I'm no expert but I have eyes, ears and some observational aptitude so here's what I've come to so far in my hunt for value.
I just got a CT 3 series 4-20X50 . It doesn't match my Delta Stryker as you'd expect, but it can hold its head up against Athlon ETR 4.5-30 (I thought my sample was unimpressive), USO TX20S (nice scope) and the CT Series 5 3-24 I had here last week, The USO TS20X I brought in was very good performing and would have been my choice of this group if I was looking to spend more than the $450 the 3 series costs yet still keep it around $1k. The 3 series 4-20 gives up very little to the other scopes I mentioned (barring the Delta which is in another class) and costs a lot less. Turrets are tight and consistent, illumination is bright, optics are suited to purpose. Negatives? The diopter adjustment is not as "snappy" as I like and the reticle isn't my fave so far but for $450 dollars I am not disappointed. While it may not be the best $1000 scope on the market I think it is very competitive below $500. That's how I think how this should be judged, that is as very good value within its price segment. Don;t expect a Stryker or Trijicon but if you want an FFP scope under $500 in this mag range and objective size, I think you will be very happy with this scope, its optics, overall performance and finish. I also think the 5-20X50 CT is the best actual value of the scopes Midway is offering on sale from Crimson Trace although I haven't tried the 3-18. .