Author: james

It’s important to find a high quality, functional rifle scope for an AR-15. People enjoy the AR-15 rifles for the fact that it enables them to make extremely accurate shots. However, this is best done with the attachment of a great rifle scope.

In this article, we are going to give you an idea of what to search for when shopping for the best rifle scope and list some of the top brands in the business. Toward the end, we will provide you with rifle scopes that are available on Amazon and what’s out there for several types of budgets. So, if you’re confused on where to start in shopping for a rifle scope, don’t fear! We are here to help you get a great start!

What to Look for in an AR-15 Rifle Scope

There are several things to consider when you’re looking for the best rifle scope for your AR-15.

First, what are you using the rifle for?

The purpose of your target is very crucial in determining which rifle scope to purchase. Rifle scopes are created with different strengths and abilities depending on the nature of your scenario. For example, if you’re a deer hunter, it may be best for you to find a rifle scope that’s created for shorter ranges yet shows you a broad view of the scene. This is very beneficial since your target is likely to be moving. Even further, finding rifle scopes that offer the red dot is a significant aid to moving targets like deer. It gives you the ability to keep up with the game and produce an accurate shot. In other words, you will know exactly where the shot is aimed.

Reticle

While we are speaking of the red dot, also known as the reticle, there are thousands of products to choose from. It ‘s nice to have variety, but that can make it difficult when you don’t know which one to choose. Overall, you will want to choose a reticle that best enhances the purpose in which you’re using the rifle for. For instance, we have already used the example of deer hunting. If that’s the nature of your rifle use, then you’ll want to have a reticle in your rifle scope that best suits the needs for moving targets.

Typically, you will want to choose a reticle that has adjustable color and brightness. This makes it super easy to use in any lighting situation whether it’s daylight or moonlight.

In fact, many hunters prefer something that’s called, “gradual distance reticle” in which there’s a hash mark for every few distances. This gives the hunter a real advantage in finding and shooting the target as they can choose a mark due to the distance of the moving target.

As far as color is concerned, most reticles are red (hence the nickname, “red dot”) but are also popular in the colors of black and green depending on the strength.

In fact, there are scopes that have rangefinders built in them that allow the shooter to instantly know the distance to his moving target.

Why is it important to know the distance of a target?

Any experienced shooter will tell you that it’s crucial to know the distance since it allows you to consider the natural elements surrounding you that could affect your shot. This includes elements such as wind or rain. The wind can certainly have an impact on an accurate shot if the shooter doesn’t aim and prepare for its involvement in the movement of the shot.

All of these details are why it’s so important to consider the reticle when you’re shopping for the best rifle scope.

Magnification

Magnification is another detail to consider when you’re shopping for a great rifle scope. There are many options to consider when researching the magnification. The better the zoom, the more that the image will distort. Keep in mind that there are many different scopes that aid in the process of reducing the distortion but the kind you purchase will depend on the specific needs of your rifle.

As we have already mentioned, there are many different purposes for the shooter. The most common is game hunting. Since hunters often deal with a moving target, regarding magnification on the scope, it’s best to find one that has a greater zoom than most. This will increase the odds of accuracy.

It’s interesting to note that some rifle scopes are colored in emerald to allow for the magnification of light. It promotes excellent visibility during darker scenarios and environments and also creates a more clear view with the higher magnification.

There are also rifle scopes that don’t have as much magnification and are used for shorter firing distances and ranges. It’s in those type of situations where clarity is more necessary than magnification.

Again, it all comes down to the purpose and nature of the rifle’s use. Depending on your shooting scenario and ordeal, there’s a rifle scope for every need.

Top Scope Brands

There are several great brands of rifle scopes that are very popular today. Let’s name a few so that you can be familiar with them before we progress any further.

Bushnell

Bushnell has long been around for consumers that are in need of tactical and rifle products. There’s no doubt that they provide some of the best rifle scopes on the market. They offer high-quality rifle scopes for nearly any budget, big or small.

Armasight

Armasight is a mega name in rifle scopes and other tactical products. They provide consumers with high-quality rifle scopes that are used frequently in the professional settings as well as the hobby settings. Their brand has pricey rifle scopes as well as affordable rifle scopes. They’re worth checking out if you’re searching for the best of the best.

UTG

UTG is seen a lot in the rifle scope community. They offer a budget friendly variety of high-quality rifle scopes. If you’re concerned about the budget but don’t want to compromise quality, this is the brand to consider.

