Nikon M223 scope, opinions????

[rareair]

I've just acquired my POF-USA P415 rifle. Since I choose the 18" barrel, I want to use it to hit 300-500yrd targets with it. So I'm looking recommendations for a good scope, not really wanting to spend $1500+ on a Leupold. I'm kinda liking the Nikon 2-8x32 M-223 scope w/ BDC reticle. Give me your thoughts & opinions

[HK Dave]

I want one myself.

Leupold makes a similar scope, specifically for the AR and built at the same price range as the Nikon version....

That being said, I hear the Nikon's build quality is superior to that of the comparable Leupold.

[bman940]

Rare,
I can second the Nikon M-223 scope being an excellent piece of glass. The one you have in the pic obviously has the rapid action Turret. Just sight in for 100 yards, set turret to and off you go. If you choose the BDC reticle, make sure you go to Nikonhunting.com and Check out the Spot On website. It'll give you the ballistics for what your round is doing once it leaves the barrel.
I think you will be very happy. Drop me a note if you have any questions.
Bart
Nikon Pro Staff

[tiger222]

I have that scope with the BDC turret, it's a nice compact scope - glass is really clear for the price. I like it.

[Solidsnake87]

There are better Nikons that that for shooting distance. You don't need match ammo to shoot to 600 yards. However, if you are shooting your standard AE, federal, PMC, ect... expect to be shooting consistent 40" groups.


Every type of ammunition drops differently. So, the BDC markings and calibrations are only approximations for a wide variety of ammo. Sure, you could reload ammo to match the BDC, but you'd be better off with a different scope.

This may suit you much better as the turrets will allow you to adjust to a wider variety of ammo with more accuracy. Most ammo has info (velocity, BC, ect..) printed on the box so you can use that info in conjunction with Hornandy's fee online ballistics calculator to get you on paper.

If you don't mind spending $500-700, check out the Viper Vortex PST. I hear they make great distance starters. Or you can spend $300 on the Super Sniper. Those seem to have quite a following by serious shooters as well.

I'll give you one warning though, if you ever buy a Nightforce scope, you will never settle for anything less. If you buy a NF, you WILL replace all other scopes you have.

[Which Way Out]

Been thinking of this one myself. Will check back to this post and see replies

[professionalcoyotehunter]

I have the a few of these with the Nikoplex and the BDC reticle and I like them both. I use the BDC for my smaller calibers and I use the Nikoplex for my .30-06 and up.

[bman940]

Snake, That is the point I was trying to make when I brought up Spot On. Nikon's Spot On site allows you to enter all your shooting information int their site and get the corresponding distances for each BDC circle. You can even get adjustemnts for wind.
I can assure you the with factory ammo you can do far better then 40 in. at 600 yards too.
I recently shot in Missouri with 14 writers who had not shot using a Nikon BDC reticle scope before. Using stock rifles and ammo we literally had them walk from 100 yards to 600 yards where we had 4 in. jars of Tannerite that exploded on impact. Needless to say they were all very impressed. Again, this was all done by using the FREE Spot On program offered by Nikon. We used .223's, .243's, .308's and .300 win mags. for this demo.
Bart
Nikon Pro Staff

[nikonuser]

I know Leupold makes one similar called MARK AR specifically for 55gr .223 ammos.

[Metal Monster]

I'm ordering a M223 2-8x32 Nikoplex reticle today. I checked out the other comparable scopes and for the money, quality, and use (range targets up to 600M) it's perfect. I plan to someday go BLM shooting with it. It's going to be on a LMT 16" - piston.

This is my first Nikon scope but I use Nikon cameras and lenses. If the scopes are anything like the photographic lenses then it's a good deal.

[BigNick]

I dont have the Nikon 223 scope but if it is as good as the other 4 nikon scope I have I will be ordering on for my next Ar build. I also agree with bman about the nikon's spot on. I used it last weekend for a 600 yd shoot at sac valley. I was on paper in the 8 ring with my first shot.

[sniper4usmc]

M223 1" or 30mm?

[Metal Monster]

1" tube diameter.

http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/Products/Riflescopes/8486/-M-223-2-8x32-Nikoplex-with-Rapid-Action-Turret-.html#tab-ProductDetail.ProductTabs.TechSpecs

[RRichie09]

I heard you need to mount it with a 20MOA mount to take advantage of the BDC?

[BigNick]

I have not heard that I have a couple of BDC scopes and this is the first time I have heard this. Maybe Bman can enlighten us?