The .223 is arguably the most common single rifle cartridge. Both the rifle and the cartilage are quite popular for hunting, tactical applications, target shooting and home defense applications. Getting the best 223 scopes will help you shoot will help improve your shooting accuracy regardless of the activity you are engaged in.
To help you find the best fit for your rifle, we have stalked the market and come up with a top selection of the best 223 scopes that will be worthy companions for your rifle.
What Makes a Great .223 Scope?
A great .223 scope is made of a collection of features. First, the scope must be accurate. An accurate scope helps you make an accurate shot placement. A great scope should also have the right magnification power. This will largely depend on your shooting range as well as personal preference.
Other than that, the scope should have a great optical system that provides clear and vivid sight pictures of the targets. Often, scopes with high-quality glass and fully multi-coated lenses provide the brightest and clearest images.
More importantly, the best 223 scopes should be made of high-quality materials preferably aircraft-grade aluminum alloy. This material makes the scope durable without adding any unnecessary weight. Above all, the scope should be nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed for all-weather protection.
What Magnification Do You Need?
Your ideal magnification power will depend on what you intend to use the scope for. Magnification is meant to make the target image appear larger so it can be easier for you to aim and place an accurate shot.
How much magnification you need also depends on the size of the target and its distance. If you are into target shooting, you’ll need a scope with a higher magnification power according to the range and support.
When it comes to hunting, most hunting takes place between 200 to 400 yards. In such hunting situations, a mid-powered scope will suffice. However, if your hunting requires longer-range targets that are more than 400 yards away, you’ll need a scope with higher magnification power.
7 Best Scopes for .223 Rifles
If you are on the market for the best 223 scopes, you are at the right place. In this post, we are going to take an in-depth look at some of the best scopes to top your 223 rifles. These scopes will help make your hunting or tactical shooting excursion better and more satisfying. With that in mind, let’s get started.
#1) Bushnell 3-9×40 Riflescope with DZ 223 Reticle
The Bushnell AR Riflescope is a mid-powered riflescope suitable for hunting and tactical shooting. It features a versatile 3-9x magnification which lets you take accurate shots of both close and mid-range shots. It also comes with a side focus parallax that allows you to eliminate parallax from 10 yards to infinity.
This scope is excellent for the 223 rifles. It has a second focal plane reticle that zeros at 100 yards and gives you great aiming points up to 500 yards. Also, the optics are fully multi-coated to provide bright and crystal-clear images from dusk till dawn. These top-notch optics support a stellar performance that cements the scopes name among the best 223 scopes.
Since the scope is fully waterproof and fogproof, you can use it even when it is rainy or cloudy. This Bushnell scope also features exposed target turrets which make windage and elevation quick and simple.
The quick-focus eyepiece allows for easy reticle focusing which is essential for precise shooting. Above all, this riflescope is made from aluminum alloy and an anodized finish to ensure many years of field use.
Features
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Fully multi-coated optics
- High-quality aluminum alloy housing
- Side focus parallax
- Second focal plane drop zone 223 reticle
- Side focus parallax
- Versatile 3-9x magnification
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Anodized finish
#2) Bushnell AR Optics 1-4×24 Riflescope with Target Turrets
The Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope from Bushnell is your ideal scope for 223 if you are looking for optimal brightness. This scope features fully multi-coated optics for optimal brightness from dusk till dawn. It’s an easy-to-use and suitable option for beginners.
This riflescope has been designed to provide you with rugged reliability and unparalleled performance. These two features make the scope highly among the best 223 scopes.
It has a fast-focus eyepiece that provides great accuracy and reliability and capped turrets that offer a lower profile and precise pinpoint adjustments as well. The scope zeros at 100 yards and has aiming points out to around 500 yards.
The scope is made to stand up to anything you subject it to. Its nitrogen is purged to absorb any internal moisture and prevent internal fogging. Better yet, it is O-ring sealed to prevent the entry of dirt and moisture.
When it comes to construction, it is crafted from high-quality aluminum and an anodized finish to prevent scratching and reduce wear and tear. This scope is rustproof, virtually scratch-resistant, and eye-catching. It will complement your .223 rifle pretty well.
Features
- Compact and light design
- Nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed
- Versatile 1-4x magnification
- Drop zone 223 BDC ballistic reticle
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Durable and sturdy aluminum alloy housing
- Target turrets for precise adjustments
- Rustproof and virtually scratch-resistant
- Sleek design completes most firearms
- 30mm main-tube diameter
#3) Trijicon ACOG 4X32 Scope USMC Rifle Combat Optic for A4
If you prefer scopes with fixed magnification, the Trijicon ACOG USMC Rifle Combat Optic suits you. It features a tritium/fiber optic illuminated reticle which adjusts its brightness automatically based on the available light. It also helps you spot your targets smoothly in low-light conditions.
