Nikon P-223 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope Review: Great Hunting Scope for 2018

In today’s marketplace, the demand for high-quality optics continues to grow.

If you’re thinking about purchasing an optical instrument such as a rifle scope, it’s important to stay up to date on the latest technological advances. Researching your investment is always a key requirement, as well as just a smart thing to do.

Are you a seasoned hunter looking to up your game? Maybe you’re a beginner and you need a little guidance as to which rifle scope brand to buy? Or are you money conscious, but still want to invest in a well-made reputable optic?

You may remember a short time ago that we gave a brief history on the first known instance of a rifle scope in our Swarovski rifle scope review. We discovered that during the Civil War, sharpshooters began to use scope-sighted rifles for correlative long distances. Today, the rifle scope is regarded by some as the first sensible optical rifle sight.

If you’re in the market for a sensible rifle scope, you’re going to need all the information you can get your hands on. As long as you have the right specifics, buying a rifle scope should not be that difficult. Rifle scopes range in price from cheap $50 knock offs up to $4000 plus military grade models.

One of the biggest mistakes that beginners make is buying a cheap rifle scope. Buying a quality-made scope will save you much needless worry and frustration in the long run. Before we get into our Nikon P-223 3-9×40 rifle scope review, let’s go over some basic information about what to look for when purchasing a quality optic.

Objective Lens

This is the front lens of the rifle scope and is measured in millimeters. The larger an objective lens is, the more light that can enter the scope. Typically, a larger lens performs better in low light conditions. Found immediately after the magnification of a scope is the size of the objective lens. If a 3-9×40 rifle scope has a magnification range of 3x to 9x, then the objective lens has a diameter of 40mm.

Adjustable Objective

This is a feature that allows the shooter to fine tune the focus of the reticle for their own eyesight. You may have seen this feature on a rifle scope, as it can adjust the focus of the objective or front lens of a scope by way of a dial around the objective lens.

Parallax

The difference between your reticle and the focal plane of your target. Be careful … it may throw off your shot at particularly long ranges.

• TIP: When looking through the scope, make sure the reticle stays at the same spot on the target.

Coatings

Found on the surface of the lens to reduce light loss and lessen glare. The more coatings, the better your light transmission. Different types are as follows …

1. Coated: A single layer of coating on at least one lens surface
2. Fully Coated: A single layer on all glass surfaces exposed to air
3. Multi Coated: Various layers on at least one lens surface
4. Fully Multi Coated: Various layers on all air to glass surfaces

Reticles

Lines, dots and hash marks that are used to aim the rifle at your target. A reticle is also known as a crosshair. Many types of reticles are available and some optic companies have their own line of reticle styles. The Nikon company has developed their own custom reticle, unique to their brand.

For example, Nikon’s Spot On Technology for their P-223 3-9×40 rifle scope. This reticle system pairs a bullet drop compensating (BDC) reticle with a ballistics calculator that allows you to enter your exact type of ammunition and get surplus estimates for different ranges.

*Please keep reading for the Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Rifle Scope Review.

Minute-of-Angle (MOA)

A unit of measurement of a circle equal to 1.0472 inches at 100 yards (or one inch at 100 yards).

Scope Turrets: Two knobs extending from the main tube of the scope that enables the shooter to adjust the reticle for accuracy. The knob on the top is known as the elevation turret and is used to adjust the point of impact vertically up and down. And the knob on the side of the rifle scope is called the windage turret and is used to adjust the point of impact horizontally left and right.

Field of view (FOV): The amount of area from left to right — usually measured at 100 yards and can be seen while looking through a scope. FOV is very important when considering which scope to buy.

• TIP: If you’re a hunter who requires ample cover and needs fast target acquisition, a lower powered scope with a larger field of view would be fitting.

In addition, you can find both fixed magnification scopes and variable ones. Variable scopes enable you to change the magnification for various shooting conditions. So now that you’ve gained some useful information for your rifle scope purchase, it really doesn’t make sense to buy an expensive rifle and opt for cheap optics.

• TIP: If you want to get the most out of your rifle, think about spending at least half as much on the scope as you do on the rifle.

Spotlight on Nikon

The Nikon company is a Japanese multinational corporation specializing in optics and imaging products. Founded in 1917, the company was renamed to Nikon Corporation in 1988. From cameras, camera lenses and binoculars, to microscopes, spotting scopes and rifle scopes, Nikon remains a consistent leader in the optics industry.

Sensible is a perfect adjective when describing a Nikon rifle scope. In addition, consistent, accurate and dependable are all great characteristics of a scope by Nikon. The Nikon brand has been a force to be reckoned with in the optics industry as their reputation is nearly impeccable. And it goes without saying that hunters and shooters are extremely loyal to their products.

Just as highly rated as Leupold and Bushnell, Nikon scopes are offered at incredible prices and are extremely reliable and very user-friendly. If you’re a shooter or hunter searching for a new scope for your rifle and need some specifics, you’ve come to the right place.

