i'm looking for a new scope.i got a 5.5-16.5 for the #1 in 6mm a while back. i originally had my mind set on another nikon monarch, a 6.5-20, but would like to go with a bushnell elite 4200 (they sure are clear). my dilemma is a 4-16 or the 6-24x40. scope is going on a ruger #1 in 22-250 for bench and varmint. any one have some helpful advice. i always know you'll tell it like it is!

IOR I love mine

Since your going to use it for bench and varmints I'd go with 6x up. Both the Monarch and Elite are great scopes but to my eyes the new Nikon's seem to have a slightly better sight picture.

thanks for the replys. i do have to admit the 5.5-16.5 monarch i have is nice. after i got it, i said i wouldn't hesitate to buy another.i missed the clearance on the 6.5-20's w/fine ch (day late & dollar short at the time). unfortunately no one near me has an elite 4200 in either 4-16 or 6-24 to look thru. all i've been able to see is a 4-12 and boy was it clear.i appreciate the input.

I own an Elite 4200 and a few Nikon Monarch's including two 6.5-20x FCH's. The Monarch's are a bit better scope. Not by a large margin, but just a little bit clearer. They also have a bit more adjustment range usually in elevation.

Now either would do well for you. Both are very good scopes.

Another worth looking at is a Weaver 6.5-20x Grandslam. It actually is probably near equal to the Monarch.

I have a couple #1's, my favorite being my 45-70. You may have the varmint model. I know with the others adequate eye relief is a problem unless you have offset rings. So that is another thing to look at in these scopes you are considering.

Not to insult Esldude, but I would skip the Weaver Grand Slam.. it is a great scope, but now that it is 'backed' by Meade Instruments.. I would not touch anything with a Weaver name on it, in optics...

Great designed stuff, but the quality of their customer service is non existant...I have had to deal with them on several returns and an IRS tax audit is a more fulfilling experience than dealing with Meade's Customer Service...

Sad because I was very partial to Weaver V 16s and V 24s myself....

But I won't buy another until they are no longer under Meade's roof...

quote:

Not to insult Esldude, but I would skip the Weaver Grand Slam.. it is a great scope, but now that it is 'backed' by Meade Instruments.. I would not touch anything with a Weaver name on it, in optics...

Great designed stuff, but the quality of their customer service is non existant...I have had to deal with them on several returns and an IRS tax audit is a more fulfilling experience than dealing with Meade's Customer Service...

Truer words you won't find.....these guys don't have service....just frustration.

Have a 4x16x40 elite and love it, rainguard really works and optics are on a par with nikons. Conquest and Sightron big sky are other options to consider but slightly more $.

Dave

thanks again to all for the input. i will wait for the opportunity and go for the best deal on either the monarch 6.5-20 or the 4200 in 6-24. i don't think my #1 will mind either one.
Esldude...my #1 is a 1B. it can shoot if i do my part..that seems to be a problem some days.
seafire2...i've noticed you have issues with meade, apparently they're not hung up on customer service. too bad because good customer service usually pays off. i'm not a meade fan either.

Well fortunately I haven't needed Meade service so far. That is not good news by any means however. Pretty pitiful to have a good product without the sense to support it.

I have heard, and had a couple of questionable experiences with Bushnell service on their cheaper scopes. They made them good just not without some complaint and hard negotiating on my part. Never had a problem with any 3200 or 4200 though.

Shot a .243 #1B I have yesterday. Have a Burris on it. That 6mm should be even a little better.

Be sure to look through the new Monarch's before making your decision. I would also take a look at the current new Monarch pricing at the Optic Zone....very low.

Bob

Esldude...i figured i shouldn't have any problems with a 4200 or the Monarch, but if i did service shouldn't be a problem. i guess i'm going to have to travel to look thru both of them. that 1B will shoot inside a dime, and has, when i do my part.
Bob in TX...if i can find one in my travels i would like to look thru one of the new ones. this old stick in the mud still likes a scope with an AO. also, i wouldn't think of buying a new scope without checking with Jon.