RE: Burris Scopes
Fixed power scoped of equal quality to a variable don't have any clearer or brighter optics in them..... They just have fewer lenses for the light to be reflected off of thus allowing more light to reach your eye.
As far as the original question I would definetly not get the 4-16X for general hunting applications. IMHO there isn't enough low end magnification and way too much high end magnification.
You might try to see if another retail store or internet store has the 3-12X in stock that you want.