The Scar 17S that I ordered in on the way, so now I've gotta decide what good quality glass to put on it and have been going around and around in circles trying to decide which way to go. I'm not looking to do precision shooting, so higher power optics are not what I'm looking at. I merely want to be able to make hits on man size targets (12" - 18") out to about 500m-600m.

I've been looking at the Trijicon Acog 3.5X TA11 ($1350), the expensive Elcan 1X/4X ($2250), and the really expensive Elcan 1.5X/6X ($2900), which is probably ideal. I also just saw that Vortex has a new Gen 2 Viper PST 1-6X for about $1k. The Trijicon 3.5X and the Vortex 1-6X are affordable to me now, but the Elcans are out of my poor man budget after buying the rifle and needed accessories and would require saving up for at least 3-4 months.

I've already reviewed the below (ARFCOM) thread on the Acog 3.5X, but would still like some opinions from those of you that run any of these optics. I really want to do this right the first time, even if it hurt$. As I've learned the hard way, pay once, cry once.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_24/474869_SCAR-17-ACOG-suggestions---.html

This might get deleted due to its destination link, but check out this post by a SF soldier using the Mk17 with 1.5-6x Elcan down range:

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?49025-Official-SCAR-Picture-Thread&p=2438337#post2438337

Ultimately, you're goi g to have to decide on your expected use, then budget, then try to optimize within those constraints. If you ever plan to run lasers or clip-on night vision devices, real estate becomes an issue as well.

That Gen II PST 1-6 is going to be in the $650 range

I ran the following on mine:
NF 2.5-10
TA11G-H (Green Horseshoe)
Razor 1-6 in MRAD

The Razor was my favorite and was the quickest .... Great optic that competes with optics that cost substantially more

Can I ask about your Likes & Dislikes on the TA11 with Horseshoe reticle?

Pros:
Great Glass
Awesome Reticle
No Batteries

Cons:
Tritium in dark/dusk settings is not near as bright as having LED Illumination
Lower Magnification

I feel with a quality low power variable like the Razor you get a 1x for CQB, Bright Illumination that is not dependent on light gathering, and you've got 6x up top for longer shots/target identification

With all of that said I still would be happy with a TA11 as it's a great optic as well

What about the new Trijicon 1-8? Price at Natchezss is $1150 but out of stock in in red illumination. Very reasonable for a good quality 1-8 with daylight bright illumination.

That optic from what I've read over at the optic section is that the "daylight brightness" is up for debate .... Is it aimpoint bright like the Razor? No its not ..... Can you see some illumination on a sunny day? I would imagine so

It's definitely not flare bright in high sun.
1x illumination.


8x illumination

I saw those images the other day .... Like I said you can see the red but its not aimpoint bright

I guess the point I'm trying to make is the Razor is substantially brighter

All depends on your own personal preference. ... I can pick up a super bright center dot as quick as I can an Aimpoint so that is what I prefer

Yeah....a 1-6X or a 1-8X that acts as a red dot on 1X does sound appealing.
I forgot to mention that I had this in the back of my mind as well. It's just that I prefer a .308 BDC reticle.

Yeah...I've read that the standard version is not too great in ultra bright sun light, and that the LED version has the added benefit of adjustable illumination, at the cost of a tab bit more weight.

I would pair the NSX 2.5-10x32 with a Scar 17 or get the Trij and deal with the illumination.  Given the range of the 17 10x and exposed turrets will be helpful. I'm not sure I'd want 6x for 308. With 308 projectiles ranging from 178gr-147gn I would toss the idea of sole reliance on a BDC reticle out completely. Just because an SF operator can readily make hits out to 700m with a 6x ELCAN doesn't mean I can do it near as easily, having an unlimited supply of tax payer funded training ammo and a BDC reticle built to match his ammo might help though. The Weaver tactical 1-7x is another option and is daytime red dot bright, but has capped turrets and 7x. Also the Burris XTR II 1-8 is daytime bright but the scope will not equal the quality of the NF or the Trij. I'd put the NF on it if it were me.

If you can manage a 1-4X check out Meopta.

Great value, outstanding illumination, useful reticule.

Damn it, I really like that Accupower 1-8.
I kind of regret not getting it.

I run an elcan 1x/4x to 600 meters. Had a razor 1-6 before that. The ELCAN is ideal for an SBR scar 17. I dig it anyways.

I am very happy with the TA11HG on mine. Compact and good for hits on "man-sized" targets out to 600 yards no problem