Nikon

Let’s face it, Nikon is known for many things when it comes to cameras, telescopes, rifle scopes and more. As far as rifle scopes are concerned, it’s gentle on the wallet and doesn’t compromise the great quality.

Vortex

Vortex is a great brand for rifle scopes in that it provides excellent quality products with great prices.

Aimpoint

Aimpoint is up there with Armasight. They offer high-quality rifle scopes but their pricing may be slightly higher than some folks care to spend. However, the quality certainly isn’t compromised as they do offer some of the best rifle scopes in the business.

Best AR Scope for Under $100

If you’re on a tight budget but need to find a great rifle scope for your AR-15, then this may be the product for you.

–UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope, AO

The UTG Bug Buster is available for under $100 and has a wonderful star rating on Amazon.

It comes with a fully sealed design and is 100% nitrogen filled. It’s perfect for any environment as it’s rain, fog and shock proof! Even better, it comes with the dual red and green illumination as well as conveniently providing eye relief for all hunters and shooters that are in different weather and environmental conditions and scenarios.

You’d enjoy knowing that it comes with a one-inch tube with an emerald coating that allows for the maximum light transmission. It also has a premium zero lockable and turrets that are allowed to be reset time and time again. They come with a 1/4 MOA per click adjustment.

As far as range is concerned, it has an adjustable objective that extends from 3 yards to infinity!

The UTG Bug Buster also comes with a two-inch sunshade, detachable rings, and high-quality flip-open lens caps. For your convenience, it’s ready to use straight from the box!

For a high price under $100, the UTG Bug Buster is a rifle scope that offers an excellent function for a low price!

As for the reviews on the UTG Bug Buster, most of the customers were very pleased with the quality of the scope for the low price. There wasn’t negative to say about the product.

Best AR Scope for Under $200

Let’s take a look at a great rifle scope that’s available for under $200.

–Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600

The Nikon P-223 has a stellar rating on Amazon as well as an affordable price! Available for under $200, this rifle scope has a lot to offer. Let’s take a look at the nitty gritty details.

The Nikon P-223 is waterproof, and fog proof and O-ring sealed. This makes it perfect for nearly any environmental scenario such as rain, fog or sunshine.

It has a BDC 600 reticle that provides the rifleman with a special open circle for aiming points. The hash marks are from 100 to 600 yards. In fact, the BDC 600 reticle is designed for the curve of the .223 Rem/5.56 NATO round with a 55-grain, polymer tip bullet. This is one reason that many of the AR-15 lovers enjoy the Nikon P-223.

This high-quality rifle scope also comes with a 1/4 MOA hand-turn. The Zero-Reset Turrets reticle adjustments are incredible with helping you get a great aim on your target faster. Even better, it ensures that you can maintain your setting so that accurate shots are made the first time. This performance is guaranteed even through repeated recoil.

The Nikon P-223 has an amazing 100-yard Parallax setting that is useful and beneficial for precise shooting.

Finally, are you worried about your brow? No worries. It’s designed with constant eye relief that’s guaranteed to keep your brow safe from all rough movements, difficult shooting angles, and heavy recoiling cartridges.

Let’s take a look at what the customers are saying about the Nikon P-223.

It’s nearly impossible to find a single, bad review on the Nikon P-223. Overall, the major detail that customers love about this particular rifle scope is the extreme clarity in low light situations. If you enjoy early morning or nightly hunting trips, this would be a great rifle scope for you!

Best AR Scope for Under $300

There are many high quality rifle scopes for under $300. Let’s take a look at one that’s available on Amazon.

–Bushnell AR Optics Rifle Scope

The Bushnell AR Optics has a high star rating on Amazon and is available for an affordable price below $300. What makes this particular rifle scope a winner is that it offers a ton of available details and functions at a meager price. Now that’s a deal! Let’s take a look at the many features and qualities of the Bushnell AR Optics Rifle Scope.

The Bushnell AR Optics 1-4 24mm BTR-1 scope is prepared to give you the accuracy needed to have that successful shot! The illuminated reticle is calibrated and designed for use with 5.56 rounds. The BDC ensures that you have accurate aiming, detailing and ranging up to 600 meters.

You can make super fast power changes with the Throw Down PCL lever.

