I know this is 'exactly' what you asked, but I thought I'd add something about the compact scopes. I have an Airmax 30 SF 4-16 standard size scope and an Airmax 3-12x Compact scope. I was worried that the optics of a compact scope would suffer somewhat just from being compact, but I can attest to the fact that there is no discernable difference in optical quality. Now, there is some physical aspects. The shorter scope has a larger field of view, and you can get just as bright a scope with a smaller objective lends in a compact, simply because of the shorter length. But as far as clarity and glass quality, it's a toss up. Also, compact scopes usually have shorter eye relief, so take that into consideration when purchasing as mounting may be affected. There is typically a half inch difference in eye relief on AM scopes from full size to compact, but I'm here to tell you, a half inch is a lot when you're mounting options are changed by the scopes physical size and limited space for rings. Obviouly, weight is the bigger draw of compacts, so that's a no brainer if you're looking for a light weight rig.
I like the compact Airmax 30mm line. I have the full size Airmax listed above on an AA HFT 500 and it makes for a quite heavy rig, but it's a heavy gun too, so it doesn't make a lot of sense to worry too much about scope weight on it. I have the compact on a Brocock Sniper HR, and it was a pain to find the right rings to get eye relief correct, but with 11mm (instead of picatinny) rings, it works fantastic and fits the gun well, also keeping it fairly lightweight.
So, to recap, the only real disadvantage (which is exactly why they make compact scopes) of compact scopes is the physical size and mounting options of short ring spacings, and eye relief.
One thing I will say, Hawke scopes are my all time favorite, either compact or full size. They have the correct reticle, and are clear and bright. It doesn't hurt either that Hawke stands behind them without any hassles. So far, I have six of them. Three 30mm Airmax, a 10X44, a 4-16X50, and a compact 3-12X, and two 1" Airmax 2-7X32 and a 1" Airmax 4-12X40 and also a 2-7X32 Vantage. All are absolutely fine scopes, and I have had no complaints So as you see, I think a lot of the Airmax line. I only own two other scopes, an SWFA 10X42 and a CenterPoint 4-16X40.
