Thread: $1000 bang for buck general purpose scope

I'm looking to put a scope on a .308 which will be my one centrefire rifle to do everything that a rimfire shouldn't. I don't have binos or a rangefinder, the budget simply won't allow for them for another year or so but I do recognise the importance of accurate rangefinding. For shooting in all kinds of bush, and on the tops as well as a spot of long range target I think a 4-14x/4-16x or thereabouts gets the job done, and I like the simplicity of working in Mrad over MOA.

So, what is working reliably in the bush? Set and forget capped adjustments or exposed turrets and dial up? I'm given to understand once you go exposed tacticool knobs things like locking turrets and zero stops cost a bit more but offer less room for mistakes.

Is first focal plane a bit of a wank, because while the subtensions remain accurate at all magnifications you can't really see them at the low end?

Is a BDC reticle any use without a spotting scope?

Is an adjustable parrallax a godsend or just a pain because it's never set in the right spot when you're in a hurry?

I'd like to go illuminated reticle but I recognise that comes at a price point probably outside my budget.