3.5x10-40mm is my favorite scope. My most expensive is a Swaro in about the same power.
 
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 14, 2015, 04:57 PM:
 
Yeah, that's a good one, Dan. I have had one on my Model 700 300WM since I bought it, must have been over 40 years ago? For me, it's a perfect big game scope. I had another one that I sold for a hundred bucks, I wish I hadn't.

Good hunting. El Bee
 
Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on September 15, 2015, 03:45 AM:
 
Similar specs to UTcaller, I try to 'match the hatch' and use an appropriate scope to complement the capability of the cartridge...

.17Predator now has a Kahles 3-9x42 w 4A reticle, and its staying there. For no nonsense point & shoot to 325yds, that combo suit each other nicely. Great glass & large exit pupil make for a very good image in almost any light condition...

.22-243AI has a Premier 'Hunter' 3-15x50 w/ Gen 2 Mildot FFP reticle. Offers the same point & shoot ability out to 325 using the x-hairs, with the added bonus of being able to use the FFP reticle at any power for holding wind/lead/elevation.
Has covered turrets, just unscrew the cap & dial dope for a more controlled engagement at distance.
Glass is outstanding! Super 5x zoom range, no tunneling @ 3x, great field of view, bright and contrasty. Really a pleasure to shoot thru!

6x45AI has a Premier 'Lite Tac' 3-15x50. Same awesome sauce as the 'Hunter' version, but has exposed turrets & illuminated reticle. This will be my night hunting rifle this winter, so having the center ' + ' of the Gen 2 reticle lite up is nice to have when running only a small hand torch after dark. The exposed turrets make it super for dialing up varmints & plinking at distance.

FYI, Premier is no longer. Armament Technology acquired Premier & is now producing scopes under the Tangent Theta brand. After improving upon an already excellent product, the new TT scopes are said to be the cream of the crop.
Happily, AT agreed to honor Premier's lifetime warranty, so I'm not in any rush to ditch my Premiers. Will prolly hafta cave for a TT in the future, just to scratch the 'scope whore' itch, but I'm in a happy place with what I got now...
 
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on September 15, 2015, 04:42 AM:
 
I haven't bought a new scope in years. Ten years, maybe longer? Not even up to speed on what's what with the latest and greatest. Most of my calling rigs have Leupold 4-14x40's on them, which are a decent compromise of cost, size, weight and optics, but not really the "best", or even "great" in any particular category. But, I've no plans to ever change out any of them.

- DAA
 
Posted by jimanaz (Member # 3689) on September 15, 2015, 05:28 AM:
 
I'm pretty much just like Dave, with the exception of the NXS 5.5-22 that I put on my 22-250AI. Happy with what I have.
 
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 15, 2015, 05:35 AM:
 
Prolly wise, on your part, Dave. Otherwise, you might succumb and be another Theta bitch. Just kidding, but optics, in general, can eat you alive, if you lose your sense of perspective.

My absolutely best scope is a Kahles 3X12X56. I won't ever need finer optics than that beast, no matter what they come out with.

Good hunting. El Bee
 
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on September 15, 2015, 05:42 AM:
 
Optics can get insane.

Rifle scopes are nothing. A super expensive USO or Theta, would be a cheap-ass camera lens.

The camera lenses I wish I had, but never will, start at about $12K. My dream lens, is about $35K.

The lens I actually have, was $1069, shipped! It's lower than the lowest Bushnell or Tasco or BSA or whatever, comparatively speaking.

- DAA
 
Posted by TRnCO (Member # 690) on September 15, 2015, 05:59 AM:
 
I've also got 4X14-40 Leupolds on everything currently, but I do have a new 3x15x42 Zeiss sitting on the shelf waiting to be mounted, and just looking through it, it does look nice, just not exactly sure what it'll end up sitting on top of.
 
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 15, 2015, 07:12 AM:
 
The problem with camera lenses is the f-stop. A little different than needed light transmission in a riflescope. When you have extreme magnification you have to contend with slow shutter speed; not a factor in riflescopes.

A dream lens for 35 thousand dollars? See, this is what I'm talking about! Somebody needs to talk you down, Dave!

Oh, what the hell. Let's everybody chip in and scratch that itch for our buddy Dave. He said he can't afford a "can" right now?

Good hunting. El Bee

Let's start a list of what we can buy for $35,000?

What, a gold Rolex, maybe?
What else comes to mind?
A fairly nice bass boat?
 
