Staying under the $500 budget i really have it narrowed down to a Ares BTR 2.5-15 for 399 or a Bushnell Forge 4.5-27 SFP for 450. I've tried doing research the past 2 days but no one local to me really carries these to actually get my hands on and video reviews are kinda lacking. I feel myself leaning towards the Forge because of the higher magnification and the SFP really doesn't bother me being a new shooter; plus allows me to use the reticle more easily at 8x- power. Just looking for some input from people who have experience with either and has an input on glass and overall quality.