Opinions on Nikon Monarch 5 in 3x-15x-42mm?

[stalkingbear]

So Natchezs has had Nikon Monarch 5 in 3x-15x-42mm on sale for some time for I believe around $312, which is close to 50% of usual cost. I'm going to upgrade the scope on my Browning A-bolt 2 action from new rifle I stripped to have the action to build in 30-06, and am semi-retiring all the rest of my bolt rifles in favor of 2 loads in the 30-06 covering all my current or future hunting needs. It loves both the pet loads I worked up for it, oth the 150 gr Ballistic Tips (for whitetails & under), and the 180 gr Accubonds will put 5 shots into a micro tad over 1/2" at 200 yards (from solid rest of course), and want a scope that will cover jumping up whitetails from under my feet ultra close & rapidly moving targets, to coyotes, to groundhogs, pronghorn antelope, up to elk, bear etc, and the 3x is perfect for the close and/or running shots, and crank it up for longer shots, smaller critters, or zeroing/load development. The full 5x zoom really appeals to me for that What say yall? Is it worth the $312 they're selling it for? My own past experience on Nikon Prostaff scopes (I have several mounted in addition to mounting, boresighting, zeroing dozens for customers, and makes me think that is a killer deal.

 

[SS427]

I have two of the 5-20x Monarch scopes. This is the model when they put the Nikon name on the end of the objective, but hadn't gone to using numbers yet. I paid about $400 each for them and still consider them a good deal at that price. Excellent scope for what I use them for. I have one on a .223 sage rat/coyote rifle and one on a .30-06 elk rifle. Plan to share the one on the 06 with a future 7mm-08 purchase to hunt deer and antelope.

I checked and the best price I saw on the scope you mentioned was $359. Still a great deal at that price and I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. Lots of other great deals on that website too, including a Sightron Big Sky model, some Weavers, demo Bushnell's and a few others. Got me thinking I might need another scope too.

 

[Shynloco]

Look at it this way...you get what you pay for. Its the end of the year and all the floor models. returns and older model scopes are being sold off at good pricing and savings. If that scope floats your boat, you for it. Personally, I sold off my last Nikon about 4 - 5 yrs ago and bought much better (clearer and sharper) make of scopes. But then I'm not using my scopes for hunting as I gave up hunting many years ago. If Nikon stands behind your new find and this scope is financially feasible, buy it, but don't expect to compare it to say a Leupold, Vortex, Sightron or Nightforce. There is NO comparison of a Nikon to any of these I mentioned. But good luck and enjoy that scope because it sounds like you are already sold on it.

Alex

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

So Natchezs has had Nikon Monarch 5 in 3x-15x-42mm on sale for some time for I believe around $312, which is close to 50% of usual cost. I'm going to upgrade the scope on my Browning A-bolt 2 action from new rifle I stripped to have the action to build in 30-06, and am semi-retiring all the rest of my bolt rifles in favor of 2 loads in the 30-06 covering all my current or future hunting needs. It loves both the pet loads I worked up for it, oth the 150 gr Ballistic Tips (for whitetails & under), and the 180 gr Accubonds will put 5 shots into a micro tad over 1/2" at 200 yards (from solid rest of course), and want a scope that will cover jumping up whitetails from under my feet ultra close & rapidly moving targets, to coyotes, to groundhogs, pronghorn antelope, up to elk, bear etc, and the 3x is perfect for the close and/or running shots, and crank it up for longer shots, smaller critters, or zeroing/load development. The full 5x zoom really appeals to me for that What say yall? Is it worth the $312 they're selling it for? My own past experience on Nikon Prostaff scopes (I have several mounted in addition to mounting, boresighting, zeroing dozens for customers, and makes me think that is a killer deal.

The Nikon Monarch 5 series is an excellent price/performance riflescope. There are a couple of features in that series that are rather unique at that price point: ED glass and a 5X zoom. Those features are usually found in much more expensive scope but Nikon has them in these scopes at an unbelievable price point. Nikon is also topnotch in lens coating so you're good there. For what you paid, please check outside you door for the next few days to make sure the cops are not coming to arrest you for such a steal.

Those scopes are not March or S&B or Swaros, etc. but they will give the lesser scopes (Leupold, Sightron, Vortex, ect,) a run for their money.

 

[stalkingbear]

Being on limited fixed income, only about 1/3 of what I made when working, I've been forced to make MANY adjustments, in all categories of life. Leupold used to be my go to brand, and I was as loyal to Leupold as I still am to Mathews compound bows. I'd LOVE to get a VX-6 or whatever the newest models of that line are called, but it's simply not possible in MY budget any more, and I'm fresh out of rich dying uncles or sugar mommas! I do know Nikons are decent, having several Prostaffs, and am not deluding myself into thinking they are as good as he great scopes. In optics you get what you pay for, and I think that particular Nikon is as close as I can come in my quest in the combo setup for the true 1 go to, use on all medium/large game (North America) rifle. Having said that, I'd LOVE to build myself 1 last bolt rifle. I'm in love with the idea (being disabled & every ounce of weight counts) of a fly weight rifle, weighing around 6# scoped, loaded, slung, & ready to hunt chambered in my all time favorite best all round whitetail cartridge of all time in MY opinion, the 7mm08. That would be used for day long, days at a time hunting for whitetail.