Which P-223 Nikon scope for my AR

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nix4me

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So i've pretty much settled on the Nikon P-223 rifle scope for my 16inch AR-15. What I am having trouble deciding is whether to get the fixed power 3X32 or the variable 3X9X40. Any thoughts?

I plan to use the rifle mostly for just punching paper at 50 and 100 yard range.
 
IMHO 3X is best for the field, 9X is great for punching paper, so if you can live with the extra size and weight the 3-9X pretty much covers it all.
 
I'd go with the 3x9-40. I've had one on one of my old ARs and loved it. I run nikon for all of my scopes though lol
 
I have the fixed 3X on my AR, and like it a lot, especially for the price.

My intended use is jackrabbits and coyotes, and I think the fixed version is an outstanding match for that. It's lightweight, and it has a wide field of view.

When I bought my AR, I said that I wanted an inexpensive basic model that was better than 2 MOA, and that's exactly what I got. Actually, it's more like 1.5 MOA, which is just fine for my application. If that's the type of rifle you've got, then I think that either scope will be fine.

If you've got a rifle that is MOA or better, then I think that indicates the variable model. The additional magnification would probably be worth the extra weight.
 
I love the little 3X, so much I ordered another one when Primary Arms put them on sale.

3X at Primary Arms

You can actually shoot some pretty small groups with 3X, but naturally if the main use is punching paper, more power is nice.

I put this 4.5X18 Bushnell on a paper punching upper and while it is pretty nice, it's not in the Nikon's class IMO. Could just be my eye though.
 
I'd go with the 3x9 for range use. I have a Nikon M223 in 3x12 and it does it all. I also use a Nikon 4.5x14 Buckmasters on a 7mm-08. Both arep great scopes. With the rain and humidity today the Nikons Didn't fog up a bit while the Konus spotting scope was impossible and a Burris 1.5-6 MTAC was nearly as bad!
I'm not sure if there are lens differences between the P and M lines but you should be able to check.
 
I've got the 3-9x40 on my Bushmaster and I zero it at 100 yards on about 5X. After that it's pretty much good to go on any distance I want to shoot. I love the Nikon variable scope and don't notice the weight at all.
 
We have both. I use the 3x on my PSA upper Mega lower. My wife has the 3-9x on her S&W M&P Sport. Before we got the 3-9 she was in love with the 3x. With the 3-9 she breaks clays on the ground at 100 yds. then goes after any of the bigger pieces on the embankment. She really like her 3-9.
The P223s are huge values for the money.
 
If i have the A2 front site and the optic, will it interfere? Or do i need to remove the front site and use a low profile gas block?
 
No, not if you use the P223 mounts or any other basic AR mount. They seem to be made to clear BUIS when they are down.
 
If i have the A2 front site and the optic, will it interfere?
Click to expand...

No you won't see the front sight through the scope. Pretty much only at 1-2X do you see the front sight post and even then its not really an issue.
 
Nikon P-Series Scope's

I have beenusing both the P-223 3X and 3-9 on my AR's. I have been using the compact 3X Carbine scope on my competition AR and I am very pleased with how well it works. That being said, I think for your needs the P-223 3-9 BDC 600 will give you a lot more flexibility in the way you shoot. Dial it down for dial the magnification to the max for accurate paper punching. The scope is clear, crisp and easy to use. Nikon's Spot On Ballistic Program will let you dial in the BDC reticle to the exact ammo you are using. One thing when entering the MV, I am getting about 300 fps less then what is listed on .223 boxes for my 55 gr. ammo. So enter 2900 instead of 3200 for fps. Here's a pic of my 3-9 with Nikon's P-Series AR mount.
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd363/bman940/P-223 3-9/p-2233-9.jpg
Click to expand...
 
