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I've seen several references here about the Nikon 1-4 African and its bullet-proof nature. When I check it though, it seems to be discontinued. Is there a similar one in the line-up with perhaps a different name? | ||
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Dog.... For some reason they dropped the "African", and the buffalo on the side cap??? It's now called; Nikon MONARCH 3 Rifle Scope 1-4x http://www.midwayusa.com/produ...cope-1-4x-20mm-matte http://www.b-mriflesandcartridges.com/default.html The New Word is "Non-Conventional", add "Conventional" to the Endangered Species List! Live Outside The Box of "Conventional Wisdom" I do Not Own Any Part of Any Bullet Company, I am not in the Employ Of Any Bullet Company. I do not represent, own stock, nor do I receive any proceeds, or monies from ANY BULLET COMPANY. I am not in the bullet business, and have no Bullets to sell to you, nor anyone else. | |||
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I believe the African designation eliminated wider 'consideration use' of the scope by buyers for other purposes - so the change was a 'marketing thing'. Jim  "Life's hard; it's harder if you're stupid" John Wayne | |||
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Thanks, I think I'll pick up one or two for spares and perhaps to be pre-sighted for different loads. If I like 'em, who knows? | |||
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Cappy, that makes good sense.............. Dog...... I have gone totally with the little Nikon on all my big bore rifles, so far, going on close to two years now since the first one I have not had the first problem or issue with any. Currently I have a dozen or so working..... Michael http://www.b-mriflesandcartridges.com/default.html The New Word is "Non-Conventional", add "Conventional" to the Endangered Species List! Live Outside The Box of "Conventional Wisdom" I do Not Own Any Part of Any Bullet Company, I am not in the Employ Of Any Bullet Company. I do not represent, own stock, nor do I receive any proceeds, or monies from ANY BULLET COMPANY. I am not in the bullet business, and have no Bullets to sell to you, nor anyone else. | |||
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Michael458 the link you posted above was available at the same time the Nikon African was available, and they were very different scopes. The African was an illuminated scope with a choice of either a green dot, or a red dot depending on which way you turned the illumination dial. The Nikon Monarch 3 is not illuminated at all but simply has the German #4 post and crosshair. Also the African had a 30MM tube, while the Monarch 3 is a one inch tube! There was also a difference in price with the Monarch 3 selling for about $275, while the African sported a price tag of $900. I waited too long to pick up an African before they discontinued because of a trash campaign by the bunny huggers. Too bad because that was a bargain for the type scope it was!  Nippon Kogaku K.K. (Nikon) is perhaps the most respected name in Japanese optics and they have offered riflescopes to discriminating hunters for many years. Nikon's transferable Full Lifetime Warranty covers Monarch riflescopes. No receipt or registration card is required. New in the Nikon riflescope line for 2010 is the four-star-plus Nikon Monarch African 1.1-4x24mm Illuminated Reticle riflescope that is the subject of this review. The typical dangerous game scope sold today is a low powered variable magnification model with an illuminated reticle (IR). While a fixed power scope of around 2x or 2.5x used to be the popular choice for a dangerous game rifle and is still a good choice, a modern low power variable in the 1-4x range offers a greater field of view at low power and potentially greater accuracy for the occasional long shot at its maximum magnification. Even when set to its maximum magnification, however, a good variable power dangerous game scope should offer sufficient field of view to allow the hunter to respond immediately to a short range charge by a large animal. A maximum magnification of about 4x is about ideal and 6x represents the absolute upper limit of allowable magnification (and restricted field of view) for a dangerous game scope. This safety requirement eliminates hunting scopes in the 2-7x (and higher magnification) range from consideration. Basic features of the Monarch African include a one-piece 30mm main tube, fast (Euro style) eyepiece focusing, fully multi-coated optics, German #4 (three post and crosshair) reticle with an illuminated center dot for visibility in very low light and a 1.1x minimum magnification to maximize the field of view. The external finish is an attractive matte black. Threaded aluminum caps protect the adjustments and a small, gold Cape buffalo head and the legend "Monarch African" decorate the windage cap. With its straight main tubes (no objective bell), the new African has plenty of mounting latitude and can be mounted low over the rifle's bore for fast acquisition in snapshooting situations. Lens caps are included. Specifications • Part #: 8447 • Clear aperture: 24mm • Main tube diameter: 30mm • Reticle: German #4 (with illuminated center dot) • Finish: Matte black • Overall length: 10.51" • Objective outside diameter: 1.18" • Ocular bell diameter: 1.72" • Weight: 16.93 oz. • Actual magnification: 1.1x to 4.0x • Exit pupil: 6mm (4x) • Field of view at 100 yards: 29.3' to 108.0' • Eye relief: 3.7" (94mm) constant • Parallax free: 100 yds. • Elevation adjustment range: 80 MOA • Windage adjustment range: 80 MOA • Adjustment click value: ¼ MOA • Battery for IR: CR-2032 • Country of origin: Japan • 2010 online price: $859.95 (Midway USA) The finely knurled, aluminum zoom ring is smooth in operation and features a square tactile bump over the 2x position. The Euro style fast focus adjustment is by means of a knurled aluminum ring with a rubber eyebrow protector at the rear of the ocular bell. The windage and elevation adjustments click in precise, but closely spaced, ¼ MOA increments; these adjustments are very accurate, positive and repeatable. The combined illumination rheostat dial and battery case is located on top of the ocular bell at the 12-o'clock position. We do not prefer this location, although it is common, as it makes the scope bulkier and can interfere with turning the zoom ring. There are click stop intensity settings and a choice of a red or green center dot. The "off" position is in the middle of the dial, between the red and green illumination intensity scales. The illuminated dot at the center of the crosshair is bright enough to be used in daylight, if desired. We found the red dot more visible than the green dot against foliage. In dim light, as during pre-dawn, twilight or nighttime, the IR worked well and provided a highly visible aiming point. When switched off, the dot disappears, leaving the intersection of the crosshairs as the precise aiming point. We tested the scope on a CZ Safari Grade bolt action rifle chambered for the powerful 9.3x62mm cartridge, an all-around African big game hunting cartridge. It was easy to mount, but 30mm mounting rings are required; these are not as common as 25mm (1") rings. Once mounted, everything about the Monarch African worked exactly as advertised. There were no problem with the Nikon scope during our time at the range and everyone on the Guns and Shooting Online staff commented positively about the scope's clear optics. This scope is optically excellent. It provides sharp, contrasty views of the target and optical aberrations are well controlled. Internal flare suppression is good. The field of view at the lowest magnification setting (1.1x) is huge, 108' at 100 yards. We recently reviewed a number of safari type scopes and the optical quality of the Monarch African was among the best of the bunch. (See the article, "Compared: Dangerous Game Riflescopes from Zeiss, Weaver, Leupold and Nikon.") It also has good eye relief, suitable for hard kicking rifles, and an adequately generous eye box for rapid target acquisition. Unlike many European and Euro-style scopes, the Monarch African's German #4 reticle is located in the second image plane, which means that it does not change size as the magnification is changed. This is the kind of reticle with which we prefer to hunt. Our overall impression of the Nikon Monarch African 1.1-4x24mm IR is that it is a premium scope, suitable for use on the finest safari rifles. We recommend it without reservation. You can see all of the fine Nikon riflescopes at the Nikon USA website: www.nikonusa.com ....Mac >>>===(x)===> MacD37, ...and DUGABOY1 DRSS Charter member "If I die today, I've had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"~ME 1982 Hands of Old Elmer Keith  | |||
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Mac...... You are correct, there were two "Africans" the bigger 30mm tube you are speaking about above, and the smaller 1 inch 1X4. The 1X4 1 inch is still available, it is just not called the African any longer, just plain "Monarch 3", same exact scope, same german #4, same price, $279......... This is the one that I use. 30mm is too big and bulky for my use....... I am not sure if it is available currently or not..... Michael http://www.b-mriflesandcartridges.com/default.html The New Word is "Non-Conventional", add "Conventional" to the Endangered Species List! Live Outside The Box of "Conventional Wisdom" I do Not Own Any Part of Any Bullet Company, I am not in the Employ Of Any Bullet Company. I do not represent, own stock, nor do I receive any proceeds, or monies from ANY BULLET COMPANY. I am not in the bullet business, and have no Bullets to sell to you, nor anyone else. | |||
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Doc M, Right, I have one of the 30mm-tubed Africans, and two of the newer 1-inch-tubed Monarchs that used to be "Africans" also. The 30mm-tubed "African" is on my 400 Whelen Petrov, that being gentle enough for the scope rings to survive with such a heavy scope. But it sure uglies-up the slim Ruger Hawkeye, even to my aesthetic sensibilities,  and will be replaced by a 1-inch-tubed Monarch-Ex-African. I have about a half-dozen Nikons "workin'," even if only as backups to the Leupolds that have not broken yet.  There is a 30mm-tubed Nikon African still in stock at Keen's Depot aka KY Gun Co. in Bardstown, KY. I got one there a year or two ago, they still have "African" stock there, at least one of the 30mm-tube left, saw it there last Saturday. http://www.kygunco.com/ http://www.kygunco.com/store_location.cfm They do stock Shuetzen brand black powder too, what I was after. | |||
