7 Best Nikon Rifle Scopes Reviews For Perfect Hunting

By: Sana Ijaz

Are you looking for a one-fits-all kind of rifle scope? If your answer is yes, these best Nikon rifle scope reviews are going to solve your muddle instantly.

Here is a quick list of our favourite Nikon rifle scopes for you.

Some of these scopes are excellent for long-range shooting while others cater to short distances only; to know which one will suit you better, read on!

Are Nikon scopes any good?

Nikon is that-one-vintage-fellow who stays at the top of its game, no matter what the field is. Technological changes in the past century have modified Nikon’s product line as well, and today, we see sleek gadgets replacing the hefty ones. Nikon rifle scopes are well-known for their ability-to-perform and comfortable designs.

Nikon Optics has mastered the art of combining comfort and performance in its gadgets and is doubtlessly manufacturing the best rifle scopes for all firearms. The no-compromise-on-quality policy has made Nikon rifle scopes glassers’ favorite. If you wish to get an affordable rifle scope that outperforms your competitors, get any of the below listed Nikon scopes, and you’ll love the results.

So, let get straight to the best Nikon rifle scope reviews now:

7 Best Nikon Rifle Scopes Reviews

1. Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600 scope

Here is an alternative riflescope as Nikon P-223 3-9×40 BDC 600 scope isn’t available at the time of publishing this article.

Specs

Magnification: 3-9x
Objective diameter: 40mm
Tube diameter: 1inch
Eye relief: 3.6inch
Exit pupil diameter: 4.4-13.3mm
FOV: 11.3-33.8ft at 100 yards
Weight: 32.63oz

Pros

Quick zero-in knob
Multicoated lens
Resilient build
Weatherproof design
Comfortable eye relief distance
Excellent accuracy

Cons

Noisy windage knob

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Precision and optical clarity are two main advantages of this Nikon P-223 matte scope. It offers not only quick and accurate focusing but also maintains an incredible optical level.

When your target is far, this scope’s BDC reticle offers open aiming points from 100 to 600 yards distance. This well-crafted reticle helps you minimize the additional guesswork, which is perfect for hectic long-range shootings.

The sturdy hand-turn tactical knob lets you zero-in on new objects easily without asking you to move away from the objective lens. Unlike those old school scopes, these ergonomic turrets are a sigh of relief for frequent shooters that can’t adjust the focus time and again.

When you move away from the eyepiece, some reticles’ crosshair also lose their alignment, and you have to re-adjust them. But, this Nikon P-223 scope comes with a smooth 100-yards side parallax knob that keeps the crosshair focused on the target.

The 40mm focal lens ensures up to 98% light transmission and offers incredible clarity even in low light conditions. If you’re tired of dull and distorted views, this matte scope is the solution.

Moreover, the multi-coating of the objective lens removes color-fringing from the final imagery and enhances its precision.

The comfortable eye relief distance protects your eyebrows from any scratches and lets you adjust/re-adjust the focus without stressing your eyes. If you wear eyeglasses/specs, this eye relief will keep you relaxed throughout.

Nikon has made this P-223 scope from polymer that is not only sturdy but also lightweight. You can easily pack this 32oz scope with the rest of your gear and shoot endlessly without tiring yourself, all thanks to its ergonomic construction.

This scope is compatible with most short/long-range rifles and serves you in all weather conditions. The lens is filled with dry nitrogen and then sealed with rubber rings that make it entirely weatherproof.

From tactical knobs to generous eye relief and from accurate focus to an excellent reticle, this Nikon scope doesn’t lack in any category.

2. Nikon ProStaff 3-9×40 Riflescope (BDC)

Specs

Magnification: 3-9x
Objective diameter: 40mm
Tube diameter: 1inch
Eye relief: 3.6inch
Exit pupil diameter: 4.4-13.3mm
FOV: 11.3-33.8ft at 100 yards
Weight: 13.7oz

Pros

Quick-focus eyepiece
Compact body
Great optical clarity
Generous exit pupil diameter
Spring-loaded turrets

Cons

Light-coloured crosshair

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Nikon scopes are known for their image quality and ease-of-focus, this Prostaff scope is also no exception. Its multicoated 40mm lens provides 98% light transmission and ensures fringe-free imagery.

