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3x9 - Questions re: 4200 vs. Monarch

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trkyshootr View Drop Down
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    Posted: November/23/2006 at 14:18

I've got an old-style 700 Mtn. Rifle in .280 with a Vari-X III 2.5x8, and I will soon buy a Model Seven in .260.  I intend to take the Leupold off the .280 and put it on the Model Seven.  The Mtn. Rifle is a bit larger than the Model Seven and can take a little bigger scope than the Leupold.  So, in looking at replacement scopes, I've considered these:

 

1.  VX III 2.5x8:  Based on my readings, I think that there are better or equivalent scopes for much less money (my 3x10 Sig. Select seems much brighter and with a crisper image, although with disappointing "R/U," instead of dedicated "Right" and "Up" controls, which also lack the certainty of the Vari-X III's).

 

2.  Grand Slam 3x9:  The reviews here indicate that the quality has recently declined, and there are other good options available.

 

My final options are these:

 

3.  Nikon Monarch 3x9:  Virtually everything I read here says that this is a good scope, but somewhat lesser than the Bushnell 4200.  I'm curious though, because I found a seemingly scientific test at savageshooters.com comparing a VX III, Monarch, and 4200, and the Monarch was reported to be the best.  It was adjudged brighter than the others, and to have better resolution.  Its fit and finish were graded tops, with the VX III, although the movement of the controls was not as defined and sharp as on the other two.

 

4.  Bushnell 4200 3x9:  Virtually everything I read here about this scope says that it is better than the VX III and Monarch.  Without being able to see the scope, I'd like to know that the build quality equals the others.  An additional concern is the limited eye relief, an area in which the Leupold is very forgiving.

 

I can't justify the expense of most European scopes (and the Conquest is too heavy).  So, I guess I'd like to have the best scope that I can have in the $400 and under range, and not just have the best scope deal for the money.  That being the case, what are your thoughts, particulary about the test at savageshooters.com?

 

Thanks for your helpful insight, and happy Thanksgiving.

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CWPINST View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CWPINST Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/26/2006 at 18:50
The report on Savage Shooters compared a 40mm 4200 to a 50mm Monarch.  Both are very good scopes and are optically superior to the Leupold Vari-X-III line.  I can't comment on the VX-III line though.
If it ain't accurate at long distance, the fact that it is flat shooting is irrelevant.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ceylonc Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/26/2006 at 19:48
Originally posted by trkyshootr trkyshootr wrote:

1.  VX III 2.5x8:  Based on my readings, I think that there are better or equivalent scopes for much less money (my 3x10 Sig. Select seems much brighter and with a crisper image, although with disappointing "R/U," instead of dedicated "Right" and "Up" controls, which also lack the certainty of the Vari-X III's).

 

I couldn't agree more.  VX III is good but very overrated and overpriced.  You can certainly do better for less money from an optical perfomance standpoint.

 

Congrats on choosing the .260 Remington!  Fantastic round!!!

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koshkin View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/26/2006 at 20:05
I would take Elite 4200 over Monarch.

ILya
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Trinidad Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/26/2006 at 22:17

The 4200 is the best choice.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Acenturian Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/27/2006 at 00:39

Both the Monarch and the 4200 are good scopes but I agree the 4200has the edge and is a better scope

 

 

Happy shooting

 

AC

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tip69 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/27/2006 at 07:35

trkyshootr... I would recommend finding a way to look at both scopes side-by-side and letting your eyes make the decision.  Both the Monarch and the 4200 are good scopes, you really can't go wrong with either one.

take em!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dolphin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/27/2006 at 07:47
Never hunted with the Monarch, just looked through them at hunting stores.  But love my 4200.  You will not be disappointed with it.  But, a side by side comparison, mounted on the same rifle, outdoors, is always a good idea.  But, the above noted posts, all have had experience with the Monarch and I would take their word.  As I said, you can't go wrong with the 4200.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonbravado Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/27/2006 at 11:45
4200 - can't go wrong.
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trkyshootr View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote trkyshootr Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/29/2006 at 23:13

Well folks, based on everyone's consistent recommendations, I have ordered an Elite 4200 3-9x40.  I should have it early next week, and am excited.  Now, I continue my struggle to determine which Model Seven .260 I prefer - the CDL ($670) or SS ($499 sale price in .243 or .308, $599 if they order the .260).  Decisions, decisions.

 

Thanks again!

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/30/2006 at 09:52
Trkshootr, I recently picked up an M7 SS in .260 and it is a geat little rifle for carry. Recoil is low, if that is what you need. If you can get the .308 for $100 less I would seriously consider that. I am a believer in heavy for calibre bullets and I can't get a factory 140 grain load to shoot under 2.5 inches @ 100 yards in the .260.  The 125's are good for 1.5" so far. I will work on  140 gr. handloads in the future, as I won't give up on this gun. I have looked at what other manufacturers are using with the 6.5 Swedish and the  M7 twist rate may be too slow for the heavier bullets. 
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trkyshootr View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote trkyshootr Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/02/2006 at 00:12

Well, I spent the evening adjusting the trigger and mounting my 4200 3-9x40 on my new .260 Model Seven CDL.  I got lucky, our local outdoors store put them on sale this morning.  I bought the scope from Midsouth Shooter's Supply.  It was $257 with free shipping and came with a really cool camouflage Camelbak pack.  Additionally, I think that I can still send in the upc and receipt and receive the freebie backpack that's advertised.

 

I'll reload and shoot tomorrow, and see how the new gun and scope combo work together.  Thanks for all of your help and suggestions regarding my scope choices.

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tahqua View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/02/2006 at 08:34
Nice rig you have. Let us know how it shoots.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonbravado Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/02/2006 at 09:52

Let us know how you like the glass and setup.

 

thanks

 

J

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