I have to start playing musical scopes now, because I bought a new scope today -- a Nikon Monarch Gold 30mm, 1.5-6x42. I was looking for a scope to top my new .458 Lott, however, I bought this one instead of a new 1-4x20 European-style scope I wanted because I found a deal I just couldn't refuse.

So that means I will remove my Kahles Helia 1.1-4x24 that adorns my 404 and put it on my Lott. Then I will remove my Kahles Helia 1.5-6x42 from my FN .375 and put it on my 404 (or maybe I'll just put the new Nikon on the 404 -- same size and weight). Depending on what I decide, the Nikon will either top the .375 or the 404. The only big bore that will not be affected is the .375 Mark X, which wears a 1.75-6 Leupold VX III(which really SUCKS, clarity-wise, by the way).

I know nobody gives a crap about any of this, but this is just a long way of asking your opinion on Nikon scopes for a big bore? Anybody else got one? I paid $469 btw, for the Nikon, NIB. This is $130 cheaper than the $599 Rifle Scope.com is asking for the same model.

Have you seen one of these yet?

Leupold VX-L

GAHUNTER, I am very interested in what you think of the Nikon scope. On paper it looks like an excellent scope (is it a 30mm tube?) and I have a pair Nikon binoculars which I think are great. I think it looks like great value for the money. If it can stand up to big bore use then it may just be the best scope deal around. How is eye relief and general visual comfort, clarity, etc?

Rusty,

That might be a great scope, however, if I were Leupold, I would have used an undamaged one for my ad! Someone dropped that one and bent the rim!

Wink,

I don't have it yet, I bought it off the internet (I guess I did make it sound like I picked it up at a shop). Should be here early next week. I'll be able to evaluate it better then. Yes, it is a 30mm tube, however I am not sure if the internal lenses are actually 30mm or not. A lot of American 30mm scopes are just 1-inch scopes in a 30mm tube. Eye relief is advertised at 4.1 inches, which is sufficient for a big bore scope (the reason I didn't buy a Doctor or a Meopta is eye relief on both is only 3.1 inches, even though both scopes are of excellent quality and clarity).

That VX-L looks pretty cool. This is the first I've heard of it. I wonder if they are planning on offering it in a lower-power model? Right now, the lowest power is a 3.5-10 (as far as the web shows). I'd like to get a 1.5-7 or something in that range.

quote:

Originally posted by Rusty:
Have you seen one of these yet?

Leupold VX-L

Yes, also received direct email from Leupold...and I must say and admit, that being a big fan of the brand..the new model IS UGLY!!

In my view, a solution (UGLY!!) to a non-existent problem

I have a Nikon Monarch 3x9 on all three of my 416 rem mags.One of the scopes has been on there for 1600 rtounds and is just as good as new.They are pretty tough scopes.

GAHunter,

I tested one of the Nikon 30 mm tube 1.5-6X42 Monarch Gold scopes in '04. I didn't shoot it on anything bigger than a .308 Win though. The glass looked very good, but I didn't have it long enough to really test reliability.

I would not put it on the .458 Lott, unless you are wanting to break it! I shoot mine with ghost ring sites, I would rfecommend a small fixed-power scope for reliability.

I would send the Leupold back to them to fix if its broke. Their service is great, and they are fast. I have one of the 1.75-6X32 VXIII scopes too, and with only 32 mm objective if suffers in comparison to the 42 mm scopes.

good luck...jim

what about the new redfield scopes that they claim will hold up under heavy recoil?

I have one of the Monarch Gold 1.5-6x on a 9.3x62 and it is the brightest scope I have, optics are as good as either of my Zeiss conquest. It has held up an been to British Columbia and back, but a 9.3 is not a .458 Lott as far as recoil goes. I'd sure be interested to see how it holds up to the lott as I'm thinking about purchasing another. Another plus is that the Nikon can be found with the German No. 4 reticle which I like.

quote:

Originally posted by dgr416:
I have a Nikon Monarch 3x9 on all three of my 416 rem mags.One of the scopes has been on there for 1600 rtounds and is just as good as new.They are pretty tough scopes.

This addresses a concern I've had regarding eye-relief.
My Remington 700/.375 ULTRA ( which I STILL haven't fired... ) was going to wear one of my Leupold Vari-X III 4.5-14x40 scopes, mostly because of the 4.5" of eye-relief afforded at the 4.5 magnification level.
The NIKON Monarch Gold mentioned has an advertised constant 4" of eye-relief...

I recently bought another NIKON scope ( my 3rd ), a Monarch 3.3-10x44 AO / Mil-Dot with an advertised constant eye-relief of 3.6".
My plan was to install this scope on my 700/7mm Rem.Mag. and switch the Vari-X III to the .375.
If the NIKON 3-9x40 has enough eye-relief for the .416 Rem.Mag., then I guess I'm worrying for naught.

I understand the 'musical scopes' game...I'm one scope shy of not having to do that!
NIKON scopes are excellent products.
Looks like another NIKON scope in my future.