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Guest
Guest
I would like any feedback from anyone whose had experience with Nikon optics, especially their riflescopes. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Thanks!
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H-BAR
Well-Known Member
I have a spotting scope and a pair of their binoculars. They are both very nice to look through. The prices on each were very good also! Their rifle scopes are very nice too but they just haven't made exactly what I am looking for yet.
littletoes
Well-Known Member
They are very clear in the center of the optics, and the price is very very good. The only drawback that I can see is that the "picture" seems to "roll" as you look towards the edge of the picture. Several benchrest friends of mine have stated that the click value is not as reapeatable as other scopes, to mention-Leupold. But for the price, I think they are amazing.
baldeagle713
Well-Known Member
I have shot Boyd's gun with a Nikon scope.
Nice!
BUT
I still like the leupold better or was that Simmons Blazer? ah Da! Leupold!
Nice!
BUT
I still like the leupold better or was that Simmons Blazer? ah Da! Leupold!
Nate Haler
Well-Known Member
Max, I have four Nikon scopes, and love them. Depending on what sort of shooting you wish to do, you might just think they are the cat's pajamas too. (To ensure my objective-ity, get it?, I should point out that I also have Leupold, Burris/Pentax, Weaver, Tasco SS, Simmons GMS, and Sightron products in my current assortment. Zeiss on the way, and have previously had NF, B&L, and Unertl in the mix...)
sheeesus, now I'm boring myself!
For value, i.e. performance for price, the Nikon is probably at the top of the heap (but the heap includes Sightron, Weaver, and Bushnell/B&L Elite).
Nikon makes their own scopes in Nikon factories. Lower mag versions made in their Phillipines factory, higher mag versions in their Japan factory. The Nikon Monarch 3-9x40 is the best new scope value in the world at about $265.00 from The Optic Zone.
If you specify what sorta shooting/setup you are planning, maybe we can advise you further.
sheeesus, now I'm boring myself!
For value, i.e. performance for price, the Nikon is probably at the top of the heap (but the heap includes Sightron, Weaver, and Bushnell/B&L Elite).
Nikon makes their own scopes in Nikon factories. Lower mag versions made in their Phillipines factory, higher mag versions in their Japan factory. The Nikon Monarch 3-9x40 is the best new scope value in the world at about $265.00 from The Optic Zone.
If you specify what sorta shooting/setup you are planning, maybe we can advise you further.
Ian M
Well-Known Member
Nate,
You are pretty accurate in your assement of the scopes mentioned, but Nikon does NOT make all of its higher end scopes in its own factories. Minor detail but that is just not correct. I was like you and assumed that but found out it is not quite correct - still the folks who are making those scopes are doing it to Nikon specs and they are superb. No doubt there is a lot of subing-out manufacturing, for instance I assumed that Leupold made its own lenses at one time, found out at the factory that they buy them from the orient.
You are pretty accurate in your assement of the scopes mentioned, but Nikon does NOT make all of its higher end scopes in its own factories. Minor detail but that is just not correct. I was like you and assumed that but found out it is not quite correct - still the folks who are making those scopes are doing it to Nikon specs and they are superb. No doubt there is a lot of subing-out manufacturing, for instance I assumed that Leupold made its own lenses at one time, found out at the factory that they buy them from the orient.
Nate Haler
Well-Known Member
the buggers!
My info is based on discussion a few years back with their US-based tech staff in Torrance, CA, when I sent in a scope for service (had a bit of debris on the reticle).
Caveat Emptor -- things change quickly even in our sport.
My info is based on discussion a few years back with their US-based tech staff in Torrance, CA, when I sent in a scope for service (had a bit of debris on the reticle).
Caveat Emptor -- things change quickly even in our sport.
Ian M
Well-Known Member
Nate,
Probably doesn't matter where they are made, or by which elfs, as long as they are good enough to carry Nikon's name. I am like you, I like the suckers a lot.
By the way, we better quit talking about Jap scopes or we might get ex-communicated or knackered by the impending new President - DC
Probably doesn't matter where they are made, or by which elfs, as long as they are good enough to carry Nikon's name. I am like you, I like the suckers a lot.
