Looking at Scopes - Nikon M-223?

[BuffCyclist]

Now that I've got my first AR coming to me in the mail, I've started looking at scopes/optics that I am considering purchasing. The rifle is a S&W M&P15OR and I'd like to use it more for getting into the longer range target practice, so preferrably something with some zoom to it (though I have no idea what is a good zoom range for all around use). I don't know much about scopes and the more research I do, the more confused I get. Hypothetically, at the moment my budget is $500 as I can't see myself paying more for a scope at the moment until my longer range use can no longer be achieved with the $500.

In my research, I've found the Nikon M-223 4-12x42SF with BDC 600 reticle. Seems to be relatively new, so it's been hard to find reviews for it, but I like the concept of the BDC reticle. Does anyone have any opinions on this scope, handled it, shot with it, read a review on it elsewhere, or have another recommendation that is along these lines?

In the end of things, I'd like to get a quality scope that I can keep for years and transfer between rifles (as I see myself getting another rifle eventually), that has a mil-dot style reticle (as opposed to just crosshairs), windage and elevation adjustments. I've always had the mentality that if I pay a bit more now (better than entry level) it will last a bit longer, so as long as it's a quality scope, I might be able to justify spending a little more. At the moment, I'm slowly specing out an SPR for long range shooting, so it'd be really excellent if I could get a scope now to use for both rifles.

Thoughts? Opinions?

[BuffCyclist]

Anyone? No recommendations at all? this is my first rifle! It'd be really nice if someone could point me in a better direction!

[The1andOnlyKC]

I just looked at one of them today at Sportsmans. It is clear, elevation adjustments were pretty crisp and it looked well built. Other than that I cant say much for that specific model.

But I do have a Nikon Monarch on my RRA LAR-8. I really like it and am actually looking at getting a Monarch for my hunting rifle. One of them would be in your price range. The one I have is 4-16x42 Its a nice scope.

I also have a Vortex Viper on my Rem 700. It is a nice scope too. It is also in your price range I think, been a while since I have looked at them. This one is 5-20x50

Otherwise I have used a Simmons, Tasco, Bushnell (some of their cheaper ones) and Burris. I like the Burris, Nikon and Vortex the best in order of preference. A note on the Burris' I have are all their USA made ones. Cant really comment on their stuff since they moved a lot of it over the pond.

Burris and Nikon seem better built and have anti-fog coating that the Vortex does not have. But out of the 2 Burris, 1 Nikon and 1 Vortex all in that price range, I think they are equally as clear.

I have ranged stuff out to 1200 yards with the Nikon at 14x. So as far as magnification goes you dont really need anything that goes up to 20x. Plus the more magnification you bring into play creates its own problems.

I have also heard good things about the Bushnell 3200 series.

[BuffCyclist]

Thanks! Glad to hear that you have a Nikon Monarch 4-16x42 as I've been looking at those as well since they are a bit cheaper than the Nikon M-223.

I wish I had a store to go look at a ton of scopes at, but all I've got within an hour of me is Walmart, and I'm not joking about that. Well, that and Holloman AFB, but I doubt they'd let me on site and into their armory!

Perhaps if I make a trip to Albuquerque to see a good friend or Las Cruces or El Paso soon I might try to find a local sporting goods store or gunshop. That's why I'm asking for so much help, as I don't have access to see anything in person really unless I want to drive at least 2 hours. I'll be ordering it online when I'm ready for it, which hopefully is soon as I want to shoot it!

[The1andOnlyKC]

As long as you dont get anything super cheap I dont think you will have too many issues.

[DocMedic]

If your heart is set on Nikons M-223 series may I suggest either their 1-4x20 scope or their 2-8x32 if you want A BDC.

8-32 is way to much power for a Carbine 223.

[BPTactical]

I am a firm believer in Nikon glass. They are probably one of the most under-rated optics out there. They are very well priced and for the bucks the optics are very good.
I personally use a Buckmaster and a Monarch on my scoped rifles and I have had nothing but good to say for them.
Both are Mil-dot reticles and although I have had the BDC reticle I personally do not care for them. I think it obstructs the target a touch too much for my taste.

Great glass at a fair price.

[Daniel_187]

I like my Buckmaster mil-dot, Did not like the little adjusting caps and saw that you can buy the taller turrets for them, am not crazy about the objective lens(the front one I think) how it tappers down insted of going stright so it you put a sun shade on it, it looks goofy, but overall I like it

[BuffCyclist]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I'm leaning towards a Monarch series scope instead of the M-223. I've been reading that the Monarch and M-223 are the same scopes (M-223 has Monarch glass) but the M-223 costs more for a few small features. The Mildot also seems to be preferred a lot more over the BDC, and since I'd rather not chance it or lock myself into the .223 caliber with the scope, the Monarch stands out a bit more.

DocMedic, I wasn't looking at an 8-32 scope, the highest low-end power I'm considering is a 4x, but I'm still thinking that might be a bit much.

[BuffCyclist]

Alright, so I'm finally leaning towards the Nikon Monarch 4-16x42SF. Found them on gunbroker right now for $355 + $11 s/h. Planning on ordering it in a few days if they're still that price.

Down the road, I'll add the Target Turret kit, but wanted to ask you guys what you thought about the kits. Which would be the better one to get, the 1/4 MOA or the 1/8 MOA High Pro kit? SWFA.com has them for $59 and $79 respectively.

The only reason I am leaning towards the 1/8 MOA kit is because it includes two sets of turrets: Oversize Elevation Knob, High Pro Elevation Knob, High Pro Elevation Cap, Oversize Windage Knob, High Pro Windage Knob, High Pro Windage Cap. Whereas the 1/4 MOA kit only includes the High Pro knobs. Just seems to be a better deal to get the 1/8 MOA kit since I'm adding turrets to it to allow for more options down the road.

Finally, I have to determine which mount to get. I've read great things about LaRue LT104's but it's a bit hard to justify spending $200 on a mount for a $400 scope. And I emailed LaRue to ask if I need the LT139 (offset for scopes with greater eye relief) and they said that I'd need the offset for a scope with 4" of eye relief, which this Nikon Monarch has. That changes the price to $215. Are there any other brands of scope mounts that are a solid body (instead of just scope rings) that compare with the LaRue mounts?

edit: While searching around on MidwayUSA I found the Burris AR-P.E.P.R Extended Piccatiny-style scope mount. I've heard of this before, is quite a bit more reasonable on the price but was wondering if anyone here has experience with it? At $80 I'd be more willing to go for it without hearing more reviews than on the LaRue, just because my rifle will be for paper hunting and isn't going to be put through the abuse of tactical situations...at least until the zombies come that is...