Nikon Monarch 4-16x42SF. Does anyone have any thoughts on the Nikon Monarch line?

I don't have  any experience with the Monarch, but I do have experience with the Buckmaster(on sale now BTW).  This is one good scope for a good price!  It is a 1/8th MOA click value, so it is a precise adjustments at range. However this can be annoying because of the many clicks necessary to dial up.  But the knobs are re settable to zero and very repeatable. Also (the one I seen at the time) came with interchangeable external target knobs if that's what you prefer.  Optics are very clear and fairly bright for a scope in this mid price range.
I can only assume the Monarch line is as good or better.

Yes it's a SFP. I do like FFPs better but they seem to double the price   except if you go for something made in China like the Falcon Menace.

FFP scopes are the bomb for ranging, but be sure to look at your reticules before you buy one.  Because it is FFP the reticule will be magnified at the same rate as the sight picture. On some scopes I've seen the thick MIL DOTS and cross hairs blocked out a lot of the sight picture. (kinda irritating, and not to great for precision shooting)  Stay away from china chepo scopes. In my experience you'll only be disappointed, and end up spending again.  Get the best you can afford. Buy once, cry once. 

How about scout scopes? Need something besides a red dot to mount on my ultimak railed AKs. Right now I'm considering a Leatherwood LER27x32 (for $177) but I'm open to suggestions.

I've read some decent reviews about the Leatherwood on ARFcom. What's your price range first? That will narrow down a lot of the possibilities.

For hunting? I have a late 70s early 80s 1.5x4 (or close to that) Burris that has served well in conditions of limited visibility. The idea of 1.5x back then, was that it provided a true 1x. Also have a 3x9 Conquest on my Sako 75. Its never been to the field, but in that particular setup, for me it has an ideal eye relief. The #4 reticule comes up quickly and naturally. OTOH I still prefer a 4x for the real world--the higher power of the Conquest simplifies zeroing, but I hate its bulk. Would have been happier with a straight 4x, like the compact Leo.

I've read some decent reviews about the Leatherwood on ARFcom. What's your price range first? That will narrow down a lot of the possibilities.

Under $200. Also thinking about russian glass for my sidemounts, mebbe a posp 4X. Whadayathink?

Under $200. Also thinking about russian glass for my sidemounts, mebbe a posp 4X. Whadayathink?

Everybody loves POSPs, especially the 4x. I hear good things about the Kobra too. But since you have the Ultimak, why not get an aimpoint? Or you could sell the Ultimak and finance the POSP. Options, options

Honestly there isn't a whole lot of options under $200, though I do know and respect where you are coming from as I was once there myself.

It's a little over your budget, though you can try the Millet DMS-1. It's a 1-4 variable optic w/ an illuminated donut reticule (though in all honesty the illumination isn't that great. On full power it is still washed out in bright sun light). Another option would be Primary Arms. They make "knock offs", though their products are a little more robust then the other knock offs that plague the market as well.

As hard as it is, the phrase "you get what you pay for" parallels products in the shooting industry.

No experience, but I've also heard that the Vortex Strikefire is a decent aimpoint knock off.

One of the items on my newest revised wishlist  is the millet tactical scope TRS-1. It's no more than $350

 I got some great glass up for sale on here with a quick release mount for $400.

Just saying! 

Can't believe I didn't think of this sooner.