I realize that there are other threads about this but this is very particular to only these three brands and models. I've been researching three different scopes. They are the Nikon m223, Bushnell ar223 and Leupold Mark AR. I need some opinions on which would be the best scope in terms of features, optic quality and general workmanship. They're all 1-4x and under $400. Also, can you recommend a mount to go with it that doesn't cost a leg, arm and your first born.. I don't have kids so it would be my dog. I love my dog. I would hate to part with her.
Bushnell vs Nikon vs Leupold AR Optics
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I have the nikon P223 with the p series mount. The glass and eye relief are perfect. I only have one beef with the scope and its the bdc reticle. Its hard to see the gradiations. The crosshair is nice. Not sure how it compares to the m223 but check that part of it out. The large tactical turrets might seem overkill to some people but i like em.
I have both the Bushnell Ar223 scope as well as the Leupold Mark AR. I just bought the Bushnell 4.5 to 18 AR scope and I find it is every bit as clear and bright as my Leupold Mark AR. If I had it to do over again I would just buy 2 of the Bushnell's as they are a bit cheaper and to my eyes they are equal to the Leupold.
Wow that was very prompt! I'm surprised to hear that the Leupold glass and bushnell glass are no different to the common eye. Just given that and the fact that zeuce said he likes his nikon.. I've now narrowed it down to the nikon vs bushnell. Can someone that may have handled both give some insight between the two?
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
Consider the Sightron SIII1-7x24 IRMOA. Costs more, get a whole bunch more. Optics are stunning and the 1X is really 1X. at 7X, you can engage a figure 11 at 600m no problem
Burris PERP has proven popular and is durable.
Jerry
Burris PERP has proven popular and is durable.
Jerry
I've heard about the PEPR before and read some reviews. That will likely be my mount. I was also looking at the nikon m223 mount but it doesn't have quick detach..
Canadian_Zuk
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Pickering, Ontario
I've had both the Nikon and the Bushnell. They were both very comparable in clarity and brightness, I have not owned a low power Leupold. Of those two, I would choose the Bushnell if I were you (living in the GTA) as the Bushnell repair center is in Richmond hill. If you have any warranty claims you can just walk in and have it dealt with on the spot, no waiting. I currently have a Minox 1.2-5x20 and find it MUCH better than either the Bushnell or the Nikon I previously had, they do cost a little bit more ($500).
Having owned and shot with a Leupold VX-R Patrol 1.25-4 and now owning a Bushnell AR 1-4 there are a few things I like better about the Bushnell. I haven't used the Nikon or Leupold AR. Firstly, the glass. The Leupold had some distortion and fisheye on 1.25x. It wasn't terrible but it annoyed me. The Bushnell has almost no distortion on 1x. Both scopes had excellent glass on 4X. I haven't shot with the Bushnell but I've glassed around town and feel it isn't far behind the Leupold but not as good. The FOV is wide on both, clarity and brightness is just a little better on the Leupold. Not enough to bridge the price gap however. Leupold is known for having a big eyebox but eye relief changes a bit much with magnification. The Bushnell is the opposite. Touchy eyebox but eye relief hardly changes. On 1x the Leupold might as well be a red dot as far as eyebox is concerned. It is daytime bright but the reticle and illumination do not focus together. With a crisp reticle the illumination is slightly out of focus and vice versa. I kept the reticle focused because the illumination was only used on 1.25x for quick acqusition. I didn't notice it while shooting. Again, the Bushnell is the opposite. Illumination is only low light visible (battery is good) but it is perfectly focused with the reticle. Eyebox on the Bushnell is its biggest weakness. If you're not right in it, the image blurs. Its not as bad on 1x but it will annoy you. The Bushnell is FFP so the reticle gets pretty small on 1x. With the lack of daytime illumination and the touchy eyebox it is not the best optic for going fast. It is however a good value considering the price.
I would agree with this since I replaced a Leupold AR 3-9 with the Bushnell AR 4.5-18 on a Remington LTR in 223. The Bushnell is a 4X scope and has side parallax adjustment, the only negative about these scopes is the weight since they weigh 21 ounces, I think they are exceptionally good value for the money.
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The warranty centre is just north of me.. That's awesome. That's another plus for the bushnell.
As a photographer I only use Nikon lenses and the same will go for there scopes and the reason is they produce all there parts in house they make there own glass for there scopes and as many know Nikon glass is possibly the best glass out there and by making there own scopes and not buying someone else glass or other internal parts makes the Nikon scope not as expensive as the others.
Nikon Travis M.
Regular
- Location
- Alberta, Canada
Keep in mind Nikon has a service center in Mississauga, Montreal and Vancouver.
One other quick note, Nikon Canada has finally added the AR mounts to our price lists so your local dealer should have them shortly available.
Best of luck in your search! (I'd recommend the Nikon but I'm a little biased.)
Ar180shooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Ottawa, ON
I don't have any experience with the Nikon, but here's my $.02.
The scopes you're looking at are all generally equivalent. They're coming from reputable companies and all have decent glass and features. The primary thing I'd be looking for is weight, price and availability. Leupold wins in the weight department, but costs more than the other two (AFAIK).
As for a mount, the Burris PEPR is a good mount for $100. If that's a bit too much, I've had good luck with the Weaver Tactical line of rings. They make it in an Ultra High model, so that should be high enough for an AR. They're $50 and relatively good quality.
I'm researching that mount now! It's looking pretty good so far... 3 ounces is insane.
