Again, so many opinions.
So, here is mine. Some common threads, some not. I agree on the reticle choices. Pick that. All good scopes listed, and agree to add NF. 50/50 for me on Minox. But, start with the reticle, and the fit and eyebox. Great if you can get a look inside, but I know that is hard.
You have listed MOA and MIL reticles, if I am not mistaken, so pick that first and then the actual reticle. I personally like the MSR, the T-3 and some very simple reticles, but you will find your first love and it will work for you. I go for tactical scopes and FFP for distance finding. More and more target shooters are sticking to MOA and SFP, so think and look and talk about the reticle and focal plane before the metal.
I am a scope junkie, and a dealer, so I am going to give you my take as both a shooter and a dealer.
1) Only consider the Vortex if you really like the reticle, and cost is a big factor. I have one. It is my least favorite quality high-mag scope. But, that is very subjective, as there are tons of fans here. Resale is a problem. Lots of people selling, and Vortex has the most generous mil discount in the business, and this means that used scope prices are depressed, and will remain so, if you are looking to sell.
2) S&B is never a bad choice. I have several. If you like the tall turret DT P4 model, there are storage units full of these at the major online retailers who are also sponsors here on the 'hide, and they are selling for $2,300 to $2,400. Personally, that is not my scope. I like the MTC lower turrets, so, yes, you are at $3k, maybe a little bit more, and unless you get lucky, you will wait 3 months to get the scope you want. Resale value is strong on the more expensive scopes, and sell fast.
3) Steiner M5Xi is a great scope. I totally disagree with several comments that said drop it off your list. This is a world-class scope, and sells more than S&B in Europe, and like S&B is a full military tactical scope. Great reticle options and superb warranty. I have a couple and they are awesome. There is a new MSR2 reticle coming in the summer, as well as the T-3 and other choices. Downside is that nobody has this in-stock, as they are very popular, and wait time from Germany is 3 or 4 months. Prices can be had a little lower than S&B, but close. Resale value is very strong.
4) Kahles 624i is a great scope. I love it in many ways. I prefer the SKMR reticle, and the fact that you can have, if you want, left hand windage is very attractive. Kahles makes a great scope. Not as rugged as S&B, NF and Steiner, but if you are not going to war, you are good. I would not buy it, because the 525 will be out in the summer or early fall, and will offer more options and a more modern design, like the 318. This means that resale value will fall, and I am already seeing that.
5) Nightforce. Hard not to look at both the 5-25x and the 7-35x. The 7-35x is nothing short of amazing, and will do most everything the 5-25x will and more, but it has a higher price point. I am selling a lot of SFP ATACR 5-25x, which, if that suits you, puts you in a street price comparable to the Vortex. Nightforce has always been good, but they have become great scopes in the last few years. I was never a fan of the Beast, but the ATACR rocks. Be it in their new 1-8x, or the mid-range 4-16, or long range. All first class, and a choice of MIL-C, MOAR, and T-3 reticles in many scopes. The 5-25x FFP will compare nicely against the Kahles, Steiner and S&B, and beat them all on price.
6) Minox. When it comes to image quality, the top of the line Minox is probably the best, bar none. The ZP5 with an MR4 reticle is in relatively high demand (high for Minox), and very short supply. If you are a target shooter, I would add this. Price is similar to S&B, Steiner and Kahles. If you want to take this into the field, as a more tactical or hunting scope, I would not choose it. I know someone will call me out on this, but this is not a scope you can throw down in the dirt. You can do that to NF, S&B and Steiner. Not so much Kahles or Minox. This is where I am 50/50, but I am a tactical shooter, so there is probably some bias. It does make my short list for tactical scopes, but great to wipe clean, adore it, and use on the range. Resale value is good, but often takes a while to sell. The Minox market is small, and most consider Minox, and Hensoldt to be a niche market.
7) Hensoldt. Love the scopes. Too much money on the high-mag. I would definitely put their mid-mag scopes in play for anyone interested in the 3-15x, 4-16x, etc. market. Not for you today, but thought I would mention.
Cheers, and have fun.
