Monstrum Beast Riflescope Review: Pros and Cons
By Amis Thains Updated 6 min read
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On this page (7 sections)
You are looking at a Chinese budget scope and wondering if the bright green turret and 'Beast' marketing hide real optical flaws or reliable precision. This review cuts through the noise to tell you exactly what the Monstrum Beast does well and where owners struggle.
In short: The Monstrum Beast is a feature-dense mid-tier scope that often matches premium optics for less money. Its main strengths are the illuminated reticle and side-focus parallax adjustment, which provide a usable long-range tool without the entry-level 'toy' feel. However, common owner experience highlights inconsistent turrets and mixed reviews on long-term durability, so buy one that comes with a strong warranty.
Quick picks
Our shortlist for this job · tap one to see today's price
A 3-12x44 scope that includes side focus and an offset mount, offering flexibility for both varmint and medium-range hunting.
A cantilever mount that includes an anti-cant level and modular attachments to keep your rifle zeroed and aligned.
A flip-up cover with a detachable honeycomb ARD that protects the glass and reduces glare.
Who the Monstrum Beast actually fits (and who should skip it)
The Monstrum Beast series is built for the shooter who wants serious capability without paying for a premium brand name. It targets the precision marksman, the long-range varmint hunter, or the AR owner who wants a top-tier optic for a specific mission. If you are hunting brush at 100 yards, this scope is overkill. If that sounds like your bench, read up on assessing balance for the rifle next.
Buy the Monstrum Beast if:
- You shoot beyond 500 yards and need magnification.
- You want a side-focus parallax adjustment for sharp images.
- You use an illuminated reticle for dawn or dusk conditions.
Skip the Monstrum Beast if:
- You are hunting in thick brush where close-range speed is key.
- You prefer a lighter, simpler optic for a lightweight rifle.
- You are a beginner who needs a simple 3-9x scope to learn on.
Pro tip: The 50mm objective tube is wide. If you mount it on a standard picatinny rail, it may overhang the front of your rifle. Check the length of your rail before buying.
If the Beast is too high-powered for your needs, the 3-12x44 is a better all-around alternative that keeps the side focus.
- Mid power variable optic MPVO from 3-12x magnification and a wider 44mm objective lens
- Features a fiber optic reticle with a fiber optic tube that runs along the back of the
What stands out in the Monstrum Beast specs
The biggest differentiator is the side-focus parallax adjustment. Most budget scopes lack this, forcing you to use the main focus wheel. The Beast includes a dedicated parallax ring, which is essential for long-range marksmanship where the target and reticle must be at the same focal plane. This feature alone justifies the higher price tag over entry-level optics.
The illuminated reticle is also a major plus. Owners specifically search for ‘Monstrum Beast red and green’ because the Beast includes an LED-illuminated reticle with red and green options.
This helps at dawn and dusk when a plain black crosshair disappears in the glare. The green option is particularly popular among shooters with astigmatism, as it often appears sharper against a blue sky. It helps to understand high power scope selections before going further.
The 50mm objective lens gathers more light than the 40mm lens found on many competitors. This gives you a brighter image at lower magnification, though it also makes the scope physically larger and heavier. The extra weight is noticeable when carrying the rifle for long distances, so consider this if you are hiking into the field.
A 50mm objective lens gathers a lot of light. A flip-up cover with a honeycomb ARD keeps that glass clean and stops sun glare.
- Sizing is based on the OUTSIDE diameter of your scope housing. It is NOT based the
- Monstrum Ultra Series Scope Lens Covers help you keep your glass clean and damage free
The drawbacks owners complain about
Despite the impressive feature list, owner reviews are mixed. The most common complaint is turret consistency. Some owners find the elevation and windage knobs click loosely or have too much backlash, which makes long-range shooting frustrating. Backlash means the turret rotates before the scope actually moves, causing your dialing to be off. This is a critical flaw for a precision tool.
