RE: Need a good varmint scope................
I have a cabelas Alaskan guide model in 6-20x44 with adjustable objective and mil dot reticle. Cost around 400 bucks for the scope and quick detach mounts. I am pretty happy with it. I compared it with some other scopes including a lower end Leupold for about 100 bucks more and liked the Alaskan guide series better. I live near a cabelas though so it makes it a bit easier.
I think it's made for them by Nikon. I looked at several scopes and there were some Nikons that looked very similar.
All the others mentioned are good as well. If you could afford it in my opinion the Zeiss would be the best bang for the buck.
Paul