Nikon Riflescope Reviews

Nikon made a name for itself in the camera industry; however, they have also earned quite a reputation for themselves in the hunting world by producing high quality and affordable rifle scopes. In fact they make such an array of rifle scopes that it is hard for many hunters and shooters to keep them straight. While Nikon produces a vast line up of rifle scopes this article will focus on giving a brief overview of some the most popular and interesting Nikon models.

Monarch Series – This top of the line series features 95% light transmission, a one piece tube, and Nikon’s UCC lens coating to aid in transferring light. While there are sub categories in this series such as the Monarch African, Monarch Gold, and Monarch X; the standard Monarch series is probably the most commonly available and would be in the same class as say a Zeiss Conquest. A standard 2.5-10 x 42mm model sells for about $400.

Nikon Buckmasters – This is more of a mid level scope and while it may not have the stats of the Monarch series the Buckmasters scopes do feature 92% light transmission, coated lens (not Nikon’s UCC coating though), and side focus parallax adjustment on the higher power models in the series. The Buckmasters series would fall in the same class as a Burris Fullfield II, kind of a high quality mid level category. For reference a standard 3-9x40mm version of the Buckmasters scope can be had for just over $200.

Nikon Prostaff – Is an entry level scope that doesn’t have the some of the higher end features of the more expensive Nikon models. However, the Prostaff does still have 90% light transmission, 1/4moa click adjustments, and the same lifetime warranty that other Nikon rifle scopes have. At this price level some scopes make windage and elevation adjustments in 1/2moa adjustments and without audible clicks. The Prostaff would probably best fit in the higher end of entry level scopes and would be comparable to a Redfield Revolution. Again for reference a standard 3-9x40mm version goes for around $160, although they can often be found on sale for less.

Nikon IRT – While admittedly probably not one of Nikon’s most popular models; the Nikon IRT is quite unique and deserves a mention. The IRT is a rifle scope and rangefinder combined into one. Technically the IRT is a 4-12 x 42mm scope, which has a rangefinder built-in. The rangefinder in this scope is activated by a remote button that can be attached to the forearm of a rifle. The advantages of having a rangefinder in a rifle scope are many and obvious; however, currently the tradeoffs of these novel scopes are weight and expense. The Nikon IRT weighs in at just over 23oz which is about double the weight of a standard rifle scope. This unit also cost nearly $800; however the argument can be made that if it replaces a handheld rangefinder then its price tag becomes much more reasonable. Bushnell and Burris also make similar models in this new and small field of rangefinder riflescopes.