Re: recommend a scope
First, you must find out if the weapon you intend on using is acceptable at the training facility.
I attended a course put on by the FBI, as far as they are concerned, there is only one sniper round in the entire world, that is the 168 grain .308 winchester.
Second, you must define affordable. 400 dollars? 600 dollars? 1800 dollars? Don't be shocked, many people consider the Nightforce to be an entry level scope at about 1200 bucks (depending).
Third, you must decide if you want FFP or SFP, for a tactical rifle, I am a big believer in a FFP scope, but I will tell you this: The VAST majority of LE precision rifles in America are topped with SFP scopes.
For my class, I used the Falcon Menace 4-14x with the EMD reticle. It worked VERY well, tracked just fine and was repeatable, though we did not do a lot of dialing. I really like that scope, but I did upgrade to an IOR 3-18.
Matching reticle/turrets is another thing to consider. Again, the vast majority of LE scopes have mil-dots and MOA adjustments. Is it that critical? It depends, having mis-matched scopes means you have to have more information on your dope card and have to remember more things. But realistically, unless you get into long range tactical shooting with unknown distance targets, you can make do with a mil/moa scope.
I like my shit to match, but many, many people have absolutely NO issues running mil/moa.
I like the Falcon Menace as an entry level scope, it gives you FFP and mil/mil for less than 4 bills.
The weaver 3-10 grand slam tactical is an excellent choice for someone on a budget, on sale at MidwayUSA for 300 bucks right now.
Someone will probably chime in about the super sniper fixed 10x for 300 bucks, but I do not recommend a fixed 10x for LE work. The 3-9 SS on the other hand is an excellent choice but runs about 6 bills.
Mueller TAC-2 is a very nice scope for about 265, the glass is quite good.
The Hawke tactical series seems to be doing okay also.
Good luck.