Even when you shoot in lowlight conditions, this scope offers good imagery and doesn’t limit your activities to a specific timeframe.

Its considerable exit pupil diameter provides a full path to incoming light, eventually brightening the views that you see.

Moreover, Nikon Prostaff scope’s wide 3.6inch eye relief suits most glassers and doesn’t strain your eyes, regardless of your shooting duration.

The spring-loaded turrets save your time and offer a quick zero-in feature. When you are busy doing shooting rounds, these turrets automatically set to the initial point, and don’t disturb your eyes.

Glassers’ comfort has always been Nikon’s priority, and we see the same level of dedication in this scope as well. Its 1inch central tube is ideal for focusing on the farthest and the nearest objects easily without missing a target.

To practice your skills, this BDC reticle will let you zoom in on the closest objects and enable you to calculate the bullet-drop distance that comes in handy when you are out in the field later.

Nikon ProStaff rifle scope weighs only 13.7ozs and is perfect for those who pack light. Its handy size and resilient build make it ideal for an outdoor setting where your gear is continuously exposed to impurities.

Adjusting parallax and windage is quick due to its spring-loaded and textured knobs that stay put unless you move them. Plastic knobs lose their setting with light touch or wind and can disturb your focus. But, these matte black knobs move with an audible click and preserve your settings.

The wide field of view and ergonomically placed knobs make this scope a great pick for enthusiastic shooters who always seek perfection in their gear.

This nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed scope can survive all outdoor hardships and will accompany you wherever you go.

3. Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9×40 BDC

Specs

Magnification: 3-9x
Objective diameter: 40mm
Tube diameter: 1inch
Eye relief: 3.6inch
Exit pupil diameter: 4.4-13.3mm
FOV: 4.4-13.3ft at 100 yards
Weight: 13.1oz

Pros

Excellent low light performance
Crystal clear views
Large tactical knobs
Consistent eye relief

Cons

Hard to zero-in

If we are to name a scope that is 10/10 in optical clarity, Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9×40 scope is the answer. Nikon has upgraded its game with the introduction of this premium scope that not only suits every shooter’s requirements but is affordable as well.

Nikon Buckmasters scope comes with a 40mm multicoated focal lens that ensures extraordinary image brightness and doesn’t let mirage disturb your views.

When you are out shooting during the day, this scope’s anti-reflective coating reduces glare and prevents side fringing from your sight.

The 3-9x magnification is suitable for mid-range activities and might not suit the mission where your target is distant. However, as the FOV is wide-enough in this scope, you can still use it for farther targets.

The BDC reticle ensures that your bullet hits at the right spot, and you don’t startle a magnificent trophy with inches margin. Nikon Buckmasters is perfect for wild hunters that aim at difficult targets and wish to ace them.

Once this scope is mounted on your rifle, you’ll love the vivid views of a far region.

The large hand-turn knobs will make the focusing process more comfortable and won’t let outdoor conditions affect your focus. These knobs are textured so that even during moist conditions, your hand doesn’t slip.

The broad eye relief and exit pupil diameter will keep your eyes relaxed and won’t let long sessions tire your pupils.

Hunters who spend hours in the filed often end up with sore eyes as they have to contract their eyes in order to see through the scope. But, Nikon Buckmasters scope has solved that problem as well.

Its wide 4.4-13mm exit pupil diameter brightens the views and blocks excessive sunrays simultaneously.

Also, this scope is designed for wading through all challenging weather conditions that are bound to come into a shooter’s way. Whether your location is a windy region or a rainy one, Nikon Buckmasters scope won’t give in to these difficulties.

4. Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC Riflescope

Specs

Magnification: 3.5-14x
Objective diameter: 40mm
Tube diameter: 1inch
Eye relief: 3.7-4inch
Exit pupil diameter: 2.9-11.4mm
FOV: 7.2-28.6ft at 100 yards
Weight: 18.2oz

Pros

Spring-loaded turrets
Hand-turn reticle adjustment
Incredible accuracy
Quick-focus eyepiece
Resilient build

Cons

Plastic knob covers

You cannot master the art of long-range shooting with any scope that comes your way. For that, you need a precise scope that offers a wide magnification range and field of view simultaneously.

