Nikon Monarch

[samoconnor123]

Hi all,
I have finally decided I need a better scope for my 223 and have the money for it.

I was originally set on a Vortex Viper PST, but they were just out of my price range. I then decided on the Viper 6.5-20x44, but after looking around the net the Nikon Monarch 4-16x42 mildot came to my attention.

I would be set on the Nikon but I have read a few points that I was a bit weary of.
The things i like about it are:
-1" tube
-42mm objective (I can keep my current rings)
-Side parallax (I really dislike AO scopes)
-Less weight than the Viper and smaller
-And the 4x minimum zoom would be handy for close range shots (I shot some goats at around 30m not long ago and would be worried 6x would've meen to much)

The bad things I've heard about them are that they don't track well, which would not be good for me.
And that the turrets it comes standard with aren't very good for range work.
And that the Viper has better glass.

So does anyone have this scope or a similar one that they can comment on Nikon Monarchs?
I'm mainly concerned that it wont track properly,
and that as far as I can tell the turrets are your typical low height target turrets that you slip to zero after sighting not just normal set once and that's it ones.

Hope someone can help me, I have searched the net but haven't found many answers.

Oh and is the reticle very thin or is it quite obtrusive.

Sorry about the long post.
(I'm also open to alternative suggestions for around the $450 mark)
Cheers Sam

 

[madcratebuilder]

Look at this Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/18...us-1-10-mil-adjustments-mil-dot-reticle-matte

Or this Viper 6.5-20X50 V Plex.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/38...5-20x-50mm-side-focus-fine-plex-reticle-matte.

I have owned the Nikon Monarch series and the Viper PA & HS series ($450) are far better glass, just a better scope over all.


Unless you are doing very long range only the 6.5-20 may be to much magnification. The 5-15 may be a better choice. You want the side focus AO, it allows you to bring the target to razor sharp focus.

Check these ALPEN Apex XP rifle scopes. I have been using the model 4058, a 6-24X50 and so far it has performed as well as both my Vipers. Great bang for the buck.

 

[ole farmerbuck]

I have 8 Monarchs and like em all. (5)5x20x44 (3)6x24x50 Oh yea, a 6x18x40

 

[samoconnor123]

ole farmerbuck,
Are you a salesman for them?
Have you compared them to any other scopes to decide you like the Monarchs or did you buy one and like it so much you kept with them?
Have you noticed the tracking of the scopes not be so good?
Are all yours 1/8moa clicks?

 

[jmr40]

Nikons tend to have clearer glass for the money. I've got a couple of Buckmasters on rifles and for the money they are clear. Got a couple of the 2-8X32 Monarchs. Good scopes.

I have 2 complaints with Nikons. They tend to be too heavy compared to comparable Leupolds and many other brands. Also, the eye relief tends to be way too close on most Nikons. The eye relief is better on the Monarchs though.

 

[rayatphonix]

I have two of the 4x16x42 Monarchs with the BDC reticle and have been very happy. I haven't noticed any tracking problems, but they are on Mausers that probably see 200 or so rounds a year. Eye relief is 4" on that scope. Best part is I only paid $319 at Natchez. It's a hard deal to beat if you can live with the BDC; I can and the Nikon App for my iphone is a bonus. I have the Nikon M-223 on an AR15 and I've never had tracking issues with it and have put a lot of rounds through the rifle. I've heard the M-223 and Monarch are virtually the same scope.

I just got a Viper PST for my AR10. I bought it used and got a good deal. So far I like it very much but haven't had it long enough to determine if it's worth the premium over the Nikons.

 

[ole farmerbuck]

ole farmerbuck,
Are you a salesman for them?
Have you compared them to any other scopes to decide you like the Monarchs or did you buy one and like it so much you kept with them?
Have you noticed the tracking of the scopes not be so good?
Are all yours 1/8moa clicks?

lol Not a salesman. I bought one and liked. I have a Leupold and a couple of Simmons but the Monarchs are better I believe. I found a place to get the 5x20x44 Monarchs for $429.00 delivered so I got 3 more a while back. That is a nice scope!

Oh yea, they are all 1/8 except for the 6x18....1/4.

 

[samoconnor123]

rayatphonix,
have you done any shooting sessions where you would run the turrets much or do you basically just zero them and leave them at that? On either the M 223 or your Monarch?

ole farmerbuck,
what Leupold do you have? In what ways do you find the Nikons better than the Leupold?
Have you done much shooting that uses the turrets?

 

[steveo452]

I don't have any Nikon scopes but I do have three Vortex Vipers. Two 2-7x32 and a 6.5-20x50 and they are very nice scopes. I'd say on par with the Leupold VX3 scopes that I own.

 

[rayatphonix]

Sam, once I get the scope zeroed, I generally leave the elevation where it was and use the BDC reticle for bullet drop. Some rifles are zeroed at 100 yards, some at 200 yards and one at 250 yards. I adjust windage most times I'm shooting at longer distances. It's always returned to zero. My longest shot using the bdc is 426 yards. I have one scope with a mil-dot reticle and try to use the dots the same way I use the BDC reticle.

I use my rifles to hunt; I might do differently if I was shooting long distance targets. Hunting I don't want to mess with the turrets; I'm wanting to get the rifle on target.

 

[MachIVshooter]

I have a Monarch 6.5-20x 44mm UFCH on my .220 Swift. That gun is exclusively for varminting, and I really like the Monarch for that purpose. My hunting rifles wear Leupolds, though.

 

[HGUNHNTR]

I have a couple Monarchs. The latest is a 4-16x40, great scope that sits atop a little .17HMR. I have always been impressed with the glass quality and durability for the dollar.

 

[ole farmerbuck]

rayatphonix,
have you done any shooting sessions where you would run the turrets much or do you basically just zero them and leave them at that? On either the M 223 or your Monarch?

ole farmerbuck,
what Leupold do you have? In what ways do you find the Nikons better than the Leupold?
Have you done much shooting that uses the turrets?

My Leupold is an older 3x9. I have my rifles zeroed at 100yds. I just hold over when p-dog hunting. The other day the distance and wind made me hold over 4" and 4-6" to the right with my 22-250. The little p-dog was waaaaaay out there but I guess I must have guessed the holdover just right because it was a perfect hit!!

 

[kcshooter]

No Monarchs, but my 4.5-14x40(42?) Buckmaster is one of my favorites.
The BDC reticle and the website tool make drop calculations on the .338 Federal Tikka a breeze.


But I've got a Vortex on a varmint AR, and I like it too.

 

[HKGuns]

I have one Nikon Monarch that is a really good scope. The rest of mine are Leupold's that I prefer for reasons I can't explain. Nikon is good to go as far as I am concerned.