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Scope Magnification Inquiry...

678 views 8 replies 8 participants last post by  Chris-530 
#1 ·
I'm looking at purchasing a Nikon P-223 for my AR. The range I go to, I shoot out to about 600 yards. I was looking at the 3-9x40, but I was curious... For the same price, you can buy the 3x32. I'm new to scopes, but for the same price, why would one want to buy a 3x that limits you to that one magnification when you could buy a 3-9x and get more range if you felt the need to? I'm just wondering why the 3x may appeal to someone more than having a couple magnification options. Thanks in advance to those that can add some insight on the matter.
 
#2 ·
I don't know the answer to your inquiry, but I too would prefer the higher power. I will advise you to look around at other scopes before you decide on that one. Back in June when I finished my last AR build, I bought two Nikon scopes, a P-223 for the AR and a P-22 for a newly purchased .22 Rifle.

I mounted the P-223 and took the rifle to the range. The crosshairs in that scope were so fine I could not see them. I took it off of the AR and stuck it back inn the box and mounted a BSA Sweet .223 that I had on my bolt action. In August a friend of mine bought his first AR. It was a flattop DPMS and he said that he was going to put a scope on it and I mentioned that I had that brand new P-223 in my closet. I told him why I took it off and if he wanted it I would sell it to him at what I paid for it so he bought it.

When we went to the range to zero it on his rifle, he complained that he could not see the crosshairs in it. He said that he did not like it and was going to find something different. Maybe it was just a coincidence that both of us had the same compliant. Both of us are over 60 and maybe it is our old eyes, I don't know.

I just wanted to let you know before you spend over $150 for a scope and not like it. Look at other scopes before you decide. I would not hesitate buying another BSA, as a matter of fact, I am going to buy another one to put back on the Weatherby. Sorry about being long winded!
 
#4 ·
600 yd shooting is not easy. The more the magnification, the greater are the chances that the average shooter will be hitting the intended target. But the price you pay for higher magnification is reduced field of view...that makes finding the target harder in the limited field of view. I know, just dial down the magnification if that is the case but if it is a hunting situation or self defense you may not have the time to dial the magnification down.

Variable scopes have many more elements and mechanisms than a single power scope. That probably makes single power scopes more rugged (in general but it really depends on the scope). Variables with high magnification also need to have an adjustable objective to focus the image. Lower power scopes have a set focus of about 150 yds (50 yds for 22LR scopes). When observing distant object beyond the focus range with scopes up to about 9 power, your eye can not detect that the image is out of focus. But if you don't keep you eye centered you get parallax errors which are a sighting error. The more off the focus is, the greater the parallax error IF you don't center your eye in the scope.

Typically lower power scopes are used on tactical weapons for fast sighting when danger appears. Tactical scopes are usually ruggedized beyond what the average scope is. Hunters like the 3x to 9x (dialed down for close in shoots and up for longer shots). Varmint shooter want lots of magnification but the gun is on bags usually, the range is known, and the target tiny. Us 100 yd target shooters go for more magnification from fixed 12x, to variables 6X to 18X, or even 8x to 32X. Its all about sighting accuracy for target shooters. Anything greater than 9X needs an adjustable objective (to focus at the range of the target).

Just to be clear the focus adjustment at the back of the scope is to allow the eye to focus on the cross hairs and the adjustment on the front of the scope is to allow the lens system to focus on the target. Get them wrong (they interact) and you introduce parallax sighting errors.

So what you buy depends on your need. The most versatile is the 3x to 9x variable and that is why it is so popular for the average shooter. Tactical guns (for self defense) need low power rugged scopes. Varmint and target shooter tend to prefer high power scopes.

LDBennett
 
#7 ·
I have shot 500 yards with my 220 Swift using a Nikon 6-24X50 with target nobs and sun shade. It took some time to get the setup right and a 80 power spotting scope will help some.
I would much rather shoot 200 yards with my 3-9 X 56 Kahles but if you are like me, you just have to get that out of your system.
Come to the BBQ tomorrow and I'll set up a target at 600 yards and let you see how difficult it is.
 
#8 ·
I believe it is determined by needs and wants. I prefer fixed power scopes but I don't think I would consider a 3X for extended ranges. When I shot a great deal at 500-1000 yards I had a 12X Leupold and it worked just fine. I own only one scoped, centerfire hunting rifle and it is equipped with a 6X Leupold. Never saw the need for more and 4X would have been just as good. To me that also would depend on your hunting style and conditions even though I used the 6X with complete confidence the years I lived in Wyoming where shots average longer than here in the Ozarks. I understand the desire and perhaps the effectiveness of the higher power variables but for my purposes see no need for them.
 
#9 ·
I'm at Sportsman's in Roseville right now looking at the P-223 scopes. I have no issue with seeing the reticle like one mentioned. I like the 3-9, but the 3-12 for a little more is obviously nicer. The 3-9 is a little over 12", but the 3-12 is around 15". That seems a little gaudy for an AR, doesn't it?
 
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