It comes with multiple coated optics that provide brilliant brightness and an incredible eyepiece that functions with fast focusing skills for the best accuracy.

The Bushnell AR Optics is infused with nitrogen and sealed with an O-ring so that it will prevent any moisture or dust from seeping into the lens. As for the external structure and durability, it’s built of sturdy aluminum alloy. It’s finished and sealed with an anodized coating to protect the inside from any external elements. Additionally, it’s rustproof and scratch proof! This allows you to keep a crisp, clean and beautiful piece of tactical equipment for an extended period of time.

As for the scope rings, it’s best to check the clearance on your particular rifle before choosing your scope rings. Typically, medium height scope rings offer the necessary clearance that eliminates contact with the scope base and cap of the rifle. However, it’s best to be sure and double check before choosing the scope rings for the Bushnell AR Optic. There’s a small chance that the Bushnell AR Optic’s erector cap assembly may lower the odds to use low scope rings.

What are the customers saying about the Bushnell AR Optics Rifle Scope?

Customers love the fact that the lens is super bright and delivers high accuracy with every performance. The only surprise that customers had about the Bushnell AR Optics was the heavier-than-expected weight. If you’re okay with a somewhat heavier rifle scope, then you’ll love it!

Best AR Scope for Under $500

If you’re searching for the perfect rifle scope for under $500, then we have found a great option for you on Amazon.

–Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Rifle Scope

The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle has a stellar star rating on Amazon and even comes with a free camouflage style hat.

The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle is created for speed and reliability. It’s great for hunters and shooters that need an an assistant in reaching targets from a variety of ranges whether it’s point blank or long extended ranges. It’s reticle sub-tensions are used for estimating the range and wind drift correction. This ensures that the shot is accurate at the highest magnification.

The Strike Eagle rifle scope is constructed with the utmost in quality with fully, multiple colored lenses that ensure you have a precise, clear sight of the target.This increases the light transmission through the several anti-reflective coatings. Its reticle is glass-etched thus protecting the two layers of glass for excellent reliability and durability. The illuminated reticle offers incredible aiming precision for low light situations and conditions.

The single piece, 30mm tube allows for the maximum alignment that encourages sharp accuracy and tremendous optical performance. Even better? The Strike Eagle offers sturdy durability with its waterproof construction. This ensures that you can use your rifle scope reliably whether in dry or wet conditions.

What are the customers saying about the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle?

As we stated earlier, the Strike Eagle has a spectacular star rating on Amazon. Honestly, there isn’t anything negative that can be found on this reliable, sturdy product. Customers have written reviews and then later updated the reviews with stating how wonderful their rifle scope continued to perform. It’s durable, reliable, durable and even comes with a hat and extra battery pack!

Best AR Scope for Under $1,000

If you are shopping for something with a budget of $1,000 and under, here’s a great rifle scope on Amazon.

–Armasight Vampire 3x Night Vision Rifle Scope

If you want to find a rifle scope that fulfills all of your needs, why not find one that also has night vision capabilities? That way, you can locate your targets in the darkest of night or the lightest of day. The Armasight Vampire can fulfill that need for you. Let’s take a look at the details and all that this great rifle scope has to offer.

For starters, it has an excellent star rating on Amazon and is available for under $1,000.

It’s designed with a CORE technology system that gives it the resolution of up to 70 lp/mm. In fact, the Armasight Vampire even challenges some Generation 1 rifle scopes! (CORE stands for Ceramic Optical Ruggedized Engine)

The Armasight Vampire is constructed from strong, sturdy, solid aluminum. The O-ring is tightly sealed and coated with rubber to protect it from dust and other environmental elements. It’s also treated with nitrogen to ad in the prevention of internal moisture.

The waterproof, sand proof and fog proof design allows the shooter to operate through nearly any environmental condition.

The illuminated reticle comes with a convenient brightness adjustment. It has a detachable, long range infrared illuminator. In fact, the all-glass IR transmission has multiple coated optics that guarantee a high quality experience.

The Armasight Vampire comes with a quick release mount that attaches to the standard Picatinny or weaver style rails. It’s also equipped with tactical rails for illuminators, such as the IR illuminator, and lasers.

Last but not least, it has a convenient low battery indicator and comes with a limited two-year warranty.

What are the customers saying about the Armasight Vampire?