By the way, we better quit talking about Jap scopes or we might get ex-communicated or knackered by the impending new President - DC
G
Guest
Guest
Would like to hunt whitetail, elk, mountain goat, and possibly varmint too, however a 7stw may be too much for that. Would like to do somewhat of a long range hunt, 200-500 yards. Looking @ the monarch UCC 5.5x16.5x44. I looked at the gloss finish verus the matte, the gloss is 10 bucks cheaper, any reason why? The only diff. I saw between the two was, the matte finish being made in Japan, and the gloss made in the philipines. Does it matter? Which one would be a better choice?
[ 10-30-2003: Message edited by: Maximus ]
[ 10-30-2003: Message edited by: Maximus ]
Nate Haler
Well-Known Member
unless you wish to match rifle finish to scope finish, I would get matte regardless.
Them sharp-eyed critters will have one less bit of reflection (from your stuff) to spot you. Why the cost difference? Don't know, other than it may be slightly less expensive for Nikon to produce the shiny version.
If I had a choice between buying a scope made in the two countries you list, I'd vote for Japan, simply because they have a world-class optics production industry and very dedicated workforce (as a generality).
Them sharp-eyed critters will have one less bit of reflection (from your stuff) to spot you. Why the cost difference? Don't know, other than it may be slightly less expensive for Nikon to produce the shiny version.
If I had a choice between buying a scope made in the two countries you list, I'd vote for Japan, simply because they have a world-class optics production industry and very dedicated workforce (as a generality).
Nate Haler
Well-Known Member
Mag range should be fine, esp. when you consider the 'standard' hunting scope is 4x.
For closer in shots, maybe at moving targets (which I only recommend only if the quarry is wounded or if you are starving), you can dial down to 5.5, which should be fine unless you are hunting in heavy brush, real close.
For the long shots, dial up and know your zeroes and do your business. I think a 4-16 scope is just about all-around perfect, so the 5.5-15 is right in there.
However, Nikon also makes a 4-12. Problem with it is that no target knobs, just the typical coin-slot adjustments...
For closer in shots, maybe at moving targets (which I only recommend only if the quarry is wounded or if you are starving), you can dial down to 5.5, which should be fine unless you are hunting in heavy brush, real close.
For the long shots, dial up and know your zeroes and do your business. I think a 4-16 scope is just about all-around perfect, so the 5.5-15 is right in there.
However, Nikon also makes a 4-12. Problem with it is that no target knobs, just the typical coin-slot adjustments...
sakofan
Well-Known Member
Maximus, My friend just bought the Monarch you described. We were shooting out to 250yds and I was able to see the holes, with no trouble. You CANT go wrong with this scope!! He has it on his coveted 7mag, and loves it.
It is equal to my Zeiss Conquest 3.5-10x44 in every way. And I dont admit that easiliy!!..sakofan..
[ 10-30-2003: Message edited by: sakofan ]
It is equal to my Zeiss Conquest 3.5-10x44 in every way. And I dont admit that easiliy!!..sakofan..
[ 10-30-2003: Message edited by: sakofan ]
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Guest
Guest
Sakofan,
Which Sako rifle(s) do you own? I'm about to get a Hunter 75 deluxe. What a gorgeous rifle, of course the price tag is right up there too. After looking @ the deluxe, nothing else comes close.
Did your friend get the gloss or the matte finish?
Which Sako rifle(s) do you own? I'm about to get a Hunter 75 deluxe. What a gorgeous rifle, of course the price tag is right up there too. After looking @ the deluxe, nothing else comes close.
Did your friend get the gloss or the matte finish?
sakofan
Well-Known Member
Maximus, I have the Sako Mod. 75 .300WM stainless synthetic, and I love it.
A friend owns the wood/blued, and it is simply beautiful. But,the SS is more practicle for me.
Friend has the Monarch in matte finish. Rifle is a Browning A-bolt Medallion 7 mag.
He also has a Nikon Buckmaster on his Win .308 that is a good little scope as well..sakofan..
A friend owns the wood/blued, and it is simply beautiful. But,the SS is more practicle for me.
Friend has the Monarch in matte finish. Rifle is a Browning A-bolt Medallion 7 mag.
He also has a Nikon Buckmaster on his Win .308 that is a good little scope as well..sakofan..
