Rifle scope decision, Millett vs Nikon?

I'm looking for a scope for my husband and I'm between these 2. He mentioned he wanted 6-25 and BDC. Whatever that is. And on the nikon what is difference between the BDC, FCD, FC, and NP options? Thank you!

http://www.opticsplanet.com/nikon-monarch-3-6-24x50-np.html

http://www.opticsplanet.com/millett-6-25x56mm-lrs-1-matte-illuminated-multicoated-reticle-1-4-moa-click-long-rang.html

This is the scope your husband really wants… Really he does:
http://www.opticsplanet.com/leupold-mark-8-3-5-25x56mm-rifle-scope.html
Leupold Mark 8 3.5-25x56mm

Show your list to him and ask which one he wants ( BDC… Bullet drop compensator) EDIT… Ask him what kind of shooting he will be doing. I have a 6-24x40 scope and use it strictly for target shooting as it typically starts out at too high a power for hunting purposes. For hunting, I would look at a 2.5-10 or a 3-9 power… MAYBE a 4-16 would do the job.

Space Cowboy and I are on the same page.

I like Millet. I've been a fan of that company since the late 1970's. I have one of their scopes similar to what you plan to buy - and it is freaking awesome. It's heavy.

Nikon is also a good company. I own several thousand in Nikon camera lenses.

These same two scopes are sold at local stores too.

My idea. Give a couple of optics planet gift cards - they will email you the code. On his birthday sit him down at the computer, show him the two bookmarked scopes - and hand him the gift cards or codes… And tell him to choose. You can the gift codes and cards here: http://www.opticsplanet.com/gift-certificates.html

Or you can dig a bit deeper and come back. BDC is bullet drop compensator. The knob on the top of the scope (called a turret) gets set to 100yd and then you adjust the scope until the bullets hit where they should. Now when you move that turret to 200, 400, or 500 yards the cross hairs are instantly where they should be. Some scopes, like the Nikons - this is physically etched into the glass and is confusing for some folks (like me) who wear glasses. I prefer having to adjust the top turret.

Like amazon - optics planet has a very forgiving return policy. As much as handing him this scope would be cool - having him choose has merits too. However, by using OP or Amazon he can always do a quick return and get a different model if his tastes have changed.

Want to know the best choice for you to buy your husband?

A gift card. Yes, a gift card. Guys generally aren't worried about a specific gift. Yeah, it's nice to have your wife/girlfriend/best friend/sister/grandmother buy you a gift, but if that person doesn't know exactly what you want, a gift card is a good alternative.

For example, you can get a gift certificate for OpticsPlanet on their website:
http://www.opticsplanet.com/gift-certificates.html

Alternatively, you can buy a prepaid Visa and just load it with enough money to cover the more expensive of the two scopes he has mentioned, and let him figure it out.

Because if he's anything like me, he knows what he wants. If he does, then he can pick it out and you can be the loving wife who pays. That will mean just as much to him as buying him a specific scope (and possibly getting one that isn't what he wanted).

The Millett is an OK budget scope. I won't buy anything from Nikon unless it is Monarch glass. Their lower-end lines just aren't all that good. What is he using a 6-24 power scope for? I've shoot 600 yard competitions with 10x power scopes. And to be honest, unless you're spending $1500+ for a scope, the 24x zoom range of the scope will be quite unclear. If he's looking for a hunting scope, a Zeiss Conquest 3-9 will outperform any Nikon on 12-14 power. Clarity is better than zoom.

I'd play it safe and get a gift card. I have never heard of Millet, but have been very satisfied with Nikon binoculars. You might consider Bushnell scopes. It truly depends on what type of hunting, and the distance (the terrain) he'll be hunting. I bought a Bushnell scope for my 243, it's especially made for the terrain and deer hunting.
The budget is another concern and totally personal. I paid less than $200 for the Bushnell and it suits my needs perfectly.
I'm sure he knows what will suit his style in a scope, so ordering the gift card will be a great gift.