Author Topic: Please help identify this scope. (Read 433 times)

TDUB · « **on:** December 02, 2003, 09:59:56 AM »

It's a Nikon 3X9 but it's not marked "Monarch" or "Buckmaster". Did Nikon make scopes before those two models. If so, were they any good? I have the chance to buy a rifle with this scope attached.

Zachary · « **Reply #1 on:** December 02, 2003, 10:28:42 AM »

It is a "pre-monarch" scope.

I have SEVERAL of them and they are EXCELLENT scopes. In fact, I even have the 3x-9x-40mm that you are talking about.

The "pre-monarch" line was stopped about 5 years or so ago. Back then, there was only one line, and it was generally expensive. As such, Nikon came up with the Monarch series as it had 95% light transmission, and came up with the buckmasters which had about 88% light transmission. Today, the Monarchs are the same price as the pre-monarchs, and the Buckmasters are less expensive. In this manner, Nikon achieved the ability to obtain more of a market share.

So are these pre-monarch scopes good? You bet. They are very, very good scopes.

Zachary

TDUB · « **Reply #2 on:** December 02, 2003, 11:35:09 AM »

I think I'll buy the rifle. It's a SS Win Classic in 30-06. I think I can get it with the scope for $450! I think that's a deal.

Zachary · « **Reply #3 on:** December 03, 2003, 08:44:49 AM »

The Nikon scope back then cost about $299 new at most retail stores. That what I paid for mine. Granted, with the Internet, now you can get the Monarch, a better scope, for less.

In addition, the Winchester M70 Classic Stainless was, depending on year made, about $450 to $500 or so. That would mean a total price of at least $750 plus rings and tax. However, this is now a used gun and scope and, as such, the value drops. How much it drops depends on the condition of the gun and scope. If it's in excellent condition, then $450 sounds like a fair deal.

Zachary