I suppose if you wanted rock solid reliability and simplicity, a fixed 4 or 6 power is the way to go. I actually have a 4X Redfield on my spare "camp gun", a 303 Brit.
Although in terms of quality, todays mid to high range variables in the 3-9 class are top rate. By mid quality, I personally reffer to something like a Bushnell 3200 or a Leupold VX 1 as a start. If you can afford it, try to look at the VX III, the Burris Signature, Nikon Monarch or a Zeiss Conquest. Excellent optics on all, and tough to boot.
As a late note, a good friend of mine is in the process of swapping out the 6-18 Bushnell trophy he had on his 270, for a 4200 series 2.5-10 Bushnell. He went elk hunting this fall in very heavy bush and stunbled across a elk at about 40 yards. When he raised his gun, all he could see was twigs and fur! Then the critter turned and charged. Suffice to say, he escaped, but so did the elk.
I have 2 Leupold VX II's, 2 3200 bushnells, a Burris compact, and a 3000 and 4200 B&L, all in variables. No problems at all.
Although in terms of quality, todays mid to high range variables in the 3-9 class are top rate. By mid quality, I personally reffer to something like a Bushnell 3200 or a Leupold VX 1 as a start. If you can afford it, try to look at the VX III, the Burris Signature, Nikon Monarch or a Zeiss Conquest. Excellent optics on all, and tough to boot.
As a late note, a good friend of mine is in the process of swapping out the 6-18 Bushnell trophy he had on his 270, for a 4200 series 2.5-10 Bushnell. He went elk hunting this fall in very heavy bush and stunbled across a elk at about 40 yards. When he raised his gun, all he could see was twigs and fur! Then the critter turned and charged. Suffice to say, he escaped, but so did the elk.
I have 2 Leupold VX II's, 2 3200 bushnells, a Burris compact, and a 3000 and 4200 B&L, all in variables. No problems at all.
