Scout scope

[KimWar1911]

Hey there, I have been thinking about picking up the coyote hunting addiction to go along with my bow hunting problem. Anyway I am planning on using my mini14 to start with and I realize it is not a great long range gun but I don't see myself with any shots over 150 yards or so. I already have an Ultimak top on it and am wondering if anyone has any experience with the Leatherwood Hi-lux 2-7. Most reviews I see are pretty positive and a few aren't so good. I am not looking for a top end optic at this time, just something to get me by for now. Anyone know about these or similar options in the same price range? Thanks

[fast1]

I have spent major $$ on scopes, I have a swarovski on my TC and a couple other brands on other guns, the one I'm most impressed with is my nikko sterlings.  They are rated for air guns which Im told has more shock & vibration then large caliber magnums. Over the counter exchange/warranty. On the target its dead on. On game,.... It moves from time to time. Can't figure that one out. Take it back to the range & its dead on. I'm told its not the gun... I have two night eaters & love'em. They run about $200-500. Good luck.

[mossback91]

I had one of those nikko sterlings on my 22-250 and for the price it really was a pretty impressive scope I agree and a great price!!

[Brad Harshman]

I have spent major $$ on scopes, I have a swarovski on my TC and a couple other brands on other guns, the one I'm most impressed with is my nikko sterlings.  They are rated for air guns which Im told has more shock & vibration then large caliber magnums. Over the counter exchange/warranty. On the target its dead on. On game,.... It moves from time to time. Can't figure that one out. Take it back to the range & its dead on. I'm told its not the gun... I have two night eaters & love'em. They run about $200-500. Good luck.

It moves from time to time?  Sounds like your "scope" gets kill fever.   They say the best way to train your "scope" is to breathe right/ relax and practice more kill shots.  Gotta calm your "scope's" nerves.

I'm in the market for a good scope thank you for the recommendation.

[Heredoggydoggy]

I have never had a Leatherwood scope, so I can't say anything about them either way.  most of my scopes are Burris, and they have a scope in the Fullfield II line that is in the same price range.  I've never had a Vortex scope, but I've heard good things about them, and they have a good warranty.  Their Crossfire II line is in your price range.  I have an Alpen high end scope, but they probably have a lower priced line too.  Nikon has a low priced line, and I've had good luck with them.  Personally, I would avoid Simmons scopes.  I had a 3-9 low end scope on my first 17 HMR, and after a day of Ground Squirrel shooting it felt like there was a suction cup on my eyeball trying to pull it out.  I replaced it with a Burris Fullfield and never had a problem after that.  I got most of my scopes from Natchez Shooters Supply through their website.

[AWS]

Leupold 1x4x20mm VX-1 Shotgun scope.  Huge FOV for those hard charging and thick cover coyotes and enough X's(4x) for easy shot placement out to 300+ yards.  Also a very forgiving eyebox for rapid target acquisition.  The heavy duplex is nice in low light conditions and even with the 20mm objective if you can see them with the naked eye in low light you should have no problem finding them in the scope.  $199 just about everywhere just look for a place with free shipping.

Usually I'm not a Leupold fan but nobody has a better scope for called coyotes in thick sage or forests.  I have my combo rigs set up with them and my bolt actions have mostly 1.5x6x40's by various makers and a couple with 2.5x10x40's for more open country.

[CAMPMEAT]

I have 5-6 Pentax scopes on some of my guns. Zero problems with any of them.

[fast1]

Nope, gotta be the scope.lol no it has always been true. But ya I have been known to get the fever once or twice. But it is a great scope tho. I definitely wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.

[Yondering]

Usually I'm not a Leupold fan but nobody has a better scope for called coyotes in thick sage or forests.  I have my combo rigs set up with them and my bolt actions have mostly 1.5x6x40's by various makers and a couple with 2.5x10x40's for more open country.

For that Mini-14, one of Leupold's Mark AR scopes would be hard to beat, for the money. The turrets are dialed in for the mini-14's ballistics, and they are a solid optic. The illuminated dot at the center of the crosshairs (with a motion sensor) is a nice touch, but not mandatory if you're on a budget. I got a 1.5-4x on an assembled upper, with the Firedot reticle, and liked it enough to order a 3-9x as well.

[KimWar1911]

Thanks a lot guys for your input, it's very helpful. I may need to spend a little more than what I wanted to start out with but in the long run I am sure it will be worth it.