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Posted: 7/8/2018 4:46:51 PM EDT
[#1]
Leopold VX-R Patrol 3-9, for 500 yds you do not need a higher power scope for 500 yds. They are slightly over $500 but can get them under $500 used.
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Posted: 7/8/2018 5:09:12 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Leopold VX-R Patrol 3-9, for 500 yds you do not need a higher power scope for 500 yds. They are slightly over $500 but can get them under $500 used. For pure bench, Leupold's 6-18x40mm Mark AR. It has a 1" main tube, but that is irrelevant except for windage adjustment beyond 700 yards. Just use 1" to 30mm ring inserts. The Mark AR is not illuminated, but all three have good, true tracking mrad .1 mil per click turrets with matching mrad turrets. Once you try milrad, chances are high you will never want an MOA scope again. IMHO a new 6-24x scope in OP's price range will be a disappointment. |
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Posted: 7/8/2018 5:41:37 PM EDT
[#3]
I’d look at the Sighteon s-tac 3-16x42. I put one on an SPRish rifle and I’ve been very pleased with it.
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Posted: 7/8/2018 5:59:44 PM EDT
[#4]
Primary arms 3-18 /thread
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Posted: 7/8/2018 7:05:31 PM EDT
[#5]
SWFA 10x w/ side focus $400
SWFA 10x w/ rear focus $270 SWFA 12x w/ rear focus $270 Any of the above are more than adequate for what you want to do. I prefer the side focus model, but they do tend to be costlier/go on sale less often. SWFA is running 10% off right now. |
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Posted: 7/8/2018 7:21:32 PM EDT
[#6]
Athlon Midas
Athlon Midas Tac Athlon Helos |
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Posted: 7/8/2018 7:21:33 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Primary arms 3-18 /thread Wait for the Primary Arms 3-18 FFP to come out OP. Going to be exactly $499. |
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Posted: 7/8/2018 7:25:07 PM EDT
[#8]
I've shot two AR's with Leupold scopes on them (I don't know/remember what models they were) and I was absolutely floored by the sharpness/brightness.
Compared, of course, to the low buck scopes I'm using. Do any of the other brands/models recommended so far come close to Leupold in optical quality/clarity? |
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Posted: 7/8/2018 7:30:04 PM EDT
[#9]
SWFA
This is FFP. For shooting longer distances, dialing, etc you will want that. This beats anything out there right now but the sale ends soon https://swfa.com/swfa-ss-3-15x42-tactical-rifle-scope-11.html |
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Posted: 7/8/2018 7:48:40 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Athlon Midas Athlon Midas Tac Athlon Helos |
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Posted: 7/8/2018 7:56:24 PM EDT
[#11]
look at the nikon x1000 4-16 or if you can spend little more get the 6-24 like I just did. This is pretty much exactly what you want. awesome scope nothing else is close until double the price. side focus, illuminated reticle, 30mm tube, nikon optics, comes with a sun shade, nikon even has a bad ass app that lets you get full balistic readout for all the hash-marks on the reticle.
 
ETA LOL at 3-9 for bench use at 500 yards. |
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Posted: 7/8/2018 7:57:19 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
SWFA This is FFP. For shooting longer distances, dialing, etc you will want that. This beats anything out there right now but the sale ends soon https://swfa.com/swfa-ss-3-15x42-tactical-rifle-scope-11.html |
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Posted: 7/8/2018 8:06:55 PM EDT
[#13]
Leupold VXr 3x9....I have a Mark 4 Precision 3x9 a discontinued scope on my Precision AR and have shot steel out to 600 with it. Stay away fro anything Chinese....Buy once cry once
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Posted: 7/8/2018 9:25:15 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Where is that scope made? I am not a fan of Chinese scopes.... |
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Posted: 7/8/2018 9:27:19 PM EDT
[#15]
OP, and those suggesting Athlon...I suggest you read this thread.
https://www.ar15.com/forums/Precision-Rifles/Athlon-Talos-BTR-4-14x44-Don-t-Track-Returned-NEW-SCOPE-SWFA-3-15X42-LR-UPDATE-in-OP/5-5179/ |
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Posted: 7/8/2018 11:31:41 PM EDT
[#16]
It misses 2 of your requirements, but Sportsmans Warehouse has the Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44 for $299. My location only had the BDCs and one mil dot ( display model). Might be able to have better luck if you have a store nearby.
