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Opinion; this excellent article first appeared on AmmoLand News in May of 2024 and appears here now with fresh updates.
Monstrum Panzer 1-6x First Focal Plane LPVO
I like to think I’m an open-minded gun writer. I’m likely more open-minded than most, and I often give odd guns, concepts, and gear a chance rather than dismiss it outright. The same goes for companies that produce guns and gear on a budget. I’ve been burned a time or two on a Taurus purchase, but after a leadership change, I gave them another chance, resulting in some of my favorite guns. When I was offered a chance to review a Monstrum Panzer, I said heck yeah, let’s give it a try.
Prior to the review, my knowledge of Monstrum was limited. I was aware of their dominance in the Amazon market for optics and lights and their reputation as a budget brand. However, upon receiving the Panzer for review, I took the time to delve deeper into their product range.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that they had expanded their offerings, producing a variety of optics and accessories. In fact, I even found out that I had unknowingly purchased a Monstrum side saddle for a .410 in the past.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Monstrum’s foray into the LPVO world is the affordability of their products. The Panzer, their first focal plane scope, is a prime example. Budget-grade first focal planes are a relatively new category of optics, with FFP optics traditionally being associated with high price points.
Monstrum Panzer 1-6x First Focal Plane LPVO
However, the Panzer 1-6x24mm breaks this trend, retailing at a wallet-friendly $ 149.95. It’s easy to underestimate a scope at this price point, especially a first focal plane one, but I was determined to give it a fair shot or a few hundred shots.
The Panzer is 11 inches long and weighs 17 ounces, which is fairly standard for its size. Inside the box, you get the optic, a set of lens covers, a scope mount, and a battery for the optic. There is also an optional throw lever to make those dynamic magnification changes.
The Monstrum Panzer is available in 1-6x and 1-10x formats, with the 1-10x costing around 200 dollars. Both are first-focal-plane optics, which provide a reticle that grows and shrinks as the magnification increases or decreases.
PSA JAKL 5.56 Rifle w/ Monstrum Panzer 1-6x FFP Riflescope
The benefit of this design comes from the reticle design. Any reticle with windage and drop indicators is always accurate regardless of the magnification setting. With second focal plane optics, the measurements are only accurate at one magnification setting.
Another benefit of the Panzer’s FFP design is the illuminated portion of the reticle. The LPVO’s main draw is its ability to shoot at close and moderate ranges. When the magnification is decreased, the illuminated portion becomes smaller, and at the lowest setting, it becomes a red dot for close-range speed shooting.
Monstrum Panzer 1-6x First Focal Plane LPVO
The Panzer 1-6X24mm uses Monstrum’s own CM3 reticle. This is a BDC-style reticle that’s designed for .223/5.56 and .308. Sadly, the manual isn’t specific on barrel length, ammo weight, ballistic coefficient, or range required to zero the optic to make the BDC work. It mentions zero at 100 yards but then follows it up with whatever range you want.
Ammo is expensive, so when you’re a gun writer like me, you try to combine your testing to get the most out of each round fired. I mounted the optic to the PSA JAKL, which I’m also reviewing to maximize each shot fired. Due to the JAKL’s side charging handle, I felt it was best to fit the cantilever mount backward. With the optic mounted, I got on paper at 50 yards and finished my zero at 100 yards. I can only go as far as 200 yards at the moment, so I worked between 50 and 200 yards on small targets in multiple positions.
Monstrum Panzer 1-6x First Focal Plane LPVO
There was plenty of fun to be had at these ranges. I shot in multiple positions, used ‘cover,’ and attempted to do some ready-up drills at 100 yards. Admittedly, I was surprised by a few of the Panzer’s features. When zeroing, I really appreciated the tactile and audible nature of the turrets; that’s always a feature that warms my soul. However, it took me longer to zero than I’d like to admit.