Many customers are stoked about the Armasight Vampire because it delivers the high quality as that of generation 1 tactical night vision rifle scopes. If you want the advantages of a generation 1 rifle scope, the Armasight Vampire is the rifle scope to choose.

Conclusion

When you’re shopping for the best rifle scope for your AR-15, there are a few things to consider. First, it’s crucial to pinpoint the nature of your target. There are no two rifle scopes exactly alike. Each one serves certain aspects better than others. For instance, one rifle scope will work best for moving targets while other rifle scopes work best for still targets.

Once you’ve acknowledged the nature of your target, the next details to investigate on the rifle scope is the reticle and magnification. Since the scope is designed to be your second pair of eyes, it’s important to know the sight strength and accuracy.

Another important aspect to consider while you’re shopping is the brands. It’s great to be familiar with the top brands as they offer the best on the market.

Finally, after you’ve educated yourself on the top brands, see what the customers are saying about the rifle scopes. Their feedback almost always gives you an idea of what to expect when you purchase the same rifle scope.

As long as you’re familiar with these steps, you won’t have any trouble with finding a great rifle scope for your AR-15.

If you are looking for speed and versatility, Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6X24 rifle scope is the scope for you. The Strike Eagle Easily goes from point blank to extended ranges with very little effort. The Strike Eagle comes with removable lens covers, lens cloth and CR2032 battery all included and at its low price point is an excellent buy for anyone looking to gear up their rifles accuracy. The Strike eagle come with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all of its air to glass surfaces increasing the scopes light transmission. The second focal plane reticle’s subtensions used for estimating range, holdover and wind drift corrections are accurate at the highest magnification and the glass etched and illuminated reticle are durable and provide precision aiming under low-light conditions. The Strike Eagle is made of single piece tube construction cut from aircraft-grade aluminum with a tube size of 30mm. The scope is also waterproof, fog proof and shockproof due to its O-ring seals, nitrogen gas purging over a wide range of temperatures and rugged construction that withstands recoil and impact. Covering this solid piece of aircraft aluminum is a hard anodized finish that is highly durable and low -glare, helping to camouflage the shooter’s position. The capped reset turrets allow re-indexing of the turret back to zero after sighting in the rifle scope. The caps also provide external protection from the elements. For your convenience there is fast focus eyepiece to allow quick and easy reticle focusing.

The magnification as told in the description is 1-6 x with a 24mm objective lens diameter giving you a field of view of 116.5-19.2 feet/100 yards. The length is 10.5 inches and with a weight of only 17.6 ounces the Strike Eagle is very versatile and easy to haul on those long trips. The AR-BDC reticle is both versatile and easy to use due to the illuminated centered halo which makes fast target a1quisition quick and precise. The manual has details on using the AR-BDC reticle for ranging and bullet drop compensation to further advance your accuracy. On look through the lens gives an impressively clear view with optics usually only found on much higher priced models.

The 11 illumination intensity levels give a very good range of illumination while out in the field helping to get a better view of your target near or far. The Strike Eagle is of course covered by Vortex’s VIP warranty (standing for Very Important Promise) which states that Vortex will repair or replace your Strike Eagle Scope at no charge in the event that it becomes damaged or defective. Vortex does not care how it happened, who was at fault or where you purchased their product. Vortex boasts an unlimited lifetime warranty, fully transferable with no card to fill out and no need to hang on to your receipt! The only things that it does not cover are loss, theft, deliberate damage or cosmetic changes that would have hindered the performance of the scope.

While using the scope I found the design very easy to work with. All of the adjustments were easily within reach and had a great ergonomic feel while using it.

The Strike Eagle is a huge improvement over sights and seemed just as easy to use. The optics were not only forgiving, but you don’t have to be a pro or even a regular scope user to master it. The manual was very helpful in using all of the advanced options that I had never tried out before and the AR-BDC reticle made it very easy to spot my target at first glance. AT first glance the look of the Strike Eagle is very solid and looks well machined and tight within all moving parts. There were no gaps that were uneven and the smooth even finish of the outside of the scope was both beautiful and held a strong functional presence. Due to the solid construction and easy ergonomic design the scope was easily mounted and had a nice solid feel once in place. After mounting the Strike Eagle became part of the gun as if it were made specifically for it.

