Jaeger,
you don't even have the rifle and you're already buying a scope....
Sounds like what I have done several times....
You're looking for:
• $500 or less
• 4-16x (3-18x) (4-20x)
• FFP
• MOA reticle
• Good glass
You could also consider:
• Reticle: What about a gridded reticle ("Christmas tree" style)?: Do you like one — or hate it?
• Weight?
• Warranty?
The attached
Scope Specs Table has the specs side-by-side of almost 100 scopes in that magnification range
4-16x | 3-18x | 4-20x.
More than half of those are
FFP.
However, if you want a
MOA reticle, your options shrink significantly to less than 20 — as most of the world and the US military and PRS shooters have moved toward MIL.
➔ It is worth considering if MOA is really that important to you.... Unless you are planning to measure your range with the reticle, it's all just numbers of holdover you memorize or carry around on a dope card —
MOA or MIL don't make a difference there....
Now, you also want good glass. Who doesn't...?!
I'm no glass specialist, and I am only repeating the reputation that different brands have acquired on the forums....
Of the less than 20 options listed,
Discovery and
Vector offer the more economical options, far less than your $500 budget. For your budget you have better options.
Lesser known brands are
Sightmark, Shepherd, Blackhound, Primary Arms, and Swampfox.
However, they seem to offer quality products. See if you like any of their reticles, you might find a winner.
I would trust the offerings of any of the following manufacturers, especially if they are in the $400+ price class:
SWFA is know for its toughness, though their models are older and therefore offer less features than most other brands.
Element is a newer company that offers good products with plenty of features.
Sightron and
Athlon have very solid offerings, an increasingly high reputation, and excellent warranty.
Arken offers Japanese glass, their turrets are highly praised. The brandnew EPL series is much lighter than their other models.
Happy scope shopping!
Matthias
Attachment:
Scope Specs Table 4-16x | 3-18x | 4-20x