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 Riflescope

1-4x20/2-8x32/3-12x42SF/4-16x42SF

Instruction manual

E

In the event that you should require service for your Nikon 
RIFLESCOPE, please send it directly to:
Nikon Scope Service
841 Apollo Street, Suite 100
EI Segundo, CA. 90245-4721
1-800-Nikon SV.

Manufacturer: 
 

3-25, Futaba 1-chome, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-0043, Japan

Printed in the Philippines (707C)1E/1201

Congratulations on your choice of a Nikon M-223 Riflescope. Your new scope is the finest example of Nikon's rugged and durable 
construction and precision bright optics; important qualities for a serious shooter's riflescope.
Whether you use your scope for hunting or for target shooting, the procedure for mounting is identical. A set of high quality steel mounting 
rings which have a standard diameter of 25.4 mm (1 inch) are required to mount the scope. Follow the ring manufacturer's instructions for 
mounting procedures. After mounting the scope on your rifle, follow the procedures for reticle alignment.
When setting the reticle for hunting, you should determine your standard range and then adjust the reticle based upon that target distance. 
For targets which vary from that standard distance, according to personal preference, you may simply adjust the position of the reticle in 
relation to your target, or you may wish to use the procedure for trajectory compensation.
We hope that you will enjoy your new Nikon M-223 Riflescope for many years to come. Enjoy using it, and above all, always follow safe 
shooting procedures.

Caution

(1)  Do NOT look at the sun through the riflescope. It will permanently damage your eye. This precaution applies to all optical devices, 

such as cameras and binoculars.

(2)  The riflescope is effectively sealed against moisture and dust. You may use your scope safely either in the rain or in dusty climates. 

To preserve the appearance of the scope, we recommend that it be dried and cleaned prior to storage. Use a soft cloth for cleaning 
metal surfaces and use photographic lens tissue to clean the scope's lenses.

N.B. Export of the products* in this manual may be controlled under the laws and relatives of the exporting country. Appropriate export 
procedures, such as obtaining export licenses, shall be required when exporting.

* Products: Hardware and its technical information (including software)

1. Nomenclature

1-4x20

Fig.1-1

2-8x32

Fig.1-2

3-12x42SF

4-16x42SF

Fig.1-3

1

 

Objective lens

2

 

Eyepiece lens

3

 

Elevation adjustment turret

4

 

Windage adjustment turret

5

 

Power selector ring

6

 

Power scale

7

 

Power index dot

8

 

Diopter index dot

9

 

Eyepiece adjustment

0

 

Side focus adjustment turret

a

 

Distance scale

2. Specifications

Model 

1-4x20 

2-8x32 

3-12x42SF

4-16x42SF

Actual Magnification 

1-4x 

2-8x 

3-12x

4-16x

Objective Diameter 

(mm) 

 

(in)

20

0.79 

32

1.26 

42

1.65

42

1.65

Exit Pupil 

(mm)

 

(in) 

5.0

0.20 

4.0

0.16 

3.5

0.14

2.6

0.10

Eye Relief 

(mm)

 

* (in)

104.1-101.6

4.1-4.0 

101.6-96.5

4.0-3.8 

101.6-94.0

4.0-3.7

101.6-94.0

4.0-3.7

Field of View at 100yds. 

(m)

 

* (ft)

28.3-7.0

92.9-23.1 

14.1-3.5

46.2-11.5 

10.2-2.6
33.6-8.4

7.68-1.92

25.2-6.3

Tube Diameter 

(mm)

 

(in)

25.4

25.4

25.4

1

25.4

1

Objective Tube Diameter 

(mm)

 

(in) 

25.4
1.00 

39.3
1.55 

49.3
1.94

49.3
1.94

Length 

(mm)

 

(in)

237

9.33 

292

11.50 

333

13.11

344

13.54

Weight 

(g)

 

(oz) 

330

11.6 

380

13.4

530

18.7

540

19.0

Adjustment Graduation 

(moa) 

1 click = 1/4" 

1 click = 1/4" 

1 click = 1/4"

1 click = 1/4"

Maximum Internal Adjustment  
(Elevation & Windage) 

** (moa)

120 

80 

60

40

Parallax Setting 

(m) 

 

(yards) 

91.44

100 

91.44

100 

45.72 to 

50 to 

45.72 to 

50 to 

Outside Diameter of Eyepiece 

(mm)

 

(in) 

41

1.61 

41

1.61 

44

1.73

44

1.73

Structure 

Waterproof (up to 2 m for 10 minutes) and Nitrogen Gas

  * (at minimum magnification) - (at maximum magnification)
 ** moa = minute of angle

3. Instructions

(1)  Focusing

Look through the eyepiece with your eye positioned about 10 cm (4 in) away from the eyepiece lens to see the Nikoplex Reticle  
(Fig. 3-1), the BDC 600 Reticle (Fig. 3-2), or the Point Blank Reticle (Fig. 3-3) depending on your purchased product. Be sure your 
eye is positioned within proper alignment and proper eye relief, otherwise the view will "black out".
Point the objective end of the scope at the sky (do not point at the sun) or at a plain unpatterned wall.

  Turn the eyepiece adjustment counter-clockwise and then turn it clockwise until the reticle appears sharp.

