I have a Colt AR15A2 20" Gov't model with an A.R.M.S. #2 carry handle mount and A.R.M.S. #21 30mm rings.  I would love to mount a Leupold 3.5x10M3 LR Illuminated scope on it but I do not have $900 at the moment.  I am looking for a reasonabley priced general purpose rifle scope with 30mm scope tube.  I am considering the Burris 2.5x10x44 Black Diamond, the Tasco 10x42SS, the IOR Valdada 6x42 Tactical and possibly some sort of Springfield scope with a 30mm tube.  Another option would be to purchase A.R.M.S. #37 1" ring inserts and purchase a 1" scope tube.  Some of the options here are one of the Leupold Tactical's, a VX-II 3-9x40 or the Vari-X III 3.5-10x40.  In the Burris line there are the Signature scopes, a 2.5-10 or a 3x9.  In the Fullfield II line there are the 3x9x40 and the 3.5x10x50.  Weaver also has the 3x9 Tactical.  I would appreciate your opinions and any other sugestions on the matter.  Thank you.

Any thoughts on these scopes?

That $900 Leupold gets a great deal more expensive when you add the cost of a 'temporary' scope to the mix.  If you want the M3, that's what you should save for... One thing to consider is using an A2 upper with a scope setup... you may find a flattop would be more in line with the use and capabilities of a quality scope like the M3...

If you do want a lower priced scope until you can afford the M3 stick with Leupold... You wouldn't have any problem selling a Leupold on the EE.  Who knows, as nice as Leupold scopes are you may end up keeping it as well...

I own and highly recommend the Leupold 3.5-10 x 40mm Vari-X III Tactical w/mildot, $540, and the Leupold 3-9 x 40mm VX-II Tactical w/mildot, $382.  One inch rings needed, but outstanding scopes...

[url]www.a-zriflescopes.com/leupold_tactical_riflescopes.htm[/url]


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Darkstar has given good advice here, if ya just have to have one now, listen to him and go for the Vari-X III 3.5x10x40 Leupy. It's a keeper.

Mike