Nikon launching new M-223 1.5-6x24 riflescope

Nikon is adding a new close-to-long-range riflescope to their M-223 family of AR-centric optics. The scope has a magnification range of 1.5- to 6x and a fast-acquisition reticle with holdover marks out to 600 yards.

The new new M-223 1.5-6×24 BDC 600 is designed around 55-grain 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington loads, which are quickly becoming the standard for most purposes. Still, other loads and bullet types are in heavy use and because of that Nikon has its Spot On calculator that will help users find the true holdover distances for their ammo when using this reticle.

The reticule has hash marks and pips to indicate holdover at 50-yard intervals.

While the scope is made for the AR-15 market it can be used with any .223 or 5.56 rifle and in a pinch, many .308 Winchester/7.62 NATO carbines loaded with ammo that’s ballistically similar to .223/5.56.

Unlike other M-223 optics the 1.5-6×24 is built around a tough 30mm aluminum tube to give it a larger magnification range in a similar-sized package. The scope weighs just over 17 ounces and measures 10 1/2 inches in length.

Designed for hunting, target shooting, competition and duty use, the 1.5-6×24 uses fully-multicoated glass for maximum clarity and is offered in two versions, one with a standard reticle and one with an illuminated reticule for use at night or in the dark.

Nikon uses their spring-loaded “Instant Zero” turrets for quick adjustments in the field and simple resets to get back to a range-set zero. The turrets use large 1/4-inch adjustment increments that provide audible and tangible feedback for use in fast or stressful situations.

Of course it is also waterproof, shock-proof, fog-proof and nitrogen-purged, like all quality optics.

The price point is a welcome surprise. Nikon has set the MSRP for this scope at $599 for the plain model and $799 for the lit reticle version. This is on the higher side for the M-223 series but considerably less expensive than the bulk of 1.5-6x scopes, which can have MSRPs well over $2,000.

Nikon is really pushing to get this optic in the hands of the masses, and of course real-world prices should be a hundred dollars less at the very least.

Like all Nikon glass this scope is covered by their lifetime warranty. If you’re looking to put a flexible, close-to-long-range riflescope on your AR for range, hunting, competition or duty use, you might want to consider the M-223 1.5-6×24. You can see all the scope’s details over at the product page.