Nikon scope

I'm in the market for a scope and I like Nikon. Is the Monarch line a better scope or the Prostaff 5 line? I like the 30mm tube and power range 4x18, mil-dot or BDC. who has tried the monark and prostaff line pros and cons.

I have older monarch ucc and older prostaff. both have good glass. Im really considering the prostaff 5 3.5-14 and 4.5-18, but like you unfamiliar with newer models. Nikon is getting nod because its made with quality, not top tier S&B quality, but quality I can depend on. Go with mildot imo, you can do a lot more with it than bdc. Same function more versatile.

Thanks Jorge, it's difficult to decide or even compare when the closest is 100 miles away. I have a feeling that to get a 16 to 18 power, mildot, ffp and 30mm in one package might be a dream. I'll more then likely have to go used to get this package at something working class can afford.

Sounds like you need a primary arms 4-14 ffp mildot.

That looks very interesting, who has experience with them?

Lots of YouTube and internet reviews. Great reviews, and the only option with the things you mentioned under about $500
http://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms-4-14x44-mil-mil-ffp-scope/p/kt-pa4-14xffp/

I don't know what the OP is willing to spend, but I'm very happy with my Vortex Viper PST 4-16x50, with ffp and 30mm tube (and illumination). Third season of hunting with it, I think, and I like it more as time goes by.

I do freelance Pr/Shooting Event's for Nikon so that pretty much gives me hands on knowledge with just about every scope Nikon has made ove rht e last 6 years. The MONARCH is Nikon's best glass and the PROSTAFF being one step below as far as coatings. I have MONARCH's on all special big game rifles that I use when the opportunity may present itself for a real trophy and perhaps only one shot to get it. So far I have not been disappointed. Nikon's new MONARCH 7 is set to come out and it will be a 30mm scope and the best riflescope Nikon makes. The 30mm tube doesn't help you with add light but it does give you extra internal adjustment. Nikon also has a line of FFP scopes that should be out any time that will have the BDC reticle and it is called Distance Lock. Trust me, Nikon's BDC reticle and Spot On can greatly enhance your longrange accuracy. Right now Nikon is having a big Promo and one scope that might fit your needs is the MONARCH 3 4-16x42 mild reticle. Check out the below link to get a better idea and check out THF's Sponsor's to see if they can help you with the purchase. Drop me a note with any question's.

http://www.nikonpromo.com/long-range-precision-1-16.php

Bart please share your opinions on the prostaff 5 line. What do you think its comparable too as far as competition.

Jorge, I don't make any comment's on the competition mainly because I don't have any first hand knowledge about them. Nikon's PROSTAFF 5 is a very nice scope. I put one on my Father In-Law's .308 2 years ago and he's now harvested 6 deer all one shot stops. His longest shot was just under 400yards using Nikon's BDC reticle. Pretty decent for a now 80 year old! I must admit, teaching him how to use the BDC reticle was more of a chore then teaching my son when he was 12! The fact that my Father In-Law is hearing impaired from his military service and his disdain for "high tech" sight's made my job tougher. a few trips to the range and some graphic's and he was good to go and we haven't looked back since. He used to average about 10 shells a deer for a good many years, seriously!

Here's a pic of a friend who tried out my T/C .308,PROSTAFF 5 and now own's the exact same set up! The 3.5-14 even comes in a mildot reticle with parallax adjustment. Very nice optic.

I have the Primary Arms 4-14 on my Grendel. It's a decent scope overall, and a really nice scope for the price. I've shot paper out to 700 yards with it and it works fine for that. The glass clarity is actually good, it tracks fine and it returns to zero every time.The parallax adjustment is right on the money at every distance I've tried.

The reticle is a standard mil dot that is very thick at 14 power. Almost too thick. The turrets are not good at all and there is some play between the hash marks while turning the turret knobs.

The only scope I can compare it to is my Viper PST 4-16 FFP. The PA scope is obviously not in the same class, but I have to admit, I can't see the PST being worth $700 more than the PA. If the PA had better turrets and a thinner reticle with mil hashes instead of dots, I wouldn't buy anything else to use on an all-around rifle.

I hope that helps you out.

Bart how well does the prostaff 5 i mentioned and you responded to track. Can it give a respectable box? Nikon makes memtion of their spring loaded turrets. How tactile are they and are they squishy to a point of contention for you. I know it wont be like the NF i had bit im payong 1k less. I would just like decent. Another member mentioned eye relief issue what are your thoughts? I see it lists 74 moa elevation and 73 moa windage are these correct figures? With a 20moa rail on my soon to have 220 swift this would be able to easily reach 800 yds using the high bc .224 pills

Jorge, The PROSTAFF 5 3.5-14 has 55 MOA of adjustment. If I had a 220 Swift I would look at a 4-16 or 5-20 in the PROSTAFF 7 line. The 30mm tube will give you 90 MOA of adjustment in the 4-16 magnification. One heck of a scope! A buddy demo'd one to deer hunt in OK and said he hated to send it back! Hopefully I'll be getting my hands on one in the near future. From what I have heard they are very close to being in retailer's hands.
With the 20MOA rail you can really choose about any scope you want and reach 800 yards without a problem. Nikon also has a Advanced BDC reticle with wind compensation tic's etched into the glass to compensate for a 10mph wind. Nikon's Spot On Program can also help you with adjustment's for wind drift.
As far as tracking/box test's, if I were you I wouldn't worry one bit about my new Nikon scope not doing all it is expected to do. Nikon's scopes are built tough and can handle what ever you dish out. They are also backed by Nikon's No Fault Policy.

Thanks bart. This is a budget build so as much as i want a 30mm tube i have a good set of rings for a 1". Use the spot on app alot its AWESOME!!!