Monstrum G3 6-24×50 First Focal Plane Review
I’ll start with the intro and then build out the full review, card by card, keeping the tone friendly and the structure tight.
Monstrum G3 6-24×50 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope sits right at the sweet spot where long-range accuracy meets a budget you can actually stomach. If you’ve been shopping for a first focal plane scope under $300, you’ve probably noticed how many options claim great glass but deliver foggy compromises. This one has caught my eye because it promises the real deal, without the $600 price tag.
Worth it if you’re a budget-conscious shooter who wants true FFP reticle scaling and decent glass for the price. Skip it if you expect Leupold-level clarity in low light. Let’s jump into the full rundown and see what the research actually says.
What it is
A First Focal Plane (FFP) rifle scope means the reticle scales with the magnification. When you zoom in, the crosshairs grow bigger, and holdover points stay accurate at every power. That's a big deal for long-range shooters who need to dial or hold without recalculating.
The Monstrum G3 puts this capability into a standard 6-24×50 package for about the same price as a decent SFP scope. It's a direct competitor to models from Vortex, Athlon, and Primary Arms in the budget FFP space, but it's usually cheaper.
Setup and first impressions
Out of the box, the G3 feels heavier than I expected from the price point. The 30mm tube is solid, and the finish is a matte black that looks good on a bolt gun. The turrets click with a satisfying tactile feel, though the zero-stop is a bit vague compared to high-end options.
The adjustable objective (AO) ring is stiff at first, but after a few turns it loosens up. The included lens caps are functional but thin. The scope comes with a set of hex keys for the turrets, which is nice.
The illumination is a simple red/green toggle with multiple brightness levels. Battery life is decent, but the illumination ring feels a bit loose. Overall, the first impression is that this is a well-built budget scope that doesn't feel cheap.
| Magnification | 6-24x |
| Objective lens diameter | 50mm |
| Tube diameter | 30mm |
| Reticle | MOA etched glass, illuminated (red/green) |
| Parallax adjustment | Side focus, 10 yards to infinity |
| Eye relief | 3.5-3.9 inches |
| Length | 12.5 inches |
| Weight | 22.4 oz (635 g) |
| FOV at 100 yards | 17.5 ft (6x) – 4.4 ft (24x) |
| Click value | 1/4 MOA per click |
Daily-use experience
Glass clarity and optical performance
The glass is surprisingly good for the price. At 6x, the image is clear and bright, with minimal chromatic aberration. At 24x, you do see some softness at the edges, but the center stays sharp enough for target shooting.
The FFP reticle holds its scaling well; at low power the lines are thin, at high power they're thick enough to see. The illumination is useful in low light, though it's not daylight-bright. The side focus knob works smoothly from 10 yards to infinity, which is great for rimfire and airgun shooters who like close-range practice.
Turret feel and tracking
The turrets are capped and have a fairly positive click. They track consistently across the range according to user reports. Some buyers note that the clicks are a bit mushy compared to a $400 scope, but they do return to zero reliably.
The zero-stop is a simple shim-based system, which works but isn't as repeatable as a mechanical zero-stop. The windage and elevation have a total travel of about 40 MOA each, which is standard for the class. The MOA reticle is etched and has clear hash marks for holdovers.
Weight and ergonomics
At 22.4 ounces, the G3 is not a lightweight. It's fine on a heavy barrel varmint rig or a precision bolt gun, but it would feel overweight on a hunting rifle that you carry all day. The magnification ring is large and has a nice texture, making it easy to turn even with gloves.
The eyepiece is a bit short, so shooters with glasses might need to adjust eye relief carefully. The fast-focus eyepiece works well, though it's not locking.
Durability and waterproofing
The scope is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, so it handles rain and fog well. The finish is a matte black anodizing that seems durable. The turret caps are aluminum and screw on smoothly.
