Home » Rifle Scopes » Nikon Prostaff 7 4-16x42 BDC Riflescope w/ 30mm Body (Model #16324)

Nikon Prostaff 7 4-16x42 BDC Riflescope w/ 30mm Body (Model #16324)


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nikon prostaff 7 4-16x42 bdc
Image Credit - Nikon

Magnification: 4-16X
Power Variability: Variable
Objective Diameter: 42 mm
Length/Weight/Tube Diameter: 13.6 inches/19.4 ounces/30 mm
Field of View: 6.8 - 27.2 feet/100 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: 3.6 - 4 inches/2.6 - 10.5 mm
Reticle: BDC
Adjustment Info: 1/4 MOA/Click
Optics Coatings: Fully Multicoated
Finish: Black Matte
Waterproof/Shockproof: Yes/Yes
Parallax Setting: Factory-set 50 yards/Adjustable with side focus
Airgun rated: No
Illuminated Reticle: No
Mounting Rings Included: No

Best Uses: Big Game Hunting, Varmint Hunting, Target Shooting

Nikon has discontinued their rifle scope lines including this 4-16x42 Prostaff 7. For some great affordable rifle scope alternatives, why not check out Athlon Optics and Vortex Optics.

Nikon Prostaff 7 Rifle Scope Review

The Nikon Prostaff 7 4-16X42mm rifle scope is designed to shine in the hours that the real hunting action is happening, during the low light moments of dusk and dawn. The scope feature’s Nikon’s BDC reticle, side focus for parallax adjustments and a one-piece 30mm body tube, which you will have to keep reading to learn more about.

The earlier Prostaff 5 series was a hit and was extremely popular among outdoor enthusiasts. With the newer Prostaff 7 scopes on the market, you can only assume that it's going to be more than just a mere improvement, it's going to be a whole lot better from here.

This Nikon Prostaff was featured over the newer 2016 Monarch 7 series because it's got the same thing the flagship line has - the one-piece 30mm body tube for literally, half the price. For once, the underdog deserves a spot among the best scopes.

Pros:

  • Price
  • 30mm body
  • Zero reset turret
  • Quick-focus
  • Parallax side focus

Cons:

  • No illuminated reticle

Prostaff 7 4-16X42 BDC Q&A:

What's the difference between this model, the Prostaff 5 series and the Monarch 3?

This Prostaff 7 4-16X42 is one of the newer rifle scope models of the new Prostaff 7 series that was introduced in 2015. The 7 series is replacing the 5 series, and is improving on its construction with the bells and whistles of the former line.

But, in relation to the Monarch 3 we previously reviewed and the ProStaff 5 series, the main difference of this Prostaff 7 is the maximum internal adjustment range, thanks to the 30mm tube diameter. The quality of the optics and other features are comparable. You will also pay half the price for this model than what you would for the new 2016 Monarch 7 series that offer the 30mm tube scopes.

Why is the 30mm tube diameter difference important?

prostaff_7_body_tube
Image Credit - Nikon

While 1-inch rifle scopes are the norm and the majority today, 30mm rifle scopes are becoming more popular among hunters as we seek out higher-end optics. But, other than having the pleasure of feeling cool with a 30mm scope, the larger diameter provides a larger internal adjustment range, which makes this model better suited for you if you're into long range hunting.

The Nikon Prostaff 7 4-16X42 has a maximum internal adjustment range of 80 MOA, while most other models, such as the Monarch 3 4-16X42 only has 40 MOA. What all of this means is that you have a larger range to make windage and elevation adjustments. You also don't need to buy a scope base that can tack on extra MOA to your adjustment range, just to dial in for that long distance. Bonus!

Does the Prostaff 7 come with a warranty?

The Prostaff does come with a limited lifetime warranty. They promise that if there are any defects in the materials and the workmanship of the optic, they'll repair it or, if need be, replace it without it costing you a cent.

What type of focusing reticle does this Nikon have?

Nikon BDC_Reticle
Nikon BDC Reticle (Image Credit - Nikon)

The Prostaff 7 BDC scope has Nikon's Quick Focus eye piece, or what is commonly known as a fast focus eye piece.

With the quick focus eye piece, it's fast and easy to get the reticle into focus with only fractions of a turn each time, if needed.

If you prefer the old-school way of screwing the entire eyepiece housing and then using a lock ring to secure it in place, you may want to give the fast focus a try if more than one person is going to be sharing the scope and if your eye sight isn't the best.

Is the scope waterproof?

Yes, the Nikon Prostaff scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, thanks to the nitrogen filled and O-Ring sealed lens housing. Even as the thunder clouds roll in, there's no reason to call it a day just yet. A sunshade is included with this model and the 4-16X50 model, too.

What other models are there in the Prostaff 7 series?

This specific 4-16X42 model is only one of five models in the line. The other models are the 2.5-10x42, 2.5-10x50, 3-12x42 SF (side focus), and the 4-16x50 SF. All the models are available with either the intuitive BDC reticle or the Nikoplex reticle.

Noteworthy Features:

  • Quick focus eye-piece for speedy and easy focusing
  • Nikon's BDC reticle for dead-on holdover points at extreme distances
  • One-piece 30 mm body tube for a maximum 80 MOA range to dial in to longer distances
  • Zero-reset turret with spring-loaded adjustment knobs for fast and quick adjustments
  • Side focus for self-adjusted parallax compensation with locking mechanism
  • Access to Nikon's integrative Spot On Ballistic Match Technology

Our Verdict on the Nikon ProStaff 7 Series Scope

According to the bull's-eye, the Nikon Prostaff 7 4-16X42 rifle scope is about as accurate as any other scope in its price range. It has all the right features that you'd want to see for spending around $400. Unfortunately, while it's pimped out to the max, it doesn't have the option of purchasing an illuminated reticle. That would be the final touch that could really push the Prostaff above all other scopes in this price range.

To add to the disappointment, there's very few Nikon scopes that offer the illuminated reticle, and the prices will push you up over $500. So, to keep budget in mind, another alternative would be from Nikon's flagship line, the Monarch 3 4-16X42 scope. It's practically identical in features and optical specs as the Prostaff 7, however, the Prostaff has the 30mm tube body instead of the smaller 1-inch on the Monarch.

Another alternative will cost you around $200 more, but it's worth it. The Vortex Viper 4-16X50 HS is a beauty of an optic. It has very similar features to the Nikon, but it also sports a ballistic turret. It's definitely worth the extra couple of hundred for the extra bonus feature.

Nikon takes quality performance to a whole new level with the prices they offer on their scopes. There's no doubt with the alternative comparisons that you're getting a lot of value for your buck. If you want the best deal possible, Nikon might just be your best bet!

Nikon has discontinued their rifle scope lines including this 4-16x42 Prostaff 7. For some great affordable rifle scope alternatives, why not check out Athlon Optics and Vortex Optics.

Further Reading

Photo of author

Simon Cuthbert - Founder

Simon is an avid outdoor enthusiast and the founder of Target Tamers. He is passionate about bringing you the most up to date, accurate & understandable information on sports optics of all kinds and for all applications. Simon has contributed to notable publications online and teaches beginners the technical side of optics through his extensive library of optics guides.

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