Turrets...Nikon M-223 vs. Leupold CDS

roxie

roxie

New member
The Scopes in Question:

Nikon M-223 scope with Rapid Action turrets
vs.
Any Leupold scope with CDS (Custom Dial System) turrets

I've read numerous comments in the past about the Nikon M-223 turrets inadvertently turning while being carried afield. Has Nikon made any improvements to the system?

How does the Leupold CDS turrets compare in regards to unintentional movement? (I have no firsthand experience with them.)

 
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I had a M-223 on my predator pursuit for a couple of years. It was in and out of my case daily as I carried it in my truck everyday in the winter time. The dials never turned on their own. I thought it felt heavy so I got rid of it.

The dials worked perfect out to 500 yds
 
I just got a m223 and the turrets feel just like a vortex viper hs lr turret that my cousin has. I woulden worry about it. Us if you zero the turret after sighted in the turret should be at 0.
 
I had one and although I would like to see the turrets a little harder to turn I bought a second. Just check them when you get set up to make sure they are at zero. I have the BDC reticle which I really like. It's a little busy but gives you ready aiming points for the 223 at distances you may not have time to dial in. The varialble power is pretty stiff to turn but I put on the switch view throw levers and it makes it easy and fast.
 
Thanks for the input on the Nikons thus far. It's much appreciated.

Anybody shooting a Leupy with CDS turrets? I'd enjoy hearing from you as well. Thanks.
 
The Leupold erector system is superior. Better parts, more reliable. More tactile clicks, better system.

I am liking my CDS Leupold quite well. Another option is the Leupold MK-AR. Similar turret type to the m-223 with the superior Leupold erector system.
 
I have used and still do a M223 with the BDC and they do turn. If they only turn a few clicks maybe that's ok if you remember to turn them back to zero. Before I made the fix I've had mine turn so far on the way into a stand I thought I had turned it back to zero and it was actually off 360*. Hard to hit a coyote with it that far off it did cost me a couple of easy shots. It shoots your confidence down when you take aim.

If you use the PM search on this site and ask about the M223 turrets turning you will find some lengthy discussion. I fixed mine by putting three Orings over the turrets to keep them from engaging and moving the zero point at all. It is an easy fix and well worth it. I actually gave the O ring number in an earlier post. You can go to the caterpillar parts counter and get 6 O rings for not a lot of money. If you're interested and don't find it you can send me a message and I'll give you the numbers off the cat o rings,

I still use the M223 on one of my rock rivers. I loved the scope. Then hated the scope. And am building more confidence again in it because it hasn't messed me up for the last six months. It really is a great scope after you fix it.The BDC points are right exactly on out to 600 yards and with a range finder and a good guess on the wind past three hundred yards you will have success. Remember the recticles are only right on when your scope is on the highest power setting.
Good luck, shoot with confidence
 
My kid is getting rid of his M-223 scope with the turning turret problems. The scope is one of the very first M-223 scopes that came on the market back around 2010, I have heard they are better now, but he sez his is a POS. He will be switching to a Leupold Mark AR scope in the next few weeks, so he will have the Nikon for sale than.
 


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