Monarch vs Elite 4200

[yippert]

This may be on here already but I couldn't find it in a search...
With the advent on the new 4 times zoom range a bunch of the 3-9's are being sold off sale priced. I'm wondering if the only difference is in the zoom range as 3 times seems plenty for me. My recent SIR catalogue has the Monarch for $384 and the 4200 at $350. The US price now for either is about $250. For the same price I'm wondering which is the better value. Both are reputed to be good Japanese manufactured scopes. Any opinions on which would be better - brightness, clarity, durability etc? Any opinions appreciated. Thanks...Y

 

[Antler Addiction]

I have a 3x9x40 4200 elite and the "new" monarch 2.5x10x42mm. Both are decent scopes for the investment. FWIW here's how I rate them in comparison.

Nikon Wins:
Brightness
4" of Constant ER
POI Adjusment & Tracking

Bushnell Wins:
Power Ring smooth (my nikon is stiff)
Styling (Nikon eye piece is big - needed med. rings to clear the bolt throw. IMHO the new monarch looks cheap)
Rainguard Coating

Wash:
Clarity, contrast & reticle

As far durability the monarch is to new to really comment though it has seen some decent recoil being temporarily mounted a 325wsm and it's current 50 cal savage using 300gr bullets/smokeless powder (it recoils more then my .338wm).

I have owned the 4200 prior as well and its withstood the recoil of a 300wby shooting 200gr bullets well for a couple of hunting seasons.

CS for either isn't the envy of the optic world however both offer transferable and lifetime warranties with service centres in Canada. An edge can be given to Bushnell as they offer a no question asked refund policy on their elite scopes, so if you buy it and aren't happy you can return it for a full purchase price refund within 1 year from date of purchase(less shipping costs).

Hope it helps you some. Good Luck

 

[yippert]

Thanks AA. It turns out that I need as long a ring spacing as possible for my long action Sako which favors the 4200 which will likely get the nod...