I need to get a scope for prairie dog and coyote hunting for my .22-250. I�d like to keep it under $1100. I would ideally like an illuminated reticle but also like the looks of the Leupold Varmint Hunter reticle, which isn�t available illuminated.

Which of these would be the best set up and which other scopes should I consider?:

Leupold 4.5-14x50 VX-3 with Varmint Hunter reticle

Leupold 4.5-14x50 VX-3 with one of the available illuminated reticles (which one?)

Trijicon AccuPoint 5-20x50 (which reticle and which color illumination?)

Have you considered the Vortex PST 4-16x50?

If you can live without an illuminated reticle, check out Sightron SIII scopes. Better glass than the Leupold, with customer service that is second to none.

http://www.sightron.com/index.php?action=view_document&did=1201816362&cat_id=6&id=168

Meopta

Doug, can you point me in the right direction for some reviews on this one or the PST 6-24x? Thanks.

I would look for a good used NightForce Scope. I bought an excellent condition 3X15X50 NF last summer for exactly $1,100.

I put the scope on a new 22-250 Cooper, and it fits the rifle perfectly. Tom.

i second the sightron bigsky or SIII...wont need an illuminated reticle with these for your applications i would think anyway

The only thing I'd comment on is that there is a big difference as to application between a big scope with a Varmit Hunter Reticle and one with an illuminated reticle. Basically, the VH reticle is a fine reticle that will typically fade out, that means you won't be able to use it, as it gets darker.
Illuminated reticles, on the other hand are specially designed for use with fine retilces either in dark twilight or at night. Their drawbacks are that most use batteries, which can die at the wrong time, and they tend to make the image harder to see clearly.
If you do go with the illuminated type, I'd be inclined to use one w/o batteries. E

I've never owned, and barely heard of most of these scopes. I'm just getting back into hunting after spending a number of years working overseas. Most of my scopes are Leupolds now.

Tell me the pro's and cons of Vortex PST, NightForce, and Sightron. I like the idea of an illuminated reticle on this rifle. I think 14x is fine for max magnification and wouldn't really want more than 18x. I'd like it to go down to at least 6x on the bottom and would prefer 4x. I'd like a 50mm objective but think any bigger, like a 56mm, might cause me mounting issues. How do these brands compare to the VXIII?

I don't mind a battery for the illumination as I think if I miss a chance at a pasture poodle or 'yote with my .22-250 its unlikely to be as serious as if I have scope problems on my .338 facing an Alaskan brown.

One problem that has not been addressed yet is that prairie dog hunting and coyote hunting is two completely different thing's.
For prairie dog's my favorite scope(s) are the VX-3 6.5-20x50 or VX-3 8.5-25x50 but they are way down the list on what I want for a coyote rifle.
For a coyote rifle my favorite scope is a VX-3 2.5-8x36 that is not the greatest for prairie dog's.
The ultimate solution is to have a dedicated rifle for each. if that is not possible then you have to compromise, a VX-3 4.5-14x40(or 50) will work well for either but not ideal.

It seems to have a lot of features I'm looking for. Which reticle choice would best suit varmint hunting?

Yes, thats the compromize power range I am considering with a strong lean toward 50mm objective.

Brazos_Jack,

If you want something that imcompasses the 4 1/2-14X you can get either a 2 1/2-16X44 or X50 or a 4 1/2-30X50 Bushnell.
I don't understand why anyone would want to limit themselves to less magnification when more is available in a scope of about the same size.

Someone suggested something about like a 2-8X. The 2 1/2-16X is very close and has twice as much on the top end. I paid $620 for my 4 1/2-30X50 and $512 for my 2 1/2-16X50. That means for thirty-two bucks more than your max I could have two great scopes that can do way more than a 2-8X or a 4 1/2-14X.

There are a ton of reviews over on Sniper's Hide

I'll 2nd the idea of the used Nightforce,but it will still be at the upper end of your price range.All NF are illuminated.I have also seen several Leupold MK-4's for between $600-$800.One of these is where I would start looking,but thats just me. Lightman

+1

I've always wanted calling guns to be fast and flat. Not real practical to mess with a scope when movement is a no-no. Now if you are sniping dogs longrange, then by all means get a high power scope with all the whistles.

In time I'm gonna try to get a used leupold tactical mk 4 ffp
with a custom built elevation turret for about that same price for my winchester 25 06 antelope rifle

I've got a used nightforce 3-15 ffp with zero stop for my 204 ar that cost me $1500

It's hands down the best scope I ever owned

I 2nd the meopta in a 4-16x44 for under 1000. I used one for p-dog hunting myself,but a 3-12x56 for night varmint hunting either one would work for both. try eurooptics.com You can go on ebay and find them. Reps name is Alex Roy

I sure like my Zeiss 6.5-20x50. $750 from Doug w/turrets.

I agree w/Rockchuck. Two different things. Really question lit reticle. Pdogs etc are day animals and coyotes are mostly hunted then too.