Monstrum Panzer 1-6x First Focal Plane LPVO
PSA JAKL 5.56 Rifle w/ Monstrum Panzer 1-6x FFP Riflescope
You can see some color distortion at 200 yards. Things start to look a little blurry, and there are blue slivers here and there. For 150 dollars it’s better than it has any right to be. The reticle is thin and unobtrusive so it doesn’t cover the target at longer ranges.
After having a little fun and enjoying myself, I assumed a resting position at 100 yards. The gun was benched on a backpack, and I popped the turrets off. I set up a fresh target and wanted to check the turrets’ measurements. The adjustments per click are ½ MOA, so two clicks at 100 yards should be approximately 1 inch.
PSA JAKL 5.56 Rifle w/ Monstrum Panzer 1-6x FFP Riflescope
I fired a three-round group as a control group. I then dialed the optic 1 inch to the right and fired. The shot landed 1.5 inches from the group. There is certainly some room for shooter failure. I dialed the optic back to zero and fired one round, and it landed roughly one inch to the right from my furthest right shot and 1.5 inches from the center. The zero was effectively gone.
PSA JAKL 5.56 Rifle w/ Monstrum Panzer 1-6x FFP Riflescope
I kept it at the ‘zero’ setting and dialed one inch to the left. The shot landed three inches from the original group. I got a new target and worked the left and right measurements. Adjustments to the right were consistent, but adjustments to the left were always excessive, with a 2.5 to 3-inch ratio per two supposed ½ MOA clicks. I got the gun re-zeroed, but it again took a lot of ammo and time.
While I zeroed in and shot at long range, I never engaged the illumination. I just didn’t feel the need for it. When I first received the optic, I tried it out for a few minutes, and it worked fine. After playing at 50 to 200 yards, I moved up close, set the magnification to 1X, and wanted to start working my up-close drills. I turned the illumination on, and it didn’t work. I tried every setting and got nothing.
PSA JAKL 5.56 Rifle w/ Monstrum Panzer 1-6x FFP Riflescope
One new battery later and it still didn’t work. Somewhere within the first 200 rounds, the illumination broke. I still ran a few drills up close, and it mostly worked okay. I did miss the idea of a bright red dot to catch my eye, and it showed on some of the drills at that 25-yard line. Up close closer than that, the dot wasn’t missed too much for close-range shots.
PSA JAKL 5.56 Rifle w/ Monstrum Panzer 1-6x FFP Riflescope
After I unloaded and showed clear, I got the gun and the Panzer a few short drops. (Sorry PSA.) I let it tip over from a rested position and did two chest-high drops on each side of the optic. I went back to 100 yards and fired five shots. There was no noticeable zero shift from the falls and drops.
A price tag of $150 for an FFP scope is an impressive feat. The optic does give good clarity, and I like the reticle. However, I wish Mosntrum had given clearer instructions on how the BDC worked, proper bullet weight, zero distance, etc. For 150 dollars, it does some things pretty well. However, it also has some serious faults, with the illumination breaking very quickly and the not very accurate turrets.
Cracks this early in the scope’s life aren’t a great sign of long-term durability. I wouldn’t suggest this for a serious use of a gun. If you have a plinker, then go right ahead. If you’re running and gunning with a .22LR AR as a training rifle and want an optic that matches a modern LPVO, then here ya go. On a fun gun or a plinker, it’s fine, but I wouldn’t take it out of that realm.
About Travis Pike
Travis Pike is a former Marine Machine Gunner, a lifelong firearms enthusiast, and now a regular guy who likes to shoot, write, and find ways to combine the two. He holds an NRA certification as a Basic Pistol Instructor and is the world’s Okayest firearm’s instructor.
Continue reading...
