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Nikon Monarch 4-16x42mm SF Riflescope with BDC Reticle By the Guns and Shooting Online Staff  This new for 2007 Nikon Monarch 4-16x42mm riflescope impressed us with its relatively compact size. It incorporates side parallax focus and a 4:1 zoom range, yet is about the overall size of a 3-9x scope. This new Nikon Monarch is the smallest 4-16x scope that we have yet reviewed. As expected from a scope bearing the Nikon Monarch name, it offers sharp, contrasty views of the target across the field of view at all magnification settings. Flare and the various optical aberrations are well controlled. The optics of the 4-16x42mm Monarch are fully UCC multi-coated. The external finish on the one-piece main tube is matte black. All of the controls and adjustments work smoothly and feel good. Nikon's new eyebox design features a large ocular that provides a four times magnification range and a claimed 4” constant eye relief. Here are some specifications for the Nikon Monarch 4-16x42 SF riflescope:
Additional features include European-style fast eyepiece focus with a rubber ring to protect the shooter's eyebrow, rearward facing numbers on the zoom ring and accurate ¼ MOA fingertip windage and elevation click adjustments. The scope's ring spacing is generous and this makes it easy to mount on most rifles using standard rings and bases. An anti-fog cloth and a Nikon wrap are included with the scope, as well as an Owner's Manual and a little booklet titled "Guide to Using the Nikon BDC Reticle." A word about Nikon's BDC (bullet drop compensating) reticle is in order. The BDC reticle is a sort of hybrid version of the German 3-post and crosshair reticle with a very narrow horizontal "gate," or fine crosshair area. Below the intersection of the crosshairs are a series of four circles strung down the vertical wire. Each of these circles subtends approximately 2 MOA at 100 yards. With a flat shooting cartridge that operates at muzzle velocities of 3100-3300 fps, the idea is to zero the rifle so that the bullets strike point of aim at 200 yards. The first circle below where the crosswires intersect then serves as a 300 yard aiming point, the second 400 yards and so forth. Naturally, the trajectory of the cartridge and load determines the actual point of impact distance represented by each circle. We were favorably impressed by this impressive new Monarch SF 4-16x42mm BDC riflescope from Nikon. We give it our highest recommendation. Note: A complete review of the Nikon Monarch SF 4-16x42mm BDC riflescope can be found on the Product Review Page. |
