Good questions!
Here is what my experience has been. I have also updated the list with a scope called the Nighthawk, which is the exact same scope as the Raptor, but with a fine single target dot instead of a duplex or mil-dot reticle.
"Iownthenight i have a couple of questions for you.
How good do these scopes hold their zero with cal up to 308 Win and do they use the weaver base system? ***It depends. The military scopes return to zero perfectly. Most use the ARMS mount system, or the milspec railgrabber mount, both are equally great and return to zero perfectly. They are quick detach types of mounts. The commercial scopes like the 740, 443, 440, etc. have commercial style mounts that are typically machined from much softer aluminum, with less robust locking mechanisms, etc. I can not comment honestly on these, as I have seen some that held zero fine, and some that wouldn't hold zero very well, no matter how carefully they were mounted. Also, you need to think about the repeatability of the actual scope, not just the mount. The mil scopes are designed for robust repeatability, and it shows in their reticle and elevation and azimuth adjustments. The commercial style scopes are not as well designed, in my opinion.****
The other question is where would be the best place to purchase one of the scopes you listed in the previous post? ***** Send me your email and I will give you the name of the best person in the NV industry to talk to. I don't want to post this contact info, as I do not want to offend any of the NV retailers out there, who are all trying to make a living.***
A note on the Nighthawk scope below:
This is the same scope as the Raptor (which is assembled by Excalibur and uses ITT tubes and a duplex reticle (4x) or Mildot reticle (6x) and has finger-ajustable elevation and windage knobs)
The Nighthawk is assembled by Nightline, and uses Litton/NG tubes and a single extremely fine target dot reticle and elevation/windage controls that are very similar to the PVS-4 (cartride rim adjustable so that it cannot accidentally be knocked out of zero, etc).
I have used both scopes, and all three reticles. In my opinion, the single fine dot is heads and shoulders better than the duplex or the mildot. It is much "less busy" than the others, and does not obscure any of your target at all. It is adjustable for brightness, so you can make it extremely dim or bright as you wish. Dimmer is better for shooting, trust me! The dot is so fine that if basically covers the EYE of a rabbit at 250 yards! It is the best reticle I have used...ever. Litton tube is very nice, has a much more "green" image than the ITT tube does (more light yellow), which is neither here not there, just a different shade of green. I have no personal preference here, both shades of green work equally well. I prefer the windage/elevation adjustments of the Nighthawk as well, as once I have zeroed the scope I do not change the windage/elevation settings. On the Raptor, you can just reach up and turn the knob...accidentally or inadvertantly...and your scope will not be zeroed any longer. I find at night if you can limit the change of error, it sure pays off. I don't like taking a chance on changing my zero by accident in the dark! Both scopes are identical other than that.
Hope this helps!
The Gen 3 list of dedicated weapons scopes:
1) Nightline Nighthawk 4x (or 6x if you prefer)(same exact scope as the Raptor, but MUCH better reticle, IMHO)$5.6K - special run only a couple left, then price is back up to $6.5k (uses Litton/Northrop-Grumman's tubes)
2) Excalibur Raptor 4x (or 6x if you prefer)$6.5K (uses ITT's tubes)
3) USNV-740 $3.6K
4) USNV-443 $2.6K
5) USNV-441 $2.4K
6) PVS-14 or USNV-14 $3.5K (with appropriate setup)
7) Gen III PVS-4 $depends, but starts around $2.5K used
8) All the rest (Aries 7900, 7800, etc.)"