Which scope, 3-12x42 or 4-16x42?

Caligater

Caligater

New member
I need to buy a scope for my new Browning X-Bolt .243 I bought in December and can't decide between the Nikon Monarch 3-12x42 or 4-16x42 with BDC reticle.

I don't think I would notice the difference between the 3x and 4x on the low end, but the difference between 12x and 16x might be worth it. This gun is going to be used for coyotes to medium game like antelope and maybe even deer.

The cost and weight difference between the two is virtually non-existent.

Which one would you get?
 
Don't ask me why but the 3-12 bdc reticle is thinner on the 3-12x than the 4-16x I spent an hour comparing them at Cabelas and everbody that looked through them on the same powers agreed even every one of the tan shirt guys.. I bought the 3-12 and haven't looked back.. The 4-16 doesn't do 16x as well as it should either IMO.. Plus you will really appreciate the wider FOV when hunting that you can get on 3x.. If you read the reticle subtensions you will figure out why I just can't remember..
 
I would go with the 4-16, but thats because I live out west and not back east and I like a little more magnification.

The difference of 3 and 4x is nothing, from 12 to 16 is significant IMO.

The 4-16 is more versatile IMO, but I actually prefer Leupolds fine duplex 6-18's or 6.5-20's even better on my own centerfire rifles.
 
Quote:
The difference of 3 and 4x is nothing, from 12 to 16 is significant IMO



Actually an almost 34' FOV vs a 25' FOV is somthing if your hunting, especially if your hunting coyotes..

If you use your scope strictly for paper punching than 16x is for you..

Its been discussed hunderds of times take a poll right here on PM and see what people use to hunt with (successful hunters that is)... Its not hubble telescopes..lol FOV is what will help make you successful..


It all depends what your doing with your scope.. I like a minimum of 3x for a hunting scope and 12x will take a coyote as far as you can hold MOA or your rifle will allow..

16x is not going to make you 4xs more accurate or even 2xs more accurate than 12x on paper at any distance..

BTW, I live out "west" also..
 
I like scopes with 16X as the top power. I have found that under a lot of shooting conditions that 16X is about as high as I can go. Especially when there is any heat mirage. So I would vote for the 16X. I would also give an opinion about the BDC but you did not ask for it, so I will refrain.

I do have a 4X12 Monarch on my Ruger 10-22, and it is plenty of power for a 22LR, But I still like the 4X16 better. Tom.
 
I would go with the 4x16 for the main fact that when I run the scopes on higher power they get a little grainy. So I usually run them on about 12x. So If you get one that maxes out at 12x then only run it on 10x why not buy a higher power scope. I know it kind of sounds dumb but when you are out pd shooting youwant the extra power. But any one would be OK.
 
I would think long and hard about the BDC reticle......very thick lines IMO..I think the nikoplex would serve you better.

FWIW, I have a 3-12 monarch and it is a very clear scope all the way to 12x.
 
If you plan on calling coyotes where there is any significant cover, the low end and lots of fov is more important than the high power. You can easily shoot a coyote (or deer) at 350 yards with 6 or 7 power, but trying to shoot a coyote bursting from close cover with even 4x can be really tough. I just changed from a 3 - 9 to a 1.5 - 5 for my calling gun. I have 3-9 scopes on my deer rifles and they are more than enough for any range I shoot them at.
 
Field of view almost always trumps power. I hunt out west in open places and have often got a coyote in the 25 to 75 yard range when calling. Most scopes with less than a 40 foot field of view at a hundred yards make it hard to get on these close in sneakers.

I've also found 7-9 power on the high end plenty for shots to 400 yards plus. Nothing wrong with changing out to a high power zoom for ground squirrels and rock chucks, I do that every spring.
 
I would choose 4-12. I don't like low power scopes on higher powered rifles, for instance my 22LR has a 3-9 my 223 barrel 4-12 and my 308 barrel 6-20. The bigger the gun the higher power the scope /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

t/c223encore.
 