This scope is combat-proven. It has a Bullet drop compensating and ranging reticle which comes in handy when hunting/shooting in varying ranges where estimating holdover might be an issue. The scope also uses the Bindon aiming concept which lets you shoot with both your eyes open.
Another good thing about this scope is the durable housing. It’s made with military-grade aircraft aluminum alloy which makes it virtually indestructible. The scope is waterproof up to 100feet/30m and filled with dry nitrogen to eliminate internal fogging.
For added convenience, the scope is lightweight and comfortable to carry around. It has a long-eye relief for comfortable shooting and a large exit pupil which helps you acquire your targets faster.
To top it all, this riflescope features Broad Band anti-reflective multi-coated lenses which provide superior light-gathering abilities free of color distortion. Trijicon ACOG scope is undoubtedly one of the best 223 scopes with fixed power.
Features
- Military-grade aluminum housing
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Longer eye relief and large exit pupil
- Broadband anti-reflective multi-coated lenses
- Bindon aiming concept allows for both eyes open aiming
- Trijicon Tritium phosphor lamp which illuminates the reticle
- Fixed 4x magnification
- Battery-free illumination
- Combat proven
#4) Hawke Sport Optics Endurance 3-12x56mm Riflescope
If you are looking for a .223 scope suitable for all hunting activities, you can hardly go wrong with the Hawke Endurance WA SF IR riflescope. It boasts a generous 4-inch eye relief and a wide 24° field of view.
The 4-16x magnification makes it ideal for both close and long-range hunting. Versatility and relentless performance earn the scope a place among the best 223 scopes.
The scope also brings to the table multi-LED technology for high-intensity reticle illumination. The exposed locking turrets make windage and elevation adjustment a breeze, while the side focus parallax knob allows for parallax adjustment from 15 yards to infinity. This helps increase your accuracy, particularly when shooting long-range.
The 18-layer fully multi-coated optics provide exceptional image brightness and clarity even in low light conditions. Besides, the scope comes with a glass-etched reticle with red illumination.
You can adjust its brightness settings up to 6 different levels to suit your lighting conditions. Above all, the scope is waterproof, shockproof and fog proof for rugged durability and all-weather performance. Without a doubt, the Endurance 30 WA Riflescope is a top contender among the best 223 scopes.
Features
- Wide-angle optical system
- Long 4-inch eye relief
- Side focus parallax control
- 30mm single-tube chassis
- Glass-etched reticle for superior durability
- Red illuminated reticle with 6 brightness levels
- 25 MOA exposed locking turrets
- Fast focus bell
- Fully waterproof, shockproof and fogproof
- 18-layer fully multi-coated optics
#5) Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6×24 SFP Riflescope
The Razor HD Gen II-E riflescope is specially designed to improve your range accuracy and make you more competitive. With the 1-6x magnification, this scope provides outstanding accuracy in close to medium applications. Bestowed with premium components, this scope delivers an outstanding performance in the field earning it a spot among the best 223 scopes.
Featuring the JM 1 BDC reticle, the scope facilitates accurate shooting up to 600 yards. The reticle has an illuminated center dot which enhances accurate shooting in low-light conditions.
You can easily adjust the illumination set into 11 different levels depending on your lighting conditions. Additionally, the scope has fully multi-coated lenses which deliver amazing image brightness.
The single-piece 30mm main tube is made with high-quality materials to ensure that the scope lasts long. It withstands heavy recoil, impact and anything thrown at it.
It’s also O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged for a reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance. An Armortek coating is applied on the exterior lenses to protect them against scratches, oil, dirt and fingerprints.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- Single-piece 30mm main tube
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Armortek lens coating
- Ultra-forging eye box
- Streamlined zero-resettable turrets
- Illuminated center dot with 11 levels of brightness
- Extreme accuracy in short to medium-distances
#6) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Riflescope
Simplicity and accuracy best describe the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Riflescope. It features a Leupold Custom dial system which makes it easy to use. The 3:1 zoom ratio facilitates accurate target shooting in both close and long distances. You can use the low power for up-close targets then ramp up the power for long-range shots.
The advanced optical system delivers unmatched optical performance. It provides the ultimate glare reduction in broad daylight and increases light transmission for bright and sharp images.
The reticle is housed on the second focal plane so it’s ideal for low-light hunting situations. Furthermore, the scope has a ZeroStop system which creates a backstop when moving the dial back to zero.
More importantly, the scope is made to last. The aluminum housing offers ultimate durability and ruggedness while keeping weight at a minimum. It’s also waterproof and fog-resistant for all-weather reliability. The simplicity, best-in-class optics, and unrivaled performance are just a few hallmarks that make VX-Freedom 3-9×40 one of the best 223 scopes.