Posted by Prune Picker (Member # 4107) on September 15, 2015, 07:42 AM:
 
1.5x5 on 2 rifles , 1.75x6 on 2 rifles , 2.5x8 on another (all Leupolds) & a 3x9 Zeiss on yet another . Nothing new tho.
 
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 15, 2015, 09:28 AM:
 
Agree on the 2.5X8 Leupold VariX III. I have two, one on my little M600 6mmRem, and the other on my 700, what the hell is it? LVSF? something like that? in 223Ackley. I think they are perfectly suited for those particular rifles.

Good hunting. El Bee
 
Posted by Prune Picker (Member # 4107) on September 15, 2015, 09:56 AM:
 
The 2.5x8 Leupolds "balance's" ( is that a real word or another okieism?) well on a sporter weight rifle. Affordable, decent glass & reliable, if you shoot first instead of turning channels errrr dials. If I was starting from scratch, a 1.5x5 or 2.5x8 Leupold would be an automatic selection ( for me ) . I know their glass quality can be beat, but probably not for the same price.
 
Posted by Fur_n_Dirt (Member # 4467) on September 15, 2015, 10:54 AM:
 
I did alot of research and tried to balance between performance and what will get me divorced..

I been buying the Nightforce SHV series.. really nice scopes for the $$..

I have up to 10X on the 22-250 ackley..

and up to 14x on my long range hunter..

love the reticles and glass quality..
 
Posted by Az-Hunter (Member # 17) on September 15, 2015, 12:01 PM:
 
1.5X6 on every rifle I run, all the same glass. Any rifle I pick up, the sight picture looks the same, suits me to a T. Like Dave, scopes have been off my radar so long, all the stuff you guys mention on the board are foreign to my ear, never heard of them.
 
Posted by Moe (Member # 4494) on September 15, 2015, 12:31 PM:
 
I have Leupolds on every rifle I have. My favorite calling rifle is a Sako Forester 22-250 with a Leupold VX3 4.5-12X40.

Second is a Sako Vixen 223 AI with a VX3 3.5-10X40

Third is a Rem 700 Classic 220 Swift with a Leupold VX2 4-12X40 with a long range duplex cross hair.

I have a Rem 700 heavy barrel 22-250 better suited for shooting squirrels. It weighs in at 12 lbs and I've done some extensive work on it. It sports a Leupold VXIII 6.5-20X40 with a Varmint reticle. It's a tack driver and a safe queen.

My Rem 700 deluxe 7mm Rem still has the Leupold VXII 3-9X40 I put on it back in 1974. That scope was on a Sako Forester before then. I took this scope to the Leupold factory in Beaverton and they replaced a scratched lens and added some range of adjustment to it at no charge. This rifle has killed Sitka blacktail, Eastern Whitetail, caribou and Mountain Goats. My go to big game rifle.

I have a Remington bolt action 22 that I used for hunting blue grouse in Alaska. It sports a Leupold fixed 4 power 1" tube on it and has killed hundreds of grouse.

If I ever build another rifle it will be a 257 Roberts Ackley Improved and I will put a Leupold 4.5-14X40 on it.

Maybe I'm in a rut but I've hunted with guys whose scopes failed while we were out hunting. Mostly fogging up. I've never had that kind of problem.
 
Posted by UTcaller (Member # 8) on September 15, 2015, 02:57 PM:
 
I also have a Leupold VX3 3.5x10-40 on top of my 17 Ackley Hornet and I really like that one too.

Good Hunting Chad
 
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 16, 2015, 05:41 AM:
 
Interesting everybody is basically on the same page....except for the McNeal contingent. If I remember correctly, that person favors Simmons Whitetails? Can't knock what works, (right?) while saving a pile of money at the same time. But I heard he looked through a top quality scope one time not long ago and admitted it was awesome; or something like that? Or, maybe he said, "unbelievable"?

You know, I was vacationing in Europe, must have been twenty years ago and bought a scope at the PX, in Fulda. It's a "Liesenfeld". (not sure of the spelling?) I have never seen another one. It's 4X12X56 and I don't think I paid more than three hundred dollars for it? But, in my opinion, it's right up there with optics costing three or four times as much as I paid. If you ever stumble across one, you might give it due consideration.