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I haven't managed to break any of my Leupolds, but am willing to try the Nikons for fun and to have an spare for my buffalo cull. | |||
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I got a 30 mm african on my 470 In claw mounts. No problem with either. JD DRSS 9.3X74 tika 512 9.3X74 SXS Merkel 140 in 470 Nitro | |||
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Have two of the 1-4x non-African scopes. Both have been subjected to a lot of firing with African rifles (oh, and one piggy rifle). I've been a loyal Leupold man for years, but the new Monarchs have been great. .395 Family Member DRSS, po' boy member Political correctness is nothing but liberal enforced censorship | |||
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I see the 1-inch Nikon model is offered with a choice of reticles: a BDC or the German #4 ... Which reticle do those who have this scope prefer? Thanks. "Only accurate rifles are interesting." | |||
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 RIP..... I had no idea you had "Aesthetic Sensibilities".........  Just teasing my friend.... HEH....... Well, most all of you know how many leupolds I have busted and probably broken records doing so on a regular basis.... One of the most memorable is the new 1.5x5 VX3 straight out of the box new, 3 rounds of 50 B&M put it in the dirt....... 4 broken on the bench and 4 at leupold for repairs on a continued basis..... one 18 month period I busted 13 of them... Enough was enough. What is so hard for me to fathom, 2 years or so, maybe close to 3 now since the first Nikon 1x4 and have not busted one, have not broken, have not had one single issue?????? For me, the glass is clearer, brighter than the leupolds, focus is precise and easy at the touch of a finger, mechanically as good as anything I have worked with, moves correct when you move it right/left, or up/down, and one can't beat the price.... Down side, objective is a little larger than the leupolds, and the turrets are a little large, but none other than those, and I am used to them now..... Having not busted one nor suffered a minute down time for repairs, this largely outweighs any small downside to the scopes...... I sent 35 Leupolds down the road a year or so ago, replaced every one of them with Nikons of some sort or another. I have several of the really cheaper models, Prostaff and Buckmaster I think they are called, just to try and see, and damned if those have not turned out to be excellent scopes on various rifles in smaller calibers..... Another favorite is the 2X8 Monarch, which would be comparable to the 2X8 leupold VX3 easy, I think better, and about the same size as well..... I just counted, currently I am running 14 of the little 1X4 Monarchs/used to be Africans........ Zero issues...... Even if one busts all to hell today, I am way ahead of the game.. Michael http://www.b-mriflesandcartridges.com/default.html The New Word is "Non-Conventional", add "Conventional" to the Endangered Species List! Live Outside The Box of "Conventional Wisdom" I do Not Own Any Part of Any Bullet Company, I am not in the Employ Of Any Bullet Company. I do not represent, own stock, nor do I receive any proceeds, or monies from ANY BULLET COMPANY. I am not in the bullet business, and have no Bullets to sell to you, nor anyone else. | |||
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I have a 30mm - 1x4 Nikon African with Illuminated reticle new in box that I would sell if anyone is interested. They are excellent scopes. Good Hunting, Tim Herald Worldwide Trophy Adventures tim@trophyadventures.com | |||
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Nick.... I have never really liked the German #4. I had several of the other Nikons with the BDC, but those have large circles, large cross hairs. I was busting to get one of the BDC in the 1x4 new Nikons and did. But it is very small cross hairs and small circles, and useless as a close, fast, DG scope. Way too small to pick up fast...... Of the two, the German #4 is far more preferable to me in this particular model.... Large big bold cross hairs, easy and fast to pick up....... Michael http://www.b-mriflesandcartridges.com/default.html The New Word is "Non-Conventional", add "Conventional" to the Endangered Species List! Live Outside The Box of "Conventional Wisdom" I do Not Own Any Part of Any Bullet Company, I am not in the Employ Of Any Bullet Company. I do not represent, own stock, nor do I receive any proceeds, or monies from ANY BULLET COMPANY. I am not in the bullet business, and have no Bullets to sell to you, nor anyone else. | |||
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Michael, Not to change the thread too much but,do you have any experience with the Monarch 3 with more magnification such as the 2-8 or even the 2.5-10? Are they as reliable and clear as the 1-4? Thanks, | |||
