2.5 x 10 Power Hunting Scope

Oberg · February 26, 2009, 09:45 AM

I have a 6.8mm SPC and am looking to put a different scope on it. I am looking for one like the 2.5 x 10 by 40mm (or 50mm if i can get more light) Nikon Monarch. I was wondering if there are any good scopes that are cheaper out there about the same power and will still let me use it for hunting early and late. I would like a ranging retical of some sort. Like the BDC or even mil it need be. Thanks guys.

sholling · February 26, 2009, 10:56 AM

I haven't tried one personally but the $270 Mueller Tac II may be worth a look. Chuck Hawks recently did a review (paid membership required to view) and places the Tac II in the same league as the Monarch and Weaver Grand Slam. Most Muellers are assembled in China using Japanese lenses (good bang for the buck scopes), however the Tac II is made entirely in Japan and is their attempt move to selling up market products.

I'm also a fan of Weaver products but haven't tried a Grand Slam personally. However they do have a very good reputation.

A final option is to go down in power a bit. The 2-8x32 Monarch (top) can be had pretty cheap (~$270) and it's one of my favorite scopes and it should match well with a 6.8 SPC. Check with Bud's Gunshop for a great price. Finally a Nikon 3-9x40 Team Primos (private label Monarch UCC) (bottom) can be had for $220. I own two of the Team Primos. Either of these two, especially the 2-8x32 would be my recommendation.

A note on objective size and light gathering. You can divide the objective by the magnification to get the exit pupil size. Do it for both the minimum and maximum magnification. A 3-9x40 will give you 4.4-13.3mm depending on where you have the magnification set. A 2-8x32 will give you 4-16mm of exit pupil. By the time you reach 40ys old you can't use much more than 4-4.5mm. Of course if you're a sharp eyed young'en you may be able to use up to 6mm or so - for now.

So decide if the extra 1/2lb or so for a 50mm objective is worth it to you. It's not to me.

bgdv1 · February 26, 2009, 06:40 PM

cabelas alaskan guide series. i have a 2.5x10x42 and its super clear and as bright as a nikon monarch and cheaper ! mines mounted on a custom ruger in 30-338 win mag.

February 26, 2009, 09:45 AM	#1
Oberg Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2008 Location: Minn Posts: 212	2.5 x 10 Power Hunting Scope I have a 6.8mm SPC and am looking to put a different scope on it. I am looking for one like the 2.5 x 10 by 40mm (or 50mm if i can get more light) Nikon Monarch. I was wondering if there are any good scopes that are cheaper out there about the same power and will still let me use it for hunting early and late. I would like a ranging retical of some sort. Like the BDC or even mil it need be. Thanks guys.

February 26, 2009, 10:56 AM	#2
sholling Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 1999 Location: Hemet (middle of nowhere) California Posts: 4,261	I haven't tried one personally but the $270 Mueller Tac II may be worth a look. Chuck Hawks recently did a review (paid membership required to view) and places the Tac II in the same league as the Monarch and Weaver Grand Slam. Most Muellers are assembled in China using Japanese lenses (good bang for the buck scopes), however the Tac II is made entirely in Japan and is their attempt move to selling up market products. I'm also a fan of Weaver products but haven't tried a Grand Slam personally. However they do have a very good reputation. A final option is to go down in power a bit. The 2-8x32 Monarch (top) can be had pretty cheap (~$270) and it's one of my favorite scopes and it should match well with a 6.8 SPC. Check with Bud's Gunshop for a great price. Finally a Nikon 3-9x40 Team Primos (private label Monarch UCC) (bottom) can be had for $220. I own two of the Team Primos. Either of these two, especially the 2-8x32 would be my recommendation. A note on objective size and light gathering. You can divide the objective by the magnification to get the exit pupil size. Do it for both the minimum and maximum magnification. A 3-9x40 will give you 4.4-13.3mm depending on where you have the magnification set. A 2-8x32 will give you 4-16mm of exit pupil. By the time you reach 40ys old you can't use much more than 4-4.5mm. Of course if you're a sharp eyed young'en you may be able to use up to 6mm or so - for now. So decide if the extra 1/2lb or so for a 50mm objective is worth it to you. It's not to me. __________________ Proud Life Member: National Rifle Association, California Rifle & Pistol Association, and the Second Amendment Foundation. Annual Member: Revolutionary War Veterans Association (Project Appleseed) and the Madison Society. Last edited by sholling; February 26, 2009 at 06:44 PM.

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February 26, 2009, 06:40 PM	#3
bgdv1 Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2009 Location: butler,pa Posts: 146	cabelas alaskan guide series. i have a 2.5x10x42 and its super clear and as bright as a nikon monarch and cheaper ! mines mounted on a custom ruger in 30-338 win mag.