Shotguns require scopes to enhance their accuracy and make your shooting more effective. This is why a brand like Nikon delved into the sector, making scopes that are perfect for your shotguns.
Shotguns are perfect for shooting moving targets as they are quick to use. They are, however, limited to short ranges. There are two scopes in the Nikon Prostaff P3 shotgun series, Nikon Prostaff P3 2-7×32 and Nikon Prostaff P3 3-9×40 scopes. These Nikon scopes are specifically for shotguns and will be our main focus.
Despite several years in the optics industry, Nikon decided to discontinue their scope production. This has made getting any of the P3 shotgun models tougher; however, if you can get your hand on any, you’ll see its usefulness to your shotgun. We’ll be looking at the two shotgun scopes produced by Nikon including their features.
Nikon Prostaff P3 2-7×32 Shotgun Scope
This Nikon Prostaff P3 shotgun is made with a bullet drop compensator reticle and sports several efficient features that make it an attractive option for shotgun owners. The scope improves your accuracy and makes shooting enjoyable. Here are some of the features of this scope and how it affects your shooting on the shotgun.
1. Magnification
It sports a variable magnification range from 2x to 7x, covering short to medium distances easily. The magnification of a scope is the number of times the image can be increased, so it is easy to spot through the lens. For scopes used on shotguns, the magnification shouldn’t have to include higher ranges since the capacity of the gun is within short and medium ranges.
You can shoot at distances up to 200 yards which will normally not be possible without a scope. So aside from improving accuracy, you also get to increase the shooting range.
2. Objective Lens Size
The objective lens diameter of any scope is the outer ring surrounding the lens at the end of the scope farthest away from the shooter. The lens diameter for this scope is 32mm and is responsive to the amount of light entering the scope. The 32mm diameter is wide enough for the right amount of light to enter and brighten up images.
Objective lens diameter works with the maximum magnification range. The higher the magnification range, the more light is required inside the tube and, ultimately, the larger objective lens size needed.
3. Reticle
This Nikon Prostaff P3 scope for shotguns is equipped with a bullet drop compensator 200 reticle that allows you to quickly calculate the bullets’ flight path. The reference points on the vertical axis ensure you can determine the trajectory of the bullet.
The reticle adjustments are made with the ¼ MOA per click knob. This allows you to make accurate adjustments for your shots.
4. Turrets
Elevation and windage knobs are protruding from the top and side of the scope. The type of knobs used here is spring-loaded, making them easy to handle. They produce audible clicks that make adjustments even easier to zero while focusing on the target.
There is an instant zero effect on the turrets that makes it possible to go back to zero after making some adjustments for a shot.
5. Durability
Durability is paramount for any optic, even for a weapon with minimal recoil like the shotgun. Nikon has put in a lot of effort to make this scope durable, so you can use it for several years without issues. It features a durable 1inch tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum.
The lenses are covered with several protective layers that protect them from scratches while improving their overall lifespan. The scope can withstand mild bumps without breaking.
6. Optical System
The glasses are made from impressive materials that produce crisp and clear images. The lenses are fully multi-coated with layers that focus on better light transmission through the lens and into the tube to brighten the image.
The layers of coating on the lenses reduce light reflection off the surface, thereby keeping your position hidden. This is especially important in tactical shooting and home defense.
7. Eye Relief
The eye relief of a scope is the distance you can place your eye away from the lens to see clearly and still be safe from injuries. For this 2-7×32 Nikon Prostaff P3 shotgun scope, the eye relief is generous and allows you to use the scope at a safe distance to protect your eyes and brows from injuries. The eyepiece features quick targeting for your fast shooting.
Pros
- Magnification of 2-7x covering ranges up to 200 yards
- Good objective lens diameter of 32mm for the right amount of light intake into the tube
- Instant zero-reset turrets allow you to quickly switch back to your zero
- Generous eye relief so you can shoot without injuries
- Fully multi-coated lenses that protect the lenses and improve the light transmission
- BDC 200 reticle for improved accuracy
- Useful for strong slug loads
Cons
- It may be difficult to see through in low light conditions.
Nikon Prostaff P3 3-9×40 Shotgun Scope
The second Nikon shotgun scope is the Prostaff P3 scope. Also sporting a BDC reticle and being a fit for your shotgun. This scope can improve the shooting range of your shotgun to over 200 yards due to its maximum magnification level. Without further ado, let’s see the features of this scope.
1. Magnification
Still, in line with the required specifications for a shotgun scope, this scope has magnification from 3x to 9x. This range only covers some small range distances and more medium distances. You can increase the image size up to 9 times without decreasing the image quality.
The magnification of this scope makes it ideal for shooters doing a lot at around the 220 yards mark. Being a variable magnification scope, you can choose the level you want depending on the distance and get precise shooting.
2. Objective Lens Size
To go with the magnification range of 9x, there has to be an accompanying objective lens size that allows the right amount of light into the tube. This Nikon scope is fitted with an objective lens size of 40mm. What this means is the objective lens will have a 40mm diameter and for a scope with a maximum magnification of 9x, it is quite impressive.
This wide objective lens will ensure you produce images that are clear and crisp because a lot of light will reach the image formed inside the tube.
3. Optical System
The optical system, just like the previous model, features a detailed optical glass that produces clear images. The lenses are fully multi-coated to prevent light reflection and improve the transmission of light into the tube. This light transmission determines the level of image clarity you can get. The layers also protect the lens from dust that can obstruct the view and reduce accuracy.
4. Size
This scope weighs 15.2 ounces which are average size, and shouldn’t be too much weight on your shotgun. It is also 4.49 inches long. You do not want a bulky and heavy scope on your shotgun as it makes it harder to handle, especially as the gun is not placed on the shoulder like a rifle.
5. Durability
The Nikon Prostaff P3 shotgun scope is durable as it comes with several protective layers for its lenses to add to its durability. The scope is made from aircraft-grade aluminum material. This material makes it a 1inch tube to remain robust despite several bumps.
The tube is also sealed properly to ensure fog and water do not make their way inside and damage it. This tight seal means you can use the scope in varying weather conditions.
6. Reticle
The two Nikon Prostaff P3 shotgun scopes use bullet drop compensator 200 reticles. This reticle allows you to effectively predict the trajectory of the bullet to the target. This reticle tells you the impact of the bullet at 50 yards, 100 yards, 150 yards, and 200 yards.
To make adjustments to the reticle, you can use the ¼ MOA graded knobs that allow you to make smaller adjustments which equate to better accuracy. The spot-on ballistic match technology ensures a precise matching of aiming at various distances on the reticle.
7. Turrets
The turrets here are marked clearly and made to produce audible clicks when adjusted. These turrets are elevation and windage turrets in charge of vertical and horizontal changes for zeroing.
Pros
- Magnification of 3-9x covering more medium distances
- The wide objective lens diameter of 40mm produces the amount of light necessary for clear images, even at the highest magnification
- Fully multi-coated lenses provide the extra glass protection
- Durable scope sealed to keep the fog out of the tube
- Clean design
Cons
- Difficult to find since Nikon has discontinued the manufacture of scopes
Summary
With a shotgun, you can still enjoy the perks of having suitable scopes guide your shooting. The Nikon Prostaff P3 shotgun scope is an ideal optic for people using a shotgun. Nikon produced two different variants of this series, and a concise description of the two scopes is essential. This way, you can easily choose a scope for your shotgun.
