Re: Nikon Monarch 5-20x44 Opinions?
Overall
Good scope. I have one and had it on a .308. I consider it light for its size. I recently replaced the scope and have not decided to sell it, because for the money, it is hard to replace. Like others stated limited elevations travel, but a .243 has the advantage over my .308. I had it on a 20 moa base, and even with the canted base I only had 26 moa to use. (All the scopes I have used on this rifle seem to never even find the middle of the road so it could be something with my rifle.) Also, I can look at again, but I think there was 6 moa per knob turn and they are 1/8 moa adj...this caused me some speed and location memory issues shooting past 400 yds. I would have to check the target turrets, but I never used them. They may give you more moa per turns but I cannot verify that right now.
The Glass
Images are crisp, and I did not notice any yellow even when compared to my IOR. I know its subjective, but I desired better performance during low light hunting. My IOR 3-18 42 and my buddy's Sightron S3 3.5-10 44 are much more usable in the early am or late pm hours. But, it has to be compared to the price of both those scopes. Also, I questioned the actual 20x magnification. It doesn't seem any more powerful than my IOR's 18x. In reading other reviews, this 20x question was mentioned also.
The turrets
Except 1/8 clicks limited moa per turn..no cons. Both things I listed may be of no issue to you with that .243. Also, mine passed a box test with flying colors. You should have a choice of 3 turrets that come at no extra cost with that scope. That will give you variety as the target knobs are large in size and the smalls tuck away nicely. There is a definite click on each notch and they re zero by a top screw which is very easy to use.
Again, overall good scope. I used it to hunt deer for two years and I shot paper out to 500 maybe 600 with this rifle. I often used it for a spotting other shooter's shots. I had no desire to replace mine until I looked through a S3 as almost all my hunting is done in the low light hours. For what you stated, I would guess it would serve you well. Make sure you check Ebay. I picked mine up new for around 360.00. The selling company was out of the northwest.
I know scope reviews can be subjective, but I like this scope even with the cons.
Blessings!