Monstrum Panzer 1-6x First Focal Plane LPVO
I like to think I’m an open-minded gun writer. I’m likely more open-minded than most, and I often give odd guns, concepts, and gear a chance rather than dismiss it outright. The same goes for companies that produce guns and gear on a budget. I’ve been burned a time or two on a Taurus purchase, but after a leadership change, I gave them another chance, resulting in some of my favorite guns. When I was offered a chance to review a Monstrum Panzer, I said heck yeah, let’s give it a try.
Prior to the review, my knowledge of Monstrum was limited. I was aware of their dominance in the Amazon market for optics and lights and their reputation as a budget brand. However, upon receiving the Panzer for review, I took the time to delve deeper into their product range.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that they had expanded their offerings, producing a variety of optics and accessories. In fact, I even found out that I had unknowingly purchased a Monstrum side saddle for a .410 in the past.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Monstrum’s foray into the LPVO world is the affordability of their products. The Panzer, their first focal plane scope, is a prime example. Budget-grade first focal planes are a relatively new category of optics, with FFP optics traditionally being associated with high price points.
Monstrum Panzer 1-6x First Focal Plane LPVO
Monstrum Panzer 1-6x First Focal Plane LPVO
However, the Panzer 1-6x24mm breaks this trend, retailing at a wallet-friendly $ 149.95. It’s easy to underestimate a scope at this price point, especially a first focal plane one, but I was determined to give it a fair shot or a few hundred shots.
The Monsturm Panzer – The Basics
The Panzer is 11 inches long and weighs 17 ounces, which is fairly standard for its size. Inside the box, you get the optic, a set of lens covers, a scope mount, and a battery for the optic. There is also an optional throw lever to make those dynamic magnification changes.
The Monstrum Panzer is available in 1-6x and 1-10x formats, with the 1-10x costing around 200 dollars. Both are first-focal-plane optics, which provide a reticle that grows and shrinks as the magnification increases or decreases.
PSA JAKL 5.56 Rifle w/ Monstrum Panzer 1-6x FFP Riflescope
The benefit of this design comes from the reticle design. Any reticle with windage and drop indicators is always accurate regardless of the magnification setting. With second focal plane optics, the measurements are only accurate at one magnification setting.
Another benefit of the Panzer’s FFP design is the illuminated portion of the reticle. The LPVO’s main draw is its ability to shoot at close and moderate ranges. When the magnification is decreased, the illuminated portion becomes smaller, and at the lowest setting, it becomes a red dot for close-range speed shooting.
Monstrum Panzer 1-6x First Focal Plane LPVO
The Panzer 1-6X24mm uses Monstrum’s own CM3 reticle. This is a BDC-style reticle that’s designed for .223/5.56 and .308. Sadly, the manual isn’t specific on barrel length, ammo weight, ballistic coefficient, or range required to zero the optic to make the BDC work. It mentions zero at 100 yards but then follows it up with whatever range you want.
Synchronicity and the Panzer
Ammo is expensive, so when you’re a gun writer like me, you try to combine your testing to get the most out of each round fired. I mounted the optic to the PSA JAKL, which I’m also reviewing to maximize each shot fired. Due to the JAKL’s side charging handle, I felt it was best to fit the cantilever mount backward. With the optic mounted, I got on paper at 50 yards and finished my zero at 100 yards. I can only go as far as 200 yards at the moment, so I worked between 50 and 200 yards on small targets in multiple positions.
Monstrum Panzer 1-6x First Focal Plane LPVO
There was plenty of fun to be had at these ranges. I shot in multiple positions, used ‘cover,’ and attempted to do some ready-up drills at 100 yards. Admittedly, I was surprised by a few of the Panzer’s features. When zeroing, I really appreciated the tactile and audible nature of the turrets; that’s always a feature that warms my soul. However, it took me longer to zero than I’d like to admit.
Monstrum Panzer 1-6x First Focal Plane LPVO
The glass clarity is quite nice for a budget optic. There is no distortion at the edges, and the view is fairly nice. My target sat in the shade, and I sat in the sun at 200 yards. I could still see the IPSC target and place rounds right into his chest. I won’t say it’s up there with a Steiner or Nightforce. Heck, it lags a bit behind some of the Primary Arms FFP optics, but for the low price point, I’m impressed.
