The .223 round is also a low recoiling, easy shooting round that can work up close as well. Any optic you use should have the option of a lower magnification for close range shooting. What makes any good optic is its durability, the optical clarity, and its light transmission. Here are, in our humble opinion, the 4 best .223 scopes for the money:
Nikon P-Tactical
If you are looking for an affordable, well-built optic specifically for the .223 round, you are in luck. Legendary optics manufacturer Nikon has produced the P series that are perfect for certain calibers. The P-Tactical is, of course, for the .223 round. The P-Tactical is affordable and truly packs a lot of value into that price tag.
The Nikon P-Tactical (see full specs) uses a bullet drop compensators specifically designated for the .223 round. The optic uses simple hash marks to designate bullet drop from 100 to 600 yards. This really stretches the potential of the .223 round. The BDC is remarkably easy to use. The optic is surprisingly tough, made from aircraft grade aluminum and sealed to protect the internals from dust, debris, and water.
The Nikon P-Tactical is also shock and fog proof, an important feature not commonly found on budget scopes. The optic’s lenses are fully multi-coated and with great light transmission. The 3-9 power is perfect for close and extended range shooting and the 40 mm objective lens is perfect when working in coordination with the lenses. The Nikon P-Tactical is an excellent budget option for those looking to outfit their .223 rifles.
Weaver Kaspa Tactical Scope
The Weaver Kaspa Scope is perfect for equipping to your .223 rifles. It’s a 1.5-6x power optic, which gives the .223 round some room to move, and also lets it work up close and personal.
The 32 mm objective lens is perfectly in sync with the 6 power max magnification when it comes to transmitting light. With a max magnification of 6 the optic would be bigger and heavier with a larger objective lens, with no real benefit. Speaking of light transmission, the lenses are fully multi-coated for both light and clarity.
The Weaver Kaspa optic comes with fingertip adjustable turrets and resets to zero windage and elevation turrets. This makes it very easy to sight the optic in, and make precise adjustments in the heat of battle, or competition. The reticle is fully illuminated, but, is also etched into the glass so the illumination is merely optional. The reticle itself is quite interesting and easy to use. The reticles use hash marks for windage and elevation, and an empty circle in the center to use in close range engagements. This is one of the best scopes for .223 period.
Primary Arms ACSS
The Primary Arms ACSS is actually quite revolutionary. The ACSS is brilliantly designed and absolutely functional on .223 rifles. The ACSS optic comes in either .308 or .223 models, and provides a bullet drop compensator built into the reticle. This bullet drop compensator is designed around a particular round and if you use a different caliber with it, the BDC will not properly compensate for distance. So the .223 variant must be used on .223 weapons.
The bullet drop compensator uses what they call the auto range BDC. This allows for a simple sight in and engage. The auto range BDC makes it much faster to get on target and engage. This shaves precious seconds off of the engagement time.
The Primary Arms ACSS (see full specs) is water, shock and fog proof, and designed for tactical and military operations. The turrets for elevation and windage are fingertip adjustable. The focusing ring is mounted on a turret as well, for easy and precise adjustments. The Primary Arms ACSS is designed brilliantly, perfect for any designated marksman, with a BDC, as well as markings for windage. The ACSS is tough as nails and ready for any .223 rifle.
Redfield Revolution
Designed for precision AR platforms and bolt action rifles, the Redfield Revolution is not an optic you have to be cautious or timid with. The Redfield Revolution is built with one-piece tube construction and is made from durable, high-quality aluminum. It’s completely sealed to prevent water or dust debris from compromising the unit. The scope is nitrogen purged to prevent any fog buildup and is shockproof. Redfield also backs the optic with its no excuses guarantee, a lifetime warranty that asks no questions and gives no excuses.
The Redfield Revolution is a 3-9 power optic, which allows for precision shooting at the .223’s max effective range. The 9 power allows the shooter to not just make a headshot but to make a nose shot or an eye shot or give the target a smile. Aim small, miss small is a concept one should follow when utilizing a small round like the .223. Precision matters even more when you are using a small round.
The Revolution is incredibly precise and gives a wonderful performance on the range. The optical clarity is top notch, and light transmission is through the roof. This is aided by the 42 mm objective lens, which works hand in hand with the fully multi-coated optics to give you a clear, bright view through the optic. This should be on anyone’s list of the best .223 scope for the money.
The 223
The .223 Remington round has been around for a long time. A derivative of the .223 was adopted by not only the U.S. but by NATO as its chosen assault rifle round. It’s no surprise that there is a thriving optics market built around the round. The round works brilliantly with iron sights, but having the best .223 scope takes the round to a whole new level. Good luck!