But, what got me started on this ramble; I was pondering a scope nobody has mentioned, thus far? I have a Zeiss Conquest in 4.5X14X44 that is a really great scope. Never used it for predators, (my son has) but it kicks ass on ground squirrels and prairie dogs. It has a one inch tube and if I loaned it to Victor, he wouldn't give it back. For the money, the Conquest line is hard to beat.

Good hunting. El Bee
 
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on September 16, 2015, 06:14 AM:
 
I've got that same Conquest on my 6-284, which has only been used for predators.

It's fine. But pretty big/bulky and heavy, compared to a Leupold 4.5-14x40. The Nesika I have it on is a bit larger than a 700 SA, fits it okay. But I don't think I'd like it on a trim sporter like my main squeeze, Model Seven, .17P. The smaller, lighter Leupold is a better fit, better balanced, my opinion.

All that to say, no complaints with the Conquest, but I don't see me buying another one, at least not the 4-14, to put on a calling rifle.

- DAA
 
Posted by UTcaller (Member # 8) on September 16, 2015, 06:59 AM:
 
Had a couple of Ziess scopes. The Conquest 3x9-40 and the 4.5x14-44. Didn't like either one. Glass was great but didn't like the size of the duplex crosshairs. Sold them both and bought my 3x10-42mm Swarovski and my 3.5x10-40 Leupold VX3.

Good Hunting Chad
 
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 16, 2015, 07:40 AM:
 
quote:
All that to say, no complaints with the Conquest, but I don't see me buying another one, at least not the 4-14, to put on a calling rifle. DAA
So, Dave is of same opinion as I, since I have not used that Conquest on a calling rifle. But, no doubt, it has good qualities.

Same with Chad; he evaluates his Conquest as not particularly suitable in a predator hunting application.

Still, it's a damned good scope.

Good hunting. El Bee
 
Posted by Aznative (Member # 506) on September 16, 2015, 08:50 AM:
 
All of my hunting so far has been in Arizona where you seldom shoot over 150 yards. There are a few spots where you are in very open country, but I'm usually hunting in sage brush. Therefore, I prefer low magnification. Probably my favorite scope for predators is a 1.5x5 leupold. I've lost several coyotes because I left the power zoomed up on 4.5x14 that I use to use. It sucks when you call in a real close trotter and can't find it.
 
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 16, 2015, 09:07 AM:
 
True yes.
But there is another point of view, as expressed by none other than AR Shaw. He says leave it at 10X and learn to deal with it. I agree but not quite that severe. I like leaving my scope at around 6X and you do learn to handle it. Or, I guess you could say, some people do.

Good hunting. El Bee
 
Posted by UTcaller (Member # 8) on September 16, 2015, 10:51 AM:
 
Very true Leonard I leave all my scopes on 8 power. But occasionally when I shoot out to 400 yards that 14 power is nice.
 
Posted by Brent Parker (Member # 4354) on September 16, 2015, 01:24 PM:
 
I ran a Schmidt and Bender PMII 3-20 on a 6XC the last couple of denning season, great scope great glass, good turrets and reticle. Switching to a Leupold Mark 6 3-18 and its nice but not in the same class as the Bender. Anymore I prefer FFP in a scope and think its a personal preference. Any additional scopes I buy will be a FFP. Either exposed locking turrets or capped.

My .223 AI has a Z3 Swaro 4-12 and is a good scope.

12.5 .223 SBR has a 3-10-40 Vari x III.
 
Posted by Prune Picker (Member # 4107) on September 16, 2015, 01:52 PM:
 
everyone's eyes are different, that much I do know. I have mounted scopes for people I'd never seen before or after I mounted their scope purchase, when it came time to tighten the screws some frowned and said , do it your way or adjust it for your eyes. I thought & still think it's odd not to want optimum eye relief & focus for whomever was going to use the rifle/ scope combo. Point being, most people select a scope based on recommendations from a friend or salesman & now days a cool website. In the past 5 or so years I'll bet that most second time scope buyers are willing to pay more for a scope due to the high ammo & component prices & lack of availability. Back to our favorites, I still believe Kahles has the clearest glass I've ever looked thru, biased errr based on the now old straight 2.5x 30 mm , mounted on low rings it had the now required ( for me ) huge field of view I want. The Leupold 1.5x5 offers appx 70 ft. F.O.V @ 1.5x , point & shoot that's my #1 requirement for a hunt anything scope. I wish LB would send his new 1.1x8 US Optics to me so I could give it a test drive around the cluttered hunting grounds of SE Okla I frequent 😀
 
Posted by Kokopelli (Member # 633) on September 16, 2015, 02:41 PM:
 
Nothing fancy.
Bushnel Banner Turkey scope on a .223 Thompson Contender set up as a carbine.
1.5 / 4 power.
Most places I hunt ........... 100 yards is a long shot.

