I have an Armalite 20" A3 upper with freefloat handguards and was looking for a scope. I have kind of set my eyes on a Leupold Vari-XIII 3.5-10x50 with illuminated mildot recticle. Was wondering if anyone had excperience with this scope, or had any other recomendations in the same price range?  I'm only looking for illuminated recticle scopes. The rifle will be used soely for afternoon desert plinking. Any input is appreciated! Thanks!

^^^^

Sounds like a good choice.

I plan on going with a Lupy 3.5x10 LR M3 myself.

Joe

Take a look at the Bushnell Elite 4200 2.5-10x50 illuminated recticle.  I think it runs about $400 at swfa.com.  I have a 4200 and a Vari-XIII and the 4200 is brighter and has better resolution.

The Leupold is a good scope, but the top of the line Bushnells, Nikons and Weavers are about as good or better, and cost less.  These other scopes probably are not offered with the mildots though.