2018 Optic of the Year: Nikon Monarch 7i VR

by
posted on April 26, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
nikonmonarch7ivr_lead.jpg

Now in its 16th year, the NRA Golden Bullseye Awards represent the pinnacle of achievement within the shooting, hunting and outdoor trade.

In 2017, after years of record-breaking sales, many industry observers wondered what ingenious introductions might still be unveiled. After all, any product worthy of our gold standard must meet or exceed American Hunter’s expectations of innovation—and they absolutely must provide hunters with value for their money. But once again, we were surprised when we collected nominations and tallied our votes.

Optic of the Year: Nikon Monarch 7i VR
Every hunter who has struggled to obtain accurate readings with a laser rangefinder should appreciate Nikon’s Monarch 7i VR. It features the same Vibration Reduction technology Nikon uses in its VR camera lenses. It’s about half the size of a box of ammo, weighs less than 8 ounces and costs $400.

VR works with two angular velocity sensors that detect pitch (up/down movement) and yaw (left/right movement) every 1/1,000th second. Info is instantly sent to a microprocessor that sends directions to two voice coil motors that move a floating lens system to counter external movement. The Monarch 7i VR measures accurately from 8-1,000 yards, and it will range continuously across targets for eight seconds. Incline/decline technology compensates for uphill/downhill shots. Nikon’s Tru-Target technology lets users toggle through modes to range an object in the open or one that is obscured.

A drop test by Field Editor Jeff Johnston (“Hardware,” March 2017) proved the durability of the floating lens assembly and electronics: “[T]his thing will literally change the way you view rangefinders.”

For more information, go to nikonsportoptics.com.

Editor's Note: NRA Publications will present the annual Golden Bullseye Awards at an exclusive breakfast during the 2018 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Dallas, Tx., May 4-6.

Latest

SPD Ptototype
SPD Ptototype

#SundayGunday: Henry Special Products Division HUSH

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the HUSH Series, from Henry’s new Special Products Division, SPD for short.

New for 2025: Federal’s Personal Defense HST .44 Rem. Mag.

Federal Ammunition has recently added a new HST .44 Remington Magnum “Light Magnum” load featuring a specially designed hollow-point bullet, ideal for those seeking HST performance for self-defense with magnum revolvers.

Utah Wildlife Board Updates

The Utah Wildlife Board approved a few new and updated rules, some of which are necessary after recent legislative changes—including the wildlife management area license requirement for certain counties and the new process for regulating hunting guides and outfitters—along with a few other proposals during a public meeting Thursday.

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Moose

This month's Member's Hunt comes from John R. Bean of Tucson, Ariz.

Breeding Duck Numbers Decline Again in ND

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 78th-annual spring breeding duck survey conducted in May showed an index of about 2.66-million birds, down from 2.9 million in 2024 and 3.4 million in 2023.

2025-26 Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set

Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 migratory game bird seasons have been set. There are two significant changes to waterfowl seasons. The regular season daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone has decreased from three to one, and for northern pintail, there will be a flat daily bag limit of three.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.