Rifle Scopes Nikon or Vortex scope?

krshunter

Private
Minuteman
Jan 24, 2010
3
0
53
Laramie, Wyoming
Looking for advise, experience, etc. regarding the following scopes. One of them will be going on a Rem 700 5R Milspec set up for hunting. I have used Nikon for a number of years after deciding optics optics were better than Leupold in comparable lines at least for my eyes. Now looking at either the Nikon Monarch in 3-12x42 or the Vortex Viper in 4-12x42. They are both in my price range and I've already considered and eliminated everything but these two scopes. Looking for info on these only. Thanks for the input.
 
Re: Nikon or Vortex scope?

I have experience with both Nikon and Vortex and I can say I like both very much. However for the price Vortex seems to edge out the Nikons every time. I have a Viper 6.5x20x44, it retails for around 400 and the clarity is amazing for the price. Its every bit as clear if not clearer than the 5x20x44 Monarch I have. It also tracks very well and is true to it's 1/4 moa adjustments, something I cant quite say for the Nikon.


*edit* I can also say from experience to avoid any of the high magnifications scopes in the Crossfire line. They are pretty nice glass for the money but I had several problems with them. I can say however that Vortex customer service is absolutely outstanding, I cant say enough good about their customer service, far better than any other company I've ever dealt with and beyond fair.
 
Re: Nikon or Vortex scope?

I have a Nikon Monarch and clarity is amazing, along with great eye relief thats not sensitive to where your eye is. The best undescribed quality in a scope.

Ive had tons of Bushnell 3200 & 4200's but am now a lover of the Monarch Line.
 
Re: Nikon or Vortex scope?

Not sure where or what you're hunting but keep in mind your minimum magnification. If something sneaks up on you close, scopes at 4x may be tough to acquire the target quickly at that range. I haven't shot the Vortex but I did have a scope with similiar magnification range to what you mention.

I recently picked up a Nikon Monarch X 2.5-10 that is used on my 6.8 for hunting (used from SWFA). I like that 2.5 on the low end based on my comments above. I hunt whitetails in MN and WI. 10x is probably overkill and I may never need that much magnification. For me, low end mag is more important than high end. That being said, I'm going to try a Vortex on my next rifle.
 
Re: Nikon or Vortex scope?

The scope will be placed on a .300 Win Mag and will be used in Wyoming for elk and deer in open country. While I don't make a habit of shooting on higher powers I do use them to take a good look at an animal or situation before deciding to turn power back down and make a shot.
 
Re: Nikon or Vortex scope?

Something in the 2.5-10 range would probably work as well. I don't do much timber hunting and often use the shope to look at things across a canyon when I need something a little more than the binos. For shooting however I rarely shoot from anything more or less that 4-6 power. I'm also trying to decide between using turrets for windage and elevation adjustment or going with a bdc type reticle. Any suggestions from a hunting standpoint? Not sure how well the open circles of the Nikon work out. Seems like then could be fairly large at distance.
 
Re: Nikon or Vortex scope?

I just sent my Vortex Spotting Scope back for repair. Vortex sent me call tag - FREE. They received it last Friday, so they have not determined what is wrong with it yet, but I feel I will hear from them no later than Wednesday or so ...

Since it had only been used a handful of times it was probably just a manufacturer defect. The few times (except the last time) I used it it did well. It DOES NOT compare to my Zeiss, but neither did the cost ...

So, the warranty on the Vortex seems to be genuine - so far. In this industry call tags and FREE scope repairs are $$$. While I am sure Nikon would repair one of their scopes as well, the Vortex service - SO FAR - has been superb.