Nikon Monarch 3 6-24x50 SF Rifle Scope BDC Reticle 6777

Nikon Monarch 3 6-24x50 Review

The Nikon Monarch 3 6-24x50 is the most powerful rifle scope available with the Monarch 3 name.  It has considerably more magnification than the next closest model (the 4-16x50) and includes an adequate 50mm objective lens.  The 50mm objective is a good compromise between manageable size and brightness at maximum magnification.  If you're looking for a capable long range scope for under $1000, this one should be on your list.  

First impressions are that this scope is pretty big.  The one inch main body tube diameter does make it seem more slim than comparable 30mm models, but it's still 15.75 inches end to end.  That length is partially offset by a relatively light 20.6 ounce total weight, including the additional ounce or so from the flip-up lens caps.  As is the case with the rest of the Nikon Monarch 3 rifle scope lineup, this model is stamped Made in The Phillipines on the bottom of the turret housing. The Nikon Monarch 3 6-24x50 has a durable matte black anodized finish that seems to hold up well, and the body is made of lightweight aluminum, as expected.  Again, it's very impressive that Nikon was able to keep the weight under 1.5 lbs when you consider the size of this scope.  

Like the other high magnification Monarch 3 rifle scopes, the Monarch 3 6-24x50 includes both a quick focus eyepiece and side focus parallax knob.  One thing to consider is that the quick focus ring is inaccessible with the eyepiece lens cap attached.  If this is a deal breaker, it's very easy to remove the cap - just pull it off the scope.  We will say that we haven't found a need to do much adjusting with quick focus eyepieces on these scopes, because most targets will appear closer to infinity than what would normally be considered close range (as far as optics are concerned).  Besides, you still have the side focus parallax knob marked at 50, 60, 75, 100, 150, 200, 300, 500, 1000 yards, and infinity.  The push/pull locking mechanism on the side focus konb is identical to that found on the other Monarch 3 side focus models.  Pull to unlock the knob and set your desired distance, push to lock in place.

The mechanics of the Nikon Monarch 3 6-24x50 are typical of the Monarch 3 line, with all mechanical components performing smoothly with just the right amount of resistance.  Turrets produce audible and tacticle feedback, focus and magnification rings exhibit close tolerances, and the side focus is buttery smooth.

What separates the Nikon Monarch 3 6-24x50 from its siblings is the inclusion of two additional sets of turrets.  One set is a high profile turret for target and tactical shooters, and includes a set of high profile turret caps.  The other is a wider style turret, more tactical than the stock or high profile turrets. Additionally, the Monarch 3 6-24x50 also features 1/8 MOA click adjustments, a change from the usual 1/4 MOA found on the other Monarch 3 scopes. With the smaller increments comes the disadvantage of only 30 MOA of usable windage and elevation adjustment.  What does this mean practically?  It means that you'll probably want a 20 MOA Picatinny mount for your rifle if you plan on shooting distances up to 1000 yards.  

If you've read any of our other reviews of the Nikon Monarch 3 lineup, you'll know that we hold them in a pretty high regard, and they seem to be spot on for the money.  The Monarch 3 6-24x50 is exactly what we were expecting.  Freehanded, on minimum magnification (6x), we were able to clearly read address numbers on a house about 150 yards away, and found eye relief to be very comfortable - an important consideration because this scope will likely be mounted on a larger caliber rifle.  Clarity and sharpness are excellent, chromatic aberration is nearly nonexistent, and rolling ball is not a concern.  Bump up the magnification to 24x, and while there is a noticeable decrease in eye relief, clarity and edge to edge sharpness remain.  Chromatic aberration on 24x is moderate, but that is to be expected.

The BDC reticle on this model is slightly different from most other BDC reticles, and features several "dots" with open centers instead of the commonly accepted hash mark reticle.  Not really good or bad, but personal preference will determine which configuration you're more inclined to favor.  Of course, you'll still have to do range testing to determine exactly what your bullet drop is, and that will be true for any BDC reticle on any caliber firearm.

The Nikon Monarch 3 6-24x50 includes warranty card, instruction manual, BDC reticle manual, spring-loaded lens caps, microfiber cleaning cloth, the two additional turret sets, high profile turret caps, and Nikon's established warranty.  

Using the Nikon BDC Reticle

The Nikon BDC Reticle is designed to compensate for ballistics of your rifle at increasing ranges. Each circle along the vertical post of the Nikon BDC reticle corresponds to a different range. Depending on your caliber, load, and environmental conditions, your point of impact at ranges will vary. Nikon provides some basic guidance for use of the BDC reticle, based on testing performed with standard velocities for non-magnum calibers of 2,800 feet per second, and magnum calibers at 3,000 feet per second.

When using the Nikon BDC reticle, you should have your scope set to maximum magnification. Because Nikon rifle scopes have the reticle in the second focal plane, the BDC reticle is only accurate when set to maximum magnification. Utilizing the BDC reticle for holdover on other magnifications will cause your shots to miss their mark.

For non-magnum calibers, the center crosshair should be zeroed at one hundred yards. The first circle below the crosshair corresponds to 200 yards, the second to 300 yards, the third to 400 yards, and the fourth to 500 yards.

For magnum calibers, the center crosshair should be zeroed at two hundred yards. The first circle below the crosshair corresponds to 300 yards, the second to 400 yards, the third to 500 yards, and the fourth to 600 yards.

Keep in mind that this is a rough estimate of where you can expect your shot to penetrate the target, but the guidelines should at least get you on paper. You will have to put in some range time to learn exactly how much drop you're experiencing.

Nikon also offers the Spot On program to determine your rifle's capabilities with the Nikon BDC reticle. By going to the Spot On website, you can input your cartridge information for more precise ballistics data.