Thinking of this scope for my 7mmrem. Im usually a leupold 3.5 -10 or 4.5-14 guy but wanted to try somthing new. Any way just looking for some opinions on the monarch line and how they are for shooting longer range and clarity on higher powers. Thanks for any info.
Nikon Monarch 5-20x44 bdc
- Thread starter badlands
- Start date
I've done alot of research on Nikon vs. Leupold for my latest ($400-500) purchase, and from what I can tell, the Monarch would be equivalent to a Leupold VX2 or VX3 roughly, both with excellent optics. Apprently the Leupolds have a more forgiving eyebox than Nikon, and Nikons can have a bit of tunnel vision at higher magnifications. You will not find many negatives on either brand. Just sharing my online research, no first hand experience. I've ordered a Nikon Buckmasters 6-18x40, it should arrive today.
calvados.boulard
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Victoria BC
I'm quite interested to hear people's opinions on the Monarchs as well. They seem to be priced well. One thing I find confusing is how their turret adjustments are described. Some of them are listed as 1/4". Ok, 1/4"...but at what distance??
Thanks,
Cal.
Thanks,
Cal.
Nikon Travis M.
Regular
- Location
- Alberta, Canada
On any of the Monarch line they would be set to 1/4" at 100 yds. The only exceptions to this would be the rimfire, slug and blackpowder scopes which have a 50 yd, 75yd parallax's.
I have a Monarch 5-20x44mm, its adjustements are 1/8" at 100 yards, it came with 3 different set of turrets: Big Conic turrets, tall target turrets with covers and small low turrets with covers.
I like it, only drawback is the small field of view.
I like it, only drawback is the small field of view.
I had a couple monarchs, I found the glass comparable to equil priced leupolds. I have mixed feelings about the BDC though. I really liked it for big game hunting, but I had the same scope you mentioned on my varmint rifle and found the reticle a bit thick for shooting gophers. I prefer a finer reticle for small varmints, I wouldnt hesitate getting one for big game rifle.
lineofsight
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Lower Mainland, BC
In the interest of clarity, Monarch may also be 1/8th adjustments (have 5-20x, 6-24x, 8-32x).
Would have a look at the reticle, are locating your target in the middle of a circle so the advantage is are not obscuring your target with the reticle so no subtension issue, the disadvantage are not laying the reticle over your target... (different sides of same coin).
Like the Nikons as the lines of the reticle are thin and with the BDC the reticle has various aiming points - whether the centre of an open circle or a crosshair where circle or subtensions intersect. You may prefer a standard ballistic plex style reticle though, for you to decide.
Believe some of the BDC models (i.e. 5-20x) are now discontinued.
Have had warranty issues with Nikon products (turrets popped off, threading in spotting scope mount separated, lens had front focus issue...) but other than waiting and waiting... Nikon has thus far replaced these products without issue. The included flip up caps are junk, expect to replace them / factor into price - are a poor design, look at hard plastic protruding hinge, if catch on anything then done (especially if cold), aftermarket are generally rubber / soft plastic with some give).
Based on personal experience find Nikon binoculars stand out. Range finders reasonable. Scopes becomes price / performance/ reliability issue, your assessment may differ. Leupold, Vortex, Sightron... all so close (like Zeiss too in terms of clarity, brightness, reticle but price..., am "frugal").
Nikon Travis M.
Regular
- Location
- Alberta, Canada
The current line of Monarch scopes has been discontinued to be re-issued very shortly with zero reset turrets and new front and back caps along with some eye box changes.
