Yeah Nikon and Leupold the best scopes on the market IMO.

That would be my recommendation. Own one for a while, and you'll never look back. I have heard lots of people bragging about Leupolds, and I got a VX-III a couple months back for my .25-06. Other than having a little more forgiving eye relief, I can tell no real difference between it and a Nikon. The Nikon even has better low light performance. After comparing the two, I would purchase a Nikon again. I don't think I'll buy another Leupold. I have seen some of the VX-I and II's, and was less impressed with them. Comparing scopes in the same price range, there is no comparison. Leupold costs a lot more $$$ for the same quality scope.

I would agree with North Texan about Nikons. I had a Buckmaster a few years ago and it was a good scope. Assuming the Monarch is a better scope, I don't think you could go wrong.

I consistently get leupold vari-X II 3-9's for $199 on sale (comes around twice a year I think). Hard to beat for the money

My vote would be for the Leupold VX-1...either the 2-7x33m or the 2-9x40mm. Take the extra $50-70 you have left over and buy a nice dinner and some more ammo.

Actually Roskoe I just purchased a 3-9x40 Monarch for 355 matte finished. That and the new Simmons Aetec would be good buys if the new Aetec is an improvement over the old one(Remains to be seen). I don't care what Leupold your comparing the Monarch with exception being the LPS it spanks them all .

Edited the post I meant I purchased a Monarch for 255 matte finish .

Nothing beats the Aetec in the 130-180 doller range. Or even the 300-350 dollar range.

A Burris 3-9X40 fullfield II is the best buy in scopes right now. You can get them for $179.00. As far as optical clarity they are comprable to a Leupold VX-III that costs hundreds more.

95% light transmission
One piece waterproof tube tube
fully multi coated lenses
click 1/4 moa adjustments
lifetime warranty

OEH - It was Cody Bear, I believe, who said he could get a 3X9X40 Monarch for $259. This sounded like dealer price to me. Or an exceptionally good deal.

I'd have a hard time limiting to 250 dollars. I look as a gun as an investment, don't short change on the rings, bases, optics, etc. I'd consider spending just a little bit more and looking at a leupold vx2. Dollar for dollar, a 3-9x40 vx2 is the best scope that can be bought (just my opinion). They should be about 300 dollars or so.