This is not answereing the question directly .... but .... my eyesight prevented me from being proficient with open sights past about 100 yards some 35 +/- years ago. Since then I have owned scopes carrying 16 different brand names ... and across a very wide range of MSRP. Several of the scopes I forked over my hard earned cash were a total waste of my dollars. And ALL of these were "economy" priced scopes. Like a lot of other guys I know, when I first decided to mount a scope on my "deer rifle", I did not understand the "value" of quality optics. I estimate that I wasted upwards of $1000 on "economy" optics ... two of which (some $350 worth) completely crapped out in the field.
Look, I am sensitive to the fact that buying a scope costing $500-$600 hundred dollars is just not practical for many hunters. The way I look at it is that if all you can spend is $100 or if you have a deep pocket and can drop $2K, doesn't matter .... as long as it is the best you can do. Do the research. Take heed of the advice of experienced hunters, not some hype filled ad in a news print catalogue. Go with a long proven brand. Buy the best you can afford. You will not go wrong if you go that route.
Just my opinion ... no science .... the Bushnell Elite and Leupold Vari X-III series scopes are very good values. I have an "old" Elite 4200 on my muzzle loader and an "old" Vari-X III compact on my 444 Marlin Guide. Both are more than adequate. My personal favorite and on my No.1 deer rifle, and in my opinion a lot of scope for the money ... a Swarovski Z3. Very clear and crisp, and very good in low light.
Last edited by Mojotex; 09-03-2015 at 12:31 PM.