Call and they will likely provide 30% off and free shipping. They provided a coupon code ROKSLIDE30 previously and will likely allow it for current orders. Their customer service is superb and im really happy with mine. They may be incorporating some changes in trigger reach in the future
Over budget but an S&B Klassic sounds like a good fit. Not sure id want a 56mm objective but:this one is pretty close to the budget
https://www.eurooptic.com/Schmidt-Bender-25-10x56mm-Klassik-LM-L3-Riflescope-642-811-462-03-03A02.aspx
My Dad's custom Supergrade has the same Leupold Vari-X III...
Ive got no experience with soft tops/covers but my concern would be dust. Even my hard shell toppers let in a decent amount of dust on our AZ backroads
Im shooting it as is, but im short 5'7 and prefer shorter LOP. I looked in the box and didnt see a spacer but dont see why you couldnt add one if you wanted
Ive got 2 setups
Sirui T-024sk + smallrig = 38.3oz
Sirui ST124 + VA5 = 56.8oz
If I put the smallrig head on the ST124 its slightly heavier than the T-024sk with the VA5 (my original setup) but is beefier and more stable. the smallrig head is a lot lighter than the VA5, so you may want to look...