AR Scope - Nikon P223 vs Nikon Prostaff vs ....

[.40Cal]

Hey guys,

I want to get a good scope for my AR. I'm considering the Nikon, Weaver, Bushnell brands... Right now I'm thinking about the P223 with BDC Vs Nikon Prostaff with BDC. What the real difference in these. The P223 is about $50-$100 more, why so. Both are 3X9 40mm, including the BDC. So the the big price difference.


'd prefer a scope that is 3X9 minimum, or up to 4X16... etc. I prefer higher Zoom capabilities for longer distances. Budget would be up to (Max) $350..ish.... Any what other recommendations you have.

[a1rfreshener]

i love the nikon coyote special i got the 4.5-14 and i love it... its more practical in speed shooting at moving objects, but if u just want something to punch holes in paper a regular reticle will do just fine and i believe i only spent 330 plus they throw in a anti glare device!

[wang949]

I have a P223 and a Prostaff. The differences is that the P223 has a .223 specific reticle and target turrets. Both have nice glass.

IMO the target turrets on the P223 are nice if you are bench shooting, but if you want to hunt/enter a field, go with the Prostaff and use its BDC reticle because the turrets get stuck on everything and easily rotate off zero.

Other good options in your price range are Redfield and Leupold.

[bman940]

Wang, The new turret's are much stiffer then previous ones. The P-223 3-9 BDC has certainly found it's niche'. Using it with Nikon's Spot On Ballistic Program has increased the accuracy of the BDC circles especially for guy's who want to shoot lighter or heavier bullets. I prefer the BDC reticle on my hunting rifles just because of how easy it makes taking a long range shot when you have ranged a few landmarks.
Also, Check out Nikon's M-223 AR Mount. There is also an extended range mount with 20 MOA but you'll be fine without it.

[21SF]

Ziess conquest, Im a zeiss whore

[bman940]

It really comes down to looking thru the tubes of scope's in your price range, deciding what feature's you want and picking the scope that you think will work the best for your needs. As for the BDC reticle, some guy's don't like it, but I can tell you with over 1,000,000 registered users, Nikon must be doing something right!

[Annex138]

Midwayusa has a 4-12 prostaff for around $200. It's a nice scope but its a little long for a ar carbine. I have one on a bolt rifle. With your price range of $350 you could go with a Nikon buckmaster. It's the next step up from the prostaff line.

[SDRider858]

Quick question, did the P223 line replace the M223 scopes?

[Annex138]

Quick question, did the P223 line replace the M223 scopes?

The p223 line is based on nikons prostaff line. I believe the m223 is based on the monarch line. P223 is just nikons cheaper line of scope.

[bman940]

Annex is right, the P-223 Series is the entry level version. They are BDC style reticles.
They have been selling very well which is the reason I haven't been able to get my hands on one since last Jan. at Shot Show. I encourage guy's using these two scopes to dial in the accuracy even more by using Spot On.