Nikon M-223 3-12x42SF w/ BDC Reticle?

[Demos]

Hi,
I'm working on putting together an AR-15, and was going to be using a RRA A4 Varmint 24" upper. It will be used for punching paper and hitting gongs out to about 300 yards, which is the furthest I can shoot anywhere near me. Is there any reason I shouldn't pick up the Nikon M-223 3-12x42SF with the BDC Reticle if I can get it with Nikon's M-223 mount for $438 shipped? Also, if I get the BDC Reticle instead of the M223 with Nikoplex and the Rapid Action Turret, I will still have the option of just dopeing the target with the 1/4 moa elevation adjustment instead of the marks on the reticle, right?
Thanks.

 

[ThePunisher'sArmory]

I want one of these scopes very bad......but don't have the money right now. The mount you get free now is worth $80 alone!!! I would go for it.

The BDC is good for quick holdover when hunting. However if you are using a DOPE method get Nikoplex and a rangefinder, or milldot scope and mill your range to target.

 

[Demos]

My thinking about using a DOPE instead of the BDC reticle is incase I opt for a load that isn't close to the load the Rapid Action Turret/BDC reticle is based off of (55gr polymer tipped bullet at 3240fps) That way, if I have the BDC reticle and a load that isn't close, say a heavier 80gr Hornady Amax at 2800fps I can just print out a ballistic table for that load and adjust the crosshairs in moa, instead of having the marks on the reticle being 181, 271, 364, 476, 589 instead of 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, figured out using Nikon's Spot On program. Instead, I can just use Hornady's calculator and know its 1.3moa for 200, 3.6moa for 300, ect. This way I'll be able to use it as a traditional scope with differing loads, or if 12x zoom is too high (which you need to be in for the hash marks on the reticle to be calibrated for 100 yards each) which I couldn't with the Nikoplex, or take full advantage of BDC reticle if I'm using loads close to what it is set for.
Does that all sound reasonable?

 

[1stmarine]

Hard to go wrong. I have several BDCs. The Nikons are great optics in line with the most expensive out there.
I find the BDC awesome for hunting and easy guess work but in my opinion the reticle is a little coarse for paper punching
and would go with a higher magnification anyway for the varmint (small target) use.
A 4x16 mil dot is hard to beat so it will help you better mil-out at the same
time you will enjoy the same amazing glass.
Also look at Vortex Viper in same magnification. Also Japanese glass.
If you like bullet drop comp (BDC), for some of my AR carbines I also have the burris timberline that is the smallest footprint I found out of a decent magnification scope. 2x7 is very clear picture but it would be less optimal for small varmints or target at 300 yards.

Nikon BDC







Burris BDC





Burris bdc reticle is very nice in deed. very fine vs the more coarse in the Nikon..


I am telling you this from long first hand experience. I hope this is useful to you.
Cheers.

 

[bman940]

Demo, This is exactly what you are looking for on Nikon's Spot On Program. Using the Nikon site I entered the info you gave and used the Nikon M-223 3-12x42 BDC 600 Scope .
Here is an expanded view of what distances the circles represent.
I hope this helps?
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd363/bman940/hornaday80gr223.png