I,ve been contiplating the same thing .
Looking seriously at the Nikon Monarch in 3-9x40 vs. the VXII .
Says the monarch has 95% light gathering compared to the VXII at 92 %.
Cheapest Ive found for the VXII 3-9X40 is $279. shipped .
Located the Monarch 3-9x40 with the BDS for $215. shipped .
If you look up Nikon Moarchs the 3-9x40 scopes are not listed anymore ???
I read the Monarch Real Tree scopes are the left overs from the Monarchs past ??