My new favorite optic
For my Earth Friendly Rifle, I was exploring options for optics. At the recommendation of Ben from Bison Armory (full disclosure, I’m part owner), I checked out the Nikon Monarch line. I wound up with this 1-4x German reticle model. Pics to come but the scope sits atop a couple of Burris 3/4 inch high, heavy duty rings with thumb screws so you can remove them. Seems sturdy.
The concept of a 1-4x always intrigued me but I never really bought one or shot one. I reasoned that pros would be that it is suitable at 1x for close work with both eyes open and for a wide field of view. The center portion of the German #4 reticle seems to function adequately has a red dot for fast target acquisition. We’ll see after the first range trip. And that I could crank it up to 4x for longer ranged stuff. The biggest con seems to be that access to back up iron sights requires removal of the scope. And I do wish it came with an illuminated reticle. Given the conditions in which I usually shoot, the back up iron sights access hasn’t proven to be an issue yet.
The scope is solid. It came with lens covers. And the glass is clear. The image is sharp and crisp. So far, I am a fan and may even replace one of my EOTech’s with it.
March 19th, 2010 at 10:52 am
You just need a LaRue or Bobro one piece mount (I know, they cost as much as the scope). Given the long eye relief of these scopes, that might also allow you to mount the scope forward enough to clear the rear sights.
March 19th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
I have a NIKON from the buckmaster series and it is nothing but BAD!!! Love it, I do wish that I had gotton the Mil-dot instead of the BDC reticle tho. The hold overs are ok for hunting, but trying to shoot precision doesnt work well with the BDC. BUY MORE AMMO
March 19th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
I have the Zeiss Varipoint and the Leupold VX-III in that magnification, I love them on low setting for rapid target acquisition plus the ability to up the mag for shots out to 200 yards.
March 19th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
You’ll like it. People usually use too much power on scopes in general.
March 19th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Looked at the Nikon Monarch 1-4, but liked the Weaver Grand Slam 1.5-5×32 a bit better. Optics were very similar and I loved the easy grip magnification ring, easy to turn w/ gloves on. I didn’t need the illumination, the GS was 1/4 shorter, lighter and $500 less.
March 19th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Got the Trijicon 1-4, glass is great. Post and chevron reticle is quick but not precise for long range. I shoot 3-gun so we’re not talking head shots (except on zombies). Haven’t shot the Trijicon much yet but I think it will work fine. Love the EoTech for quick and fast stuff. You can see the reticle even if you’re not lined up, no eye relief probs and the 65 minute outer circle gives built-in lead for running coyotes. Bothered me to take it off but knew I couldn’t shoot 400 yds without magnification.
March 19th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Nikon is great. I’ve some Monarch line binos, very nice for the price point. Only thing was to avoid direct heat/sunlight until they totally cure, the eyepiece coating bubbled. Optics like cold but not hot.
March 19th, 2010 at 10:20 pm
Eh, at a little less, the Millet DMS gives you 1.1ish-4x plus illumination (they claim 1-4, but having both eyes open shows that they are not exactly being honest). Granted, it does not have a big name attached to it, but it seems ot get the job done.
March 20th, 2010 at 5:55 am
I have a Nikon on my M1A, they’re good scopes! I also like being able to use the iron sights with a scope mounted on the M1A since the scope sits on a mount high above the receiver.
March 20th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
I really like the way the Nikon monarch scopes look and I’m thinking about putting one on my Winchester 7mm mag.
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:24 pm
I see online that Nikon also makes a 30mm version of this scope and it does come with an illuminated reticle.