Hey Dave, thanks for the reply. I'm pretty sure the Remington 1100 cantilever can handle either scope, the recoil isn't that bad with the semi auto. Weight isn't a huge consideration, since this will used for treestand hunting.
Based on other research, I'm hearing more good about the Conquest line than the Nikon Monarch Gold line. I'll probably go with the Conquest.
If anyone else has any feedback, please let me know.