Nikon P-223 3-32mm Scope
Major Pandemic 03.21.14
Research by the U.S. Army Laboratory Command is a good measure of how far we will really hunt or shoot defensively. They noted that 98 percent of all targets across all terrain are engaged at less than 600 meters, 90 percent less than 400 meters, and 90 percent less than 50 meters in urban terrain. With this in mind, we need the ability to be able to reach out to targets beyond the 15-25 yd. lines, but it’s unlikely we will ever shoot out beyond 600 meters in a defensive or even hunting situation.
Magnification and sighting aids help ageing eyes. A few of my buddies clearly need magnification, and this is where even just a little 3x magnification can make all the difference between making a shot and experiencing frustration at the hunt or at the range. If you are older, I recommend taking a look at what a low-power optics can provide you and your AR platform.
One of the optics that fits this need perfectly is the very high quality crystal clear Nikon P-223 3×32 fixed power scope.
The P-223 3×32 is a compact format fixed power 3x scope and the quintessential scout optic. It delivers a brightness exponentially better than its price would indicate. In fact, it’s brighter than many scopes three times its price. Nikon has calibrated the reticle to be spot on with most .223/5.56mm 55-grain polymer tipped rounds such as the Hornady 55gr TAP round. The new BDC (Bullet Drop Compensating) Carbine reticle provides a 200 yd. zeroed crosshair with BDC “hash marks” at 400 yds. and 600 yds.
I am a huge fan of fixed power optics as you don’t have to worry about being on the wrong magnification setting for your BDC to work right and your mind trains itself to range targets quicker. This very small compact scope delivers the shooter 50-600 yd. shot placement on 12” targets easily without wondering if ranging is off from the wrong magnification.
Nikon has what looks like a polished copper reticle on these scopes, which picks up light and delivers a very nice glowing copper reticle effect. Once in lower light, the reticle appears black. The entire effect is that the reticle almost seems illuminated during the daytime.
The turret design is also outstanding. However, the ticks were just a tad off kilter which annoys me but is far from a deal breaker. If I was equipping an armory of AR15 scout or ranch rifles economically, all would be wearing this scope.
Final Thoughts
This is not a close CQB optic due to the lack of illumination, but 15 yds. out, it performs marvelously. The scope is a solid, high-quality offering optimized for the AR platform and the .223 55gr round. When zeroed at 200 yards, the hash marks will put you right on the target 400 and 600 yards within an inch or so. For this price this is a no-brainer optic purchase and the best deal in a scout rifle optic. It’s also an excellent predator/varmit optic for a ranch focused AR-15.
SPECS
- MSRP: $149.95
- Magnification: 3x
- Objective Diameter: 32mm
- Exit Pupil: 10.7mm
- Field of View: 35.6 ft @ 100 yds
- Tube Diameter – Other: 1 in
- Eye Relief: 3.4 in.
- Objective Outside Diameter: 39.3mm
- Eyepiece Outside Diameter: 41mm
- Weight: 12.2 oz
- Overall Length: 8.1 in
- Adjustment Graduation – Other: 1/2 in.
- Max Internal Adjustment: 100 MOA
- Parallax Setting – Other: 100 yds
- Waterproof/Fogproof: Yes
- Matte Finish: Yes
- Use Centerfire Short/Mid Range