Fig.3-2

Fig.3-1

Fig.3-3

Nikoplex Reticle

BDC 600 Reticle

Point Blank Reticle

BDC 600 Reticle

Developed specifically for the trajectory of the .223 

Rem./5.56  NATO  round  with  55-grain  polymer 

tip  bullet  (3240  fps),  the  BDC  600  Reticle  offers 

shooters unique open circle aiming points and hash 

marks from 100 to 600 yards. Refer to the BDC 600 

section of "Guide to using Nikon BDC Reticle".

Point Blank Reticle

Available  exclusively  on  the  M-223  1-4x20,  this 

reticle  delivers  fast,  extremely  accurate  shots  from 

zero out to a 200 yard range "point blank range" for 

the .223/5.56mm 55-grain polymer tipped round.

(2)  Magnification

The M-223 Riflescope 1-4x20 has a variable magnification from 1 to 4x, 2-8x32 from 2 to 8x, 3-12x42 from 3 to 12x, 4-16x42 from 
4 to 16x.
To change powers, just rotate the power selector ring until the desired magnification appears adjacent to the power index dot (Fig. 
1-1, 1-2, 1-3).

(3)  Adjustment of the riflescope

Sighting through the riflescope, align the rifle with your aiming point on the target and shoot a trial round. If the bullet does not hit 
the aiming point, adjust the elevation and windage adjustment turrets as follows:

If the bullet hits under the aiming point, turn the elevation adjustment (counter-clockwise) in the direction of the arrow marked "U" 
for up. If the bullet hits high, turn adjustment (clockwise) in the direction of the arrow marked "D" for down.
If the bullet hits to the right of the aiming point, turn the windage adjustment (clockwise) in the direction of the arrow marked "L" 
for left. If the bullet hits to the left of the aiming point, turn adjustment (counter-clockwise) in the direction of the arrow marked 
"R" for right.

(4)  Adjustable Parallax Setting

The M-223 Riflescope 3-12x42SF and 4-16x42SF can be more precisely focused within the range of at least 50 yards (45.72 m) 
- infinity by rotating the side focus adjustment turret.
By adjusting the focus, parallax can be eliminated and sight alignment will become accurate.
Use the side focus adjustment turret's distance scale as a reference guide.
The adjusting ring has a lock system so that it will not move during shooting.
When adjusting the focus, pull out the adjusting ring. For lock push in the adjusting ring.

Note:

The windage and elevation scales of the M-223 Riflescope are calibrated in divisions of 1/4 minute of angle, with a click at intervals 
of 1/4 minute of angle.
When adjusting the reticle to the point of aim, remember that one minute of angle equals approximately one inch (2.54 cm) at 100 
yards (91.44 m). Therefore, if the impact point is two inches (5.08 cm) low and one inch (2.54 cm) right at 100 yards (91.44 m), 
you should adjust two minutes of angle up one minute of angle left.

(5)  Zero setting of the Elevation and Windage Adjustment Turrets

The elevation/windage adjustment turrets have a pop-up adjusting system.
After the reticle has been adjusted to the point of impact, pull out the adjusting turret.
The adjusting turret can now be turned freely. Align the zero number to the index line to set the zero setting, and then push the turrets 
back in to set the current position.

(6)  Rapid Action Turret Technology 

(Nikoplex reticle model only)

This system, based on a .223/5.56 mm 55-grain polymer tipped bullet (3240 fps), simply and effectively allows you to dial in your 
elevation anywhere from 100 to 600 yards away in less than one revolution. Now you can stay in the middle of your Nikoplex crosshair 
at virtually any shooting distance with a quick turn of the turret.

Maintenance

(1)  Lens Cleaning

To remove dirt or fingerprints, soak gauze or lens cleaning paper (silicone free paper sold at camera retailers) with a small quantity of 
absolute alcohol (available from drugstores) and lightly wipe off the affected areas. Wiping with handkerchief or leather may damage 
the lens surface and is not recommended.
Dust may scratch the lens surface or corrode the lens.
Brush dust off using a soft oil-free brush.

(2)  Scope Exterior

Use a soft dry cloth to wipe off any dirt or fingerprints that might accumulate.
It is not necessary to oil the scope's surface.

(3)  Windage/Elevation Adjustment Turrets

These adjustment turrets are permanently lubricated. Do not attempt to lubricate them.

(4)  Eyepiece Adjustment

This adjustment is permanently lubricated. Do not attempt to lubricate it.

(5)  Power Selector Ring

No lubrication is required for the power selector ring.
Do not pull up or remove the rubber covering on the zoom ring.

Waterproof models:

The riflescope is waterproof, and will suffer no damage to the optical system if submerged or dropped in water to a maximum depth of 2 
meter for up to 10 minutes.

The riflescope offers the following advantages:

Can be used in conditions of high humidity, dust and rain without risk of damage.
Nitrogen-filled design makes it resistant to condensation and mold.

Observe the following precautions when using the riflescope:

The riflescope should not be operated nor held in running water.
Any moisture should be wiped off before adjusting movable parts (adjustment turret, eyepiece, etc.) of the riflescope to prevent 
damage and for safety reasons.

To keep your riflescope in optimal condition, Nikon Vision recommends regular servicing by an authorized dealer.

* Specifications and design are subject to change without notice.

* No reproduction in any form of this manual, in whole or in part (except for brief quotations in articles or reviews), may be made without written 

authorization from NIKON VISION CO., LTD.



ITEM SUPPLIED

Body...................................................................................1 piece
Eyepiece cap (flip-open).....................................................1 piece
Objective cap (flip-open) ....................................................1 piece

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