Finding the best hunting gear and equipment is easier said than done. But you should remember that the same applies to handling and shooting with your hunting gun. Without a good scope, striking your target is easier said than done. And by good, I don’t mean something average. In that case, welcome to the Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Riflescope review.
Are Nikon scopes good? Ask any experienced hunter, and he/she will tell you that Nikon riflescopes are capable of transforming amateur skills into sharpshooting techniques. Particularly the Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Riflescope!
So it’s time for you to get to know every single important feature of this beautiful black matte riflescope. This way you’ll have a better understanding of whether or not you should consider buying it.
Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Riflescope Review
There’s absolutely no denying that the Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Riflescope ranks among the top contenders on the current market. Hunters that demand high magnification or zooming are more likely to use it.
But that’s not the only demographic that finds this scope appealing. The Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Riflescope is also an affordable option. You don’t have to spend a huge sum of money on it. Yet the scope gives its more expensive counterparts a run for their money.
Needless to say, it’s a great choice if you’re into heavy stealth operations and cover shooting. But this is just a scratch on the surface. There are many features you should know about before you make a decision. And more likely, these features are only going to nudge you toward buying the Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Riflescope.
Optical System of the Scope
In comparison to similarly priced riflescopes, the Nikon Prostaff offers generous features. At least as far as improving and enhancing individual features are concerned! Allow me to elaborate below.
The lenses are multi-colored to boost the transmission of light by 98 percent. What this means is that you get maximum brightness, contrast, and light transmission. No matter the time, no matter the light setting in the day and night.
Then there’s the completely multi-coated optical system. For enhancing efficiency and high performance. Let me bring to your notice that Nikon coats each and every lens they manufacture with multiple anti-reflective layers. This is what gives the scopes the ability to do some heavy-duty cover shooting.
Trademark BDC Reticle of the Scope
The BDC reticle of the Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Riflescope adds a lot of value to the product. This patented technology makes the task of hunting way easier than you can imagine. The mechanism paves the way for adjusting bullet drop by 600 yards.
Another useful function the BDC reticle opens the door to is staying and holding “dead-on” through various ranges. In simple words, if you’re into long-range shooting, the reticle increases your chances of success. Provided the transparent ballistic circles are a part of the picture.
But what about the short-range game? No need to worry about that because the BDC reticle is well suited for that too. This is when it’s the crosshair that acts as your aiming point. No doubt, the combination of the parallax setting and LR-only reticle boosts your precision and confidence.
The simplified object pinpointing method is a very useful tool. Especially when you don’t have a particular event flow. So your commando hunting missions are also more likely to turn out to be in your favor.
Objective Lens & Magnification Range of the Scope
For a heavy cover, the Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Riflescope is the best. Even for far distances, its objective lens of 40mm and wide magnification are right on point. The incredibly versatile magnification range especially is very useful. The range includes heavy timber and open prairies.
All you have to do to achieve the required clarity is multiply the diameter of the scope’s objective lenses by their zoom level. That means 40mm into 10x magnification, which gives you a target that’s 400x closer.
The zoom capacity of the Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Riflescope is quite impressive for those who like to explore target ranges. So you don’t have to purchase a rifle specifically just to discover different ranges.
Turret Adjustment of the Scope
To be more specific, it’s the zero-reset type turret adjustment. It’s the perfect tool for making simpler and easier alterations. The scope features zero-reset that’s equipped with the spring-loaded knob for adjustment. This means you can rotate to zero before you re-engage.
Obviously, minor adjustments are a part of the deal. For improving the precision of your shooting. You can hold the uncomplicated design of the turret control accountable for this improvement in performance.
Making field adjustments, minus the complications is a wonderful opportunity you get with the Nikon Prostaff. Just turn that knob to achieve the desired adjustment, that’s all.
Precise Hand Turn Adjustment of the Scope
When it comes to zeroing in quickly, reticle adjustments are what come to your rescue. These positive click adjustments also help in maintaining desired settings. Even in the case of heavy recoil. Most importantly, you get access to the exclusive adjustment range of 80 MOA.
Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Riflescope Review – Pros and Cons
Pros:
- The scope features 3.6-inch eye relief to protect you from gun recoil.
- BDC reticle adjustability ensures maximum accuracy.
- Images are very concise, clear and bright for an accurate targeting system.
- It’s a lightweight and portable riflescope, so no strain or fatigue to deal with during use.
- The scope is perfect for long range hunting or shooting (50 to 200 yards).
- The wide magnification range (3x to 9x) is ideal for thick trees and wide planes. It’s a very versatile feature, so there’s no need to frequently change the riflescope.
- Ergonomic, smooth control knobs for adjustments allow you to concentrate on the target.
- It’s a waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof scope. Thanks to the O-ring, nitrogen-filled seal.
- Even for beginners, the scope is simple to use and easy to understand.
- The Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Riflescope is cheap, price-wise, yet competitive, performance-wise.
Cons:
- The weight may be negligible but the size of the scope is quite large. Comparatively speaking, handling it is a bit difficult. Especially if you’re used to the compact riflescopes.
