I'm just looking for some clarification on the different levels of "quality" of the different models of Nikon scopes. In 2012 I bought a PROSTAFF 3x9 to put on a .223 bolt gun. Then I got a Buckmasters 3x9 to put on a .243 a couple months later.
At that time I'm pretty sure the Nikons were presented to me as such:
Prostaff: lower end, entry level (believe I paid around $130-$145)
Buckmasters: significantly better than Prostaff good mid level scope (believe I paid around $199-$220)
Monarchs: best of Nikon, at that point out of my budget
Then last fall I wanted to replace an old scope on my .270 so I went shopping again looking for another Buckmasters, because the one I have is a really nice scope, and I like the profile. But I was told that Buckmasters are the cheapies sold at Wal-Mart now and that I didn't want the regular Prostaff because it wasn't as good as the Prostaff 5 or Prostaff 7. I was still not looking to spend Monarch $. So I ended up buying a Prostaff 5 2.5x10, it cost me $179, and is a nice scope also but I'm not sure it is quite as nice as the Buckmasters on my .243.
Anyway, I like my Nikon scopes, just looking for a little info on how they are presented now. I know it gets confusing when you also throw in all the caliber specific models also. To clarify, I also have Bushnell, Vortex, Redfield, and Vortex scopes, and I am also happy with them. Just trying to figure out Nikons "levels" of their models. Thanks.
At that time I'm pretty sure the Nikons were presented to me as such:
Prostaff: lower end, entry level (believe I paid around $130-$145)
Buckmasters: significantly better than Prostaff good mid level scope (believe I paid around $199-$220)
Monarchs: best of Nikon, at that point out of my budget
Then last fall I wanted to replace an old scope on my .270 so I went shopping again looking for another Buckmasters, because the one I have is a really nice scope, and I like the profile. But I was told that Buckmasters are the cheapies sold at Wal-Mart now and that I didn't want the regular Prostaff because it wasn't as good as the Prostaff 5 or Prostaff 7. I was still not looking to spend Monarch $. So I ended up buying a Prostaff 5 2.5x10, it cost me $179, and is a nice scope also but I'm not sure it is quite as nice as the Buckmasters on my .243.
Anyway, I like my Nikon scopes, just looking for a little info on how they are presented now. I know it gets confusing when you also throw in all the caliber specific models also. To clarify, I also have Bushnell, Vortex, Redfield, and Vortex scopes, and I am also happy with them. Just trying to figure out Nikons "levels" of their models. Thanks.