FWIW; I leave it on low power.
There's usually time to crank it up for a long shot.
Less so to crank it down for a close runner in the brush.
 
Posted by Prune Picker (Member # 4107) on September 16, 2015, 03:14 PM:
 
Koko, toting a light weight combo probably encourages a guy to see what's on the other side of the next mountain, it does for me, NO argument on your selection! do you carry spare ammo on a armband or? Something else about keeping my scope on low power, it helps me steady my aim especially if I'm moving .
 
Posted by Kokopelli (Member # 633) on September 16, 2015, 08:44 PM:
 
I've got a shell holder on the stock. Holds a season's supply of ammo for me.
I normally carry a shotgun and rarely bring the rifle, but it's not too much trouble to bring along when I think I may need it.
 
Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on September 16, 2015, 08:50 PM:
 
My Kimber Montana's in 204, 223 AI and 22-250AI all wear 3.5-10x40 Leupolds two have custom CDS dials and the 223AI wears an M1 elevation dial. The dials are for playing and they are usually left on 3.5 power.

3 of my AR's are light weights, one wears a vx6 Leupold 1-6, one wears a Leupold 1.5-5 and the third wears a 3x ACOG. the ACOG is interesting as I've shot plates out to 400 yards but it's pretty quick up close.

2 scopes to do it all, a 1.5-5 and a 3.5-10 would suit me fine. Narrow it down to one for everything and it'll be the 3.5-10.
 
Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on September 17, 2015, 04:35 AM:
 
I'd speculate to say that if you VX3 guys tried a scope with a larger zoom range, you'd prolly like it more than various 3x zoom ratio offerings from Leupy...

1.5-5x, 2.5-8x, 3.5-10x, 4.5-14x... they are all 3x zoom scopes. For comparison, a scope with a 6x zoom ratio like the Bushnell 6500 adjusts from 2.5x all the way up to 16x. The difference from 1.5-2.5x is negligible, and the huge exit pupil from a larger objective on the 6500 will make for a much brighter image, comparatively. On the top end, you're getting more max. magnification, too...
I've owned all of the above Leupy scopes, and that Bushy does everything those four scopes do, in one optic. Courtesy of the massive 6x zoom ratio...

As a guy who travels all over the place to hunt, having a versatile optic might be more a priority? I've whored a shitpot load of scopes over the years, and have slowly gravitated toward a preference for larger (5x) zoom ratio scopes. Not pissin' on Leupy's, as plenty of scopes use a 3x zoom ratio. Heck some scopes are even 'mis-labeled' like Chad's 3-10x Swaro to make them seem more than they are, I'd bet $$$ to donuts that it's actually 3.3-9.9x (3x zoom). My 3-10x50 Kahles is the same way, and even 3.5-15x NXS from Nightforce is a only 4x zoom scope, labeled as 15X after rounding to the nearest whole #, LOL...

Just sayin', if you've got an itch, try a scope with a larger zoom ratio. It's like opting for the big motor in a new pickup, you might not need it all the time, but it sure makes ya smile when ya wanna mash the pedal...

For conversation
 
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on September 17, 2015, 05:50 AM:
 
Fred, I've never handled a 6x zoom. Am I wrong in presuming they are pretty big, bulky, heavy, by comparison to a 3x zoom? Those are properties that matter more to me, on a calling rig, than zoom range ever possibly could.

But, like I said, never even laid eyes on one, so maybe I'm making an incorrect assumption.

My variables rarely leave 5x, for calling. When they do, it's all the way up to 14x. Literally, never, anything in between. Cranking them up, outside of checking zero off the bench (a once every few years event), is quite rare though. I don't find 5x a handicap on 300 yard coyotes. It's only when they look pretty small at 5x, and I know they are more like 400, that I start to think about turning up the zoom. Whenever that happens, I also start thinking about just not bothering to shoot <grin>.

Honestly, I could, and for that matter, have at times, live with a fixed 6x on a calling rifle and be perfectly content.