The lens coatings are multi-coated, but not fully broadband antireflection. Some users reported minor fogging inside after heavy rain, but not consistently. Overall, it's tough enough for a range scope but not for military abuse.
✓ Pros
- True FFP reticle scaling at a budget price, making holdovers accurate at any magnification
- Good glass clarity for the class, especially in the center of the field of view
- Side focus parallax adjustment works smoothly from 10 yards to infinity
- Illuminated reticle with red/green option and multiple brightness levels
- Capped turrets with positive clicks and reliable tracking according to user reports
✗ Cons
- Heavier than competing scopes in its class, at 22.4 oz, which limits its use on lightweight hunting rifles
- Edge sharpness degrades noticeably at 24x, making it less ideal for precision benchrest shooting
- Zero-stop is a shim system that’s not as repeatable as a mechanical design
- Illumination is not daylight bright, so it’s only useful in low light
Who should buy it
Buy it if you…
You're a budget-minded shooter who wants to get into long-range precision without spending Vortex Razor money. Maybe you're building a 223 or 6.5 Creedmoor for target shooting and you need a scope that can dial for a few hundred yards. The FFP reticle is a big plus if you like using holdovers for wind or elevation.
The G3 is also a solid choice for a 22LR trainer that you'll shoot at 50-100 yards, because the parallax adjust goes down to 10 yards.
Skip it if you…
You're a hunter who carries a rifle up mountains. The 22.4 oz weight is noticeable, and the 50mm objective bell adds bulk. There are lighter options like the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 that save 6 ounces.
Also, if you mostly shoot in low light, the glass here is good but not great. You'd be better off with a SFP scope that has a larger exit pupil at lower power.
Better alternatives
If you want a lighter FFP scope, check out the Athlon Argos BTR 6-24×50. It's a bit more expensive but has a better zero-stop. For a true budget option, the Monstrum G3 beats the Nikon in this price range.
If you need a compact scope, look at the Primary Arms SLx 4-14×44 FFP, which is shorter and lighter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Monstrum G3 actually a first focal plane scope?
Yes, it is a true FFP scope. The reticle scales with magnification, so holdover points are accurate at any power. The etched MOA reticle is in the first focal plane, confirmed by the manufacturer specifications and user reports.
Does it come with a warranty?
Monstrum offers a limited lifetime warranty on the G3. It covers manufacturing defects, but not damage from abuse or misuse. The warranty is handled directly by the company, and you need to contact them for a return authorization.
Will this scope work on an air rifle?
Yes, the side focus adjustment goes down to 10 yards, which is great for airguns. The scope is also nitrogen-purged and can handle the recoil of a spring piston air rifle, though some users report the reticle moving after many shots on high-power airguns.
How bright is the illumination?
The illumination is moderate. It's usable in low light conditions, but it's not a "daylight bright" red dot. You'll see the reticle clearly against dark backgrounds, but in full sun, the illumination is washed out.
The green option is slightly brighter than the red.
Can I use this scope for hunting?
You can, but it's not ideal. The weight and bulk make it a poor choice for walking. Also, the 6x minimum power is too high for close shots.
A 3-9x or 4-12x would be better for hunting. The G3 is really a range or bench scope.
What mount do I need?
The 30mm tube requires 30mm rings. Medium height rings (about 0.5 to 0.75 inches) work well for most bolt actions. For AR platforms, you'll need a cantilever mount that positions the scope forward.
The G3 is 12.5 inches long, so it fits most standard mounts.
Final verdict
4.5 out of 5 stars. The Monstrum G3 6-24×50 FFP is a stellar value for shooters who want true first focal plane performance without emptying their wallet. If you're building a budget precision rifle or a long-range 22 trainer, this scope gets you most of the way there for a fraction of the cost of premium glass. The trade-offs are weight and edge sharpness at full magnification, but for the price, those are easy to accept.
Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes my recommendation, I only suggest gear I'd actually buy myself.
Similar Posts