I would have to say that the Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Rifle Scope with AR-BDC Reticle lives up the the Vortex Optics name with its ease of function and quality of design. This scope easily looks like a scope well above its price range and also performs like one. When you add in the Vortex VIP warranty this purchase is a no brainer, when I think back to my days of shooting with sights alone and what I spent. I wonder why I didn’t get it sooner! Needless to say the Strike Eagle has made a good impression on me, but Vortex Optics as a company also was very impressive in their commitment to not only putting out a quality product that is easy to use, but their commitment to pleasing their customers as well.

Your rifle’s accuracy is only as good as the scope that you use. That’s why it’s so important to invest the time and energy necessary to find a solid scope that works well for your intended purpose. The Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Riflescope offers exceptional durability, gives a clear view of the target and works over a long distance.

Overview of Essential Specifications

The Vortex Diamondback riflescope offers several features that are designed to make your next excursion more enjoyable. It’s solidly built, and it uses a solid, one-piece aircraft grade aluminum allow construction for ultimate durability. This material also makes it extremely resistant to heavy recoils. The scope is also able to eliminate internal fogging by using Argon gas while also serving to provide protective properties over an extreme range of temperatures. When it comes to clarity, this scope offers crystal-clear vision and you’ll enjoy fully multi-coated optics that are capable of transmitting 91 percent of the available light. The scope comes with a protective lens, and it features fast and easy to use windage and elevation pop-up dials.

Most Important Features and Benefits

This scope will work with a variety of rifles, and it’s exceptionally well-suited for rifles that are designed for hunting. It has good long range capabilities, and it is also an exceptional option for target practice. The dead hold reticle uses a modified design that gives it a unique method of operation. The result is that you’ll be able to eliminate much of the guesswork that is associated with windage and hold-over corrections.

Use this scope for shooting at multiple ranges where the issue of hold-over could present an issue. The Argon gas that is used in the scope also has the advantage of not reacting negatively to water or absorb it. This makes it an ideal scope for a wide range of applications, terrain and weather conditions. It’s designed to make it easy and fast to make quick windage and elevation adjustments, and it’s based on the zero reset accuracy system.

In practical use, the glass on the scope is extremely vivid and bright, and you’ll be able to get a clear view even at the edges of the scope. Focus adjustments are extremely accurate and won’t obscure your shot, and you can make adjustments quickly. Overall, it’s a good all-around scope for general purpose hunting use.

A Matter of Design

Experienced hunters know that simple is often the best option when it comes to reliability and performance. The Vortex Diamondback is a reliable scope that uses a simple design. It’s not meant to do everything, but it excels at what it is designed to do. The design makes it rugged, long-lasting and you won’t have to worry about damaging this scope on more intense hunting adventures. It’s a single-objective scope that is designed to help you hunt game from a distance with the ease and simplicity of an expert marksman. You’ll be able to render 1/4-inch MOA click alterations at a range of 100 yards, which makes it exceptionally accurate.

The design is lightweight and fairly short, so it won’t be a burden to carry with you. It’s an ideal scope for general hunting at a distance, and you’ll find that it’s easy to handle and install. It’s designed to be used by a right-handed shooter, and some modifications would need to be made if you’re left-handed. The nicest feature of its design is that it works equally well with new and older guns, and you’ll be able to interchange it if you wish.

Is It Right For You?

This scope is a solid scope that will introduce you to shooting with a scope. It’s great for those who are on a budget, or for hunters who need a scope they can knock around a bit. It’s not a professional scope, but it’s a great option for those who hunt sporadically or consider themselves beginners. The simple design and limited options make it simple to configure and use. You’ll be able to get up and running with this scope in no time.

The scope is an excellent first-time purchase for someone who is new to using a scope. It doesn’t make sense to buy an expensive scope until you know exactly what you need. By going with a high-quality, entry-level scope like the Vortex Diamondback you can gain experience and learn what features you need most in a scope.

Conclusion: Weighing the Pros and Cons

It’s important to realize what you’re buying when you get this scope. Customer reviews tend to rank this scope highly, but you should realize it’s not a professional-grade scope. No scope is perfect, and this scope does have some flaws. However, the overall value and features for the price make this scope a great deal if it fits your personal needs. For a middle of the road, general purpose rifle scope, this will satisfy the needs of most customers. That is why it is one of our highest recommended scopes, and why it also shows up on other similar lists.