I used a fixed 6x to jumps hoot jackrabbits for 25 years or more, getting on a close in fast moving coyote at 5x is still pretty easy, even at this point, where I've slowed down, my eyes have gone bad and my shooting skills are starting to suck... Even still, when I shoulder my .17P, the coyote running by at 10 yards is in the 5x scope every time.

- DAA
 
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on September 17, 2015, 06:03 AM:
 
I might add... That 4-14x44 Conquest is the largest scope I have on a rifle that gets used for calling, and every time I use it, I find it kind of distasteful. 44mm is just too big, for a calling rifle, for my druthers.

I'd never put high rings on a day time calling rifle.

- DAA
 
Posted by trapper2 (Member # 3651) on September 17, 2015, 07:11 AM:
 
i only have one scoped rifle that i use, i use it for every thing and i have a 6.5x20 mark 4 on it, i like it, its heavy but so is the gun. i had a conquest on it before and turning turrets it would get off a click or two every few monthes so i wont be owning another one. plus leapold has a program where i can buy them alittle cheaper and that helps
 
Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on September 17, 2015, 07:48 AM:
 
Dave, when I first got my .17Predator from Greg, I put an Elite 6500 2.5-16x42 on there. It wasn't overly heavy or clunky, but did have a 30mm tube. The glass is better than VX3 (IMHO), and had finger resetable capped turrets. On low power, the field of view is excellent with just a touch of 'fisheye' appearance at the edges. At high power, it still remained fairly bright, but eye relief became more critical. Still, a kick azz scope for that price range. Pic with Talley lows, for reference...
 -

Eventually swapped a Premier 'Hunter' 3-15x50 onto that same rifle. The 50m objective juuust cleared in those same Talley Lows. Super awesome scope, albeit a bit 'clunky' for that rifle...
 -

Fast forward to finishing up 'fine tuning' that rifle after having it a while. Its now got a new stock to better balance it, plus a detachable mag that feeds like butta. And the scope is a Kahles 3-9x42 in 1" Talley lows...
 -

Just goes to show that sometimes ya gotta try a few different scopes to really figure out which scope compliments it best. Full circle back to a simplistic 3x zoom, with perfectly uncluttered 4A reticle. Super glass, lighter weight, and just 'fits' that rifle better. Good example of "scope whoring 101"!

[ September 17, 2015, 07:55 AM: Message edited by: knockemdown ]
 
Posted by tawnoper (Member # 497) on September 17, 2015, 10:20 AM:
 
I have variables on most of my main calling rifles. 3x10 vx3 Leupold on my Swift is probably my favorite variable. Also have a 3x9 Nikon on my 17...it's okay. Funny thing is I usually set them on 5x and rarely move them. Usually not necessary. Maybe it's because I hunted for a lot of years with my one rifle which wore a fixed 6x42 M8 Leupold with heavy duplex. Still one of my favorite calling scopes.
 
Posted by Lone Howl (Member # 29) on September 17, 2015, 10:56 AM:
 
All my scopes are usually set at 6x and I rarely move them. Like Dave, I used a couple fixed 6x scopes for calling for so long that I just feel comfortable with it..close up, running, whatever, doesnt bother me at all. I do admit though, as you get older, it gets tougher, but what dont.

Mark
edit: yep, the Leo M8 6X is what I ran a lot. The last one I had I slapped on my Ruger 77/22 .22mag and that thing has killed shat tons of fox and cats. I hardly ever use it anymore though.
Mark

[ September 17, 2015, 10:59 AM: Message edited by: Lone Howl ]
 
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on September 17, 2015, 11:53 AM:
 
I have one of those M8 6X on my 10/22, used to have it on a couple of different .22-250's I used for calling a long time ago. Great, great scope, one of my all time favorites.

- DAA
 
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 17, 2015, 12:56 PM:
 
I used to have a Leupold straight 6X, but it was stolen. I really liked it! Probably felt worse losing it than the rifle, although it was a slick Rem. Model 660. When I bought it, I was torn between it and an even handier 2X7 Leupold variX. Never hear anything about them anymore, maybe they don't make them? Still, it would have some application, in my world.

Good hunting. El Bee
 
Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on September 17, 2015, 03:18 PM:
 
I don't know Fred, my math ain't that good but my vx6 1-6 seems to be a 6x ratio... [Wink] it is twice as big as my 1.5-5, has twice the FOV and cost over twice as much but I still am pretty comfortable with the 1.5-5.

I've got a cousin I've grown up with like brothers and he uses 6.5-20's on all his guns. He gets by just fine till it gets dark but to each their own.