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Posted: 7/9/2018 12:39:14 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
They are made in Japan. Their warranty, if ever needed, is rock solid too. Do some Googling to see for yourself. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted: Where is that scope made? I am not a fan of Chinese scopes.... |
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Posted: 7/9/2018 7:28:34 AM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
SWFA 10x w/ side focus $400 SWFA 10x w/ rear focus $270 SWFA 12x w/ rear focus $270 Any of the above are more than adequate for what you want to do. I prefer the side focus model, but they do tend to be costlier/go on sale less often. SWFA is running 10% off right now. But now that I think about it more- I don't remember I the last time I backed off the magnification on a scope of mine. I always shoot on the highest power- maybe it's my bad eyes or personal preference- I don't know. I see that SWFA has a fixed 16X and 20X as well. This helped me: Rex Reviews SWFA Info/History This, too: Rex Reviews SWFA Podcast Any yahoo can make a youtube video and prop up a product, but this guy seems legit. The SWFA SS series scopes have an interesting history and this might just be one of the instances where you get more for your money. I could pick up this one with the Butler Creek Caps and sunshade option and I'd be @$150 under budget: SWFA SS 16 X 42 So why would I regret buying a fixed power scope for my purposes? ETA: I've been reading some reviews and various forum comments- the general opinion is that some optical quality is lost with the 16X and 20X scopes. This would make sense, considering the price bracket these scopes fall into. I hate returning/selling stuff. Considering my background (always had low-buck scopes, NOT an experienced long range shooter, etc....), will I really notice the difference in quality between let's say a 16X and a 12X ? |
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Posted: 7/9/2018 8:14:02 AM EDT
[#19]
Weaver
https://www.natchezss.com/weaver-grand-slam-tactical-rifle-scope-3-10x40mm-mil-dot-reticle-matte-black.html |
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Posted: 7/9/2018 9:58:15 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Primary arms 3-18 /thread |
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Posted: 7/9/2018 10:18:07 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
OP, and those suggesting Athlon...I suggest you read this thread. https://www.ar15.com/forums/Precision-Rifles/Athlon-Talos-BTR-4-14x44-Don-t-Track-Returned-NEW-SCOPE-SWFA-3-15X42-LR-UPDATE-in-OP/5-5179/ The SWFA scopes are a solid option. I just wish they would give them an update. The features are dated at this point. |
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Posted: 7/9/2018 10:33:32 AM EDT
[#22]
Op
A downfall of fixed optics when shooting at longer ranges is mirage. When mirage creeps in, some like to turn their mag down to see less through the scope. With fixed power you obviously can't do that. Also if you ever plan to do anything else with the scope down the road, you may not have as much flexibility. Hunting for example - you may not want to hunt with a 10, 12, 16x fixed power. If you don't hunt, then that's nothing to worry about. Your question about 12 vs 16x - that's really a personal preference. I like more mag vs less. Then there are other guys that will say 10x at 1,000 yards is "plenty". Ymmv |
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Posted: 7/9/2018 10:42:53 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
ETA: I've been reading some reviews and various forum comments- the general opinion is that some optical quality is lost with the 16X and 20X scopes. This would make sense, considering the price bracket these scopes fall into. I hate returning/selling stuff. Considering my background (always had low-buck scopes, NOT an experienced long range shooter, etc....), will I really notice the difference in quality between let's say a 16X and a 12X ? |
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Posted: 7/9/2018 12:25:09 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I’d look at the Sighteon s-tac 3-16x42. I put one on an SPRish rifle and I’ve been very pleased with it. |
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Posted: 7/9/2018 1:26:11 PM EDT
[#25]
I don’t have any pictures on my phone, but the quality to me is great. The other scope I have to compare it to is the vortex viper 6.5-20x44. The sightron’s glass looks clearer and a bit brighter. The turrets have a very satisfying click to them. I wish it had a touch more internal adjustment, but 70 moa total is decent.
It’s not a long scope either which I like for an ar15. Long scopes look funny to me on an ar. |
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Posted: 7/9/2018 1:30:38 PM EDT
[#26]
Fixed SWFA glass is a great bargain, but not good for close-up shooting such as 50-100 yards. I have one and love it, but only use it for long-range.
