So im in the market for buying a new scope again. Im going to put it on my 243 and use it for groundhogs out to 400 yards when I go viset my dad in ohio for the summer. When I get back to CA Its going to be used as my coyote scope. After doing some looking around I can get either the Nikon monarch 4-12X40 AO, or the Weaver grand slam 4.5-14X40 AO, for about the same price. I own a 3-9X40 monarch and am very happy with it but I have heard great things about the Grand slam. Right now Im leaning twoards the weaver because of the extra 2X of power.(I dont want the 5.5-16X monarch just too much power for me when coyote hunting What do you guys think?

Both scopes are great scopes and would be highly recommended. The Weaver is top notch and really does not get the recognition that it really deserves. The only thing that I am not really fond of is the bigger rubber power ring and adjustable objective. But optically it is outstanding.

I can't comment on the Weaver, I have the Nokon you refer to on a 223. The glass is very good, bright and clear, adjustments are very good,(cap threads are a little fine), my only beef with the Nikon is the eye relief is very narrow, at 12x move your head at all and the image disappears. By comparison I have a Burris FF11 4.5x14x42 on my 25-284 and while the optics are not as nice, the reticle is a little too thick for long range shooting, the eye relieif is much less sensitive.

I have a GS, and the very same Nikon you are considering. Both are very good. Optically, the two are pretty much equal. I might give a very slight edge to the Nikon, and it is so small sample to sample variations could account for the difference.

This is really of no help to you I am afraid. I will say the GS has most of the AO adjustment below 100 yards, while the Nikon has it more equally space out to the longer ranges. The Nikon only goes down to 50 yards on AO while the GS goes to 15 yards. Not likely a problem either way for your use.

Some don't like the rubber on the ends of the Weaver calling it ugly. I fail to see why myself. Looks fine to me.

Good thing is either choice here is a good one.

Also give Jon at the optic zone some consideration. Good to do business with and excellent prices.

Seanyeager

My old hunting partner had the Nikon in question a very nice scope. I currently have the Grand Slam on one of my carry rifles a Mohawk 600 that I had rechambered in 22-250 a 4.5 X 14 very good quality near that of the Nikon. I picked it up used from a fellow selling his rifle. With the high price of optics these days I’ll tell you I have my eye out for another Grand Slam. The 6 X 20 version is a very nice target/ prairie dog scope.

Both the Monarch and Grand Slam are excellent performers. I've used the Monarchs for years and have nothing but praise for them. My experience with the Grand Slam series is quite a bit less; nonetheless, they have served me well.

I don't think you can go wrong with either scope, but personally, I'd pick the Monarch.

I really like the Weaver Grand Slams. I have 2 of the 3x10 40mm scopes. They have great ergomonics and are easy on the eyes. They go for $220-$270 depending on where you get them. I have one on a .308 bolt action action and the on a 7mm Mag. No issues whatsosever.

I also have the 4.5x14 40mm Grand Slam on another 7mm Mag and it performs great as well, but probably wouldn't buy one again because I don't like adjustable objectives - on any scope, not just Weaver.

I also have 2 of the Weaver classics that are 2x10 38mm. These are great for smaller rifles. I've used them a .308 semi-automatic and a .243 bolt action. Small, good balance, and you can use low mount rings. They are usually around $180. I'm not sure if I would use on a Magnum.

I looked at the Nikon scopes, but they are a little less forgiving in terms of lining your eye up on the scope (not eye relief) and are more money. However, I really like the Nikon Monarch binoculars. I own a pair of 8x42 and plan to buy some higher power ones soon.

The other scopes I own include a Zeiss Conquest 3.5x10 44mm and a Burris Safari 1.75x5 32mm. I really like the Zeiss, but got it several years ago off of the net before Zeiss clamped down on dealers eroding the street price (paid a total of $420 delivered). I wouldn't buy one today because they are just so expensive and not worth the price.

thanks for the info austin, now im just thinking on weather i want the save some money and get the 3-10 instead of the 4-14.

sean,

I have the Weaver Grand Slam in 3.5-10x50 on a .243 Blaser R93 barrel and it is an excellent scope both for the money and the application I use it for; primarily Roe Deer hunting.

I consider this specific scoope one of the best alll around values in rifle optics today.