Looking at buying my first rangefinder for mostly rifle hunting, Nikon Rifle Hunter 550 & Monarch 800. From what reviews I've read they seem to be the best but want more info. What do you think.

Like mostoptics you get what you pay for. Swarovskiand Leica are probaly the BEST
However I own the Nikon 1200 and am VERY pleased with it

No regrets buy a Lieca. If you want the "best" in the consumer range look at the Swaroviski.

I know with optics it's usually you get what you pay for but honestly who wants to spend that much money on something like that? I guess some guys do but to me I'd go with a nice Nikon. I used a buddies and that thing worked great and did all I'd need it to do. I see no reason to spend a ton on one when you can get one for a couple hundred bucks that do most what everyone would need.

IMO best value,
1) Leica LRF 1200
2) Nikon MG 1200
3) Who cares. . .

The Leica CRF is more money, but is not quite as good IMO. The Swaro is more, and supposedly better at range, but IMO, it was way too slow to be handheld. I own the Nikon MG 1200 and I can make it range a Deer or an Elk to 900+ yards. I forget my max. At dusk is or difficult earth contour is where I see the LEica would be much better.