You don’t need much magnification for 500 yard shooting. I compete out to 600 yards with a 4x. Key is finding a scope with robust internals that will hold up to lots of knob turning without loosing repeatability. There are a lot of turret scopes in the >$500 range that look cool and have decent glass, but won’t hold up internally when you start using the turrets regularly. One that has proven to hold up well to a lot of knob-cranking , and fits in your budget is the Vortex Viper PST. It has become the go-to budget solution for service rifle competition. The gen2 has a 1-6x version at the low end of the PST line-up which is plenty of magnication for shooting out to 500 yards. |
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Posted: 7/9/2018 1:52:50 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That is good to know. U.S., German, Japanese, or Philipine assembled scopes for me. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted: Where is that scope made? I am not a fan of Chinese scopes.... It seems OP is wanting higher power than 9x or 10x and says this is a dedicated bench rifle. At around $500, options are limited for higher power with decent optical clarity, especially "resolution", the ability to distinguish fine detail at longer ranges. The Leupold Mark AR 6-18x40mm is currently street priced around $550. With coupons or discounts it might come in a bit lower. It has really nice tracking and glass for the price. Here is a good, objective review: http://www.snipercentral.com/leupold-mk-ar-6-18x40mm-full-review/ It's "old school" with front adjustable objective rather than side focus, and with mil dot reticle rather than more fancy "Christmas tree" styles, and with a 1" main tube, but it still has enough elevation range to get you to about 700 yards or so. But, the money went into the optical performance and the turret tracking, which is what matters. |
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Posted: 7/9/2018 6:11:40 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Let's not forget Austrian glass: Swarvoski and its sister company Kahles. Both, however are way outside OP's price point. It seems OP is wanting higher power than 9x or 10x and says this is a dedicated bench rifle. At around $500, options are limited for higher power with decent optical clarity, especially "resolution", the ability to distinguish fine detail at longer ranges. The Leupold Mark AR 6-18x40mm is currently street priced around $550. With coupons or discounts it might come in a bit lower. It has really nice tracking and glass for the price. Here is a good, objective review: http://www.snipercentral.com/leupold-mk-ar-6-18x40mm-full-review/ It's "old school" with front adjustable objective rather than side focus, and with mil dot reticle rather than more fancy "Christmas tree" styles, and with a 1" main tube, but it still has enough elevation range to get you to about 700 yards or so. But, the money went into the optical performance and the turret tracking, which is what matters. Thanks to everybody for making this decision soooooo much easier..... 
But seriously, if I can take one thing away from this thread, choosing the right magnification seems to be the most subjective. One guy says he shoots with 4X out to 600 and the next guy has a totally different take on it. I'll be shooting for tight groups at 100 yards and various sized steel from 100 to 500 yards. That is the only thing this gun will be expected to do for me, the rest is up to the shooter- I know. I think a fixed 12X will do that..... My boy was shooting a his .308 at 100 yards for groups with 24X and he never said "that's too much magnification" |
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Posted: 7/9/2018 6:13:39 PM EDT
[#29]
Vortex Strike Eagle 6-24x50 (target turrets) - $499.99
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Posted: 7/9/2018 7:16:17 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That's a very thorough review. Thanks to everybody for making this decision soooooo much easier.....
But seriously, if I can take one thing away from this thread, choosing the right magnification seems to be the most subjective. One guy says he shoots with 4X out to 600 and the next guy has a totally different take on it. I'll be shooting for tight groups at 100 yards and various sized steel from 100 to 500 yards. That is the only thing this gun will be expected to do for me, the rest is up to the shooter- I know. I think a fixed 12X will do that..... My boy was shooting a his .308 at 100 yards for groups with 24X and he never said "that's too much magnification" |
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Posted: 7/9/2018 7:25:13 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yep. Wait for the Primary Arms 3-18 FFP to come out OP. Going to be exactly $499. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Primary arms 3-18 /thread Wait for the Primary Arms 3-18 FFP to come out OP. Going to be exactly $499. |
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Posted: 7/9/2018 7:34:05 PM EDT
[#32]
Thinking of getting Leupold vx-r patrol 1.25-4 for my Bren 805. Seems like a solid optic for close to 200/300 yards range trips
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Posted: 7/9/2018 7:34:49 PM EDT
[#33]
Millett 6x25x56 $449.
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Posted: 7/9/2018 7:38:56 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Leopold VX-R Patrol 3-9, for 500 yds you do not need a higher power scope for 500 yds. They are slightly over $500 but can get them under $500 used. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Leopold VX-R Patrol 3-9, for 500 yds you do not need a higher power scope for 500 yds. They are slightly over $500 but can get them under $500 used. Quoted:
SWFA This is FFP. For shooting longer distances, dialing, etc you will want that. This beats anything out there right now but the sale ends soon https://swfa.com/swfa-ss-3-15x42-tactical-rifle-scope-11.html |
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Posted: 7/9/2018 8:16:24 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: That's what I'm waiting on. I have a fixed 16x SWFA, and I like it, but I'm eager to try out the new PA Athena reticle |
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Posted: 7/9/2018 10:42:14 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
How is the clarity of the fixed 16X SWFA? Any complaints? Turrets track true as well. |
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Posted: 7/10/2018 10:07:28 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
When it's late dusk, the clarity drops off faster than with a high end optic, but totally worth the $ Turrets track true as well. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
