Just got my first .223

[AnnaCatherine]

I just scored a American Predator chambered in .223. Any suggestions on a scope in the $100 to $200 range? I'm just learning about distance shooting and this rifle came highly recommended.

 

[daveg.inkc]

I suggest a scope with Adjustable Objective

 

[22/45 Fan]

I suggest a scope with Adjustable Objective

Or a "side focus" which does the same thing. This is particularly important if the maximum magnification is above 10X.

 

[Sagebrush Burns]

Look into the Leupold "Rifleman" 3-9. Bargain priced and amazingly good optics.

 

[rugerjunkie]

Personally Id go with Nikon or better yet , Vortex for your price range. I think its money better spent vs the lower dollar Leupolds. You dont really need an adj objective at 12 power and less. Check out the vortex diamondbacks. A non ao 4-12 can be had for $200 and vortex has damn nice crosshairs ie thin lines for aiming small. An ao 4-12 jumps you up another $100.

http://swfa.com/Riflescopes-C1443.aspx

I was shooting prairie dogs this summer with one of my 223's with a lowly 3-9 on it and hits at 300+ are not that hard. How far do you plan on shooting? One of my 223's with a 6-20 with a 1/8" target dot misses a lot in the real world once you step out past 450 yards. Its easy on paper but throw in wind , mirage , etc and it is humbling. At those distances though , I am using the 6-20 cranked up and using the adjustable objective to dial in. If you plan on serious long range shooting , $200 is not going to get you much scope.

 

[Big Old Boy]

Vortex crossfire II. Should be under $200 and a good scope.

 

[Chief 101]

Vortex crossfire II. Should be under $200 and a good scope.

I have one of these on my Predator and it is a good fit and functions as it should...I likes it.
http://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-crossfire-ii-4-12x40-ao-rifle-scope.html
I think this is the one I have...good luck with whatever you find...

 

[Coyote Hunter]

Most of my rifles have Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40 scopes with Ballistic Plex (drop compensating) reticle. Three have a Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14x42AO, also with Ballistic Plex reticle.

The 3-9's cost about $170 on Amazon while the 4.5-14's cost about $260.

The 4.5-14's are better for target and varmint shooting, the smaller and lighter 3-9's are my preference for big game hunting, especially when hiking up and down the mountains. Last Sunday I was hitting clay pigeons on the 600 yard berm pretty consistently with a 4.5-14 and my 6.5-06AI and was hitting them at 500 with a 3-9 and my .243.

 

[AnnaCatherine]

Thanks guys. I'm going to check out all these and I'll post the results. You guys are awesome! Again thank you!

 

[Rumrunner]

I like and have both the Burris Fullfield II and Nikon Prostaff scopes in 3x9. I am putting the Nikon on my Predator.

 

[sliclee]

Before you over power your rifle shoot it with what you have, learn what bullet it likes and most important
EFFECTIVE RANGE.
That is the furthest distance your rifle will shoot with accuracy at what range. Hope you understand. Lee

 

[gramps]

A Nikon Buckmasters ll 3x9x40 will fit your budget, and has been recommended to me.
gramps

 

[jcart]

I recently picked up a lightly used Nikon Buckmaster 4-14x40 mil dot with side focus for under $150.
It is a very good scope and I can use Nikon's Spot-on Ballistic program.
Something to consider.