http://www.cabelas.com/product/Nikon-P-223-Riflescope/1330873.uts?avad=48247_b57fd1af&WT.mc_id=al35987&rid=12&WT.tsrc=AFF#productChart

 

 

The 3x at $99 seems like a decent deal.

 

But is it better to go with the 3x9 at $149?

 

The 4x12 is a bit out of my budget.

 

Any opinions?

For what rifle?

 

The reticle has a bullet drop comp meant for an AR15.

 

I would get the 3-9x zoom for the extra money if I was buying it for an AR15.

A Stag 15 is the intended recipient. 

I would go with the 3-9x... The extra $50 is worth it, to get the ability to zoom in or out, depending on the distance you're shooting.

i run a 3x9 on my AR in 308.. it is what I would choose also.. 

I'm no glass fashionista but I have the P223 3x9 on my AR and its a good scope for the price. And for $50 the ability to zoom is great.

p223 does get good reviews but I've never used one.  I have a friend that has one and his is crystal clear.  I only use the Vortex and Leupold lines for scopes.

For what rifle?

 

The reticle has a bullet drop comp meant for an AR15.

 

I would get the 3-9x zoom for the extra money if I was buying it for an AR15.

 

It has the Nikon BDC carbine reticule, the BDC reticules can be used with anything, you just need to go to the spot-on program and have it calculate out all the hash marks from zero.

 

The scope is actually kinda a joke in terms of how the reticule is set up.... 200 yard zero with 400 and 600 yard marks... yeah ok with a 3x?  I would use the spot-on calculator, zero for 50 and let the computer tell me what ranges the hash marks fall on.

 

Good scope otherwise... nothing better for the price.

 

Your magnification is completely up to you.. do you want more zoom power with the added bulk? or a run and gun 3x?