Weaver or Nikon

[nn3453]

Weaver Grand Slam Tactical or Nikon M223 (which I've heard has the same glass as the Monarch)? Which has better glass? Weaver or Nikon?

Looking for a AR scope in the $300-500 price range.

Thanks!

[Wrangler John]

Either will do the job, but to my eye the Nikon product is not as clear or contrasty as the Weaver. When I shoot the Nikon's during the same range session as Bushnell's Elites or Leupold's, or Weavers and even the Clearidge XP, the Nikon Monarch's show they aren't up to the optical quality of the others.

I pick up Weaver scopes on closeout from http://www.natchezss.com/index.cfm from time to time, they are discount priced.

New Weaver Tactical scopes run $760 for the 3-15 x 50mm, or $850.00 for the 4-20 x 50mm. These are 30mm scopes which are a bit heavier than the 1" variety.

My suggestion is to research the Internet dealers for what you want and locate the lowest price. All the major manufacturers products are about the same quality wise. A few of years ago the Bushnell Elites, Monarchs and Clearidge scopes all came from the same Japanese factory. Clearidge and Bushnell Elite 4200's shared the same glass and coatings (sans Bushnell's Rainguard coating). National origin of these scopes changes constantly due to market forces, with some originating from Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, China, Thailand (my older Monarch is Philippine origin the newer Monarch UUC is from Thailand) Origin can vary by model. Glass may be manufactured in one country and the tubes manufactured and assembled in another. Then there is the European manufactured scopes and a few remaining U.S. brands - which may also be outsourced by model or have foreign glass inside.

So many choices it becomes bewildering.

[OpticsPlanet]

I have the oppurtunity to shoot the M223 series a lot and have a 3-12 myself, all I can say is wow! The optics are amazing clear for a $450 scope. Keeping in mind that Nikon got their name from making glass with their cameras first.
I've used the M223's and monarch platform (the M223 is built on the monarch platform) on everything from 22's to a BMG, not joking, actually shot a monarch on a M82. I love the BDC reticle and use it quite a bit. Easy to pair that up with the Spot On software and walk shots out.
I think you'll be quite happy if you choose the m223. With that being said, I am still a fan of weaver optics, have a few of those myself. Their tactical line is a nice choice for an AR, but at below $500, I think Nikon is the best choice. Just my .02.

Trevor B.

[postal]

I have a nikon buckmaster 4.5-14. Its glass is clearer than a USO SN3 I looked through at about $2400.

I'm planning on the 3-9 p223 for a 20" varmint upper. Though I still havent seen one, I'm very confident in the nikons. Absolutely the best bang for the buck on a budget.

Brother has a nikon tactical 4-16. I dont see a difference between it and $1500 nightforce.