Scopes and Optics

Best Scope for 223 Action

Trijicon ACOG 3.5x35 Riflescope

Are you searching for the best scope for 223 Action? We will share some top options to help you make a well-informed purchase.

Many passionate hunters and shooters favor the .223 action caliber. This incredibly popular rifle cartridge has many uses and delivers excellent results.

It also possesses accuracy and is widely available. There is a way to make this cartridge exceed its potential. This is achieved by using it in conjunction with the ideal scope. 

By doing this, you will increase your range and accuracy while also unlocking more shooting possibilities.

5 Best Scope for 223 Action

We know how overwhelming it can be to find the best model. That’s why we have come up with the best scopes for .223 action to ease the burden off your shoulders.

1) Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 Riflescope

Trijicon ACOG 3.5x35 Riflescope

Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 Riflescope has your back regardless of the activity you indulge in.  Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 is insanely robust. To begin with, the ACOG’s housing is built of high-grade, forged aircraft-grade aluminum.

The lens also includes several coatings that increase its durability. Additionally, it is shock- and waterproof. As a result, it can go through stormy and rainy weather, as well as the occasional bumps, without any issues. The classic Trijicon finish on this scope, which is renowned for being incredibly durable, is the cherry on top of everything else.

Fixed 3.5x magnification is available with the Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 scope. This implies your sight picture will look 3.5 times larger through the optic than it would to the unaided eye at a similar distance.

In addition, Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 has a built-in Bindon Aiming Concept technology, with which you can shoot with both eyes open. Further, flexible situational use is guaranteed.

The sight picture is exceptionally clear, so you can aim without worrying about tired or strained eyes.

An icing on the cake is that the Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 is available in 10 different reticle configurations, each with 3 color variations (amber, green, and red).

This scope weighs 14 ounces and measures 8 inches in length. Compared to many other scopes on the market, that is rather short.

The fact that the mount is included when you buy the Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 is another exciting thing about this scope.

Features

  • Illumination requires no batteries
  • Bindon Aiming Concept technology
  • Fixed 3.5x magnification
  • Ten reticle patterns
  • Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum
  • Multi-coated to optimize light transmission
  • All-weather use

Pros

  • Pristine glass
  • Military-standard durability
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Includes a mount
  • Allows both eyes open shooting

Cons

  • Hefty price

 

 

2) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm is another perfect consideration for the .223 action. The scope provides awesome performance and versatility yet comes at an easy price on your wallet. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm will not let you down, even in adverse conditions. It is designed with top-tier aircraft-grade aluminum renowned for working through anything and remaining brand new.

The lenses are abrasion-resistant, thus adding to the durability. The VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm boasts the Twilight Light Management System, extending shooting light by up to 10 minutes. This helps transmit the most light possible when used in conjunction with the other scope components. It also guarantees bright colors and improves the contrast between highlights and shadows in low-light situations, such as at dawn and dusk. Moreover, the lens technology lessens glare. All of these exceptional qualities guarantee a clear image in every lighting scenario.

When installed on a rifle, the scope weighs 12.2 ounces, which is hardly noticeable. This is a big bonus as with minimal weight, fast execution in the field is promised.

You can adjust the windage and elevation with a finger click under the turret caps. These come in 60 MOA and are simple to read. The VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm allows hassle-free zeroing.

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm also used the Custom Dial System. Based on their knowledge of ballistics, a shooter can dial in elevation modifications for particular ranges.

Features

  • Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum
  • Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
  • Twilight Light Management System
  • Custom dial system
  • Finger-adjustable windage and elevation
  • Easy to zero
  • 6 to 4.1 inches of eye relief
  • 60 MOA windage and elevation adjustments
  • Duplex reticle

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Well-executed turrets
  • Great reticle
  • Easy to use
  • Lightweight
  • Ample eye relief

Cons

  • The reticle may be too fine for some

 

3) Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm SFP Riflescope

Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm

Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm outshines other budget-conscious competitors as its unique features are not found elsewhere. One of its best features is the ACSS reticle with wind hold dots, a range estimator, and a bullet drop compensator. This is, without a doubt, a feature that makes it stand out.

The glass quality of the Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm is notable. All the lenses are multi-coated, so plenty of light enters the scope, resulting in brilliantly clear and vivid images. There is a red-illuminated reticle present. A CR2032 battery powers it. There are eleven illumination settings so that you pick the ideal one for your situation.

A 6063-aluminum construction with a hard anodized matte finish boosts the Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm longevity.

Furthermore, Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm sports 4 to 4.5 inches of eye relief that prevents eye or face injury caused by recoil.

Features

  • ACSS reticle
  • 6061-aluminum construction
  • Hard anodized finish
  • Fully multi-coated lenses
  • Red illuminated reticle with eleven brightness levels
  • Second focal plane

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Clear optics
  • Ample eye relief
  • Illumination for poorly lit conditions

Cons

  • During the day, the illumination is not particularly bright.

 

4) Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Riflescope

Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Riflescope

Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Riflescope has a respectable reticle. The illuminated V-Brite reticle is a top-notch SFP reticle. As a result, you can be sure that no matter what magnification adjustments you make, the reticle will always be the same size.

Being illuminated also ensures that the Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm will perform effectively in any dimly lit environment.

Speaking of environments, Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm is designed to withstand the rough and tumble associated with the outdoors.

It features an aircraft-grade aluminum tube in a single piece. This enhances durability, sturdiness, and shock resistance. It is a perk to have a waterproof and fog-proof scope. This is made possible because it has been nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed.

The Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm ticks all the boxes for great optical clarity. It sports fully multi-coated lenses coupled with anti-reflective properties that draw in ample light and lessen glare. The implication of this is superior quality target images.

The MOA clicks on the capped reset turrets make adjustments effortless with the finger. When you have sighted in, you can reset these to zero.

All these attributes cement the Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm as great scope for .223 action.

Features

  • Fully multi-coated with anti-reflective properties
  • Capped reset turrets
  • Single-piece tube made of aircraft-grade aluminum
  • 4 inches of eye relief
  • The v-Brite reticle on the second focal plane
  • Hard anodized finish

Pros

  • Lifetime transferrable warranty
  • Well-priced
  • Robust housing
  • Great glass
  • Illuminated reticle

Cons

  • Turret tracking could be better
  • Blurry images at high power

 

5) Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm Riflescope

Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm

Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm Riflescope cements the brand’s solid reputation in the scopes industry. A Drop-Zone 223 BDC reticle is fitted in the second focal plane of the scope. The 1-4x magnification is ideal for shooting accuracy at close to medium ranges.

Quick power changes are possible with the Second Focal Plane lever included. This allows hassle-free changes depending on the environment.

Target adjustments can be made thanks to easily adjustable finger-operated turrets found on the Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm. These have windage and elevation steps that are 0.1 Mil each. Moreover, since the parallax adjustment is 100 yards, you can focus more on shooting and getting the ideal magnification rather than constantly changing non-locking turrets in bright sunlight.

The fully multi-coated optics in the Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm help to significantly improve shooting accuracy. The high-quality glass and coating provide clear target images across the variable magnification range.

Nevertheless, Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm is solidly constructed and has a black matte finish. Its IPX7 water resistance rating means it can survive harsh conditions. It is also shockproof, implying it will still function dependably no matter how rugged the conditions are.

Features

  • 5 inches of eye relief
  • Second focal plane reticle
  • 1 Mil windage and elevation adjustments
  • Fully multi-coated lenses
  • Black matte finish
  • Drop Zone 223 reticle
  • Waterproof and shockproof

Pros

  • Designed expressly for the AR .223
  • Accurate target adjustment
  • Fairly priced
  • SFP throw lever included
  • Pin-point accuracy for short-range shooters

Cons

  • Turrets do not click into place when making adjustments

 

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What Makes a Great Scope for 223 Action?

Over time, shooting will wear out your equipment. Your scope could become ineffective due to water, dust, or fog. Recoil also has a significant impact on this. A good should therefore be of high quality.

Although every scope boasts magnification, not every scope can provide good images. You must have a good set of lenses at maximum magnification to ensure clear details. A zoom between 3x and 16x would suffice for most applications, especially when using a.223.

You should keep your eyes a safe distance from the scope when shooting. Otherwise, you risk being hit by the scope, which is particularly risky when using bigger calibers.

You’ll experience less glare and reflection with high-quality lenses. This aids in acquiring targets more quickly. A quality set of lenses will also have coatings. These unique coatings provide decent durability while helping with scratch resistance.

Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Scope for 223 Action

Light transmission

You won’t always have the luxury of bright sunlight when hunting or in combat, so having a scope that can still provide bright images in dim lighting is essential for most people. A scope achieves this with multi-coated or fully multi-coated lenses. So, be sure to check that out.

Durability

There is a chance that your gun will be dropped or bumped when you are out hunting or at the range. And you definitely want it always to hold its zero. The scope should therefore be able to handle harsh falls and impacts.  Additionally, it must be water- and fog-resistant to take advantage of your chances.

Eye relief

You should check for this feature in whatever scope you buy because you don’t want to go shooting and be injured.

The part of the scope known as eye relief shields your eyes from the recoil of a gun. A scope’s eye relief should be at least three to four inches. Additionally, it lessens eye fatigue and helps maintain focus.

Magnification

You can choose from several scopes with various magnification levels, but before buying a scope, you must select the range you want to shoot at.

A scope with a minimum 9x magnification range is ideal for long-range shooting; 4x is sufficient for close-range shooting.

Ensure you get a scope with adjustable parallax if you intend to undertake long-range shooting because parallax might make the view blurry.

Weight

The weight of scope is affected by various other factors, such as the diameter of the tube and the objective lens size. The weight of the scope increases with the diameter of the objective lens, and the tube’s diameter follows the same logic. You’ll want a scope that weighs less if you’re the shooter who frequently uses a slope or constantly climbs and descends hills. Any weight will suffice if you use sandbags as a cushion, though.

 

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FAQs on the Best Scope for 223 Action

1) Is a .223 rifle powerful?

The 223 round is not very powerful.  In most ways, the .223 is a small caliber and considered a varmint cartridge by many.

2) Why is the .223 not good for hunting?

The 223 Remington cases are not built with high ballistic coefficients and are rather small and light. This connotes that these projectiles impart less energy than regular hunting cartridges, making them more wind-sensitive.

3) What size scope should I use for a 223?

A rifle scope made expressly for the 223 will fit without needing to be adjusted when you get one. Stick with a 1-inch tube if you have your heart set on a specific scope but are unsure if your 223 rifles would function with it. You don’t want to bring a weight on your excursion because the gun is normally employed for long-range hunting. Most 223 scopes are lighter.

Conclusion

All the scopes elucidated above provide impressive specifications to make the 223 action reach its full potential. Your taste and preference also matter when making an informed decision. Going through the guide above will be handy.

 

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