Should I keep my Nikon Monarch

[johnu]

Recently bought a Tikka Master Continental in .308 that I'm planning to use for metal silhouette and maybe some short range F T/R matches. The rifle came with a new Nikon Monarch 8-32 ED with a plex reticle. Very nice glass and I like the eye relief, but these things have very limited internal adjustment. Even for silhouette I may have to use a 20 moa base or Burris Z rings.

I'm thinking of selling it off and getting a Sightron SIII or something similar, but if someone has some suggestions on making the Nikon work I would like to hear them.

John

 

[NateHaler]

Much as I like Nikon optics in general, that scope purportedly has only 20 MOA of total internal elevation adjustment. According to: http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/Products/Riflescopes/8479/Monarch-8-32x50-ED-Side-Focus-Matte-Nikoplex.html#tab-ProductDetail.ProductTabs.TechSpecs

Unless you're able to forward tilt the scope (via ring inserts or a scope base) to a degree that will enable you to get your 100y zero and still have (hopefully) 15 MOA of 'up' remaining -- which will get you to 600y, then I would not trouble with it.

If it had a reticle with better holdover capability, e.g. mildot, or similar, then it would likely be serviceable for your needs. But 20 MOA with a plex reticle will require that you really get serious about rings/base to make it work.

Good luck.

 

[SS427]

The 20 MOA adjustment range is what made my decision for me and I got the SIII. The Nikon is a very nice scope and I think they would sell a lot more of that model if it had more adjustment range and a better choice of reticles. No offense to those that like it, but the BDC reticle is about the worst design I've ever seen, and the duplex crosshairs are too fat. I sure hope Nikon reads these forums cause they have a scope with excellent glass and real potential, but with some built in limiting factors that will keep it from ever enjoying much market share.