Hello All, I am looking for some much needed advice and opinions which I hope to find here. I am looking for a scope in the budget of under 1800, and I have some questions that are hopefully not repetitive. I have tried to do much research, going to page infinity on these forums to try and save some time. I was originally set on trying to build an M40a3-5 ish clone and trying to obtain the civilian Premier version of what the USMC uses. I know these scopes are no longer produced and what not (I read these are somewhat of a hot topic). I also wonder in the time those scopes were made compared to now, are they still a good option or are most scopes today in my price range vastly ahead of those Premiers?
While trying to also expand my search within the parameters of 34mm tube (I have Badger USMC rings I want to Use), FFP, 3-15 type power, and Mils/mils, I have also seen rarely a S&B in my price range but not illuminated. I know the brand is great, but I feel for over 1500 Illumination is something a scope should come with (I am probably wrong on this). This will be the nicest scope I have owned to this point, so as far as experience with this stuff I know nothing. I also see great things said about the Bushnells and Vortex scopes, but maybe because of working my way up to where I am now I have only experienced the more budget Bushnells and Vortexes and I cant shake the notion of them being budget brands (narrow minded I know). I also would like a scope that is American made. I have looked at Nightforces, but it seems they tend to be more than I can afford or not 34mm tube.
While trying to also expand my search within the parameters of 34mm tube (I have Badger USMC rings I want to Use), FFP, 3-15 type power, and Mils/mils, I have also seen rarely a S&B in my price range but not illuminated. I know the brand is great, but I feel for over 1500 Illumination is something a scope should come with (I am probably wrong on this). This will be the nicest scope I have owned to this point, so as far as experience with this stuff I know nothing. I also see great things said about the Bushnells and Vortex scopes, but maybe because of working my way up to where I am now I have only experienced the more budget Bushnells and Vortexes and I cant shake the notion of them being budget brands (narrow minded I know). I also would like a scope that is American made. I have looked at Nightforces, but it seems they tend to be more than I can afford or not 34mm tube.