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Edod..... Yes, I have a few of the 2x8 Monarchs, and I really like those a lot. They are fantastic on my 9.3 B&M and 416 B&M rifles...... On these I really like the BDC reticle too, not that I can really put those bottom circles to much use, but those do in fact work..... I have a few of the 2.5X10 as well, and just as good....... I also stated above I have several of the less expensive versions (not that the Monarch is expensive to begin with), Prostaff and Buckmaster, I have found them an extremely good value, and I have had no problems or issues with them either. I know I sound like a Nikon commercial, but I am very happy with every single Nikon product I have bought, just looking around the shop I am running 30 some odd Nikon scopes and I am happy with every single one of them so far....... Every time I make these statements, some ASSHOLE accuses me of having a monetary interest.... Let me state for the record again, I don't own Nikon, I don't deal in Nikons, I have no Nikons to sell you or anyone else, and I don't give a hoot in hell if you buy one or not. Same with bullets, and on doubles same with filler material....... In fact, I ain't in business to sell anyone a damn thing! HEH........ Michael http://www.b-mriflesandcartridges.com/default.html The New Word is "Non-Conventional", add "Conventional" to the Endangered Species List! Live Outside The Box of "Conventional Wisdom" I do Not Own Any Part of Any Bullet Company, I am not in the Employ Of Any Bullet Company. I do not represent, own stock, nor do I receive any proceeds, or monies from ANY BULLET COMPANY. I am not in the bullet business, and have no Bullets to sell to you, nor anyone else. | |||
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I have the Monarch 1-4 mounted on a 404 and so far (range only) everything looks very promising. I listened to Michaels's experiences! I do not like the buffalo picture on the turret caps so if someone wants to change his neutral one for a 2nd buffalo pls Pn. | |||
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Ex-African-Monarch: What Robert Mugabe should have become a long time ago. | |||
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Michael, Thanks for the information. I will have to give the Nikon's a look | |||
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No thanks needed Edod..... Jaegerfrank... Man, I love the buffalo on the cap, I wish they would have kept that! I would trade in a skinny, but its a long way to Germany!........... M http://www.b-mriflesandcartridges.com/default.html The New Word is "Non-Conventional", add "Conventional" to the Endangered Species List! Live Outside The Box of "Conventional Wisdom" I do Not Own Any Part of Any Bullet Company, I am not in the Employ Of Any Bullet Company. I do not represent, own stock, nor do I receive any proceeds, or monies from ANY BULLET COMPANY. I am not in the bullet business, and have no Bullets to sell to you, nor anyone else. | |||
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Ordered the German #4 model after posting earlier in this thread. Should be here tomorrow. Blaming ... er, thanking Michael. "Only accurate rifles are interesting." | |||
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HEH.... No worries, I take the blame for many things.......... Nick, let us know what you think once you take it out of the box........ M http://www.b-mriflesandcartridges.com/default.html The New Word is "Non-Conventional", add "Conventional" to the Endangered Species List! Live Outside The Box of "Conventional Wisdom" I do Not Own Any Part of Any Bullet Company, I am not in the Employ Of Any Bullet Company. I do not represent, own stock, nor do I receive any proceeds, or monies from ANY BULLET COMPANY. I am not in the bullet business, and have no Bullets to sell to you, nor anyone else. | |||
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How does the 1-4 ex-African perform in low light conditions? If It Doesn't Feed, It's Junk. | |||
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Mauser98....... Sorry, personally I really don't know how it stands in that regard, when compared to others..... Hopefully some of the other guys will know....... M http://www.b-mriflesandcartridges.com/default.html The New Word is "Non-Conventional", add "Conventional" to the Endangered Species List! Live Outside The Box of "Conventional Wisdom" I do Not Own Any Part of Any Bullet Company, I am not in the Employ Of Any Bullet Company. I do not represent, own stock, nor do I receive any proceeds, or monies from ANY BULLET COMPANY. I am not in the bullet business, and have no Bullets to sell to you, nor anyone else. | |||
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Gentlemen I would like someone here to post a picture of a one inch tubed 1-4 Nikon scope or an old catalog add for same, that is labeled as a AFRICAN MODEL by Nikon! The only Nikon scope that was labeled the AFRICAN was a 1-4X24 with a 30MM tube, and was illuminated, with both red, and green dot with a German post and crosshair reticle. It was designed to be used on all of the big five, with a 1 power setting for close in work while shooting with both eyes open, and a four power setting for a longer range shooting both in bright light, and low light situations, like the cats over bait. The AFRICAN model was discontinued because of negative publicity put forth by animal rights people. Also because they couldn’t compete with the Trijicon 1.4X24 which used no batteries, and no negative press from the animal rights people, with both scopes in about the same price range! ($859 and $900)
