The old faithfull 6x18 Tasco just isn't enough for this gun. What's the opioion of the best 6x24x for the $$$. Leaning towards Nikon Monarch or 4200. The Swift sure is priced right, anybody having experience with these scopes sound off.

The best 6-24x:

My first new scope was a 3 X 9 Trashco. The thing would not hold zero. After setting for several months I would have to rezero it. Replaced it with a Leupold and it has been zeroed since 1975. I would say of the scopes you mention that the Nikon and the 4200 are both good choices.

David Smith: I have three Varmint type Rifles in caliber 204 Ruger. This IS one caliber that can put to good use a great deal of scope power!
It is an amazingly accurate cartridge as well as one that will easily kill Varmints out to and past 450 yards!
I highly recommend as much scope power as you can afford. I have a Leupold 8.5x25x40mm variable on one 204. I use a Nikon 6.5x20x44mm Monarch on another 204. On my third 204 Varminter I have a Sightron 6x24 variable on it.
I am quite happy with each of these scopes and have killed Varmints and shot excellent groups at the range with all of them!
I am now in the midst of wheeling and dealing for another scope as I robbed the above 8.5x25x40mm Leupold off another Varminter! I am leaning right now (for price reasons mostly) at another Nikon 6.5x20 Monarch.
If I were to find a good deal on a used, big Leupold variable or another Sightron 6x24 I would go with it no hesitation.
I have another month or two to find a used bargain then I must buy the new Nikon. Very few used 6.5x20 Nikons around!
Best of luck with whichever you choose. But again I suggest you get lots of scope power on that 204.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Well Nikon Monarchs are some of my favorite scopes. Have one in 6.5-20x. The Elite 4200 has the advantage of being 6-24x. And is optically just almost or is equal to the Monarch. You also can get the Elite in 8-32x.

I think the best deal in this sort of scope is the Weaver Grand Slam in 6.5-20x. Right in the mix with the above two scopes.

I own one each of the three.

I personally would take the Nikon. I think they are optically ever so slightly better, plus the Nikon is 2" shorter than the Bushnell Elite 4200.

I agree that the 4200, Sightron, Weaver Grnd Slam would all be good buys.

I have had experience with Swift.... but it wasn't good. On a varmint rig I don't think it would be as critical as on your deer rifle. But they aren't worth buying compared to the other 3.

You'll be hard pressed to find more "repeatability" when dialing up and down in th varmint fields, for the money, than with the 6.5-20 Monarch!!! Even the 6x18 Buckmasters with the tharget turrets have proven very reliable and repeatable for me and one of them is on a SENDERO in 300SAUM!! Nikon is the best kept secret in optics!! GHD

I really like my 2 6-24 Burris Signatures. One with the fine Plex, other with Bal. MilDot. The latter sits in the closet awaiting testing on son's RR and/or Colt. They're both fine scopes, having served me well target shooting with my 6mm Rem and VS 223. Excellent clarity, as well as repeatability and outstanding flare control, even as the light collector was open. Though now Burris makes the Signature Select which doesn't have the Light collector, it would still be my first choice as best for the price at right around $440 I'm thinking. Jay

I would think total elevation adjustment would be critical. Often the "super high" magnification scopes have 1/8 inch clicks and lack W/E adjustment.

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:
I would think total elevation adjustment would be critical. Often the "super high" magnification scopes have 1/8 inch clicks and lack W/E adjustment.

Another AZWrither

You sure are right on the money with that statement.

Here's another vote for the Nikon Monarch. There's not a ton of difference between it and the 4200 you mention, but the Nikon is, overall, slightly ahead in most pertinent optical categories. For me, the Nikons represent the best value for the $$. You can spend more, but you may actually get less...

By the way, check out http://www.theopticzone.com for some of the best prices on Nikons.

JJ, Yes the higher end optics often have 1/8 minute adjustments! LEUPOLD makes bases called "LONG RANGE" bases which give you 20 more MOA in the adjustments.....cost the same or no more than $2.00 more than standard bases!! Give me the 1/8MOA adjustable, QUALITY glass anyday!! I'll deal with the Elevation adjustment problem.....which isn't a real problem!!! GHD

DO NOT get a leup(old). Biggest POS scope line on the market,other than BSA and Trashco.