Hiya spikeface,
..don't let the rush sweep you off yer feet..
that "$3,000" could buy you a brace, indeed a gaggle of Dobs!!...
...and much else besides. So take yer time , ... mebe a nice lil 8" or 10" to become familiarised with it... a basic one for $350-500, plus shipping...
or hold on and see if the other kinds of scope might better fit your aspirations. ...once the IIS extreme-enthusiasts have bent your ears to the many and splendid options abounding in more numbers than the dollars you'll ever have to shake at them
don't blow ALL your Ccccchristmases at once
Cheers
Russ