The V-3, which took the place of the Vari-X III is good as is the Vari-X III. I like the mil dot reticle the best... however the standradDuplex is fine, as is the Boone and Crocket reticle. The Conquest scopes are...good also, but between the two I like the Leupold better. My opinon only, may not be right!lol hehehe
If it were I... I would get a Burris Euro Diamond 2.5-10X50 Ballistic Plex, Black Diamond 4-16X50 Ballistic Plex or Ballistic Mil dot, or...if you can afford it, the Burris Six-X 2-12X50 Ballistic Plex.
The Burris scopes, to me are brighter and have a sharper exit pupil than either the Conquest or Leupold.
It is opinion only... whether to get big objectives or not(40mm vs. 50mm or even 56mm)but the bigger objectives do translate into more light through the scope hence a brighter image. Also... it will extend your hunting time somewhat do to being able to see in less light. Keep in mind that a 50mm or larger will raise the scope high enough that you will have to use a strap-on cheek piece, that's what I do, works great. It gives you that good, soild cheek weld! Check out the Beartooth Models.(cheek piece)
I would stick to all matte black color, for thescope, rings and bases. That will look the best.IMHO
Try to stay away from picatinny type bases and rings, they tend to mount the scope a tad higher than regular type rings and bases do. You will probably have to get extended bases for that 116 depending onwich scope you get.
Tally rings and bases look the best, as far as all of our customers say, I like them also. Check them out.
Leupold: V-III 3.5-10X40 Matte. Duplex... p/n 55046 V-III 3.5-10X50 Matte. Duplex...p/n 55076
V-3 3.5-10X40 Matte. Duplex... p/n 66090V-3 3.5-10X50 Matte.Duplex...p/n 66670
Burris:Euro Diamond 2.5-10X44 Matte. Bal. Plex...p/n 200918 Euro 3-10X40 Matte. Bal.Plex...p/n 200966
Euro Diamond 3-12X50 Bal.Plex...p/n 200916 Six-X 2-12X40 Matte. Bal.Plex...p/n 201951
Six-X 2-12X50 Matte. Bal.Plex...p/n 201956 Black Diamond 4-16X50 matte Bal.Plex...p/n 200926
Black Diamond 4-16x50 Matte.Bal.Mil Dot...p/n 200955
Zeiss: Conquest, Too many models / reticle configurations to list.
Hope this Helps-
Good Luck-