Of those choices I would chose the HS-T. Second choice would be the SWFA. I would steer clear of the other two.

Any scope you get in this price range is going to be a compromise. The HS-T is not a horrible scope...and it is the best of the ones listed...but it is not great either. I sold mine because it wasn't as clear as I would like and it is SFP (which you will not like after you use FFP), but it was OK.

The only other option I might consider in that price range would be a Fixed scope (10, 16, or 20x's). Often times on cheaper scopes fewer features mean higher quality in the remaining features.

 

My thoughts EXACTLY.

 

Is the Leupold mark AR the same scope as the Leupold mark 2?

 

Im pretty partial to vortex stuff i have an hs t and love it

 

Of those the vortex no doubt. For more hunting, the SWFA power range is better, but you'll find 15 power lacking for target shooting.

I also agree with ddd, once you go to FFP, SFP doesn't seem as nice.

 

Of those listed i would go after the Vortex as well. I do not have experience with that model Leupold or the SWFA. I can tell you that i have an older model Monarch 4-16x44 and it has been a good scope. It has lived most of its life on my ar so it has not had a rough life. But i will say for a sub $500 scope i like it and probably wont ever take it of my ar. But there are also better scopes out there..

 

SWFA SS 3-15x42. I have one in FFP, its nicer than I thought it would be for the price. Tracks perfectly (note that I've heard someone on here say they aren't the best when they get close to the bottom but with 70 moa plus a good angled base, you shouldn't need to go to the bottom) doesn't tunnel, and surprisingly clear glass too, but I've heard that can sometimes just be luck of the draw with SWFA or any of your cheaper scopes. As ddd oo7 said, you're going to be compromising one thing for another with these lower end scopes.

-1911

 

Natchez has a sale going on for these.

weaver-super-slam-riflescope-3-15x50mm-sf-illum-enhanced-mil-dot-reticle-emdr-matte

 

You probably already made your purchase but for the use you indicated I would be looking at the Viper HS-T 4-16x44. You will need more elevation adjustment to target shoot at 100 yds and then go out to 1000 and you will want a lower mag than 6x for hunting.