As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for quality optics that offer great value for money. The Monstrum G2 6-24×50 First Focal Plane (FFP) Rifle Scope has been generating quite a buzz in the shooting community, promising high-end features at a budget-friendly price point. Priced at just under $200, this scope claims to deliver performance typically associated with much more expensive models. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive deep into what this intriguing optic has to offer.
First Impressions and Build Quality
Right out of the box, the Monstrum G2 makes a solid first impression. The scope boasts a robust construction, featuring a 30mm tube made from 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum. This material choice contributes to the scope’s durability while keeping the weight manageable at 1 pound and 13 ounces. The matte black finish (also available in Flat Dark Earth) gives it a professional, no-nonsense appearance that should appeal to most shooters.
At 15.5 inches in length, it’s not the most compact scope on the market, but it strikes a good balance between size and capabilities. The build quality feels reassuringly solid, especially considering the price point. It’s clear that Monstrum hasn’t cut corners on the basics.
The package includes some welcome extras that add value to the purchase. You’ll find a pair of flip-up lens covers, a detachable anti-reflective honeycomb filter for glare reduction, and a set of 30mm medium profile scope rings. While I eventually swapped out the included rings for a set that better suited my particular rifle setup, it’s great to have everything you need to get started right in the box.
Optical Performance
For a scope in this price range, the optical performance of the Monstrum G2 is surprisingly good. The glass quality is clear and bright, offering good contrast even in challenging light conditions. The fully multi-coated lenses do an admirable job of reducing glare and maximizing light transmission, which is crucial for those early morning or late evening hunting sessions.
The 6-24x magnification range is versatile, allowing you to engage targets from medium to long distances with ease. I found the image to remain sharp and clear throughout most of the zoom range, though there was some noticeable degradation at the highest magnification levels. This is not unexpected for a budget scope, and the overall optical quality is still impressive for the price point.
One of the standout features of this scope is its first focal plane (FFP) reticle. This means the reticle size changes as you adjust magnification, allowing for consistent holdovers and ranging at any power setting. It’s a feature usually reserved for much more expensive scopes, so it’s truly impressive to see it implemented here. The custom Type-H reticle is designed in-house by Monstrum and offers fully functional MOA markings that don’t obstruct your view of the target.
The illuminated rangefinder reticle is another nice touch that adds versatility to this scope. It can be illuminated in either red or green, with multiple brightness settings to suit different lighting conditions. I found this particularly useful during dawn and dusk hunts when natural light was low but it wasn’t quite dark enough for dedicated night vision equipment. The illumination controls are easy to use, allowing for quick adjustments in the field.
Adjustments and Tracking
The Monstrum G2 offers 1/4 MOA click adjustments for both windage and elevation, which is standard for scopes in this class. The turrets have a nice tactile feel, providing audible and tactile feedback with each click. However, I did notice that they weren’t quite as crisp or precise as some higher-end scopes I’ve used.
One area where the G2 faces some challenges is in tracking accuracy. During my testing, I found that the actual adjustments didn’t always perfectly match the indicated values. In a box test, the scope showed some deviation from the expected 10 MOA movements, with errors of about 15% for windage and 10% for elevation. While this might not be a dealbreaker for casual shooters or hunters engaging targets at moderate ranges, it could pose issues for those looking to do serious long-range precision work.
That said, the scope did return to zero reliably after making adjustments, which is crucial for practical field use. The zero reset feature on the turrets is also handy, allowing you to quickly return to your baseline settings. The turrets also feature a locking mechanism to prevent accidental adjustments in the field, which is a thoughtful addition.
It’s worth noting that while the tracking isn’t perfect, it appears to be consistent. This means that with some practice and careful documentation, you can learn to compensate for any discrepancies in your shooting.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Monstrum claims that the G2 is built to withstand tough conditions. The scope is purportedly shockproof, fog proof, and water-resistant, thanks to its solid aluminum construction and nitrogen purging. While I haven’t had the opportunity to subject it to extreme conditions, it has held up well to normal field use so far. I’ve taken it out in light rain without any issues, though I’d be hesitant to fully submerge it or expose it to heavy downpours without additional protection.