Therefore Nikon manufactured this Prostaff BDC 5 scope that comes with 3.5-14x magnification, which enables you to aim at distant objects with ease. Selecting any magnification is secure with the grooved ring that sits right next to the eyepiece and is rotatable with slight pressure.

The 40mm large central lens is another plus point of this scope that complements the magnification range and lets you cover a broad region in one go. And when you cover a generous area without any distortion, shooting gets more thrilling.

Nikon Prostaff 5 is filled with nitrogen and has a rubber O-ring sealed lens for complete protection against the weather. When external impurities hit the lens surface, they cannot distort the lens glass and don’t stick to it either, which means you can easily clean your scope.

This scope features a quick focus eyepiece, which is perfect for extreme outdoor competitions where you cannot miss a sight. When the target buck is running, use this eyepiece and clear your sight in an instant.

The spring-loaded turrets make parallax and windage adjustments easy and reduce the guesswork.

The patented BDC reticle has see-through ballistic circles for long-range focusing and quickly estimating the bullet-drop distance.

A sunshade will also come with the scope which is perfect for daylight shooting as it protects your eyes from excessive light. Also, the focal lens has an anti-reflective coating for removing glare from the imagery and presenting true colors to your eyes.

Whether you are a hunter or a professional shooter, this Nikon Prostaff scope will make you a pro at your game for sure, thanks to its excellent optical performance and well-crafted body.

5. Nikon PROSTAFF RIMFIRE II 3-9X40 BDC150

Specs

Magnification: 3-9x
Objective diameter: 40mm
Tube diameter: 1inch
Eye relief: 3.6inch
Exit pupil diameter: 4.4-13.33mm
FOV: 11.3-33.8ft at 100 yards
Weight: 13.1oz

Pros

Durable body
Excellent picture quality
Zero-reset turrets
Lightweight

Cons

Lose reticle

This is a mid-level rifle scope with good features and an excellent price tag. If you want an affordable yet apt option, go for Nikon Prostaff rimfire scope.

With its 3-9x magnification, you can easily cover a considerable distance and aim at the target easily. Its BDC reticle will calculate the bullet drop distance beforehand so that you shoot accordingly and don’t miss the mark.

This scope comes with a 40mm central lens that is coated multiple times with anti-reflective and color-enhancing layers. Nikon Prostaff rimfire scope presents a vivid and aberration-free view which is a treat during lowlight activities.

The spring-loaded turrets are easy-to-set and make sure that your settings are preserved unless you alter them. Every time you turn the windage/elevation knob, there will be an audible sound that indicates the change. As shooting ranges are noisy, this sound helps you keep track of the knob adjustments.

And once you are done shooting, zeroing in this scope is also easy. You’ll be ready to start the next round in a matter of seconds.

The resilient build and weatherproofing show its compatibility with all adventures, regardless of the surroundings.

Since Nikon always emphasizes your comfort, it has added a broad eye relief in this scope to make your activities more relaxed. Whether you wear glasses or not, this scope won’t exert any stress on your eyes and will let you maintain a good distance from the eyepiece.

In outdoor conditions, taking care of the equipment isn’t easy as you have to look out for numerous things at a time. That’s why you’ll also get lens and eyepiece covers along with a bungee cord that keeps the two together.

So, if you want premium optical performance in an affordable budget, get Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II scope and forget all those missed targets.

6. Nikon M-Tactical .308 4-16X42SF Matte BDC800

Specs

Magnification: 4-16x
Objective diameter: 42mm
Tube diameter: 30mm
Eye relief: 3.9-3.6inch
Exit pupil diameter: 2.6-10.5mm
FOV: 27.8-6.8ft at 100 yards
Weight: 20.6oz

Pros

Ergonomic turrets
High optical precision
Anodized body
Considerable ERD
Great reticle

Cons

Hard-to-read digits

The M-tactical scope is unbeatable in terms of shooters’ comfort and optical clarity. Nikon has combined incredible features in one scope and has made it ideal for all shooting adventures, irrespective of the target range.

The ergonomically elevated turrets save your time and let you adjust the setting without moving one bit from your position. This feature comes in handy when you are in a fierce competition and cannot bother hassling with those tiny knobs.

