Thanks for the input Phil. So you don't use a magnifier with the Gen3? Personally I'm not a fan of the PA 4x scope. I want something tactical looking. I don't want a longer scope like my rifle has. Thats part of the trouble here. The styles I like are often made by Barksa, and I'm not going to purchase one of those with all the reviews I've read.

Any experience with the Sightmark 1.5x5? Sightmark Tactical 1.5-5x30 Scope with Mil Dot Reticle [SM13015] - $159.99 : Sightmark

The only 4x scope I find are NcStar and AMP. Never heard of AMP. Not sure how these would be. I assume the NcStar is the same as the 3x9x42 scope as it may not be top quality.

There are also good reviews on the Burris Timberline 2x7x26 scope. Not as tactical looking but is shorter and doesn't look too bad on the ar platform.