How is the clarity of the fixed 16X SWFA? Any complaints? Turrets track true as well. |
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Posted: 7/10/2018 12:02:09 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
My boy was shooting a his .308 at 100 yards for groups with 24X and he never said "that's too much magnification" |
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Posted: 7/10/2018 12:21:33 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
On a hot day or shooting suppressed he might change his opinion... Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
My boy was shooting a his .308 at 100 yards for groups with 24X and he never said "that's too much magnification"
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Posted: 7/10/2018 9:34:39 PM EDT
[#40]
The 30mm tube requirement is eliminating a lot of good choices in your budget range
I'm saving my couch change up for a Mueller 8-32x44 w/ side focus and a 1/8moa target dot on fine wire cross hairs, to go on my 10/22 target rig. So I can move the scope that is on it to my slowly-building-to-tack-driver AR15. Just so happens that the Mueller hits all of your points, including being 30mm, gets great reviews, and is economical ($250ish).... This site has a through-the-scope pic - https://www.eabco.net/Mueller-8-32X44-Side-Focus-Target-Dot-Riflescope_p_14776.html |
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Posted: 7/11/2018 11:37:03 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The 30mm tube requirement is eliminating a lot of good choices in your budget range I'm saving my couch change up for a Mueller 8-32x44 w/ side focus and a 1/8moa target dot on fine wire cross hairs, to go on my 10/22 target rig. So I can move the scope that is on it to my slowly-building-to-tack-driver AR15. Just so happens that the Mueller hits all of your points, including being 30mm, gets great reviews, and is economical ($250ish).... This site has a through-the-scope pic - https://www.eabco.net/Mueller-8-32X44-Side-Focus-Target-Dot-Riflescope_p_14776.html |
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Posted: 7/11/2018 12:52:17 PM EDT
[#42]
OP, eBay has a code today for 15% off "PRIMOSALE". Could help your budget to either save or get more scope
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Posted: 7/11/2018 1:00:50 PM EDT
[#43]
Done deal. I ordered direct from SWFA. Thanks for everybody's help.
I missed the 4th of July Sale and somehow botched the current free shipping code but oh well, it's only money 
Maybe I'll post back with my impressions/range report. 
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Posted: 7/11/2018 2:42:06 PM EDT
[#44]
I really like my SWFA SS 10x fixed.
It lives on my .308 until I can afford a $2000 price range optic. I have taken it out to 1160 yards with great success. Shooting 10 shot softball sized groups at 820 yards on steel. It truly is a great option. With my other optics that are variable power, the only range I use on those is mostly 10-14x never going lower. Something to keep in mind until you have high $$ to drop on some super quality glass. I have the cheaper rear focus model. Mil/Quad reticle w/ Mil turrets. RTZ is amazingly accurate. |
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Posted: 7/11/2018 2:52:35 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I really like my SWFA SS 10x fixed. It lives on my .308 until I can afford a $2000 price range optic. I have taken it out to 1160 yards with great success. Shooting 10 shot softball sized groups at 820 yards on steel. It truly is a great option. With my other optics that are variable power, the only range I use on those is mostly 10-14x never going lower. Something to keep in mind until you have high $$ to drop on some super quality glass. I have the cheaper rear focus model. Mil/Quad reticle w/ Mil turrets. RTZ is amazingly accurate. 
Funny thing, I got cold feet on the 16X so I called SWFA and switched it to a 12X. I decided that if I was truly looking for a happy medium 16X wasn't it. They were super cool about it and said they would just go crack open the box and switch it for a 12. The guy I talked to also gave me some advice to help me make up my mind. I'm loving these guys already . |
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Posted: 7/11/2018 4:05:05 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Cool
Funny thing, I got cold feet on the 16X so I called SWFA and switched it to a 12X. I decided that if I was truly looking for a happy medium 16X wasn't it. They were super cool about it and said they would just go crack open the box and switch it for 12. The guy I talked to also gave me some advice to help me make up my mind. I'm loving these guys already . |
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Posted: 7/11/2018 7:24:54 PM EDT
[#47]
SWFA is good people and they make a good product. You will not be disappointed, and it looks like you saved some money that can be spent on ammo
Post up a picture once you get it mounted and go to the range |
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Posted: 7/12/2018 11:43:50 AM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
It's "old school" with front adjustable objective rather than side focus,... the money went into the optical performance and the turret tracking, which is what matters. I agree that optical quality and tracking are the number one and two most important things in a scope. Lifetime warranty from a reputable company is way up there, too. OP, have you considered buying used? A used Leupold is still covered by the warranty and if it's gently used (most are) you can get a better scope for your budget. |
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Posted: 7/12/2018 4:17:26 PM EDT
[#49]
I have got a Helos BTR and a Midas TAC. I would definitely recommend the Midas TAC. With a forgiving Eyebox, great feeling turrets and incredible glass, it is my favorite scope. While I really like my Helos, Athlon nailed it with Midas TAC!
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Posted: 7/13/2018 7:57:51 AM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
OP, have you considered buying used? A used Leupold is still covered by the warranty and if it's gently used (most are) you can get a better scope for your budget. I found several possibilities but decided not to go with used just to save $50. Didn't want to take the risk of buying a broken turd that had to be returned for a refund or repair. I figured since I was already way under budget with my selection, I would just get new. |
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