It's true I have zero experience hunting big game with rifles. My only experience using rifle scopes has been mounting them and sighting them in at 50 or 100 yards. I own a Leupold 1-6x24 and a Vortex 3-15x44. I live in Colorado and mountain hunting would initially be for elk or perhaps deer. I wouldn't mind other game such as big horn sheep or moose if I ever drew a tag. My interest in the Vortex 4.5-22x50 scope is partially for hunting, but also to have a shot at long range target shooting. I thought perhaps that scope could fill both niches. It weighs a little less then my current Vortex scope.

I agree that Leupold makes great scopes. I also like Vortex for the money and their warranty.