My knowledge about illuminated reticle scopes is nil so I need your help.

Gearing for a scope with illuminated reticle that will be also used in low light conditions. Low power max. 2x, top up to 6x, lens up to 33 mm. 40-42 mm could be OK but I prefer smaller sizes. As for the price, I would like to stay bellow $750 (two university students...).

I was considering Leupold VX-3 1.5-5x20 mm http://www.leupold.com/hunting...x20mm-illum-reticle/ , or Trijicon AccuPoint 1.25-4x24 mm http://www.trijicon.com/user/p...k_row=1&categoryID=5 . I like on this scope system without battery. I had seen post claiming that after more than 20 years light is still going strong.

Between those two; any difference in optic quality, which one will withstand recoil better, which one would be better buy? Any other scope I should consider? I would like to go with company that stands behind their products.

Thanks for any info.

I own a VX-III 1.5-5 illuminated and love it. I have used mine literally in the dark and was still able to acquire my target.

My only experience with a Trijicon scope was an older one that required light to illuminate the triangle in the reticle, but the glass was OK.

My other two illuminated scopes are a S&B and a Swarovski, and if you ever get to the place where you want to "upgrade", I highly recommend a Swarovski Z6i.

If you want a scope whose manufacturer will back up their warranty, then go with Leupold. I have an illuminated Leupold Mark 4 which I'm quite happy with. The Leupold warranty is good whether or not you were the original buyer. That makes used Leupolds quite attractive in my opinion.

My other illuminated scopes are Nightforces which are also excellent but don't have the no hassle transferable warranty that Leupold does though the warranty to the original buyer is lifetime. These scopes are a bit heavy for some tastes.

I have no experience with Zeiss and Swarovski scopes though I've heard good things said about them.

If You want going hunting in very low light situations, You must have a big objektive lens, should have an illuminated reticle AND take the best You could buy: In darkness the difference between the manufacturers and the quality of scopes spread from each other, even if You can´t notice a difference in daylight: I highly recommend the Z6i - but they are out of your price ideas... But I would not go wasting money: go,save money and buy a first class optics later - You won´t regret it!

As said above... A Z6i is more money than what you want to put, but would definitely be a top class buy.

I have a Swaro Z6i and a S&B Zenith Flash Dot. Swaro wins hand down. And the S&B is a GOOD scope...

Also, few companies stand behind their products like Swarovski: you can send them a 20 years old battered piece of equipment that you bought 4th hand at a garage sale, and they'll refurbish it to new specs or replace it with a new one... at no charge!

I agree with scuba, wait for the scope, save the money, and get the top. You won't regret it.