Pete
Thanks for this opportunity.
My thoughts, basic first then wish list:
1. Non-rotating ocular when power is changed OR integral lense cover with non-position sensitive release mechanism. Maybe a lense cover system thats screw in like a shade, a very short shade with a lid.)
2. Large "knobs" for elevation, windage and parallax (if parallax is an option) with caps that can be used or left at home. (Like Mark 4 type but with caps so tight transport options like scabbards and such don't screw things up.)
3. A "zero" stop.
4. Large tube (30mm minimum) but a small(ish) objective (40mm) so we can get a low mount.
5. Non/low change in eye relief on power change.
6. NON-canted reticle, quality reticle installation, not more than + or - 2 degrees or so.
7. Finish... matte OD would be a nice color option (Wish list: a slip on/around scopesleeve of heavy plastic with embedded color).
8. Power range(s), 2.5 x 10, 4 x 16, 6 x 24, ??
9. Calibrated reticle(s), Mil-Dot, MOA, ?? (Wish list: Add enough dots/lines to the vertical component to allow use of the entire viewable reticle rather than "wasting" the top and bottom. Add enough lines/dots to the horizontal reticle to use it for fast movers, 10 20 30 mph (15 to 20 MILs lead).
10. A TOUGH main tube and innards, no worry about bending or crushing the tube on rough use.
11. Extra springs for the erection tube on all planes so absolute return to zero and repeatability.
WISH LIST:
1. Internal (calibrated/accurate) graduated Cant indicator
2. Internal (calibrated/accurate) graduated Inclinometer
3. Installable filters, Polarized, etc
4. Internal compass (it's a wish list!)
5. Matching spotting scope system or a cradle/clamshell housing to use a spare scope as a spotting scope. (We should be able to call "bearing" and incline "angle" to get spotter and shooter on target together.)
Enough for now.