MONARCH vs. FFII?

[WVHILLBILLY]

I am looking for a scope for either my 7mm RM or 300 Weatherby.  I want a scope that is good in low light situations and has the Ballistic type reticles. 

I have been considering a Nikon Monarch 3.3-10x44 Mil-dot and the Burris FFII 3.5-10x50 with Ballistic plex.

I am looking for anyones opinions and experiences on these scopes.  Which would you choose?

Thanks,

WVHILLBILLY

[reyn 61]

In lowlight the Monarch will be a little better. The FFII is Burris's lowerend but dont take that for being no good. I have a Burris FFII and really like it. The Monarch will be more expensive.

[victorcharlie]

No question in my mind.....Nikon Monarch....

I'd also stay away from 50mm objectives.......they don't gain much in light gathered, and usually require a very high mount which raises the eye piece high above the comb of the stock.......so, the guns with such a high mount point usually don't fit me well......resulting in higher felt recoil.......JMO

[jason280]

I own several of the FII's, and they are very good scopes.  But even I will admit they don't quite compare optically with the Monarch (which is at least $100 more in price).

[WVHILLBILLY]

I also have a few questions about the Burris Signature Selects.

1. If I get the 3-12x44, is there any effect on the optical quality at longer ranges on 12 power with no adjustable objective?

2. If I get the 4-16x44, how bright is it on 16 power in low light situations?

3. On the 4-16x44, if I set it on 10 power, does anyone know what the hash mark corrections would be?

4. Can someone describe or post a picture of the Hunter Knobs?

Thanks,
WVHILLBILLY

[akpls]

Today I had the opportunity to compare a FFII and a Monarch together at the range.  The FFII, a 3x9, was on my son's 7mm-08 and the Monarch was a straight 4x that I had recently mounted on a .22 Hornet.  Conditions were light snow and about +5....no sun, just flat light.  There was absolutely nothing wrong with the FFII, but the Monarch was noticeably brighter.

[Ahab]

My 6X42 Monarch is noticeable brighter than my Leupold VXII 3X9 at 6X. Probably due to the extra glass needed in a variable vs a single power.