For all the Nikko Stirling fans, I have a question...

[Kragman1]

I'm very interested in the Panamax 3-9x40 AO, which comes in two flavors - illuminated and non-illuminated.

Photos and specs indicate they are identical except for the illumination.  What is left unsaid is if the non-AO reticle is engraved.  I believe the illuminated reticles are.  I have an 8-24 Panamax and it appears to be engraved.

I want the non-AO reticle to be etched as well, or I don't think I want one, so it's important for me to find out

Also, for anyone who is interested -
Nikko advertises them as airgun rated with a lifetime warranty (for the original owner at least).  The 8-24x40 that I have seems to be a legit step up from every Hawke Vantage I've owned.
Glass is good!, and not just for what I paid.  Controls feel great.  Markeings are very good.  The half mil dot/hash reticle is simple, crisp and is perfect for the long range plinking that I do.  The entire scope seems well made.  I find them to be good looking too.
Tonight, I looked at a few points of interest around my neighborhood in very dim, failing light.  At 8x, my view was much brighter than my naked eye and I was able to see everything much better.  At 24x, it was a little less bright than the naked eye.  I could not read the clearly marked AO markings so I went into the house, set it to 100 and went back to look at a single light bulb roughly 100 yards away, and everything in its area of illumination was surprisingly crisp.  Evidentally, the coatings are good enough on this scope that the 40mm front bell and 1" tube aren't hindering it.  I'm looking forward to getting it on a springer so that I can see if it truly holds up.  I may mount it on my FWB 300, if it doesn't get in the way of the breech.
I will not be able to outshoot it with the 300.