Todd, you're good to go with the 7mm-08 in NY. I have an Encore in .243 that is sweet.

Your concern with the EER scopes is good. I bought mine second hand with a T/C 2-7X EER scope on it and sold the scope as the eye relief was too long. It was fine if the target was straight away and I had my arms fully extended, but if I drew a bead on a target 90 degrees to my left--meaning my right arm was fully extended and my left arm was crooked--I couldn't get a full field of view in the scope. Subsequently bought a Burris 2-7X and the problem went away. My suggestion is that you handle the scopes you are considering. You don't want just an extended eye relief; you want a forgiving (i.e., a lot of leeway in either direction) eye relief.

Warning: Encores (like Contenders) are addictive. The options are extensive, and seem to multiply in the gun safe. Since buying the Encore, I've added a rifle kit (also in .243) and the muzzle loader barrel. Don't think I know anybody with an Encore/Contender with only one barrel!

cogito, ergo armatus sum.