Thanks for the input guys. I ordered one with the needed mounts from Amazon (gasp) for about 45$ less, overall, than I could get them from Brownells with dealer pricing. I had a look at one in a local Scheels store and it did seem to be a good deal, and an even better deal for the cost. I'm a bit concerned about the lack of magnification for longer range shooting, as I'm middle aged, but I have a hard time putting a 14"/20 oz scope on a carbine and having it feel like a rifle should.
John, have you tried to get a good 200 yard zero with it?
I don't have many optic problems unless I buy inexpensive scopes from shady makers, I'm optimistic for this one as I've had pretty good luck with Nikon stuff. It's not as though a 5.56 AR produces punishing recoil. I don't appreciate their snobby attitude in regard to not allowing their rifle scopes to be sold alongside their other optics and cameras, but they do seem, by and large, to be pretty solid scopes.
I bought the 3x just to help out aging eyes. 200 yd shots are doable but obviously not precision shots. I think you will like it if you stay within it's intended use.
My wife is a Nikon camera shooter and has a couple high end lenses. When you look at where the warranty center is for Nikon it's the same place for scopes and cameras. FWIW all her camera stuff has been pretty bulletproof.
