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Rifle Scopes Nikon Monarch vs Vortex Viper

pwner500

pwner500

Private
Minuteman
Apr 9, 2012
30
0
32
#1
Hello everyone,

I am looking at picking up the Nikon Monarch 4-16x42 SF but after looking around at some slightly more magnification for my price range, and I found that the Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44(V-Plex)fits the bill.

I would want to know if anyone has had experience with these and what they think of them, and if they could compare that would be great! For the Nikon, I can afford the Mil Dot, but I cannot afford it for the Viper.

I've heard the glass is similar but would the 6x upper mag difference be worth it if it wouldn't have the Mil Dot? I will be shooting mainly at the range, for now benchrest and eventually standing, where there are set targets for 50 and 100 yards.

Also, can either see 22lr bullet holes at 100 yards? Because if the 16x can then I think I may just stick to that, unless the Viper's higher mag and quality make that a better buy.

Thanks so much for the help guys! I really appreciate it!
 
#2
Re: Nikon Monarch vs Vortex Viper

i usto run a nikon monarch. it did not track at all. i was on a hunting rifle i used for holdovers so i really didnt care.

my vortex 6.5-20x44 tracks perfect.

glass quality is about the same
 
#3
Re: Nikon Monarch vs Vortex Viper

What do you mean by "tracks"?

and do you think that for target shooting, the Vortex would be a better buy as well?

thanks!
 
#4
Re: Nikon Monarch vs Vortex Viper

Tracking

Tracking is how a scope performs when you run the turrets up and down, left and right. A scope that tracks well you can dial up 15 moa from a 200yd zero and dial left 2 moa for wind, then dial your turrets back to there original position and you are back exactly to your 200 yd zero.

with the nikon monarch i had if you dialed up for a longer range shot, then dialed back down to your original zero your gun was no longer sighted in for 200.

yes i think the vortex is a better choice
 
#5
Re: Nikon Monarch vs Vortex Viper

Ahh okay, thank you for the clarification. How do you track back to it? or do you press something and it goes back to the original zero? I'm sorry, but I am a beginner at shooting rifles and understanding how scopes work.

And can you see small bullet holes at, say, 100 yards? And what mag would u use to see it, because I don't know how high to go with it before it would get blurry.

And just to clarify, we are talking about this one ($280)?

http://cameralandny1.reachlocal.net/optics/vortex.pl?page=vortexviper6-20x44

thanks so much for helping me with my questions.
 
#6
Re: Nikon Monarch vs Vortex Viper

I have compared both side by side, and this would be one of the only times I would recommend the Nikon over the Vortex.

That model of Vortex is one of their older designs that is still going. It has a VERY picky eyebox. It does track perfectly though. Also it has a lot of elevation adjustment.

I have a 4-16x50 monarch, and have used the same with a 42 objective. I could not attest for the adjustments on the Monarch to be perfect MOA adjustments, because I have not measured, but I can say that I have used it for specific long range shots. Mine does return to zero, and the next time out the previous dope works perfectly.

I do not believe that either scope was intended to be used to have a lot of turret work, but have used both in that capacity and have not been disappointed.
 
#8
Re: Nikon Monarch vs Vortex Viper

What do you mean by eyebox (for the vortex)? Does it relate to eye relief?

And does it really make the scope with the magnification going up to 20x a worse buy than the Nikon? Because you did say that it is "one of the only times". And I would think that for shooting at targets, a higher mag would always be pushed.

And what kind of reticle do you have on your Nikon? I'm thinking of getting mildot, even though I will be shooting at set and known ranges.
 
#9
Re: Nikon Monarch vs Vortex Viper

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tacoman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What do you mean by eyebox (for the vortex)? Does it relate to eye relief?

And does it really make the scope with the magnification going up to 20x a worse buy than the Nikon? Because you did say that it is "one of the only times". And I would think that for shooting at targets, a higher mag would always be pushed.

And what kind of reticle do you have on your Nikon? I'm thinking of getting mildot, even though I will be shooting at set and known ranges.

</div></div>

Yes, the eye relief is picky in any direction. up, down, side to side, and the distance from your pupil to the scope lens.

By saying "one of the only times", I am saying that in most other direct model comparisons between the two brands I would go Vortex, but in this instance I'd go Nikon.

My Nikon is a Nicoplex, because its a holdover scope from my hunting days when I thought that shooting 300 yards was a long ways.

