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"New" Nikon Monarch 4-16x w/ BDC |
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Mastiff54
Optics GrassHopper Joined: May/15/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 15 |
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Good Point Voodoo6, some things to consider in that comment though.
First - there is no doubt he can shoot !! Makes me damn jealous.
Second - He is using a 4-16 Working at 16x is more reasonable than only being able to use the scope at 32x which is required since I bought the 8-32. I probably would have liked it more on a 16x too, since 16x is more versatile than 32x.
Third - He is also shooting at a range with more or less constant yardage and from what I read a constant load. These would be great conditions for this scope. But since it is a 'Kill Zone' reticle it's field value is questionable. I haven't read too many posts from folks who have hunted with this reticle and of the few I have found no one like it on the high power scopes. Again 4-16x may be the ticket for this reticle.
The requirement that the scope MUST be used at a constant magnification is my primary problem with the system, especially at moderate yardages - remember I am talking about a 8-32x, I think 16x could be much more usable and the 2.5-10x ideal. Using 32x when hunting may work for you but not for this old fart. My intention when I bought it was to keep it around 8-10x for hunting but crank it up at the range.
To use the BDC you virtually have a fixed power scope because you can not use any other magnification and rely on the BDC reticle. Now if I had the opportunity to do some long range hunting like prairie poodles, sheep or antelope where 32x was necessary, it may be the cat's meow, but 32x is not the power of choice for hunting in the midwest where I live. To further complicate this system, if the ballistics of your round does not fit the profile you have two choices 1) pick a magnification less than max where the reticles spacing matches the ballistics of the round or 2) remember the magic spot for each ring which matches what range. Again WAY to complicated for a hunting scope in MHO.
Last is that to check the scope you should have access to a 500yd shooting range because verifying the reticle at each range must be by trial and error. I could not get either Load from a Disc or RCBS Load to get me a table that I would believe with out shooting it because I really do not know where those circles are. Nikon told me they are working with some software which may be ready soon, that would be a great tool and very helpful especially if it would give tables for different magnifications within the scopes range.
I want to make it clear I am not bashing Nikon, I have had great customer service from them and excellent performance from my Nikon scopes. The clarity, click reliability and side focus turret are GREAT to say the least, I am just sharing my opinion of the BDC reticle in the 8-32x50 scope I bought. I though the purpose of these forums was to do just that.
Back to Nikon, I called and let's just say they are standing behind their product. It did not work for me and they are helping me out by getting me a replacement with the plain old NikoPLex for a very righteous cost. That is more than I expected and will keep me as a customer. |
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Voodoo6
Optics Apprentice Now With Kung-Fu Grip! Joined: March/29/2009 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 213 |
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He's an OK shooter, I guess......(shrugs)
I think I've read where ideally, the BDC is best served when using in conjunction with a good range finder or as you stated, known distances. I agree with you 100%, based on my limited experience with the BDC.
Oh, I'm sure the original poster (cheaptrick) and the gentle reader appreciate your commentary on the reticle. And yes, this forum indeed welcomes input from all shooters. Thank you.
Also good to hear Nikon stepped up. Their customer service has been hit or miss for the past few years.
Cheers to you, Sir and long live Nikon!!
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cheaptrick
MODERATOR Joined: September/27/2004 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20844 |
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An "OK shooter"????
Gasp..... |
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cheaptrick
MODERATOR Joined: September/27/2004 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20844 |
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btt
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tahqua
MODERATOR Have You Driven A Ford Lately? Joined: March/27/2006 Location: Michigan, USA Status: Offline Points: 9042 |
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Wait a minute, we just talked about this scope Mark. I'm glad I got to go over this thread again you OK shooter.
It looks like this scope warrants a look from some recent questions in varmint and rifle scope topics. My questions regarding low light and my own personal observations remain. But accuracy and hold over use are valid bonuses to this scope and reticle. Doug |
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cheaptrick
MODERATOR Joined: September/27/2004 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20844 |
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I've seen a few threads on the Monarch and the BDC reticle lately and thought I'd drag it back around for another look.
Your concerns about loosing the BDC reticle in low light or in thick brush, or both, are quite valid, Sir.
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cowski
Optics Journeyman Joined: November/19/2009 Location: alabama Status: Offline Points: 342 |
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ct if zeroed at 200 yds what is the drop in inches at 3,4,5,6 hundred yards?
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never corner something meaner than you are jbc
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cheaptrick
MODERATOR Joined: September/27/2004 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20844 |
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Being a generic reticle, you'll just have to shoot your particular rifle in, as I have no way of knowing.
Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
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cheaptrick
MODERATOR Joined: September/27/2004 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20844 |
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btt
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GetSome
Optics Journeyman Joined: December/12/2009 Location: Oregon Status: Offline Points: 516 |
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Nice job on the review CT.....broadened my horizons for sure.
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cheaptrick
MODERATOR Joined: September/27/2004 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20844 |
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Thank you, Sir.
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GetSome
Optics Journeyman Joined: December/12/2009 Location: Oregon Status: Offline Points: 516 |
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Questions CT, is this a 40 or 50 moa scope and if so, how much usable adjustment do you have on yours...hope you still have it.
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cheaptrick
MODERATOR Joined: September/27/2004 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20844 |
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I'm sorry, but that scope was sold and I don't recall, but I beliveve it was 40 MOA.
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cheaptrick
MODERATOR Joined: September/27/2004 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20844 |
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btt
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cheaptrick
MODERATOR Joined: September/27/2004 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20844 |
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Bump
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