Need Experienced Opinions
 

Guys, I am a bowhunter of ten years and have several rifles but haven't used them much in the last ten years or so. I recenly purchased a new rifle Ruger m77vt 25-06 and have narrowed my optics down to three different ones and really need some opinions as I am not sure which way to go. I have narrowed it to Leupold VXIII 6.5-20X40 varmit reticle, Nikon monarch 6-24X50 Ballistic drop reticle, Burrissignature select6-24X44 Mil Dot reticle. I am leaning to the Monarch but have never had any Nikon optics, I am wanting to use this set up for varmit hunting and deer hunting as my oldest daughter is finally interested in hunting and I will be hanging up the bow when she goes with me. Your input is helpful and appreciated.
Thanks Guys, Curtis

RE: Need Experienced Opinions
 

I would go with the Nikon, but would opt for the 3x12x42. I think with the 6x24 you are going to impede your low light times with the 6x being your minimum setting, expecially for deer hunting. 12x should be plenty for the majority of hunting situations.

RE: Need Experienced Opinions
 

all 3 are good scopes. before you make a final decision, check out (look through) a Lightseeker from Pentax. i'm slowly switching all my optics over to these. imo they are brighter and clearer than those you mentioned.

RE: Need Experienced Opinions
 

I have the VXIII 6.5x20x40I like the reticle but am not really impressed with the optical performance.I am thinking about replacing it with either a 4200 elite or making the jump up to the zeiss conquest with Rapid Z reticle. This is on my 22-250 target/varmit rig. As mentioned for a big game setup I'd consider something with less power, especially a young shooter (easier to keep the hairs on target and less in the reticle might be better as well). Personally use/like 2-10's for big game, had no problems shooting coyotes either at longer range. I am partial to the Zeiss conquest line, howeverjust ordered both a Nikon Monarch 2.5x10x42 and 4200 elite 3x9x40 to compare with my Conquests. I want to see how these stack up in an extended side by side comparison. I'd personallytake either of these 3vs. VXIIIor Burris Sign. Series.

I wouldn't suggest ordering anything you haven't looked through, unless they will exchange it without a re-stocking fee or hassle.

Good luck

RE: Need Experienced Opinions
 

For Varmints and Targets Leupold 8.5x25LRT. Fordeer hunting and a Varmint set up Leupold 4.5x14LRT. The LRT gives you elevation and windage knobs. You probably won't need to bother with the elevation knobs deer hunting with a new shooter but as time goes on and the distance increases you may want them. Varmints over 300 yards you will like the elevation knobs. Out to 500 yards they are a must. That 25-06 is going to have about 41 inches of drop in 500 yards with a 100 grain bullet. Dial in 33 clicks of elevation and bang you're in there. Hold over is a guessing gameat that distance. There are other scope options out there these are just 2 of my favorites and what I use.

RE: Need Experienced Opinions
 

Far as Burris Signature Series go with the 3x12x44mm or 4x16x44mm with the Ballistic Plex would work for varmints and deer.

RE: Need Experienced Opinions
 

Gentleman,
Thank you all for your opinion's, I have taken all of your advice and come up with the Nikon Monarch in a smaller power than I had originally thought, and if this doesn't give me the power I was looking for I will transfer it to my 270 and get a higher power for the 25-06, you guys helped out more than you know Thanks

RE: Need Experienced Opinions
 

I would go with nikon or burris....the last 2 leupolds ive bought havent impressed me at all. Traded one for a nikon buckmaster....and the monarchs are clearer than them. Just bought a burris black diamond and its got to be the clearest scope that i currently own.

RE: Need Experienced Opinions
 

I would rate the Nikon reticle as the worst(by far) of the three reticles you listed. The Leupold reticle would be the best. I own all three and have shot a lot of ammo through them. I do not like the Nikon circles. The glass on all three is good. Some one suggested the Light Seeker. It is a good scope but I am 99% sure they are made by Burris. Or at least both are made at the same place.

The Leupold would have the best resale value. I think the Burris glass is the best of the three, but they are real close.

Leupold or Burris would probably have the easiest or best warranty repair center. I have heard of a few people having problem's with Nikon warranty work.

If you shop around you can still find some of last year's Monarch's on close out. They are a good scope for the money. I just do not like the BDC.

I just bought a new Bushnell 4200 Elite for a 223 varmint rifle I am putting together. I think this Elite isone step above all three scopes you listed, and at a slightly better price. Also before I would pay the Leupold price I would buy the 6.5X20 ZeissConquest. Tom.

RE: Need Experienced Opinions
 

Did you get a scope with the varmit reticale? I tried useing a leupold with a varmit retile on a 7mm-Remington Ultra Mag. I ended up switching scopes out before the end of rifle seasonthat year. I put a scope with a hunting stylereticle on the 7mm R.U.M.
The good news is I had an excuse to buy a new varmit rifle, for the varmit scope.

RE: Need Experienced Opinions
 

I wound up ordering the Monarch 5X20 with the ballistic drop reticle, I haven't made it home yet to check it out. I work overseas and am not due home till next Friday...I will let you guys know what I think of it...

RE: Need Experienced Opinions
 

Oilpatch,

Let me first say that the reason all of the scope manufacturers make scopes in the 6-24 or even higher range is because they don't work very well, and because no one wants or uses them. Thats why so many of them are made......LOL...... so if thats what you want, then get one. Now as far as the rest of your post goes, For the money, you can get 2 Nikons for the cost of one of those in a vxIII, and I promise you will not see that much of a difference.

I own two of the new Nikon Monarchs , side focus, in a 4-16 x 42 and a 5-20 x 44. I think you will like the 5-20. Will it be enough magnification to suit you, who knows, as everyone is different. Would it be enough for me ??? Yep. I can use my 5-20 and see very well out to about 550 yards. You might see better, or you might see worse, but only you can decide that. I love the clarity, and the smoothness of operation of the scopes. I have been using Nikons for 16+ years. I have never seen a bad one, but I may just have really good luck. I own other brands too, but $ for $ nothing beats the Nikons.

Good Luck...

MET

RE: Need Experienced Opinions
 

Thanks for the info, I have a feeling it will be just fine for what I am looking to do....