I was kickin' around Bass Pro today, & I had him pull out 3 scopes that I was considering putting on my 700 Mountain Rifle

1 = VXIII 1.75-6 x 32: $399

2 = VXII 22-7 x 33: $299

3 = Bushnell Elite 3200 2-7x32: $199

To my eyes, there wasn't a whole lot o' difference between 'em. My point? It's amazing what you can get for even $200 these days. And just because the masses urge you to spend "another $100", or even more, doesn't mean that your eyes will be able to tell the difference. Besides, there are places that have the Bushnells @ $124!!!!!

I'd suggest getting to a store & looking through as many scopes as you can... before you get nauseous, that is. Pick a few that tickle your fancy, then take 'em outside at dark, & check out a fixed object. If you can put a shot-up rifle target 300 yards away, that'd be just perfect.

If you stick with the usual names: leupold, zeiss, bushnell, burris, nikon, etc., you'll be fine.

I'd also consider the rifle you're putting this on. Is it a lightweight .243, or a heavy-barreled varmint rig that you never plan to carry around? You really don't want something the size of an observatory telescope on a compact rifle: glass quality trumps objective size.

Just my thoughts.

FC