I've had great luck with Nikon scopes. The glass is decent for the money, easily comparable to Leupold scopes in the next higher price range, and the mechanicals have been good. Mine track well and hold zero. I think that you got your bases crooked. Just because you got it mounted at Cabela's doesn't ensure that it was mounted correctly.

I'm also going to give a +1 to the recommendation that you look at the Zeiss Conquest before you buy a Leupold. The Conquests are comparable to the VX-3 line in price, and the glass is considerably better. I put a Zeiss on my latest rifle, and it puts all my other scopes to shame in resolution, light transmision and clarity. I can't believe what I can see through the Zeiss that I can't see with any of my other scopes. The Zeiss' are a bit more than the Monarch line, and comparable to the VX-3 especially now, and they are worth every penny. I would love to eventually put a Zeiss on all my rifles.

Mike