Next up is our Nikon P-223 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope review. Maybe you’ll find what you’ve been looking for and even if you’re not ready to buy, you’ll gather a nice amount of information for a future rifle scope purchase …

Nikon P-223 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope Review

The P-223 3-9×40 is a new and affordable rifle scope from Nikon designed specifically for shooters and hunters who love to get first round hits at longer ranges when shooting an AR-15. This extremely effective variable zoom rifle scope is perfect for everything from shooting on a range to tree stand hunting.

Priced very reasonably and created ideally for shooters and hunters, the P-223 9×40 sports fully multi-coated optics and a 40mm objective lens. Coupled with 98% light transmission, you can easily engage targets longer than the competition in low light situations — when animals are most active.

The Nikon P-223 is a perfect companion for use with AR rifles for short range to middle range targets and can be locked with shotguns and handguns. This scope is a foolproof extension to any AR-15 you own, or may want to own, and provides the perfect balance of field of view for close range encounters and clear lenses with the BDC reticle for long range precision. Not only is the 3-9×40 scope accurate, it’s also comfortable to use via the extended generous eye relief that will easily keep your forehead safe from bruising — even with the heaviest recoiling cartridges or the lightest of rifles.

The P-223 3-9×40 Reticle and Turrets

The P-223 3-9×40 reticle offers two pluses and two negatives that will not change during zoom range. In addition, its Spot On technology tells you what each dot means regarding yardage and zoom settings. The variable zoom scope on the Nikon P-223 3-9×40 is patented with a BDC 600 reticle which gives you exclusive open-circle aiming points and bullet drop hash marks from 100 yards to 600 yards.

The BDC 600 reticle is also enhanced to conform to the trajectory of a high-ballistic coefficient 55-grain bullet. Bullet drop compensator (BDC) reticles remain as popular as ever and give you a great deal of utility beyond the simple duplex reticle, but are only available for certain cartridges such as the .223/5.56.

With zero-reset turrets, field adjustments are made easier thanks to Nikon’s integration feature. Because the tactical style turrets are uncovered, they’re directly accessible — no need for screw-capped adjustments — a great benefit for a scope in this price range. Quick and accurate adjustments are made incredibly easy with rapid action turrets — taking aim at moving targets has never been easier.

The P-223 Summary of Benefits

Every hunter knows how precious time is when you’re out in the field. You shouldn’t have to worry about mounting issues. With the Nikon P-223 9×40, mounting an AR rifle has never been easier. Straightforward and time saving, even beginners or handicapped individuals can install and demount this rifle scope without a hitch.

Price

✔ The Nikon P-223 rifle scope costs about half the price of the comparable M-223 model

Technology

✔ Nikon P-223 riflescopes offers a terrific amount of engineering/designing at a very competitive price

✔ Accurate images of your target at longer distances/crystal clear, distortion-free optics

✔ Manufactured with advanced features of adjustment and magnifications

Ease of Use

✔ New device is simpler to mount and operate for tactical point of view

✔ No need to worry about losing caps

✔ Each click is one quarter inch at 100 yards

Features/Specifications Nikon P-223 3-9X40

• Unselfish, consistent eye relief even with severe shooting angles
• Precise, 1/4 MOA hand-turn, tactical-style, zero reset turrets/quick reticle adjustments
• 100 yard parallax setting eliminates parallax for precise shooting
• BDC 600 reticle-developed primarily for the trajectory of the .223 Rem /5.56 NATO round with 55-grain polymer tip bullet
• BDC 600 reticle offers shooters unique open circle aiming points and hash marks from 100 to 600 yards

• Fully multi-coated optics provide up to 98% light transmission and maximum brightness from early morning to early evening
• 3x-9x magnification
• 44 mm effective objective diameter
• 3.6 inch eye relief
• FOV at 100 yds: 3x- 33.8 feet; 9x- 11.3 feet
• One-inch tube diameter
• Length: 12.4 inches
• Weight: 15 ounces
• 1/4 MOA
• Maximum internal adjustment: 80 MOA
• Waterproof/fogproof
• Nitrogen filled/O-ring sealed
• Matte finish
• Backed by Nikon’s No-Fault Repair/Replacement Policy

• Check latest price on Amazon
  

Our Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Nikon P-223 3-9×40 rifle scope is a great optic for hassle free, accurate shooting. First off, it’s a great addition in the field of magnification — especially for AR platform rifles with 0.223 cartridges. With innovative features, such as multi-coated objective lenses usually offered in more expensive optics, it’s hard to believe this rifle scope is so inexpensive.

The P-223 is a lightweight and smaller-sized rifle scope, guaranteed not to add mass or bulk to your rifle — it’s no wonder that over 80 percent of Amazon reviewers give it five stars. Last but not least, with Spot On Technology and zero reset tactical style turrets, the Nikon P-223 3-9×40 rifle scope is solid choice for AR-15 owners.