Features
- Traditional eyepiece lock ring
- Scratchproof lenses
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Advanced optical system
- Second focal plane reticle
- Versatile 3:1 zoom ratio
- ZeroStop system
- Custom dial system
- Durable and rugged aluminum housing
- Slim and lightweight design
#7) Monstrum Alpha Series 1-4×24 Riflescope
This is a high-performance tactical riflescope suitable for 223 rifles. It features a 1-4x magnification power for close to medium range shooting up to 300 yards. This Alpha series scope is also equipped with a first focal plane MOA reticle with easy-to-read ranging information that stays constant even with a change in the magnification power.
The scope features a fully multi-coated lens to reduce glare and light loss due to reflection. This allows for optimal light transmission and razor-sharp contrast. The coating also helps keep the lens scratchproof.
Made from 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope offers unbeatable durability. It features a rugged MIL-STD 8625 type III hard anodized outer finish for added durability.
The 30mm main tube is sealed in both ends to prevent the entry of dirt and moisture, and nitrogen-charged to prevent internal fogging. To top it all, this riflescope comes with a set of spring-loaded flip-up lens covers which keep the scope lenses protected when not in use.
Features
- 1-4x magnification perfect for close-quarters applications
- 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- First focal plane Moa reticle
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Rugged MIL-STD 8625 type III hard anodized outer finish
- 30mm main tube construction
- Waterproof and fog proof
- A set of spring-loaded flip-up lens covers
- 24mm objective lens
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Best 223 Scopes Buying Guide & FAQs
Factors to Consider when Buying a .223 Scope
Image Quality
One of the main reasons you are looking for a scope is to see your targets. It is therefore important that you choose a scope that gives you really good image views.
The scope should have high-quality glass to provide clear and images. Also look for a scope made with multi-coated lenses, which increase light transmission and reduce light loss due to reflection. Such a scope will help you see your targets better even in dismal environments.
Construction and Durability
Everybody wants a scope that will last for several years. A scope that’s made with high-quality materials will serve you for a longer period and ensure great value for your money.
So, make sure that the scope you are eyeing is made with durable materials preferably aircraft-grade aluminum alloy. Such scopes are made to stand the rugged hunting or tactical shooting environments.
Moreover, you should make sure that the scope is made for all-weather use. It should be nitrogen purged to prevent internal fogging and sealed to prevent the entry of water, debris, and any other contaminants.
Eye Relief
The other thing to look for is the amount of eye relief the scope offers. Look for a scope that offers generous and consistent eye relief. This will not only make your glassing more comfortable but also prevent your eyes from getting hit by the rifle during recoil. A scope with at least 3-inches of eye relief will provide enough buffer space between your eyes and the scope.
Objective Lens
It’s also important that you take a keen look at the size of the objective lens. An objective lens collects the light into the scope. The larger the objective lens diameter, the better the light-gathering ability. The result is brighter and better image views even in degraded light conditions.
However, scopes with big objective lens tend to weigh more. A scope with a 50mm objective lens will weigh more than one with a 32mm objective lens. So, you’ll need to find a proper balance between weight and size.
Magnification
With the .223 rifle, a scope with a wide and high magnification power can sometimes be overkill. However, it is still good to have a higher optical power if you are looking to expand your shooting skills.
Typically, your ideal magnification power will be dictated by several factors including; your general eyesight, target distance, shooting environment, and your preferred game. A 4x magnification will suffice if you are into close-range target shooting/hunting, while you’ll need at least 9x magnification for long-range hunting.
Read: Best Scopes for 30-06 Rifles
Best 223 Scopes FAQs
Q: What Size Scope for .223?
A: Ideally, you should look for a scope that’s tailored for the .223 rifle. This way, you’ll be certain that it will be compatible with the rifle. The last thing you would want is to buy a scope only for it to not fit on the rifle. Also, try to stick with the standard 1-inch tube, as they are more convenient than the bigger scopes.
Q: What’s the Best Scope for .223?
A: The best scope for .223 is one that works perfectly with this type of rifle. The best scope is also the one that meets your shooting/hunting needs. It should be durably made, efficient, and be able to work perfectly regardless of the weather conditions.
Q: What Range is a 3-9x Scope Good For?
A: Scopes with 3-9x magnification power are good for close to medium-range applications. This is up to 200 yards. When you use the 9x to scope a target that’s 200 yards away, it will look like it’s just 20 or 25 yards away. If you zero your scope correctly, you will always make an accurate shot placement.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this guide has provided you with the information you need to make the right buying decision. The .223 has proved itself worthy in multiple shooting applications and equipping it with the right scope will make it more capable of providing better performance. Use our buying guide above and get yourself one the best 223 scopes mentioned above.