Another issue is the finish on the turrets and the body. After a few seasons of field use, the black coating can chip and wear off on the high points. This is a cosmetic issue, but it affects the long-term value and resale.
You may see scratches or flaking paint around the locking mechanisms after a year of hard use. If that sounds like your bench, read up on monstrum beast complaints next.
Finally, the eye relief is shorter than on premium scopes. This is a critical safety detail. If your eye is too close to the ocular lens, a heavy recoiling rifle can cause eye injury. You must confirm the eye relief on your specific model and use a proper riser mount if needed. Do not rely on the box; measure it on your rifle with your natural shooting position.
Safety first: Always check the eye relief specification on your specific Monstrum Beast model. A shorter eye relief means you need more head-to-rifle distance. Use a scope riser if your cheek weld is too close to the glass.
Setup and use tips for the Monstrum Beast
- Zero the side focus first. Start with the parallax ring set to infinity. Adjust the main focus wheel until the target is sharp. Then, fine-tune the side focus until the reticle image does not shift when you move your eye. This ensures a clear image for every shot.
- Test the illuminated reticle on a bright day. The red and green LEDs are strongest on a dark screen. If the light is too dim, you can use the ‘off’ setting for a plain black crosshair. Always carry fresh batteries, as the LED will fail in the field without power.
- Confirm your zero stop. If your scope has a zero stop, use it to return to your baseline quickly after dialing for long-range shots. This prevents you from losing your zero when you switch to a different bullet or range.
The Monstrum mount includes an anti-cant level, which helps you align the rifle correctly before you dial the turrets.
- The Monstrum Beast Series Scope Mounts are here! With aggressive new styling and a host
- A modular piggyback picatinny attachment for mounting of a secondary red dot optic plus
Alternatives worth a look
If the Monstrum Beast feels too complex or too heavy for your rig, these are the next best options. You do not always need the biggest glass to get good results. A well-made 44mm scope is lighter and easier to carry in the field.
- Monstrum Beast 3-12×44: A more versatile power range. The 44mm objective is lighter than the 50mm, and the 12x max magnification is enough for most hunting scenarios. It is a sweet spot for varmint and mid-range deer.
- UTG or Vortex entry-level scopes: If you are more worried about warranty support than features, these brands have stronger customer service records. You might get a slightly dimmer image, but the back-up is better.
The bottom line
The Monstrum Beast is a strong value for the precision shooter who wants side-focus and an illuminated reticle without the premium price. If you are just starting out or need a close-range hunting scope, skip it and buy a simple 3-9×40 instead. For the Monstrum Beast, make sure you get a model that comes with a solid warranty and test the turrets before you buy.
- Mid power variable optic MPVO from 3-12x magnification and a wider 44mm objective lens
- Features a fiber optic reticle with a fiber optic tube that runs along the back of the
Frequently asked questions
Does the Monstrum Beast have a red or green illuminated reticle?
Yes, the Monstrum Beast includes an LED-illuminated reticle with both red and green color options. This is a major plus for dawn and dusk shooting, and it is one of the main reasons shooters look up the ‘red and green’ spec.
Is the Monstrum Beast 3-18×50 better than a 3-12×44?
The 3-18×50 is built for long-range target work. It has a larger objective lens and more magnification. If you are hunting at 200-400 yards, the 3-12×44 is lighter, more versatile, and just as effective for most practical uses. Before you buy anything, it is worth looking at monstrum and cvlife riflescopes.
What are the most common complaints about the Monstrum Beast?
The main complaints are turret backlash (the knobs have too much slop) and finish chipping after a year of use. These are not optical flaws, but they can frustrate a precision shooter. Check the warranty terms before you buy.
Does the Monstrum Beast include a mount?
Many Monstrum Beast scopes come with a cantilever scope mount included in the box. This is a huge value add, as a good mount can cost as much as the scope itself. Check the listing to confirm what is included with your specific model.