- The mounting rings for the scope are not included. You have to buy them separately.
Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Riflescope Review – Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dimensions of the Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Riflescope?
The scope length is 12.4 inches and weight is 1 pound exact. Now I won’t lie to you, there are other lighter-weight riflescopes out there too. But there are also heavier options available. So keeping that in mind, the Nikon Prostaff isn’t such a bulky thing.
The scope is built with an objective lens of 40mm. I’m telling you this once again because you might require the information for the mount rings you’ll be ordering to go with this riflescope.
Is the Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Riflescope powerful?
It definitely is a very powerful scope. The proof of which is the objective lens of 40mm with a 3x to 9x magnification range. The clarity and resolution are simply outstanding across all the magnification levels. So you get a great view of the target before you take the shot.
Needless to say, the lens and its magnification range do increase your chances of striking your target.
How great are the optics of the Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Riflescope?
This might be a long answer and explanation.
Let me begin by stating that the Nikon Prostaff optics are completely multi-coated. The nitrogen-filled barrel and O-ring-sealed lenses are also quite impressive. A scope that’s dust-proof, fog-proof, and waterproof goes a long way, doesn’t it?
Fantastic image clarity includes being able to count the feathers or hairs on the target. And that too from as long as 100 yards away.
Another remarkable feature of the optics department is the exclusive BDC reticle. The Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Riflescope reticle offers compensation markers for the range. This suggests that you get the amazing opportunity for shooting at multiple ranges. All this without any ballistic guesswork!
These compensation markers are transparent circles and not solid dots. So the door to accurate adjustments for aiming is wide open. Since you get to see precisely where to aim your shot!
The eye relief of the Nikon Prostaff is yet another very useful feature. It’s 3.6 inches, which is quite generous if you ask me. The component offers plenty of space between the scope and your eye. So knockback injuries get knocked back indeed.
But the eye relief element on this Nikon scope isn’t illuminated. It’s always a better idea to have access to illuminated reticles. However, the manufacturer has made up for the lack of illumination. Simply by increasing the transmission of light. The riflescope’s light transmission is pretty awesome. So much so that you come across no setbacks during low-light conditions.
How is the Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Riflescope’s Light Gathering Capacity?
Nikon claims it’s 98 percent. So is that true or just a false claim? It’s nothing but the absolute truth. The scope has the ability to transmit more light. So you get to view not only a brighter but also a more detailed image. As compared to both budget-friendly and expensive riflescopes out there!
Even when compared to rangefinders and binoculars, the Nikon Prostaff performs better. It gives illuminated scopes a tough competition too.
When the light gathering capacity is so great, you wonder why Nikon did not choose to take advantage of it. By simply including an illuminated reticle! Nevertheless, the riflescope works great in low-light settings.
What is the field view of the Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Riflescope?
How wide is it? The range starts from 3x magnification. That is 33.8 ft. wide field view. As for the linear field view, which is 9x magnification, the range is 11.3 feet.
So it’s safe to declare that the field view is quite generous. Meaning locating the target and dialing in close become easier.
Is mounting the Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Riflescope easy?
Have you bought the separately-sold mount rings for your scope? If yes, then the actual task of mounting is very simple. All you have to do is attach those rings before mounting that riflescope on the gun rail. Once you mount it, feel free to make adjustments for achieving the exact view. And the final step is to sight in the scope.
Now please note that the Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Riflescope features objective lens of 40mm. So the objective tends to rub against the barrel of the gun. But this only happens when high-profile or medium-profile mount rings aren’t used. The latter, in particular, offered just the perfect clearance for my .30-06.
Is the Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Riflescope easy to sight in?
What’s the first step to take when a scope needs to be sighted in? It involves using the laser bore tool for sighting. The sighting tool gets your equipment on paper. So the most difficult and tedious part of the process is well taken care of. And that too without firing any shots. Once it’s on paper, this riflescope becomes easier for sighting in to zero.
Nikon has designed its Prostaff model with zero-reset type turrets. To further simplify sighting in and making later field adjustments. This means the option to zero-reset those elevation and windage dials before re-engaging is at your disposal.
Following that you’re free to make minor field condition changes. And then bring back the dial to the zero point when the field conditions don’t apply any longer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAQ70o6yjbQ
Is the Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Riflescope able to withstand the test of time and field?
Maximum durability is an essential factor. Without it, you cannot expect the scope to function for a longer time. No matter how generously packed with features! So the first thing that comes to mind in terms of durability is the use of tough aircraft-quality aluminum.
Additionally, the Nikon Prostaff is a fog-proof and waterproof riflescope. So you can whip it out in a snowy forest or at your dry practice shooting range.
The End
Conclusively, the Nikon Prostaff 3-9×40 Riflescope review is a positive one. That’s because the black matte scope ranks among the best around the world. The manufacturer, Nikon has certainly outdone itself. By designing such a high-performing, high-quality product. That is also plenty affordable by the way.
So if you’re buying on a budget or you want clear visibility, you know which riflescope to turn to.