Advice and looking for a scope for an AR

[SI Eagle]

I am basically a novice when it comes to an AR but my son just picked up a Windham Weaponry AR .223 and I have no idea what kind of scope it should have. He wants to use it for coyotes and such so I am not sure if it should have a standard scope or a red dot type? Any suggestions and don't want to spend more than a couple hundred at the most and no opposed to buying a good used scope (would actually prefer it). Any advice or anyone that has a good used one would be appreciated. Thanks

[h20hunter]

Personally,  I would pick up a decent bdc reticle scope for the caliber.  Should be plenty of options in that price point....3x9.

[Special T]

Dependi g what you want to do but... I have used the Nikon Varmint reticle bff and like it. I gave also used the illuminated 1x4 Bushnell first plane at scope that is used in many 3 gun competitions. It was kind of cool because on 1x it acted like a red dot, and on 4 power it had bullet drop out to 400 yards ish. Several companies make this style.

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[Alchase]

If he only wants to use it for Coyotes and other varmint shooting, go with a good scope as the others have recommended.
If he also wants to use it for Home Defense where you would need a quicker on-target time sand more forgiving eye-relief, I would go with one of the 2nd focal plane adjustables.
I have an MTAC 1x4x24, it works great for this. If I was to buy again, I would consider the Steiner PX4xi. The Steiner glass is a bit better than my MTAC.

[aaronoto]

A 1-4x will stretch an AR a long ways and still be usable for up close stuff.  If not using for up close work, then a 3-9x or 2.5-10x is perfect on an AR.

[Special T]

I belive most of the ACOGs used by the military are 4 power. 

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[nutntoit]

I agree a 1-4x or 1-6x is about the perfect optic for an AR. After switching from a red dot to a Leupold Mark AR 1.25-4x firedot I will never go back. It makes the gun so much more versatile. On 1x it is still a great close range or defensive rifle and on 4x or 6x you can easily range out to 3, 4, or 500 yards. There are plenty of AR specific low power scopes out there. Anything you get from a reputable manufacturer will be great. Vortex makes a lot of decent scopes in the $200-$300 price range and can pretty easily be found used. I have hunted Coyotes with my set up and 4 power is plenty. If cost is a factor you should also look into some 2-7x scopes. That is sort of an undervalued power range that is often overlooked. Very usable and would be great on an AR.