If you want a good scope for cheap money, SWFA's super chickens are on sale right now and while they are huge and heavy, the glass is on par with vx2's but the dials are spot on and the mil quad reticle is awesome. I've got a 6x and a 10x, much prefer the 6x.
 
Posted by trapper2 (Member # 3651) on September 17, 2015, 05:47 PM:
 
I had a fixed 12 power for along time because it was the only scope I had so I used it, now the 6.5x20 gets set right around the 12 and stays there most of the time, guess its what we get use to using
 
Posted by Dave Allen (Member # 3102) on September 17, 2015, 07:00 PM:
 
I've used some version of a 2x7 Leupold for years. Have had a VX2 for a while now.

I get the itch for something different, sometimes but honestly have no need. If, I were to get another coyote rifle it might be a XV3 1.75x6 with heavy crosshairs. Or a 2.5x8 would be sweet.

These match a 22" barrel perfect IMO. A 26" barrel would look better with a longer scope of course.
 
Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on September 18, 2015, 04:24 AM:
 
Sho' nuff, Tom. The "6" in VX6 denotes the zoom ratio, same as it does for Bushy's 6500 series. That's why I directed my opinion toward the "VX3 guys" [Wink] They'd be just as well served to try a VX6 for that same benefit of versatility. I'd still recommend a 6500 over a VX6 though, based on the ones I've seen/used...

Fixed power scopes are great, in that there's precious little to fail, internally. Far as having a preference for shooting at a particular power, I usually set my mag ring based on the stand. Default setting is always start @ min. power, for reasons koko stated. Works fine here at home where it kinda tight. But on those 'out west' stands where ya can see to the next zip code and there's no pockets of cover close by, I'll start the stand off on 7-8x, which is plenty of power to shoot a coyote at reasonable range.

Since I don't normally wear binos on stand out west, I'll use max. power on the scope for ID'ing/scrutinizing "coyote lookin' type stuff" that's too far to see with the naked eye. I don't feel that using the riflescope as a "spotter" requires any more movement than using binos, plus its less shit to carry on stand...
 
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 18, 2015, 10:55 AM:
 
I never pack binoculars on a stand. I carry them while deer hunting, but not coyotes and yes, if I need to look at something I use the scope on my rifle. For some reason the elite scribes have been telling us for years that it's just not done, and I say to that: fuk 'em! I will do as I please, thank you.

Seems to be a misconception as far as usage. I just pick it up and look at something. Period. I will not wave it around and scan with a rifle mounted on my shoulder, that's for the birds.

On the other hand, scouting with binoculars, out the window or getting out of the truck and investigating a draw or arroyo, that's totally worthwhile, but not on stand, UNLESS.

Unless you are doing a "walkabout" where you cover considerable ground on foot, perhaps with a light backpack, stuff like that. Then, by all means bring the binos, and use them.

Until you sit down on stand. Okay?

Good hunting. El Bee
 
Posted by Aznative (Member # 506) on September 18, 2015, 11:17 AM:
 
Interestingly us Arizona hunters, AZ hunter, koko and myself all us low power scopes which is probably due to our calling styles and the areas we hunt. Yes, I do keep my scope on the lowest power.

Leonard: Leopold makes a 2-7 vx1 scope. My son has one on his 243. It works great.

As far as a 6x or 3x zoom scope. I don't see the need for a 6x on a calling rifle.
I believe in keeping things simple. I read somewhere that to get past the 3x limit, you have to move two lenses In perfect unison. Sounds like more stuff to go wrong
 
Posted by Lone Howl (Member # 29) on September 18, 2015, 11:45 AM:
 
To add, I use 3.5x10 or 4x12's on my calling rifles.

How bout shotguns? I know some here run Speedbeads and stuff like that...whats out there thats cool nowdays?
Mark
 
Posted by UTcaller (Member # 8) on September 18, 2015, 12:51 PM:
 
Its funny how different we all are sometimes when calling. I seriously cannot remember the last stand i didn't have a pair of binoculars around my neck. I use the hell out of mine. As far as shotguns go I probably pack my Benelli M2 to at least 75% of my stands, no speedbeads and such. Just normal front bead sight. With a good load of Hornady BB'S.

Good Hunting Chad
 
Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on September 18, 2015, 02:18 PM:
 
If I'm just making a stand I leave the bino's in the truck and use my range finder to peak at something. Sometimes I use the scope too. New area I definately take the bino's.

