Lots of good points here....
My Leupolds are all 4.5x14 AO (5 of them).
I use them at 12 power setting w/AO set 100. This is good for 200 yds.
But out to 300 + yards, then I turn the AO to 200.
But, do you really need the AO? That can only be answered by yourself and not anyone else. It all depends on your own eyes as to how well they will focus for you.
25 years ago I didn't need a AO on a scope, but now it surely helps my focus.
Just like a pair of Binoculars, must have that focus to see things clear at different ranges.
Here's what I mean;
I had a new 4.5x 14 Leupold BC scope (non AO) and at 350 yds the house I was looking at was "blurred", but I had 3 different guys look thru the scope and to them the house was "crystal clear". So it wasn't a problem with the scope, but a problem with my eyes. So I solved the problem by selling it and going the same size but an AO.