For me, the calling gun wears a 1.8x10. Field of view is a trade for eye
relief on most scopes, given they are at set at the same power. Ideally I would
have a 2moa aimpoint for calling and a 4x16 fine varmint reticle for prairie dogs. But add the two 1 piece quick change mounts and it is some serious
jingle.
 
Alright, I will chime in...I have been doing some research on a scope for a new AR build.
I would love to put a NightForce, USO, or S&B on it and be done, but reality is that I cannot afford a $1500 scope, even though I would love to. So I have been on the search.
I have read reviews all over the interweb, and have decided on this scope for several reasons:
1. price
2. quality reviews
3. functions of scope
4. warranty
5. customer service
6. price

I have been corresponding with Matt for the last few days, and he has entertained all my questions. Here is a link, and I do want to point out I have never seen one in person, but did place an order today for a GEN3 model which should arrive in 2 weeks to Matt.
http://www.sightwonders.com/wotacriflescope.html
Tell him I sent you his way!
Dean
 
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72FJ40, I think you made a good choice. Been looking at them myself but I
don't want a 50 obj. on the variable. For the money they sound like a great
scope.
 
As you can see, some very experienced hunters have some very different opinions. As you will find, what is right for you comes with experience.

I have quite a few of the 3-12 Burris Signatures and 4-16 Bushnell 4200's.

There is a WORLD of difference between the upper end 12x and 16x...this can not be over emphasized.

The kind of shooting that you do now is important for you to consider. If you are shooting at running yotes inside of 50 yards, then the lower power is nice. If you do a lot of target shooting or sniping at what ever at 300 yards, then the 16x is the way to go.
 
+1 for the Bushnell elite. They are typically cheaper than the Nikon and much better glass.

I have a 4-16x50 on my 22-250. Love it.
 
Thanks, this is all good input. I am leaning towards the 3-12 but now I am second guessing the BDC reticle. My Dad has a Sheppard with the ring'd reticle like the BDC, but it is a MUCH nicer scope with a MUCH more painful price tag. I think I need to head up to BPS and check them out before I place my order.
 
Quote:
Quote:
The difference of 3 and 4x is nothing, from 12 to 16 is significant IMO



Actually an almost 34' FOV vs a 25' FOV is somthing if your hunting, especially if your hunting coyotes..

If you use your scope strictly for paper punching than 16x is for you..

Its been discussed hunderds of times take a poll right here on PM and see what people use to hunt with (successful hunters that is)... Its not hubble telescopes..lol FOV is what will help make you successful..


It all depends what your doing with your scope.. I like a minimum of 3x for a hunting scope and 12x will take a coyote as far as you can hold MOA or your rifle will allow..

16x is not going to make you 4xs more accurate or even 2xs more accurate than 12x on paper at any distance..

BTW, I live out "west" also..



EXACTLY.

tt
 
4-16 would get my nod. I've never had a big problem picking up coyotes in a scope if your gun fits and your scope is mounted as low as possible. If you are like most hunters I know you also spend some time at the range. 16 is nicer for group shooting a new load.
 
My 2 cents for what is worth, My two main shooters are a custom built 22 mag with a V-16 Weaver 4 X 16 X 42, standard reticle, I use for ground squirrels and ground hogs, and Yotes during big game season. And a 223 remy with a Weaver Grand Slam 4 x 14.5 standard reticle for calling. I personally like the heaver cross hair for picking them up in heavy brush, but that's just Me. And I have never had a problem on picking up a Yotes at 4 x in a close call in, and I try to keep all My shots at 150 yards or under with the 223 but My longest shot on a Yote was 140 yds. and it was with the 22 mag, it was what I had at the time and the Yote had just jumped the fence in a pasture with My mare and her new baby. One in the boiler room he ran fifty yards, and passed on to that big bunny field in the sky. Sorry for rambling on, Yea go for the 4 x 16.
 


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