RE: Burris or Leupold
I can't speak for the burris company cause I've never owned one of their scopes.... but I hear good things about the Burris products.
I would say I always look for good optics, of course, but also want a good combination of eye relief, lightwieght, small size, and warranty service without questions. I have found all those with Leupold.
I still think I screwed up not buying a Burris FF2 from a buddy that was almost giving it away. Somebody else bought it while I dragged my feet.