Re: Building a nail driver
If you are in the military, call Sylvia at Schmidt and Bender and get a quality scope. PM2 4-16 non illuminated with your choice of reticle. I prefer the horus H58. You might be able to get one for around $2200 thats a guess. I have been wrong before.
I know it's out of your proposed budget, but if you want unfailing reliability, great glass, and something to drive tacks with, suck it up and wait a bit. Go sell blood, or even do gay porn. It's just a job, lots of people hate their jobs, but if it get you a Quality scope the first time it might be worth it.
I personally wouldn't do gay porn for a 4-16 S & B, but I might take it into consideration for a 5-25!
Point being, we can make do with lower quality equipment, but if you are building the best "a tack driver" get the best.