I have a Marlin 1894 in .44mag and I would like to scope the gun although I would probably remove the scope setup from time to time and just use the irons. I am only 31 so I hope to be shooting the gun for a few decades, scope/iron swapping won't be a regular thing but maybe every couple of years. I have things pretty well narrowed down but I don't have much experience with scopes so here I am. I am currently considering 4 different scopes. 3 are Nikons, they area 2-7x32 ProStaff ($130 new, $95 refurb), 2-7x32 Monarch ($190), 3-9x40 Monarch ($200) and the last is a Sightron SII 3-9x42.
From the reviews I have read here at THR, it sounds like the Sightron compares favorable to the Nikon but nobody mentions which Nikon. Looking at price points I have to assume the posters meant a Buckmaster not the Monarch. I don't need a 3-9 on this gun since the max effective range is really around 125 yards but since 3-9 is more common than 2-7 is it possible the 3-9 is higher quality at the same price point?
Next point to tackle is the objective size, being a handy lever gun I think the 32mm objectives would be better for my walking/woods bumming purposes on the other hand how much difference can 8mm make????
Lastly, is the Monarch $60 better than the ProStaff, assuming new prices?
Thanks, Mitch
From the reviews I have read here at THR, it sounds like the Sightron compares favorable to the Nikon but nobody mentions which Nikon. Looking at price points I have to assume the posters meant a Buckmaster not the Monarch. I don't need a 3-9 on this gun since the max effective range is really around 125 yards but since 3-9 is more common than 2-7 is it possible the 3-9 is higher quality at the same price point?
Next point to tackle is the objective size, being a handy lever gun I think the 32mm objectives would be better for my walking/woods bumming purposes on the other hand how much difference can 8mm make????
Lastly, is the Monarch $60 better than the ProStaff, assuming new prices?
Thanks, Mitch