Shotgun is a Benelli M1, 21" barrel plain bead and BB's. I have switched to an improved modified choke instead of a super tight pattern.
 
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 19, 2015, 06:45 AM:
 
What's this about BB's? Okay, to each his own, and all that.

I switched from Federal 3" BB's to Winchester XX #4Buck. I still have almost a full box of those BB's, not much chance of them getting used up?

The first time I hosed a coyote with #4Buck, the sun was just coming up and you should have seen his guts spread all over a creasote bush behind him and directly in line with the rising sun. Now, that's impressive performance....and I still have a box of Dead Coyote at three times the price that doesn't kill them any better?

I'll say this in defense of Chad. Nevada is wide open country and it just begs looking through binoculars. Still, I carry enough crap, as it is.

Good hunting. El Bee
 
Posted by Aznative (Member # 506) on September 19, 2015, 07:17 AM:
 
I have a speed bead on a super black eagle. I recently put the speed bead on and haven't used it yet. I have patterned it and adjusted the sight. What is your scatter gun setup lone howl?
 
Posted by UTcaller (Member # 8) on September 19, 2015, 08:20 AM:
 
Leonard, I went to the Hornady 3" BB's last year.With absolutely no complaints. Had been shooting the Dead Coyote "T"shot. But like you mentioned, 5 bucks a shot is ridiculous. So I bought a bunch of the Hornady in boxes of 10 for around 10 bucks a box. They have those control wads that keep your pattern from really opening up. So I just use a Modified choke and it flat what's coyotes out to say 30-35 yards which is about 90% of my shotgun shots anyway much further and I like the rifle any way.

I do have a few boxes of Remington 4 buck, but they have pretty much just been collecting dust.

Good Hunting Chad
 
Posted by Aznative (Member # 506) on September 19, 2015, 09:01 AM:
 
Sorry about the double post working from a phone sucks.

UT caller I'll have to try those hornandy loads. I'm paying double for the federal coyote heavyshot right now. Thanks

[ September 19, 2015, 09:03 AM: Message edited by: Aznative ]
 
Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on September 19, 2015, 08:00 PM:
 
Okie coyotes petitioned the WD saying it was unfair to use buckshot.

Illegal to use shot larger than BB on anything but waterfowl, hogs or humans here.
 
Posted by Grizz (Member # 4626) on September 19, 2015, 09:25 PM:
 
I have a couple of the old Zeiss straight 10 X 36 on my older Sako 22-250 and 220 Swift. A Schmidt and Bender long range 4-16 X 50 on a custom built on a Sako AII action. Several Leupold's on other guns. I mounted a Leupold VX 6 with the fire dot on an AR I'm using for daylights. Rick
 
Posted by Moe (Member # 4494) on September 20, 2015, 06:47 AM:
 
When I first started calling I called almost exclusively at night and the 3-9 power scope on my Sako Forester 243 was always set at 9 power.

Now days I pretty much exclusively hunt daytime and I set my scopes at 5X and don't mess with them. Well, except for one time when I had a coyote come running in across a huge dry lake in eastern Oregon. He stopped way out at 400+ yards and stood for a while. No matter what I tried he wouldn't come any closer. Then he started moving towards my downwind side and I figured I may as well try the shot. So I cranked the scope up to 12 power and used the long range increments and shot. The coyote disappeared but I kept calling and about 5 minutes later I got one in right in front of me at about 30 yards. He was sneaking in on the caller and never saw me.

I picked up both coyotes. A long shot for me is a rarity but I sure wished I had a witness that day. The long shot was made with my Kimber 84M Classic 22-250 with a 22" barrel.

As far as Dead Coyote shells go I quit buying them after having a frustrating day of losing a few coyotes in the thick sagebrush in eastern Oregon. Up to that time I used #4 buckshot and went back to it.
 
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 20, 2015, 09:35 AM:
 
Quit buying them, and also hoarding them due to scarcity. And then going back to #4Buck, wondering what the big deal was? And, how can they really justify charging that much? I saw a box for $54 last time I was in Bass ProShops. Are we being played for suckers?

I will say this much. #4Buck in a 2 3/4" shell does not quite have the steam. My one shot kills is zero. Literally, every single animal required a second shot, some three more. But, the price is right, I guess? lol Maybe I'm just yanking the trigger too far out?

