Between Athlon and Vortex would lean to the latter.
Ditto, seems for the most part guys on here like the Vortex and SWFA SS. I have the 6x version of the SS, but many get the 10x. Love my SWFA SS, may go back on the Scout.
All depends on what you plan to use it for.
I have a Leupold VX Freedom 1.5-4x and a Leupold VX-R Patrol 1.25-4x that I really like on my Scouts, helps keep the weight down. But probably only good for 100 yards to 300, maybe more with skill and good eyes, etc. I've only shot at 100 yards though, so take that into account.
And of course some on here have Nightforces, Schmidt Benders, etc. If you have a spare car you can sell, lol. I dream of these....
