Well I was going to do a build and create a AR Varminter but have decided to buy a Stag Model 6 instead. For the $900 price it's been hard to find a gun I could build better for cheaper.

Now the problem seems to be finding a inexpensive scope to mount on it. I am looking at a Millett LRS right now and have found them for under $400. Reviews seem to be mixed however, people either love them, or have problems with them. Here's what I am looking for:

$500 or under, trying to keep total price with bipod, scope, rings and gun under $1500
Variable power that could be usable out to 1000yds, more then likely never go over 500-600 but would like the ability.

Anything else I should take into account? I have seen both MIL and MOA adjustments, which is better and what is the difference for a average user? It will be used primarily as a varmint/target gun.

Look at NatchezSS for the Nitrex closeouts (mentioned here many times in the last couple of months), these scopes are suppose to be identical to Weaver Grand Slam or Super Slam scopes and are available at a great price with an additional rebate of $50-100 depending on the model you buy.

Nikon Buckmaster 6X18

In the $250 - $500 range you have a wide selection of quality optics. Some examples:

Leupold 3-9x50mm Rifleman
Leupold Rifleman 4-12x40mm
Nikon Buckmasters 4.5-14x40
Nikon 6-18x40 Buckmasters

Thanks for the replies so far guys.  I'm really looking for something more then the basic 9x scope and something with good low-light.  I would like to have at least a 16x and a 50mm objective which narrows it down quite a bit.  The Nikon I've heard good things about but also that it has poor low light characteristics.  I will have to check the Nitrex ones out.

Take a look at the Vortex Viper 6.5-20x50 at SWFA. Lifetime warranty, great glass and a site sponsor. However, at $460, it doesn't leave much for a mount. SWFA also has the Vortex Crossfire series 6-24x50 for $100, but I wouldn't expect a lot for that money.

Recently picked up a  Wonders Optics 4-14x50 ( WOTAC ) from a member here. Excellent optic, lots of feedback over at THR and Snipershide. Helluva scope for the money.

Call and talk to Matt Wonders about his scopes. Lifetime no bs warrenty. Even second hand he will warrenty it.


http://www.sightwonders.com/wotac.html

Burris Fullfield II is always a good value

The Bushnell 3200/4200 series scopes are on closeout everywhere and are awesome scopes even before the big savings.

IMO I would not call the Leupold Rifleman a quality optic.

Guess it's up to me to suggest the Nikon Pro Staff, I'd take that over anything mentioned here except the Buckmaster and Burris.

I'm pretty happy with my Millett TRS-1. The LRS has more magnification than necessary, and it is absolutely GIGANTIC!