Well, after reviewing all the info here I could find, and listening to some good advice, I went and scoped out some more... um, scopes. :-)

Impressions:

Burris Black Diamond is a fine piece and a very nice scope to look through, but it is a bit heavy and seemed huge.
Leupold VX-III in various configs... mighty nice. Would be an easy pick.
Nikon Monarchs... looked very very good through the lens and less $$. I actually thought these were a little better glass to my eye.
Then, after all the good comments in these forums, I checked my wallet and picked up a Zeiss Conquest 3.5 x 10 x 44mm... Oh boy! Sweet optics and I love that Z-Plex reticle.

Verdict?With the VX-III very hard to pass up, and a virtual tie, I pulled the trigger and a stainless Conquest will be on my Tikka in about a week. I'm convinced I'll be a happy hunter with it. Thanks a millionfor all the info, guys.

I'll be lurking around here in the future and will post if I think I can be helpful. May God bless your hunts with success and peace!