On the plus side, the focus range is exceptional. You’ll get extremely precise cross-hair focus, and the precision doesn’t diminish as objects gain greater distance. The scope is worth more than it’s advertised price. When it comes to features, reliability and price, this scope is in a league of its own. It’s also extremely tough, and you don’t need to worry too much about any rough handling, which is another reason it’s perfect for the beginner.

The downside is that you need to be fairly accurate with the alignment or you’ll likely miss your target. You’ll need a sharp image of your intended target with zero field of view loss. Because of this, it may take some time to adjust your shot. Late afternoon shooting could be hampered somewhat by the available light, but it’s still usable in a variety of lighting conditions. Finally, the parallax is great at about 10 yards. Try to go above 50 yards isn’t really practical for this scope.

The UTG 3-9×32 BugBuster Riflescope has been a favorite choice among many shooters and hunters. This is because of the accuracy it provides through its magnifying lens. Most of the consumers have expressed positive reviews on this particular rifle scope. Its various incredible features also further enhance its positive response among most if not all of its consumers.

Some of the positive reviews expressed by consumers relate to its optics and magnifying power. Consumers really like its scope. They say that it looks great on M&P 15/22. The magnification range is perfect for a .22 scope. Users like how the optics are surprisingly sharp at its affordable price. The rifle scope can focus accurately over a range of twenty five yards. The clarity of the scope through its magnification is nothing short of perfection. For many users, the scope can zoom well at objects that are up to 80 yards. Its magnifier is great for bringing objects in close quarters much closer. The scope has a fast target acquisition that is easy to zero and holds no zero. The scope is also very durable. This has made many users to like the riflescope more.

Reviewers love the affordability of this riflescope. It is relatively cheap compared to other rifle scopes and has a performance equal to a $200+ rifle scope. This rifle scope presents a great deal for your money and is worth every penny. Its powerful features more than surpass the price of the UTG. Many consumers say that they do not see any reason to spend hundreds of dollars on big name tactical scopes to shoot at the range while the Bug Buster is readily available.

Another positive review is with regards to its reticule. The reticule poses no issue to the users. Many users love the fact that the reticule is as straight as it should be. Reviewers also like the reticule for its brightness and visibility. This makes the rifle scope an ideal tool and perfect to use for aiming and shooting dark targets. The UTG 3-9×32 Bug Buster Riflescope has a mil-dot reticule which gives users to enhance their shooting performance and accuracy. This is because the mil-dot reticule has four dots in each direction on the cross hair. This enables users to have nine different aiming points for elevation or windage

Reviewers love its strong platform. This riflescope comes with an innovative True Strength Platform that has a spherical structure. This structure helps control the interaction between the inner and outer tubes of the rifle scope. The platform has a unique design guarantees users precise adjustment elevation over time. The rifle scope is easy to mount on an American made AR-15 among other rifles.

Reviewers have shown appreciation for its RGB Side Wheel Illumination that offers up to thirty six colors in multi-color mode. This enables users to accommodate all light and weather conditions when they are shooting. Many users like this riflescope because it utilizes an innovative EZ-TAP illumination system. They love this system because it gives them easy and convenient access to color change. Its side wheel adjustments allows the users to switch between different colors. This feature is not common for all rifle scopes and this has made the UTG 3-9X32 Bug Buster Riflescope a favorite for many.

Reviewers love the reliability that UTG 3-9X32 Bug Buster Riflescope offers when mounted on their firearm because of its fog, shock and rain proof feature. This rifle scope is filled with nitrogen and is completely sealed. It is therefore very suitable for most users who find themselves in adverse weather conditions and environments because its dual red and green illumination makes this rifle scope the best choice for them. Users love it because it is resistant to all weather conditions.

Consumers love this rifle because of it offers a parallax free view from three yards and beyond. The rifle scope is able to achieve an parallax view. Users prefer this rifle scope because this particular feature is not common to all rifle scopes in the market. On top of that, it is also quite impressive of the UTG 3-9X32 Bug Buster Riflescope.

Reviewers like the UTG Bug Buster because it comes with scope rings. The rings are QD (Quick Detach) therefore enabling users sure and easy mounting. This rifle scope also comes with a set of flip up lens caps and optional sun shades that help consumers reduce glare.

In summary, the overall ratings and reviews of the UTG 3-9X32 Bug Buster Riflescope falls on the positive. This is because it has an excellent optic and is pocket friendly in terms of budgeting. Its lenses are very clear at various distances. Its fog, shock and rain proof feature is very impressive.

