I am looking at both, I have a PST and an HS already and like both scopes. I am thinkn the Monarch may be best for a hunting rifle and I know where I can get one pretty cheap. Dont have alot of experience with Nikon scopes.
I have had both scopes and those last few minutes of dark the Nikon
I think is sharper and lets in a little more light. If it is only a hunting rifle I would consider the Nikon.
I have 2 HS scopes on my 308's for steel and hunting on the prairie. The thin reticle is is non obtrusive at long range, but I dont think it will fair well in dark timber. Mine are 4-16, so I like to have a little less mag on a woods rifle.
Guess it will depend on what type of hunting you will be doing.