....Mac >>>===(x)===> MacD37, ...and DUGABOY1 DRSS Charter member "If I die today, I've had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"~ME 1982 Hands of Old Elmer Keith | |||
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Mac, Here's a link to the ad page from Optics Planet for the Nikon Monarch African 1-4x20 1" tube w/German #4 Reticle: http://www.opticsplanet.com/ni...e-german-4-8446.html
Hope that'll do it for you. If not, I can take a photograph of the box and end label for mine later today. Jim "Life's hard; it's harder if you're stupid" John Wayne | |||
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Mac....... About a year + ago what is currently the 1X4 Monarch which is a 1 inch tube was also called the African and had a nice buffalo on the windage turret cap--I have 8-10 of these. They were only available in the German #4 reticle. They stopped production of this, and now just call it the Nikon 1X4 Monarch. I think I read somewhere they did an update on the glass. During this same time they had the 30mm scope you state as well, also called the "African"...... I don't have a old catalog photo or anything, I always ordered direct from Midway or Optics Planet all of mine, still do... Michael http://www.b-mriflesandcartridges.com/default.html The New Word is "Non-Conventional", add "Conventional" to the Endangered Species List! Live Outside The Box of "Conventional Wisdom" I do Not Own Any Part of Any Bullet Company, I am not in the Employ Of Any Bullet Company. I do not represent, own stock, nor do I receive any proceeds, or monies from ANY BULLET COMPANY. I am not in the bullet business, and have no Bullets to sell to you, nor anyone else. | |||
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I stand corrected if that is the case! What I was making the statement was based on when this scope came out before they even were available in stores the 1 inch scope was listed as a one inch scope with two reticles the German no 4, and the one with the elevation dots and no illumination. At that time the 30MM scope as above was listed as the "African" with illumination red & green and only the No4 reticle. That caught my eye because I have an eye problem of macular degeneration in my right eye, and I needed the 1 power and the illumination so I could mount these on my double rifles so I could shoot with both eyes open t let the binocular effect of both eyes work with my right eye seeing the illuminated dot and the left eye see both the dot and the bold No4 reticle. I have Trijicon scopes now but when they discontinued the African. The one inch was all that was left and with no illumination so it would do me personally no good. I guess my memory is playing tricks on me but I can't remember ever seeing a Nikon 1 inch scope listed as a "AFRICAN"! I still would like to see a picture of a 1 inch Nikon un-illuminated scope with the Cape buffalo on the windage cap! I may have a 2010 Nikon catalog I'll see if I can find it in my shop! ..................................................................  ....Mac >>>===(x)===> MacD37, ...and DUGABOY1 DRSS Charter member "If I die today, I've had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"~ME 1982 Hands of Old Elmer Keith | |||
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Mac, I updated my post with a copy of the scope from the website... Looks identical to mine; just a much better photograph. Jim "Life's hard; it's harder if you're stupid" John Wayne | |||
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You are absolutely correct! I stand corrected! Thank you for the picture! ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I guess I'm suffering from OLD-TIMER'S disease!  ....Mac >>>===(x)===> MacD37, ...and DUGABOY1 DRSS Charter member "If I die today, I've had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"~ME 1982 Hands of Old Elmer Keith | |||
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30MM illuminated One inch non-illuminated  There they are both types showing the ”AFRICAN” badge! I stand down! .....................  ....Mac >>>===(x)===> MacD37, ...and DUGABOY1 DRSS Charter member "If I die today, I've had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"~ME 1982 Hands of Old Elmer Keith | |||
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And the 30-mm-tubed African was made without the illuminated reticle, had a non-illuminated G4. I have one of those. | |||
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Damn there's another one for the books!  I think these things need to be on the collectors market now that they are no longer made in the "AFRICAN" models! I would love to have one of each type, for my collection of vintage scopes that are no longer made! I have about 20 scopes from the early 1920s and 30s mostly European makes, but a complete collection of these, now discontinued Nikon would be a nice addition to the ones I have now ......................................................................  ....Mac >>>===(x)===> MacD37, ...and DUGABOY1 DRSS Charter member "If I die today, I've had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"~ME 1982 Hands of Old Elmer Keith | |||
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