In this review, I will address the features, the turrets, the usability, the aiming range, the BDC reticle, and the hash marks of the Nikon P-223 3-9×40 riflescope. Eighty three percent of Amazon reviewers give it 5 stars, and there are very few setbacks to the device.

The Features

Reviewers rave about the generous, consistent eye relief that keeps your forehead from bruising even when the heaviest recoiling lightweight rifles, cartridges, and severe shooting angles threaten. The BDC 600 reticle has been specially developed for the trajectory of the 5.56 NATO round/ 223 Rem with 55 grain polymer-tipped bullet. This reticle provides shooters hash marks from 100-600 yards and open circle aiming points. There are also precise, hand-turnable, zero-reset turrets with positive click adjustments, which help you to zero in sooner and to maintain your setting despite even repeated recoil. Then, the 100-yd. Parallax setting eliminates parallax, improving your aim. Because the scope is O-ring sealed and nitrogen-filled, it functions even in watery and foggy conditions. The scope is 13 in. long.

The Turrets

Being uncovered, the turrets are directly accessible, which is highly unusual in scopes at this price range. Most Nikon Prostaff scopes need screw-capped adjustments.

Reviewers say the turret adjustments are crisp, and after you have zeroed in the scope, you can turn and lift the turret caps — without having to reset everything — and drop it back into the zero place. So, if they get bumped or turned somehow, all you have to do is return both turrets to zero. You do not need to zero in the scope again. Now is that wonderful or what?

The Usability

Even a handicapped person can use this sturdy, durable, well-constructed scope. The Nikon design is hard to beat. It is nearly as good as a Mark 4 LR/T 4.5-14x50mm or Schmidt Bender 3-12×50 PM II/LP, which both cost about 10 times more. The scope has no caps on it, which is yet another great feature, as you do not need to worry about removing and losing them. Another easy-to-use feature is that after sighting the scope in, all you have to do is to pull out on the turrets and turn them to zero in 6 clicks in either direction without changing the setting. When you adjust the uncovered turrets, the clicks are crisp and easily audible. Each click is a quarter inch at 100 yards. So, as one user says, the lens caps had to go — elastic and all. Lastly, the weight of the scope is quite reasonable.

The Aiming Range

The scope can be zeroed at 100 yards and adjusted out to 800 yards. With this scope, you can consistently hit an 8 inch gong at 800 yards, though, at upper magnification, it gets just barely fuzzy. The clear glass optics are sharp and bright, and only minimal sighting in is needed. Still, zoomed 9 times in low light, the clarity remains amazing. The only problem with the aiming device is that when you are hunting at night when there is snow on the ground and you turn on a red light, the scope draws in so much of it that it causes a halo effect because of the light reflecting off the snow and into the sighting device. In low light situations, though, its drawing of the light is very useful. One user said he could see through the scope on full moon nights to the point that he felt enabled to make a clean shot if needful, and that he had thrown everything he could at this scope and that it still performed perfectly. Up to 300 yards, the picture is clear, and another user reports the scope can reach out to 600 yards, which is the same distance as the marking goes out to. Yet another user reports it very effective for getting a 100 yard zero on a 50 yard target. When he checked it at 100 yards, it was a close thing, and he just had to make one minor adjustment to get it to where he wanted it. The eye relief is constant, and the aim is still accurate. After sighting this scope, you can even reset windage and elevation dials back to zero.

The Reticle

This has two pluses and two negatives to it. One positive thing about it is that it does not change a bit during zoom range. The other is that the Spot On technology tells you what each dot means in terms of yardage and zoom settings. However, the reticle only functions correctly at full zoom, and the miniature BDC reticle bubbles look odd.

The Hash Marks

They do not line up when zero adjusting. Nor do they line up perfectly after you zero it and reset the windage and elevation knobs. The BDC dots that indicate yardage are quite small, causing the user to need to adjust the focus at the back of the scope in order to make the reticle show clearly. Then you need to adjust a smidgin to achieve the hold-over indicated by the dots. In addition, the dots are hard to see against a variable pattern or a dark target. It requires concentration to spot them.

In this review, I have discussed the features, the turrets, the usability, the aiming range, the BDC reticle, and the hash marks of the Nikon P-223 3-9×40 riflescope. Overall, users love it, but there are just a few minor flaws.