Re: New Scope
Yes, Vortex are quality scopes for the money. Talk to Scott @ LibertyOptics and he can probably set you up with a good deal on one.
However the Falcon will offer you turrets in 0.1 MRad increments, to match your Mil-Dot reticle, whereas the current crop of Vortex scopes all have MOA turrets. Supposedly a Mil version is coming, but I expect it to be WAYYYY over your budget as described.
IMHO, the Falcon is the best value in low-cost (sub-$500) optics right now.