PSA JAKL 5.56 Rifle w/ Monstrum Panzer 1-6x FFP Riflescope
You can see some color distortion at 200 yards. Things start to look a little blurry, and there are blue slivers here and there. For 150 dollars it’s better than it has any right to be. The reticle is thin and unobtrusive so it doesn’t cover the target at longer ranges.
The Cracks Start to Show
After having a little fun and enjoying myself, I assumed a resting position at 100 yards. The gun was benched on a backpack, and I popped the turrets off. I set up a fresh target and wanted to check the turrets’ measurements. The adjustments per click are ½ MOA, so two clicks at 100 yards should be approximately 1 inch.
PSA JAKL 5.56 Rifle w/ Monstrum Panzer 1-6x FFP Riflescope
I fired a three-round group as a control group. I then dialed the optic 1 inch to the right and fired. The shot landed 1.5 inches from the group. There is certainly some room for shooter failure. I dialed the optic back to zero and fired one round, and it landed roughly one inch to the right from my furthest right shot and 1.5 inches from the center. The zero was effectively gone.
PSA JAKL 5.56 Rifle w/ Monstrum Panzer 1-6x FFP Riflescope
I kept it at the ‘zero’ setting and dialed one inch to the left. The shot landed three inches from the original group. I got a new target and worked the left and right measurements. Adjustments to the right were consistent, but adjustments to the left were always excessive, with a 2.5 to 3-inch ratio per two supposed ½ MOA clicks. I got the gun re-zeroed, but it again took a lot of ammo and time.
Getting Up Close
While I zeroed in and shot at long range, I never engaged the illumination. I just didn’t feel the need for it. When I first received the optic, I tried it out for a few minutes, and it worked fine. After playing at 50 to 200 yards, I moved up close, set the magnification to 1X, and wanted to start working my up-close drills. I turned the illumination on, and it didn’t work. I tried every setting and got nothing.
PSA JAKL 5.56 Rifle w/ Monstrum Panzer 1-6x FFP Riflescope
One new battery later and it still didn’t work. Somewhere within the first 200 rounds, the illumination broke. I still ran a few drills up close, and it mostly worked okay. I did miss the idea of a bright red dot to catch my eye, and it showed on some of the drills at that 25-yard line. Up close closer than that, the dot wasn’t missed too much for close-range shots.
PSA JAKL 5.56 Rifle w/ Monstrum Panzer 1-6x FFP Riflescope
After I unloaded and showed clear, I got the gun and the Panzer a few short drops. (Sorry PSA.) I let it tip over from a rested position and did two chest-high drops on each side of the optic. I went back to 100 yards and fired five shots. There was no noticeable zero shift from the falls and drops.
Worth It?
A price tag of $150 for an FFP scope is an impressive feat. The optic does give good clarity, and I like the reticle. However, I wish Mosntrum had given clearer instructions on how the BDC worked, proper bullet weight, zero distance, etc. For 150 dollars, it does some things pretty well. However, it also has some serious faults, with the illumination breaking very quickly and the not very accurate turrets.
Cracks this early in the scope’s life aren’t a great sign of long-term durability. I wouldn’t suggest this for a serious use of a gun. If you have a plinker, then go right ahead. If you’re running and gunning with a .22LR AR as a training rifle and want an optic that matches a modern LPVO, then here ya go. On a fun gun or a plinker, it’s fine, but I wouldn’t take it out of that realm.
About Travis Pike
Travis Pike is a former Marine Machine Gunner, a lifelong firearms enthusiast, and now a regular guy who likes to shoot, write, and find ways to combine the two. He holds an NRA certification as a Basic Pistol Instructor and is the world’s Okayest firearm’s instructor.
Continue reading...