I will save those shells for walk outs at night on cripples. See, that's what happens when you go to a gun show and are bitten by the hoarding bug. lol

Good hunting. El Bee
 
Posted by Prune Picker (Member # 4107) on September 20, 2015, 10:19 AM:
 
If memory serves proper, a variable power rifle scope with 3x magnifier ( not 3 power ) loses appx 10 + ft field of view every time the user cranks up the power selector ring to the next highest power. Earlier I cited a common Leupold as one of my favorite scopes, off the top of my head the ~ 70 ft. FOV is reduced to ~35 ft. FOV at 5 power. I imagine any 5x or 6x magnifier should be considerably different , maybe for the better. My only recent hands on experience with a 6x magnifiers scope is Thomas's Leupold VX6 1x6 variable which has ~120+ ft. FOV @ 1x . I don't remember the appx numbers @ 6x tho, & I guarantee you it is a top quality scope.
 
Posted by Moe (Member # 4494) on September 21, 2015, 06:15 AM:
 
When the states start banning lead what are we going to do? I have a few boxes of 3 1/2" Dead Coyote shells around and I carry them to California just in case but I won't be buying any more. They certainly aren't what they're cracked up to be.

I ordered a few boxes of the Winchester 3 1/2" #4 buckshot loads from the Sportsman's Guide and they do kill coyotes quite dead but they kick like you can't believe. When I tore the rotator cuff on my right shoulder a few years ago I had to stop shooting them. 54 pellets of #4 buck in the air. I'll leave them to you young guys.
 
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 21, 2015, 07:05 AM:
 
I'm using the 3" shell and if memory serves, it holds 41 #4Buck?

There again, the 3 1/2" #4Buck doesn't seem to offer any more lethality over the 3"? I'm all for hammering them deader than dead, but I don't even think it's overkill? I don't see the difference?

Same thing with Dead Coyote, difference of opinion. I think the 3 1/2" Dead Coyote kicks like hell! Much more than the 3"#4Buck and considerably more than the 3 1/2" #4Buck. But, my 835 is backbored and they say it tames recoil a bit? I don't know, it's the only shottie [Wink] I own with a 3 1/2" chamber.

Shotgunning coyotes seems more complicated than it should?

Good hunting. El Bee
 
Posted by Lone Howl (Member # 29) on September 21, 2015, 07:41 AM:
 
Shotguns...I aint buying any more DC and I cant use lead in CA, so yes..Im shooting 3" steel. It aint great as everyone knows and wants to remind me, but that is the alternative. It works fine for me if I keep the range realistic. No doubt you will have more cripples, but that is just the reality of it all. California has forced my hand so that is what I use now.
Mark
Edit: On bobcats and fox, at the ranges I shoot them in the cover I call them in, steel shreds em just fine.

[ September 21, 2015, 07:50 AM: Message edited by: Lone Howl ]
 
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 21, 2015, 10:43 AM:
 
CONTROL FREAKS STRIKE AGAIN !
 
Posted by Kokopelli (Member # 633) on September 21, 2015, 12:36 PM:
 
I've long suspected that the control freaks couldn't care less about `lead`.
Lead is merely the means to an end.
When they went after the duck hunter's lead shot it wasn't to protect the ducks. It was to make duck hunting more trouble than it's worth.
And if you stop hunting ducks you won't be passing on the tradition to your sons & grandsons.
Then they took what they learned and waved the lead banner all over Calif. in the name of eagles, condors, prairie dogs and possibly snail darters.
These bastards are relentless and will not stop until they micro-manage every aspect of your life.
Somebody prove me wrong.
 
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 22, 2015, 01:08 PM:
 
He who shall not be named took the time to write and dispute what koko says above. He says there is a valid reason for restricting lead projectiles, not to inconvenience hunters.

How could you be so misguided, Mr Roop?
 
Posted by Kokopelli (Member # 633) on September 22, 2015, 07:48 PM:
 
So nice of him to take the time to check in and `dispute` me wrong.
Now, somebody `prove` me wrong.
I say again; The lead issue is just another tool of the control freak anti's who's ultimate goal is to ban hunting.
Much like the wolf reintroduction here that nobody wanted but was shoved down our throats. Just another tool to restrict and ultimately end hunting.
 
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 22, 2015, 09:22 PM:
 
You got my vote
 
Posted by Aznative (Member # 506) on September 25, 2015, 06:24 PM:
 
You now have two votes. Run koko run
 




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