Had a Pentax Lightseeker 30 which is the old gen black diamond. Quite nice optics but a bit more yellow. Had a really cool feature of being able to really see the mirage yet target was still in focus.
Not the highest resolution scope I have used but will do. A very big and heavy scope so watch how that affects your overal weight.
Turrents worked well but had a very goofy 8.5min per revolution. I can only hope that has since been changed. My front AO was quite stiff and held fine during shooting.
Overall as a scope I would give it an 8. When you factor in the price, would only give it a 6.
Personally, I would use an Elite 4200 6x24 mil dot anyday of the week over what is on the market today under $1000. The optics are just superb and the mechanicals reliable. I do alot of LR shooting and the scope never fail to dial up on target.
Hope to play with a new side focus in the next few weeks.
Nikon Monarchs are also excellent products but I find the field of view smaller then the Elite. a bit more money too. The Nikon Tacticals have a great reputation, 1/3 less money then the Luppy and way better optically.
For a scope for less money then the Nikon Monarch/Elite, the new Buckmaster 4X14 side focus with mildots is a great scope. The turrents are reliable and optics are very very good. The quality of manufacture is way better then its price suggests.
The 6X18 SF is also very nice but doesn't come with mildots which I prefer. They can be had with a dot which many like for target shooting.
IOR is also a quality product and would be my choice over a luppy for similar dollars.
Jerry