FYI - Nikon is coming out with a redesigned Monarch line that should be available in the next couple of months. They are supposed to be a better scope than the current Monarch. There is going to be a 2.5-10x42 and a 3-12x42. Check theopticzone.com. They seem to have the best prices.

I have to strongly disagree with people with the claim that nikon scopes are better than leupold. I have dealt withscopes numbering in many hundreds over the years and I stand SOLIDLY in the leupold side of the ring.

I used to be on your/leupold side until they came with out the 3 piece tubes[:'(]with the VX line.

I'm just going to have to disagree with you on that one. Who knows? Maybe everyone's eyes see through the scopes a little differently. They are both good scopes nonetheless.

I once bought a Nikon Buckmaster which was NIB and defective, needless to say I haven't ventured back to Nikon since. However, my VXII's have been flawless.

I've got a VXII 3-9x40 on my favorite rifle. They're nice scopes that will serve you well.

The Nikon Morach is the higher quality scope in my opinion. I've looked at several Leupolds but they just haven't impressed me as much as the top Nikon models. I put a Monarch UCC on one of my T/C's and have been very impressed.