Nikon Monarch 7 4-16x50 SF Rifle Scope BDC XR Turret 6784

Nikon Monarch 7 4-16x50 SF Review

The Nikon Monarch 7 4-16x50 is Nikon's latest top of the line rifle scope, designed for medium and long range hunters. The Monarch 7 4-16x50 features a 4:1 zoom ratio, large 50mm objective for maximum low light performance, and Nikon's Custom XR Turret, which allows the shooter to dial in every shot at known distances.

Overall length on the Monarch 7 4-16x50 is just under 15 inches (14.8) which is normal for a scope in this class. The 22.9 ounce weight is on the lighter end of what we have seen with scopes in the 4-16x zoom range. An improvement over the Monarch 3 and Monarch 5 line of scopes is the 30mm main body tube, instead of the more popular one inch tube. There is a popular myth that 30mm tubes will deliver better light transmission, but that is a falsehood. The reality is that 30mm tubes provide more internal windage and elevation adjustment than 1 inch tubes, that's a fact. The additional adjustment, especially in elevation, is crucial when you're reaching out to the edge of your rifles distance capabilities.

Mechanically, there is nothing on this scope that doesn't meet expectations. There is both a side focus parallax adjustment and quick focus eyepiece, both of which exhibit an expected level of resistance without being too tight, and there is no grinding or resistance at any point throughout the adjustment range. The magnification ring is slightly tighter, but this is mitigated by the raised ridges and "fin," which help to provide additional grip.

The windage turret is hidden under a cap. The cap threads cleanly, and the turret itself provides very positive tactile and audible feedback under rotation. Included with the Nikon Monarch 7 4-16x42 is an additional high profile windage turret, which does provide slightly better visibility when in a shooting position. The elevation turret is the famous Nikon Custom XR Turret, clearly labeled in 1/4 MOA increments with a return-to-zero feature. If anything, the clicks on the elevation turret are more audible and tactile.

The side focus adjustment on the Nikon Monarch 7 4-16x50 adjusts parallax at increments of 50 yards, 60 yards, 75 yards, 100 yards, 150 yards, 200 yards,300 yards, 500 yards, 1000 yards, and infinity. This focus knob is locking, meaning you can pull out to adjust, set your distance, and push back in to lock the adjustment in place.

At the price you pay for the Nikon Monarch 7 4-16x50, you're expecting excellent optical quality. The good news is that you won't be disappointed. Clarity and sharpness are perfect, and that continues to the very edge of the sight picture. Color bias is neutral, we cannot spot any trend towards either warm or cool ends of the spectrum. What really jumps out at us is the extremely flat field of view when looking through the scope at low magnification.

But the absolute best part of this whole package? The fact that the sunshade is included. Ok, so maybe not, but that's a huge plus if you've ever tried to find a sunshade for a Nikon scope. One complaint? The included bikini covers aren't that great. But they do what they are designed to do. And to be honest, if you're the distinguished type to spend up to four figures on a rifle scope, you're going to invest in a high quality set of caps anyway.

Overall, the Nikon Monarch 7 4-16x50 is everything that we hoped it would be. This scope would be equally at home on a whitetail hunt in the US midwest as it would on a precision long range rifle build. We don't think you'll be disappointed.

Nikon MONARCH 7 riflescopes feature one-piece 30mm main body tubes and a glass etched BDC reticle, plus the Custom XR Turret package, giving you the option to dial-in your distance at known rages, or to utilize the holdover points on the glass etched BDC reticle.

The MONARCH 7 riflescope series features the Custom XR Turret package, which allows you to custom match the distances inscribed on the elevation dial to the specific ballistics of your load and environmental conditions. As a result, you can dial-in your exact shooting range and hold your crosshair directly on your target for every shot. Redemption voucher for your Custom package comes with each riflescope. You can also order additional turrets to match additional loads, velocities or extreme environmental factors.

The various aiming points built into the BDC reticle can be utilized with Nikon’s Spot On Ballistic Match Technology to give you exact aiming points at various yardages. Take the guesswork out of figuring elevation and bullet drop compensation.

Engineered for minimum weight and maximum strength and durability, Nikon builds these scopes from aircraft grade aluminum alloy and utilizes larger internal lenses for maximum resolution. Larger tubes allow for the best resolution, wider windage and elevation travel, and superior low-light performance.

Nikon has engineered the entire optical system to provide the shooter with a bright, sharp and incredibly flat sight picture and light transmission up to its theoretical maximum- 95% for clear sight picture from dawn to dusk.

Like all of Nikon’s riflescopes, the MONARCH 7 series is optimized for use with Nikon Spot On Ballistic Match Technology. Spot On allows you to discover all of the exact aiming points on your scope’s reticle at various yardages for your specific ammunition and load.

Nikon riflescopes are covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. If any Nikon riflescope is found to have defects in workmanship or materials, we will, at our option, repair or replace it at no charge.