Trey,

Optics are sort of like rifle calibers ~ everybody has a different opinion, and the choices can be overwhelming.

If you really want to make the best decision to fit your needs and your budget, the best piece of advice I can give you is to read Dr. Wayne van Zwoll's outstanding new book

The Gun Digest book of Sporting Optics (Krause Publications, 2002).

You will learn what makes optics quality, what to look for in a scope, why some are expensive and some are not ~ all with great hunting stories intertwined.

As far as my favorite scope? The Leupold 4x33. I have NEVER found it lacking.

Good luck.

Tom

Greetings from Blue Ridge Country