The knurled and grooved texture of these knobs feels sturdy and lets you maintain a shake-free position.

The windage and elevation knobs move with slight sounds that are helpful in loud/busy surroundings. You can quickly alter the parallax and bring the BDC reticle’s crosshair in your desired position with a little effort.

The 4-16x magnification, which you can easily adjust with the large ring is ideal for long-distance shootings. This M-tactical scope will let you break most limitations and succeed in your shooting adventures without worrying about the target’s location/speed.

The hard anodized body crafted from air-craft grade aluminum can bear all use/abuse that might come your way during fierce competitions. This resilience is a treat if you are a frequent shooter as you won’t have to bother the scope’s well-being during a thrilling activity.

If you cannot compromise on image vividness, look no further than this M-tactical scope that is unmatchable in this field. Its large 42mm objective lens is multicoated for high-contrast and bright imagery that is hard to find elsewhere.

The anti-reflective coating keeps image brightness in place and doesn’t show extra-bright views that make focusing hard.

Apart from exceptional image quality, this matte M-tactical scope is also 10/10 in weatherproofing. The nitrogen-purged body and rubber rings can survive harsh environments without exposing the lens and eyepiece to any impurities.

The large eye relief distance is also there to make the focusing process easier and foolproof for you. No matter how much time you spend while focusing through this M-tactical scope, there won’t be any distortion and discomfort in the imagery, that’s Nikon’s promise.

7. Nikon 6-24×50 Black FX1000

Since Nikon 6-24×50 is discontinued, consider Nikon Black Force100 1-6×24 as our recommended alternative.

Specs

Magnification: 6-24x
Objective diameter: 50mm
Tube diameter: 30mm
Eye relief: 4-3.5inch
Exit pupil diameter: 2.1-8.3mm
FOV: 18-4.7ft at 100 yards
Weight: 24.5oz

Pros

Illuminated glass-etched reticle
Ergonomic turrets
Easy-to-focus
Sturdy design
Good eye relief

Cons

Narrow exit pupil diameter

If you have ever experienced lowlight shooting, you must know how problematic it gets to set the crosshair right in such situations. That’s why Nikon Black scope comes with an exclusive illuminated reticle to ease your focusing process.

This first focal plane reticle is placed between the two layers of lens glass and is thoroughly protected from external shocks. You can choose 10 different illumination levels depending upon the time of your activity.

This nicely-crafted reticle quickly calculates your target’s location, distance, height, and features so that the shooting process is flawless.

The high-speed turrets will help you easily alter the dynamics and always be in the know if your target is running.

The unique return-to-zero feature of these turrets is perfect for quick dialing and keeps you a step ahead of your target/competition.

A broad magnification range will let you experience the most thrilling adventures and make long-range excursions more comfortable. Selecting any magnification is effortless with the large ring placed near the eyepiece.

Similarly, the 50mm large focal lens offers immense image brightness and fringe-free imagery. This multicoated lens reduces chromatic aberration and shows true-color views of the smallest objects.

However, since this scope has a narrow exit pupil diameter, you’ll have to contract your eyes while focusing through this scope.

Relaxed eye relief and a broad FOV will make your adventures more comfortable and help you quickly spot the target without tiring yourself.

This completely weatherproof and ergonomic scope is perfect for all outdoor/indoor situations. You’ll surely love the optical brightness that this FX1000 scope provides.

Concluding the best Nikon riflescopes

When your rifle scope is a pro, it makes your shooting adventures more thrilling and enjoyable. But, since the scope market has so much variety in it, first-time buyers often get confused and end up with pretty useless gadgets.

That’s the reason we came up with the best Nikon rifle scope reviews and gave you a detailed insight into the brand’s product line.

Nikon scopes are always comfortable, inexpensive, and resilient; all of these features make them ideal for hunters/shooters regardless of their target activity. Whether you are a short-range shooter or a long-range hunter, get any of the above-explained Nikon scopes, and it’ll become your valuable asset for sure.

We always try to solve the problems that glassers might face while shopping for their gadgets and will continue to do so. Ta-Da!

Also read: Top Leupold riflescopes that you should buy this year.

7 Best Nikon Rifle Scopes Reviews For Perfect Hunting