To answer your next question, if I were to do it all over again with the same budget, I would pick a fixed power scope with dedicated turrets that matched my reticle. A great example of this is the SWFA fixed power with Mil/Mil that should be released soon.

OR, I would save up a bit more money to the 600-900 range and buy a Vortex Viper PST. Then, I'd go for a variable power optic.

All of this is assuming that you are going for a scope for long range precision shooting.
 
#10
Re: Nikon Monarch vs Vortex Viper

Ty I really appreciate you taking the time out to try to help new shooters. You're a good guy and I justed wanted you to know that is does not go unnoticed nor unappreciated. Thanks.
 
#11
Re: Nikon Monarch vs Vortex Viper

Alright thanks so much again for the clarification fireguyty! And I agree with Glocksteady, I really do appreciate the help
laugh.gif


I guess I will look at vortexs for future rifles and when I get more money to spend on optics. But for now I will stick to the Nikon because I really loved the glass when I went to see it, and it's within my price point.

Plus your positive experience with it makes me more confident about it.

A buddy of mine though is trying to convince me to get a weaver T24 or the Mueller 8-32x44, but I don't know if higher mag is the way to go because I have it stuck in my head that lens quality is more important. Plus you said that holes in targets are still visible with the 16x, so I guess I can go that route. Would you still stick with Nikon for this (4-16) or go for those, mainly for shooting targets at 50-100 yards?

And one more quick thing, if I for whatever reason can get my hands on one of the newer Vortexes 6.5-20x44, not the old one for $280, you would definitely recommend for me to go that route? Or just stick to the Nikon?

thanks again!
 
#12
Re: Nikon Monarch vs Vortex Viper

Remember if you buy the Vortex you are backed by the best warranty in the industry! You can buy it used and they will stand behind it 100%. The only two items they will not cover are theft and loss. I had a problem when I bought a used PST and so I sent it in, they had a brand new to me in seven days.
 
#15
Re: Nikon Monarch vs Vortex Viper

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tacoman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Alright thanks so much again for the clarification fireguyty! And I agree with Glocksteady, I really do appreciate the help
laugh.gif


I guess I will look at vortexs for future rifles and when I get more money to spend on optics. But for now I will stick to the Nikon because I really loved the glass when I went to see it, and it's within my price point.

Plus your positive experience with it makes me more confident about it.

A buddy of mine though is trying to convince me to get a weaver T24 or the Mueller 8-32x44, but I don't know if higher mag is the way to go because I have it stuck in my head that lens quality is more important. Plus you said that holes in targets are still visible with the 16x, so I guess I can go that route. Would you still stick with Nikon for this (4-16) or go for those, mainly for shooting targets at 50-100 yards?

And one more quick thing, if I for whatever reason can get my hands on one of the newer Vortexes 6.5-20x44, not the old one for $280, you would definitely recommend for me to go that route? Or just stick to the Nikon?

thanks again!</div></div>

I'd stay away from Mueller, and have never seen a Weaver, but notice a strong following for them.

The other guys also make a strong point with Vortex's warranty, it's second to none.

For the magnification especially for the yardage you are after, 16 will be more than enough. I have shot mine out to 1060 yards, so 100 yards will be fine.

Again, I just don't like that particular Vortex. Perhaps a different model would suit your needs better. Maybe a 4-12 Viper, or better yet the 2.5-10 Viper HS is still in that price range.

Happy to help,
Ty
 
#16
Re: Nikon Monarch vs Vortex Viper

I wouldn't trade my Vortex's for anything. I own a viper all the way to the Razor, and they are work horses. The glass is good on the Viper, the glass is excellent on the Razor line. I have also owned multiple Nikon's and in my opinion, they do not come closs to a Vortex, fit, form, and finish.
 
#17
Re: Nikon Monarch vs Vortex Viper

I use Nikon Buckmasters scopes on several rifles, mostly for varmint hunting guns. They are inexpensive and have always given good service, even after hauling them a thousand miles in a truck or on a plane to shoot prairie dogs and such.
They have, IMHO, very good glass, hold zero and track well. I also (maybe just a perception) have noticed they seem to provide a wider adjustment range than the more expensive Monarch line. I would advise getting the 6-18x model, as it has target style adjustment turrets.
 
#18
Re: Nikon Monarch vs Vortex Viper

Thanks for all of the suggestions everyone!

