Nikon is one of the most recognizable and impressive optics companies in the world. From some of the most advanced cameras to world-class rifle optics, Nikon is in the top of the list. The Nikon P-223 AR-15 scope is just one of those great optic offerings, and has much to offer in precision shooting with the AR-15.
Though not thought of as a precision rifle nearly as much as the larger .30 caliber versions, the AR-15 has several distinct advantages that can make it a fine designated marksman rifle. This has already been proven accurate in both the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Though there may be some limitations of the smaller .223/5.56mm cartridge, there are also some distinct advantages, particularly in short and medium ranges that are typical for law enforcement engagements.
Nikon P-223
The Nikon P-223 is specifically designed for the .223/5.56mm cartridge and offers both a carbine and longer range bullet drop compensator (BDC) reticle. This provides both patrol and sniper options for today’s law enforcement. Both BDC’s come in a duplex model, with horizontal line narrowing just before the cross, and the vertical line being thin above the crossWith Nikon’s excellent lens coating, and superior lenses, the clarity of optics is at the highest level available on the market.
The Nikon P-223 BDC provides officers a greater amount of clarity and accuracy through magnified optics that provide a much smaller aiming point than standard iron sights or even red dot optics. This can prove vital in critical incidents. Whether responding to an active shooter in a large area, or setting up perimeter control around a location where an armed subject has barricaded themselves, having the ability to magnify the target area and precisely aim will often decide success or failure.
Nikon P-223 Rifle Scope Specifications
- Length – 8.1 inches
- Width – Objective lens (39.3 mm); Eye lens (41 mm)
- Weight – 12.2 ounces
- Tube Diameter – 1.0 inch
- Magnification – 3x (optional 4-12 x 40mm scope)
- Objective -32mm
- Lenses – Fully multi-coated, 98% light transmission
- Reticle – BDC Carbine or BDC 600
- Parallax – 100-yard setting
- Eye Relief – Constant, 3.4″
- Zero-Reset Turret Feature – Zero, lift and set to zero – no tools needed
- Turrets – Precise, exposed
- Adjustments – 0.5 MOA per click
- Waterproof/Fogproof – Nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed
- MSRP – $149.95 for Carbine (3x); $249.95 for 4-12 x 40mm adjustable.
Advantages of Scoped Patrol Rifles
Having this ability should not be isolated or reserved for tactical teams either. A well-trained police patrol rifle operator can absolutely engage targets at longer distances, or targets presenting smaller target areas. Active Shooter Response training recognizes that it is most often the initial patrol officers arriving on scene that engage and eliminate the threat. In rare cases, the subject barricades themselves or flees into an open area, giving tactical teams the time and opportunity to respond and relieve the patrol officers.
The Nikon P-223 provides an incredible advantage over traditional iron sights and red dot sights, and is offered at a price far less than many top-tier holographic sights. The fixed 3x magnification does not overly reduce field of view (FOV), but increases sight clarity significantly. There is also an optional 4-12 x 40mm adjustable magnification version, but this version has more application with tactical teams than patrol, in my opinion.
Nikon P-223 and Tactical Teams
Though the vast majority of law enforcement snipers are equipped with .308 caliber sniper rifles, the use of an AR-15 in certain circumstances can actually be much more appropriate. The .223/5.56mm round is much less likely to over-penetrate than the .308 round – even when ballistic tipped rounds are used. Using a precision AR-15 in crowded areas, or in some hostage taker situations, actually makes perfect sense and would be much safer to hostages or innocent bystanders.
The use of an AR-15 scoped rifle for tactical purposes has other benefits as well. Most AR-15’s are lighter weight than custom-built bolt-action rifles. In addition, being semi-auto provides the sniper/observer rapid follow-up shots that should be able to be fired much more quickly and on target than the heavier firing .308 rifles. Adjustable stocks, and a greater variety of barrel lengths can produce a compact and accurate rifle. The Nikon P-223 4-12 x 40mm BDC provides accurate aiming points to targets out to the designed distances of 600 yards, making the AR-15 capable of precision delivery for almost every conceivable law enforcement sniper engagement.
The quality of AR-15’s is constantly improving, and even a basic model can be upgraded for better performance with only a few hundred dollars extra investment. The Nikon P-223 could provide the observer with an outstanding rifle to protect the sniper team, and at the same time provide some assistance to the primary sniper should a target go on the move. Having a semi-auto, scoped rifle to respond to such an event, can be incredibly beneficial – over slower bolt-action rifles.