Re: Nikon Monarch on a Tikka T3
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TikkaShooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm looking into buying my first rifle, and I think I have settled on a Tikka T3 Varmint in .223. I have two questions.
Looking at scopes, I'm trying to deside between a Nikon Monarch 4-16x42 or a Super Sniper 10x42. This will be used as a range gun for shooting from 100-300 yards. Is the Nikon worth the extra money? The additional magnifications seems nice. Opinions?
Seconds question. How the hell do I mount this thing and what am I going to need? I would like to keep the cost down as much as possible. I know in an ideal world I should buy a $1400 scope with $400 in mounting... But what do I realistically need for a mounting a scope on a 300 yards range gun?
Thanks! </div></div>
I would choose the Monarch over the Super Sniper. The only thing that the 10x Super Sniper has over the Monarch is adjustment range and that it is technically a front focal plane scope since it is a fixed power scope. But for 100-300yards you don't need that much adjustment range. Your 300 yard dope depending on how fast or slow you are shooting your bullets will range from +3MOA to +6MOA when compared to 100 yard zero (it should be closer to +3MOA to +4MOA in most cases--I am currently shooting my .223 really slow so for me it was +6MOA).
The Monarch optically is much better than a Super Sniper. Just compare them side by side and you will see what I am talking about. The adjustments are crisp on the Monarch, almost too crisp with no backlash or play. Super sniper adjustments are repeatable but tend to have a mushy feel if you don't do an o-ring upgrade and even then in cold weather you will still get that mushy feel to the adjustments.
I used to have a tikka tactical .223 in 24" but now I have one in 20" configuration. They come with the picatinny rail installed. Your Tikka varmint probably does not come stock with a picatinny. I would highly recommend you get a set of picatinny. EGW makes a good rail for the Tikka. I would install that on the varmint and then get a good set of rings from any of the high quality manufactures--Burris XTR, TPS, Seekins, Farrell, Nightforce, Badger Ordnance. I am currently using Badger STD rings on my Tikka tactical. I would not skimp on the mount and the rings since that is the link between your rifle and your scope. Just do a search there are numerous tutorials on how to properly mount your scope. You can even search youtube to find video tutorials.
Hope this helps
