RE: Would it be a sin...
I recently purchased a refurbished Nikon Monarch UCC 3-9X40 Matte from Natchez Shooters Supply for $199.95 with shipping it came to $214. I mounted it on a Remington 870 w/cantilever slug barrel. Firing saboted hard kicking slugs, around 80 rounds so far I've had no problems. I would buy one of the refurbed Monarchs over the Aetec. I do have one of the older Aetec's on my .50 cal muzzleloader and I believe the Monarch is a better optic.