Rifle Scopes long range scope for jp 223

[Tonsofguns]

Just picked up a jp 223 from another member here, and I want to get a scope where i can shoot steel at 800 yards plus with mk262. I'll be spending most of my time shooting at 100 yard range for tight groups, but once every few months, i'll be taking it out to distance.
After owning a half dozen high end 1-6 1-8, I don't want to go that route. I also want a first focal plane for ranging.

I am considering the nightforce atcr 4-16 and the sb 3-20. Price is no object on this build. Any other ideas of input?

 

[Nik H]

The NF is pretty nice. I have one on one of my AR15s but can't say I have shot it out to 800 yards. It works very well to 600 yards on steel targets.

I run a Khales 6-24 on my Larue tOBR AR15 with a 20" barrel. It is a great combination as well.

 

[SEMO Shooter]

If money is not of great concern and you go with NF I would suggest ATACR 5-25 or 7-35. I have used a NF 3.5-15 F1, NF 5-25 ATACR F1, and a Kahles K624i on my 223. SB 3-20 would be good too.

 

[Sogan]

I have a NF 3.5-15 F1 on my mk12 clone and it does everything I need it to out to 700-800 yards.

 

[Wyzrd]

NF F1 4-16. Mine is on a 20” 6.5 Grendel right now, and I feel it is a great fit for AR platform rifles. Plenty magnification to get out to 1000+, great glass, solid tracking, locking turret, etc.

 

[ultrarunner7]

7-35 on a 223 gasser? Lol
Throw a 3.5-15 on it.

 

[Afkirby]

ATACR F1 4-16 is a good sized scope for an AR, if you’re going to be pushing out to the limits of .223 on a regular basis and don’t mind the weight a 5-25 wouldn’t seem out of the question.

 

[TheMammoth]

I've got the ATACR 4-16 recommended here on an AR15 and I've really enjoyed it. The size seems to be just right for a long range use small rifle like this, and obviously the glass/tracking/feel are all high quality as you would expect from the ATACR line. The elevation turret is probably my favorite of any scope I own due to its extremely low height and unmistakable and tactile zero stop.

 

[padom]

I make regular, consistent hits on steel at 800yds and can shoot 1/2moa groups at 500 with 6x or less. I run a Razor Gen2 1-6 on my 20" AR and a Leupold Mark4 MR/T 1.5-5 on my 16" Recce..

Couldn't imagine running anything bigger than a 2.5-10 on a 223 AR. I guess if your just sitting at a bench you can put 50x on that thing.lolol

 

[TheMammoth]

I make regular, consistent hits on steel at 800yds and can shoot 1/2moa groups at 500 with 6x or less. I run a Razor Gen2 1-6 on my 20" AR and a Leupold Mark4 MR/T 1.5-5 on my 16" Recce..

Couldn't imagine running anything bigger than a 2.5-10 on a 223 AR. I guess if your just sitting at a bench you can put 50x on that thing.lolol

I understand that feeling but there's something to be said for seeing your holes in a paper target and having been gifted shitty ocular units by God

 

[VegasHKShooter]

I’m with Padom, I shoot out to 650 or so with 1-6 and 1-8’s. You specifically said you didn’t want to go that route again. I run a S&B 3-20 on a gasser, but it’s a GAP-10. I think for a 5.56 it would be overkill, but the glass is incredible. There’s nothing you couldn’t hit with it within the range of a 5.56. If it were me.... it’s not, but you’re asking for opinions ?, I would probably go with a NF ATACR F1 4-16. That would be my prime scope for a small frame AR.

 

[koshkin]

If price is no object, I would look long and hard at Tangent Theta TT315M 3-15x50.

For a little less money Nightforce ATACR F1 4-16x42 is another excellent option for a gas gun.

ILya

 

[TimK]

My JP has a Schmidt 5-25 on it. I shoot it at 15-17 most of the time in matches, but I like being able to dial it up for load development or on very long targets. I looked long and hard at the NF ATACR in 4-16 and finally decided that since the only penalty was weight, the 5-25 was a better fit. I couldn't be happier with my choice.

 

[USMC 308]

I'd rather have the higher magnification and not need it, than need it and not have it. Sure you can shoot to 1000 yds with an 8 or 10x....but why when 25 or even higher is available. Aim small, miss small....right.

Punching paper at 100 yards to get ridiculously small groups is fun...and I spend most of my time at 29X unless mirage is an issue. I don't have to go back and forth to my spotter. At distance, that higher magnification really sucks....said no one ever!!

My 556/223 JP has an Athlon Cronus BTR 4.-29x56

 

[Tonsofguns]

Agreed. I have a half dozen ars with red dots and low variable optics and so I want something different with magnification. I run the vortex 1-6 on one, which is fine for banging steel but I find the reticle too thick for precision shooting, and wanting more magnification. The nightforce 4-16 is in the lead but I will look into the athloon as well, and still consider the Schmidt bender.