The IR is normaly adjustable in brightness but remember if its switched on at the start of a HFT comp, its got to stay on til the end, nowt can be touched once you start. Most HFTers don't use IR they just kep it switched off.
Hawke Panoramas 3-9 x40 or 3-12 x 40 in mil dot are a good choice for springers. Use the arrester stud on the mounts and it sound.