One durability concern I have is with the included flip-up lens covers. While they’re a nice addition to the package, they feel a bit flimsy and I worry about their long-term survival, especially in rough field conditions. I’ve already started looking at aftermarket options for more robust lens protection.
The scope also features a MIL-STD 8625 Type III Hard-Anodized finish, which Monstrum claims makes it nearly impervious to scratches and increases the hardness of the metal. This should contribute to the scope’s longevity, especially for those who tend to be rough on their equipment.
Practical Applications and Performance
In practical use, the Monstrum G2 6-24×50 FFP scope performs admirably, especially considering its price point. The generous eye relief of 4-4.5 inches makes it comfortable to use, even with heavy recoiling rifles. The adjustable objective (AO) lens, controlled by the side focus dial, allows for precise focusing and parallax elimination, which is crucial for accuracy at longer ranges.
The scope’s ability to estimate range out to 1500 yards is impressive, though realistically, most shooters will be engaging targets at much shorter distances. For hunting and target shooting within 500 yards, I found the scope to be more than capable. The first focal plane reticle really shines here, allowing for quick and easy holdovers regardless of the magnification setting.
Low light performance is another area where this scope surprised me. The 50mm objective lens and quality glass coatings allow for good light gathering, extending useful shooting time during dawn and dusk. The illuminated reticle further enhances this capability, making it easier to place accurate shots in challenging lighting conditions.
Who Is This Scope For?
After spending considerable time with the Monstrum G2 6-24×50 FFP, I believe it fills an interesting niche in the market. While it’s not going to replace high-end glass for serious long-range competition shooters, it offers a compelling feature set at a very attractive price point.
This scope could be an excellent choice for:
1. Hunters on a budget who want the benefits of a first focal plane reticle and illuminated reticle without breaking the bank.
2. Casual long-range shooters looking to explore more advanced optics without making a huge financial commitment.
3. AR-15 owners wanting a versatile optic for mid to long-range shooting that can handle the recoil of larger calibers.
4. Beginners in the world of long-range shooting who want to learn on a scope with advanced features before investing in more expensive options.
5. Experienced shooters looking for a reliable “backup” or “beater” scope that they can use in rough conditions without worrying about damaging expensive glass.
The scope’s versatility makes it suitable for a variety of shooting disciplines, from varmint hunting to target shooting. Its ability to perform in low-light conditions also makes it a good choice for hunters who often find themselves in the field at dawn or dusk.
Comparison to Competitors
When comparing the Monstrum G2 to other scopes in its price range, it stands out for offering features typically found on much more expensive models. The first focal plane reticle, in particular, is rarely seen at this price point. However, it’s important to note that while it competes with budget-friendly options from brands like Vortex, Athlon, and Primary Arms, it may not quite match their level of optical clarity or precision in tracking.
For instance, the Athlon Midas TAC 6-24x50mm, while more expensive, offers superior tracking accuracy and reticle alignment. However, the Monstrum G2 holds its own in terms of overall feature set and value for money.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
The Monstrum G2 6-24×50 FFP Rifle Scope isn’t perfect, but it offers tremendous value for its price point. It brings features like first focal plane reticles, illumination, and long-range capability into a much more accessible range for many shooters.
While there are some compromises in terms of tracking precision and edge clarity at high magnifications, the overall package is impressive for under $200. The scope’s durability, clear optics, and advanced features make it a compelling option for budget-conscious shooters looking to explore the world of long-range optics.
If you’re in the market for an affordable scope with premium features, the Monstrum G2 6-24×50 FFP is definitely worth considering. It offers a great way to get familiar with more advanced optical concepts without making a huge financial commitment. Just remember that like any piece of gear, it’s important to thoroughly test and understand your equipment before relying on it in critical situations.
Spend some time at the range getting familiar with the G2’s strengths and limitations. Learn how to compensate for any tracking discrepancies, and you’ll be well-equipped for your next shooting adventure. While it may not be the last scope you’ll ever need, it could very well be an excellent starting point on your journey into the world of long-range shooting and hunting.
In conclusion, the Monstrum G2 6-24×50 FFP Rifle Scope represents a significant value in the budget optics market. It’s not without its flaws, but for shooters willing to work within its limitations, it offers an impressive feature set and performance that punches well above its weight class. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn or an experienced shooter in need of a reliable backup, this scope deserves a spot on your shortlist.