IMO the power of the scope is secondary. For me the quality of the glass, and the tracking ability of the scope is far more important. So if you are on a budget I would buy the best quality I could buy, and accept the power of the scope. I would much rather have a high quality fixed power scope over a lesser quality variable power scope. It is very difficult to beat a straight 4X scope, or even a 2.5X scoe for shots under 150 yards or so. Look for a good high quality used or new scope if you are limited to $300 or less. I saw a 4X Zeiss on sale the other day for $299. Now that would be a dandy.

As I said above. I believe a high quality 4X is a much better choice than lesser quality glass in a 2X7 or even a 3X9. Tom.