Illuminated mil/mil SPR scope?

[jvencius]

Since I've firm-committed to a Mk.12 from Monty @ Centurion Arms, now I get to start looking at glass for it. I've been reading a bit and checking the standard sites selling optics (SWFA/Cabelas/etc...) but if anyone could recommend specific scopes that I may have overlooked, I'm all ears. On my current short list are:

Leupold Mk. IV MR/T 2.5-8
Nightforce 2.5-10 (either the 24mm or 32mm but the 32 is a bit out of budget)
SWFA 3-9


NEEDS:
1) Quality/reputable manufacturer--I'm not even going to bother with cheapo stuff (Tasco, Simmons, etc...)

2) Price--S&B/Swarovski/Zeiss/et al. are a bit out of my budget and I'd like to stay around $1K-ish (flexible) for the optic before mount (probably a LaRue).

WANTS:
1) Illuminated reticle--like everything else in this category it's a nice-to-have, not a must-have.

2) mil/mil reticle and adjustments--my feeble little mind can probably learn to use a mil/MOA scope but having the reticle and knobs use the same units would be convenient.

3) 30 mm. tube (34mm would be fine too) but if there's a truly good SPR-appropriate scope with a 1" tube I certainly won't rule it out, especially if that means getting an optic with a couple more options off the "WANT" list.

4) Zoom range from about 1.1x-3x on the low end and 8x-10x on the high end

[Boomer10]

I've got the Nightforce 2.5-10x32 Mil/Mil on my DMR upper from Monty and it's producing great results.

[WEC]

In the Leupold corner, I have a MKIV 3-9x MR/T mil/mil. I really like it but I got a hell of a deal. If I had my druthers I'd go with a Nightforce 2.5-10x like Boomer10. Just sayin'.

[Gutshot John]

In that price range Valdada is going to be your most bombproof choice. Awesome glass and solidly built.

I'd also look at Pride Fowler.

[GermanSynergy]

Save your $ for the Nightforce 2.5-10x32 with MR/MD/IR. You'll be glad you did, trust me. The MK 12 built by Monty is just wicked accurate, and it deserves a fine piece of glass.

[jvencius]

I hadn't previously considered Vortex optics but I'll admit that THIS MODEL sure seems intriguing. For a c-note more than the SWFA 3-9 and two c-notes less than the Leupold but still in the sub-$1K bracket, it offers a wider zoom range than either, is mil/mil (unlike the Leupold), and is illuminated unlike the SWFA so those features have my interest for sure. Like the thread on another forum goes, I'm trying to answer the question of "how much is enough?" while not blowing out my ammo/training budget at the same time.

[Gutshot John]

I hadn't previously considered Vortex optics but I'll admit that THIS MODEL sure seems intriguing.

I've heard very positive things about Vortex so I say buy it, try it and evaluate it for us here.

I'm considering it on one of my rifles.

[FromMyColdDeadHand]

Lots of great optics out there. I shot USMC03s 2.5-10x32 in MOA on his OBR and that was a nice optic. I think for the SPR role a FFP reticle would be nice, but obviously the pros get along with out it- and it depends on what kind fo shooting you are going to do.