Sightron vs Nikon vs Leupold

estone

Inactive
I am looking at four different 3x9 scopes for a Tikka T3 hunter in .308. By budget is $225 or less.
I have four that I've narrowed it down to:

Sightron SII (new) - $205 shipped
Nikon Monarch (used, I believe it is a couple of years old) - $200
Leupold Vari-X II (older model, used) - $175-200 shipped
Leupold VX-I (new) - $200

They all have similar warranties and have heard very good things about all of them. Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
 
I've heard that the Monarchs have the worst mechanicals of the three. But better glass than all three? Do you find the mechanicals difficult or inferior in any way?
However I've heard many others say the Sightrons have better glass, hands down?

Plus, Sightron can be warranteed by a dealer, none of the others can, they all must be sent in. Is that an appreciable difference? I guess it is convenient if you have a dealer near you.
 
I've heard that the Monarchs have the worst mechanicals of the three. But better glass than all three? Do you find the mechanicals difficult or inferior in any way?

I've found nothing wrong with Nikon's internals. I've got a Monarch and my hunting buddy has both a Monarch and a Buckmaster and I've seen no issues with any of them.

In fact, out of those three scopes, two are on pretty hard recoiling rifles. The Buckmaster is on a 30.06 and the two Monarchs are on a 45-70 govt and a .375 H&H. All are very good at maintaining their zero and have performed very well.

For the money, you can't beat Nikon. While I haven't used their warranty, I've heard nothing but good things.
 
Look at the Nikon Team Primos. It's said to be a rebadged Monarch UCC and can be had brand new at SWFA for $200. I have them on two rifles and they're good scopes. The old UCC had a 3x erector vs the 4x (3-9 vs 2.5-10x) found in the current Monarch, but the quality of the glass and coating are the same. There is nothing wrong with a Monarch's guts.

One tip if you go this route, always call and check stock over the phone before ordering.
 
Looks like the Team Primos Monarch is still a 3x9. I'm not too crazy about the BDC reticle.
Thanks for the info though.
 
Back
Top