Don't buy Nikon

I have the 3x on my Bushmaster. I liked it enough that when I was half way through my build on a second AR, Cabella's ran a good special and I picked up the 4x12x40. Third trip to the range I had the screw in the elevation turret pop out. Whatever it screws into is free turning, so it was impossible to re-seat the screw. I sent it back to Nikon, and they returned it in the exact same condition, after disregarding the detailed description of the problem that was enclosed with the scope. I returned it again. This time their website soon listed the status as "product replaced". That was about 5 weeks or more ago. I have yet to see the replacement. This process is in it's third month at this point. I have had numerous interactions with their supposed customer service reps. Each time has been more frustrating than the last. At this point I was told I would be contacted the next day by the "Manager" that I spoke to. That was last Thursday. Haven't heard back. This was after being given three different stories (flat out lying to me) by the same service rep. I'm hoping I just got a lemon, but God help you if you ever have to have something fixed by them. I'd stick with something else if I were you. Bushnell, and Redfield make some nice lower priced stuff for the AR platform. If cost is no issue, get a Leupold. I wouldn't buy Nikon again if you paid me.
 
So the 3X has enough magnification to shoot decent groups at 100 yards? I'm actually liking the looks and size of it more so than the much longer 3x9.
 
Not that I need one (I'll find something to do with it), but I just ordered one of the 3x P-223s from Optics Planet for $113.95 delivered - can't turn down a good deal on a scope!?

They currently have instant $30 rebates / discounts on Nikons, and I used 5% discount code PDTKLP.

I just ordered a Bushnell 3x9 40mm AR Optic scope from B&H Photo for $118.15 yesterday! :banghead:
 
basicblur said:
Not that I need one (I'll find something to do with it), but I just ordered one of the 3x P-223s from Optics Planet for $113.95 delivered - can't turn down a good deal on a scope!?

They currently have instant $30 rebates / discounts on Nikons, and I used 5% discount code PDTKLP.

I just ordered a Bushnell 3x9 40mm AR Optic scope from B&H Photo for $118.15 yesterday! :banghead:
Click to expand...
Exactly why i'm asking which one to buy. :) Opticsplanet has both on sale and like always i'm sitting here like an idiot trying to decide which one to push the button on...
 
Scope

I think you will be happeir with the P-223 3-9 BDC 600. It will let you punch more accurate holes in paper and still let you shoot multiple steel targets if you get that opportunity. Definitely most flexible of the 2 scopes.
 
So the 3X has enough magnification to shoot decent groups at 100 yards?
Click to expand...
I have a Simmons 6.5X24 in mounts I swap from AR to AR to do accuracy testing. One day after testing I put the 3X back on and proceeded to shoot one of the best groups of the day. That said, for paper punching I like more power. I have a Nikon Buckmaster fine cross hair dot 6X18 on my .22 Hornet. Great little scope. Midway has the mil dot version on sale. Seems they have several Nikons on sale right now. I really like Nikons.
 
I wouldn't get a BDC reticle. I had a P-223 scope on one of my ARs for about two months and I hated it. The BDC is a PITA to calibrate the required zoom factor to match your ballistics when you change your ammo/loads. I much prefer a mil-dot/mil-hash reticle.
 
BDC

What is there to calibrate? YOu enter your shooting data into Spot On hit fire and you get the corresponding distances for each BDC circle. You can print out a small tabel showing the distances for each circle through all magnification setting's as well. Very simple and accurate to use truthfully. For some not used to this kind of reticle getting used to it can be tough, but it is so quick to range a target and put the right circle for that distance on the target. If you want to change ammo just enter the new ammo into the Spot On program and there you go. It's so easy to use my 78 year old Father In-Law has figured it out. Is it for everyone, absolutely not. The key is to find what will work best for your needs, if it's not a BDC reticle scope I can understand that. We are all the most accurate with whatever we are the most comfortable using and that is what is most important.

http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd363/bman940/Spot%20On/spotonscreen.png
 
I'm also looking at 1x4x24 scopes. These seem to offer good features. Both eyes open at 1x for close up targets and 4x for bench target shooting. Seems like Primary arms and Vortex are popular for the 1x4
 
It gets no love (from brand snobs?), but check out the Bushnell Throw Down PCL.

I got an early one when Walmart was the only place that had them - they can now be found for under $250 (probably delivered) if you search. You could also swing by your Walmart to get your hands on one and eyeball it?

Everyone that's looked thru mine has been impressed - a few have bought 'em after doing so. One thing I like about it is it's a 1st Focal Plane reticle, so your BDC marks remain the same no matter what power you have dialed up.

You can read my review of it here.
 
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