GunRunner..You stated that you have killed 5 or 6 birds with the scope. How many have you scared away with it? Probably, none. Why fix something that isn't broke? As long as you don't make any sudden moves, you will kill many more birds than you chase away. They don't know scope glare from sunshine, really. If you like it, keep it. The reward far outways the risk. I have Aimpoints on my rigs and would not change them for love or money..JMHO..Mike