Free: Contests & Raffles.
I had a Burris Veracity 4-20x50 on a rifle once and the optics were decent-ish until you cranked up the power, then it would get very grainy. Not sure if it was an isolated incident or if they're all like that, but it's unlikely I'll ever buy one again. I have a Burris MTAC 4.5-14x42AO on one of my 17 Hornets and the other is on a Savage 17HMR, for the money and what I'm using them on, they seem to be pretty decent little scopes. All of my NF scopes have illuminated reticles and I nearly never turn them on, so for me, illuminated reticles are more novelty than function.
I have a Burris MTAC 1-4x24 (Illuminated) on one of my uppers. I think for close quarters, illuminated scopes are a necessity, or at least a much clearer option that non-illuminated. In fact I have either illuminated variables or red dots on all my uppers.If you are talking about Rifle Hunting/long range shooting, I do not see it as a necessity, but a personal choice. I like the Leupold Firedot scopes, they are good scopes. But I do not hunt with one.