Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Fullfield II or Monarch 3

Hello all

Looking at the Fullfield II in 4.5-14 or the Monarch 3 in 4-16. Any preference for either one and why? Other sub $500 options I may be missing? I just bought a Vanguard 2 in 6.5 Creedmoor and want to go at least 14 power. I'm an Oregon boy and have always had Leupold but don't see a holdover reticle I like for the 4.5-14 VX3 but it still may be an option.

Done lots of researching and I'm pretty sure I don't want Vortex.

Thanks all

I have the Monarch 3 in 4-16x42, but mine has the Nikoplex reticle rather than the BDC. For the money it is a good scope; no complaints.

I also have a Weaver Super Slam Euro 4-20x50 that I got on sale for $429, if you can find one it's a very good scope. Nice glass and repeatable adjustments. Usually retails around $700.

There should be an abundance of demo scopes on sale next month due to the Shot Show.
I'm not a big fan of Natchez Shooters Supply for most things, but they frequently have some smoking deals on optics.

Minox za 5 HD. 3-15 $399
Not sure about their bdc.
I like my monarch better than fullfield

Where are they $399?

Of the 2, I'd go Monarch or even the cheaper buckmaster 4.5-14x40 with side focus...

Since you're an Oregon Boy and mention you only used Leupold, I doudt you will be happy with anything else. I would try and find something in Leupold which will work for you, that way you only have to buy once.

FWIW, JB recently reviewed a Monarch3 2.5-10 and concluded that it was "a very good scope, and not just for the money". Scored well in his test, and features steel-on-steel adjustments.

I don't care for the style, but wouldn't be afraid to buy one.

Thanks much. Those may be an option now.

I've had them both. IMO the Monarch has much better class and a better focus adjustment ring

Well I went to town and looked a bunch of scopes over today. Sportsmans Warehouse really pushes the Vortex stuff and I have to admit it does really seem to be good glass but I worry about the durability. I don't really give a crap about their stellar warranty, my goal is not to use a warranty at all and it sounds like its a given with Vortex in time. The Vortex is also heavy. I didn't like the VX3 4.5-14 at all. The eye box is horrible at 14 power. They didn't have the Burris so no comparison there. The Monarch 3 really seemed nice and I couldn't really find anything other than the large eyepiece that I didn't like. I'm gonna hold off for now and see if a deal comes along here or locally and possibly save a few more coins and broaden my options.

I'd take the Minox over the Monarch, and the Monarch over the FFII. I'd take Leupold VX3 and conquest over the monarch, I have all of those and more, but none above 9x in the variables right now, and eye boxes/features/tracking vary between models to outweigh glass alone, for sure.

I've had both and neither are bad scopes. I prefer the turrets, side focus, etc of the Monarch 3. However glass wise I have to give the edge to the Fullfield II for me. I see a lot of chromatic aberration with Nikon glass for some reason although this is much better than some of the other Nikon optics I've owned. Realistically though they are both great glass and you can't go wrong with either. If they were the same price it would be a tough choice for me, but at the price of the Burris vs the price of the Monarch 3, I'd go with the Burris hands down.

My only real complaint about the Nikon is that they don't seem to hold their value at all. It was $459 new and I tried to sell mine for months before I finally listed it on eBay and ended up getting around $250 for it. You can buy them used in the $250-300 range as well, so if you are going Nikon I'd highly recommend you buy a used one and let someone else take that huge hit. I wasn't used to having to sell it at such a loss as it seems like you can get within $50 or so of what most Burris, Vortex, Leupolds, etc. cost new.

All of that said, I think the Conquest is a better scope than both of them. If you can pick one of those up for a reasonable price, it's the way to go imo.

Well I made a decision and got the Monarch 3. The guy at Sportsmans really tried to get me to go with a Vortex but I just couldn't do it. I thank you all for your advice and taking the time to respond. I'm happy with my decision as I really like the glass. I got the XR Turret model so once I work up a load I like I'll send in for that.

LowerRiver,

I have a Monarch 3 that has not been mounted yet. What is this turret you're talking about?

It's a voucher for a custom turret. Send them your load info and they send you your custom turret. I believe this is also available for purchase after the fact if you didn't buy the XR model originally. Basically the same as the CDS that Leupold does if I understand correctly.

Thanks.

The 2x10x50 is249.00. I agree with you 100% on the Super Slams.


I also have a Weaver Super Slam Euro 4-20x50 that I got on sale for $429, if you can find one it's a very good scope. Nice glass and repeatable adjustments. Usually retails around $700.(Quote)