Medium range optic for moose hunting

my vote is Leupold VX3i 4.5-14x40 CDS SF 30mm (15.2 ounces, 112 MOA adj.) or, go plain-jane VX2 2-7x33 (9.9 ounces)
 
If a 400 yard shot is your longest, then about 4x is all you need. So a fixed 4x, or 1.75-5x, or 1.5-4,5x. The smaller scopes and especially the fixed power models are tougher (recoil wise) and less prone to physical damage than a larger optic, given the same price/model range as say a 3-9x etc.
 
You can't argue with that scope for that money. Well bought sir, if poorly mounted.

Poorly mounted how? ......... Might not be pretty, but I've never once had a problem with that set-up on any rifle including several 35Whelen, 375Magnums and a 358NM and a long list of smaller ones.
 
Lots of good suggestions here. I hunt deer and moose, 0 to 300 yards for 95% or more of my kills, and I prefer a 2/3-10x40. Or 3-9x40. I tried a 1.5-4.5x32 and took it off after one hunt taught me it didn't gather enough light for a lot of my shots. I've been running Bushnell 4200 and am pleased with them, but I don't know how their new stuff stacks up. Since Bushnell jacked up their prices, a Leupold VX3 3-10x40 is probably a better value.(a little more $ but better glass). I wouldn't overlook the Cabelas Euro if they still have it. It was made by meopta and had excellent glass. Higher than your price range is a Swarovski Z3, which to my eyes is very hard to beat. $1100, lightweight, compact, and the best glass I found for under $1500
 
I'll throw the Bushnell 4500 2.5-10x40 at you. It's on sale at WSS for $554. It was a no brainer at <$500, but still good value at $550. I love my 4200's, I would hope the 4500 is as good of a scope.
 
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