Author Topic: Leupold V-X lll 2.5-8X36 Vs. Nikon Monarch Gold 1.5-6X42 (Read 2057 times)

chrome · « **on:** November 26, 2003, 09:08:40 AM »

I'm going to buy one of these scopes.
Having trouble on which one ?

Will be mounted on T/C Encore Carbine in .358 Win with a 21" barrel. So I need a semi-small scope.

The Nikon is 30mm but is 11.4" long.
The Leupold is a little lighter and is 12.26" long.

Thanks, Chrome

TheOpticZone · « **Reply #1 on:** November 26, 2003, 01:31:15 PM »

I know that it is going to be heavier, but the 1.5-6x Nikon Gold is an outstanding scope. It is very clear and bright. You would not regret getting one.

Zachary · « **Reply #2 on:** November 28, 2003, 04:38:37 AM »

Someone at the range had a Nikon Gold. It wasn't the one you want - rather it was, I think, a 10x power one with 50mm objectives. But let me tell you - it was SWEET!!!

If you don't mind the extra weight, then get the Nikon GOLD!!

Zachary

Graybeard · « **Reply #3 on:** November 28, 2003, 06:07:54 AM »

It struck me that the numbers you gave for the Leupold Vari-X III 2.5-8x36 were not right so I went and measured mine. Sure enough it was wrong. The scope is really only 11-3/8" long not 12" inches. Are you sure you didn't mix up the size of them in your post? I'm measuring on one that is mounted on my rifle.

It is by the way my favorite scope on a hunting rifle taking size, weight, FOV, eye relief mechanical toughness and optical quality into consideration. The Elite 4200s are brighter but are bigger, heavier and just don't quite seem to fit what I want on my hunting rifle as well as this. If they'd make the 2.5-10 the size of this one and drop the weight and power range down I'd sure take it instead.

GB

chrome · « **Reply #4 on:** November 28, 2003, 07:26:59 PM »

I was getting the specs off of Midway's web page. So I 'm not sure of the size of these scopes.

I have owned a Simmons Whitetail classic 2.5-8x36 and it was the perfict size scope for smaller rifles.

I have a Bushnell 3200 2-7x32 that is nice. I wish they would offer the 4200 series in this size range.

Graybeard · « **Reply #5 on:** November 29, 2003, 03:41:48 AM »

Me too. That is the one thing negative about the Elite 4200s in my mind is they are overly large and heavy for the power range as compared to some of the other brands. Outstanding scopes but a bit on the large and heavy side. Since I don't shoot big heavy magnum rifles I like scopes a bit smaller.

The Elite 4200 1.5-6 is one super scope and the size range is about what you are looking for. As I recall the objective diameter might be a few mm larger than the Vari-X III 2.5-8 but to me that is an idea physical size for such a rifle and really so is the Elite 4200 1.5-6. Power is plenty. Ours is on my wife's rifle but I'd like to have another on one of mine. For real world hunting I never need more than 6X anyway.

GB

bigdaddytacp · « **Reply #6 on:** November 29, 2003, 07:09:56 AM »

Quote from: chrome

I'm going to buy one of these scopes.
Having trouble on which one ?

Will be mounted on T/C Encore Carbine in .358 Win with a 21" barrel. So I need a semi-small scope.

The Nikon is 30mm but is 11.4" long.
The Leupold is a little lighter and is 12.26" long.

Thanks, Chrome

.......Go with the Gold RIng..Leupold....they are a known great scope with fantastic customer support....Nikon has great glass in cameras and I have several camera/lens but not much contact with the riflescopes..but on other boards the Nikon warranty/customer service and support is getting "thumbs down!!!!!" this is second hand reports on Nikon.....I can personally vouch for Leupold quality and durrability and customer support for over 20yrs of scopes from Leupold....24 or so at last count and I still have 14 Leupold scopes/spoting scopes and very few problems......good luck and good shooting with crystal clear dependable glass to see those itty bitty groups!!!!

Graybeard · « **Reply #7 on:** November 29, 2003, 07:43:52 AM »

I too have seen more bad than good posted on forums regarding Nikon customer service. I have no clue how much of it is valid. I've never owned a Nikon product of any kind. I've looked thru Nikon binoculars and Monarch scopes owned by others and have been totally unimpressed. I'd rather have Tasco than the ones I've seen.

Now that don't mean Tasco was/is better but the ones I looked thru sure gave me that impression.

GB

TheOpticZone · « **Reply #8 on:** November 29, 2003, 01:26:52 PM »

I have not had any problem with Nikon's customer service, but I have not had to use it much. Actually, I have had to use Bushnell's more than any other. Plus, I am not very impressed with Bushnell sending a $10.00 invoice for shipping back to me. Nikon and Leupold do not do this and I think that is added bonus with them.

akpls · « **Reply #9 on:** November 29, 2003, 05:11:17 PM »

Quote from: Graybeard

I've looked thru Nikon binoculars and Monarch scopes owned by others and have been totally unimpressed. I'd rather have Tasco than the ones I've seen.
Now that don't mean Tasco was/is better but the ones I looked thru sure gave me that impression.
GB

I own Leupold's, Redfield's (Colorado), Weaver's, Nikon's, and Burris'. I would rate them as follows:

1. Redfield Ultimate Illuminator (Colorado)
2. Leupold VariX III
3. Weaver Grand Slam/Nikon Monarchs
4. Burris Fullfield's
5. Redfield Widefield (Colorado)
6. Leupold VariX II

The Redfield UI is definitely the best. The VariX II is definitely last. I wouldn't know which generation of Monarch's you looked through, but mine aren't too far behind the VariX III optically. As for customer service - I've been using scopes for about 35 years and never have had an optical failure, so have never had occasion to use anyone's customer service. I've had ring/base failures on the range, but never anything related to the scope itself. My equipment gets well used, but never abused. Maybe I'm just lucky or it could be the land surveyor in me - the optics are everything and get treated and maintained with TLC. :wink: