Nikon- older monarch vs prostaff 5

Brad Y · Post by **Brad Y** » Fri May 15, 2015 5:33 pm

Been out of the varmint scope scene a while as my trusty weaver has been fine. But the other night I was re sighting it in after putting another barrel back on and I found I was getting horizontal movement when adjusting elevation. Before adjusting it I shot a 5 shot group that was well under 1/3MOA, then I struggled to be able to hold an inch group. Same ammo. After a while it seemed to settle down, guessing the scope isnt all that healthy. So for around the 700 dollar mark that Im willing to spend I can get one of the older nikon monarchs, or one of the newer prostaff 5's. Anyone know the difference? Im assuming the prostaff was the model below, but the newer ones have some amazing write ups on the web about how much they have improved. Thoughts?

The Raven · Post by **The Raven** » Fri May 15, 2015 7:17 pm

I'm awaiting my Monarch 3 (which everyone here has probably guessed by now), so I'm automatically biased by the fact I've put my cash down and wouldn't want to be proven wrong

In simple terms the Monarch range is above the Prostaff, but I doubt the numeric identifiers are comparable across models.

I was very impressed by the Prostaff on my 22LR. So when looking for a centrefire scope and, after researching and looking through a few different brands, felt the Monarch 3 was the sweet point for my eyes and wallet.

Depending on which magnification and reticle you prefer the newer Monarch 3's can be found online around $700. Some 'shopping' sites may list them cheaper but don't take that at face value! If you order online, check they REALLY are in stock first

I didn't like the BDC reticles as they are too busy, and the fine/dot variety would be lost in low light, the Nikoplex is probably the most useful/traditional.

Also note some of the 'pre-calibrated' Nikon models (eg M223, P223, M308 etc) are basically Monarchs or Prostaffs but with target turrets. The first letter gives away the model, and the prices do vary wildly.

There are turret kits for some models but be aware they aren't all compatible (or in production). Nikon have used at least two different ways to secure the turrets.

Brad Y · Post by **Brad Y** » Sat May 16, 2015 10:20 pm

Hmmm ok, these monarch's are the older models. They seem nice optics wise, but the prostaff 5 seems to be about the same in terms on clarity and how bright it is. The only thing is the prostaff only goes to 18x. Thats no issue as I use scopes a 12-14x at night, but I like zeroing on higher power then backing off. Thats one thing the weaver isnt doing well at. Large groups at high power then seems to tighten up back at 12 power. Again reinforcing that the scope is a bit sick.

The Raven · Post by **The Raven** » Tue May 19, 2015 7:23 pm

Got the Monarch 3 today. Very impressed as it came with the extra sunshade, 3 sets of turrets, flip up lens covers etc. I thought these 'extras' had been discontinued, but not for this model.

No rifle yet, so I can't really play with it.

Oh, and the place I bought it now list it for $150 extra.

Sako 22-250 · Post by **Sako 22-250** » Wed May 20, 2015 7:52 pm

Raven. One of my mates got one ...can't fault them
He had it on a 223 and just recently change it onto his tikka t3 tac 300wm ..was out at little river when he sighted it in had no probs smacking a clay target set at 500 m then dialling back to a gong a 350 m then inch high at 100m target all in 3 shots..only draw back was 1/8in click...turrent was spinning

The Raven · Post by **The Raven** » Wed May 20, 2015 8:00 pm

Sako 22-250 wrote:Raven. One of my mates got one ...can't fault them
He had it on a 223 and just recently change it onto his tikka t3 tac 300m ..was out out little river when he sighted it in had no probs smacking a clay target set at 500 m then dialling back to a gong a 350 inch high at 100m target in all 3 shots..only draw back was 1/8in click...turrent was spinning

That's great news to hear. It may take me a little to get it all sorted out but I'm sure it will exceed my capabilities. The 1/8th clicks I can live with, the turrets are nicely marked so you can figure out how many times around the dial you've gone. About the only time I'll be spinning it will be when changing ranges, and I hope to figure out a range chart without chewing through a million rounds.

Branxhunter · Post by **Branxhunter** » Wed May 27, 2015 7:07 am

I have no idea whether this is a reasonable price, thought it might interest someone:

http://usedgunsales.com.au/index.php?a=2&b=4599

Marcus

The Raven · Post by **The Raven** » Wed May 27, 2015 8:19 am

That is a good price.

damien couper · Post by **damien couper** » Wed May 27, 2015 7:01 pm

Would you be interested in a 6x24x40 nikon monarch bdc

AusVarmint