Yea I saw how Vortex is about their warranty, and it does seem very good. But sadly they are a bit out of my price point for what I am looking for.

Maybe for a future rifle when my budget is higher, I will be able to get a PST, but for now, I'm kinda tight on a $350 budget, maybe 400 but that's pushing it.

And fireguyty, do you think a 4-12 or 2.5-10 will be good for trying to shoot sub moa (50-100 yards)? I'm not that good of a shot yet but I would like to be able to do fairly well at the range. I mean where I go, everyone is pushing at least 24 mag but I think that's too much. I guess 16x would be the right choice for my needs, and definitely hit the targets, especially since you said I can see 22lr holes at 100 yards, so it should be able to shoot sub moa. Unless I'm assuming too much.

Thanks again everyone for the suggestions!
 
#20
Re: Nikon Monarch vs Vortex Viper

Thanks shoot4fun, I'll look into that. I've seen the monarch for around my price range with slightly less mag though. But from what I hear, both are great scopes.
 
#21
Re: Nikon Monarch vs Vortex Viper

I used a Buckmaster 6-18 with target turrets on my Sako Quad for a while. It had, surprisingly, enough windage adjustment for lobbing the Wolfe Match (1080 FPS) all the way to 200 yards and I could see the hits on steel.
 
#22
Re: Nikon Monarch vs Vortex Viper

oh wow, how well do you think you would have been able to see 22lr holes at 100 yards? that is my main necessity at the moment before buying a scope.

thanks!
 
#24
Re: Nikon Monarch vs Vortex Viper

I have a viper 2-7X32 on my 17HMR and a 6.5-20x44 on my 22lr. I can see 17 holes at 7X on a white background at 7X. It is about the same with the larger viper. However, your results will depend on your eyes.
 
#25
Re: Nikon Monarch vs Vortex Viper

Oh alright thanks guys for sharing your experiences.

I guess if you have a decent magnification but great glass you can see as good if not better than the cheaper high mag scopes.

I guess I will look at my options such as the buckmaster with higher mag or monarch with slightly lower mag.
 
#26
Re: Nikon Monarch vs Vortex Viper

I have several Nikon scopes from old 2-7, 5-16x and the newer 4-16x models. Never have I had any issues with breakage or tracking. I have been using a 1-4x P223 and crank the hell out of it with no problems at all. Today I shot a steel shoot from 50-200yds with my Ruger 10/22 and a Nikon Monarch 4-16x42 Mildot. At the end of the day I fired over 500 rounds and right back to my 50yd zero. They offer an excellent warranty, awesome glass, and a fair price. The Spot On software is a great addition to the Mildot or BDC. Overall its a hard system to beat. Even the wife was able to hit steel her first shot at 200yds.
 
#28
Re: Nikon Monarch vs Vortex Viper

Taco, I think a Nikon Monarch will more then do the work you are asking a scope to do. It sounds like the real work will come from you getting more comfortable behind your rifle and the rifle. Doesn't matter what you spend on a scope if you don't have a solid repeatable shooting style and a quality rifle. Asking for a rifle to shoot sub-moa seems to be a lot easier today then 20 years ago. I have taken many out of the box rifles to the range and been very impressed by the accuracy.
When you say you want to see 22LR holes at 100 yards, is the rifle you are looking to scope a 22lr? If so, you might check out Nikon's 3-9 Rimfire BDC 150. It is one of my favorite scopes, very clear, excellent light transmission and the BDC reticle let's me make quick and accurate shots. If you do want more magnification and are set on the Monarch Series of scopes I think the 3-12 would more then meet all your needs. Then you just need to figure out what reticle you want.

B., Sounds like you have put your Nikon Scopes through real life shooting situations and are still very happy. That is what it really comes down to. Finding a scope that will do the work you want it to over and over again.

Also, Hard to beat Nikon's Full Life Time Warranty that cover's their Scopes. Yes, Even if you are not the first owner.

T., Drop me a note if I can answer any question's for you on Nikon's Scopes.
 
#29
Re: Nikon Monarch vs Vortex Viper

Okay thanks so much for the help! My mind is now set on the Monarch and I am currently deciding on a mil dot or nikoplex reticle. If anyone could send me recommendations with reasons to why they would choose one or the other, I would greatly appreciate it!

I shoot at set ranged targets at 50 and 100 yards, and wind is present but isn't too crazy. I also will not be hunting with this set up.

Thanks again for all the help everyone!
 
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