For the money I would HIGHLY recommend a Vortex Diamnondback 4-12x40 with BDC reticle. AMAZING glass for the money, a forever, no questions asked warranty and to top it off it's nice and light. Paying between 250 and 300 bucks for them right now. Not sure about the above post with a max of 50 yards though....if that's all the shots were a simple 4x fixed would be more then adequate. I also really like the Bushnell 4200 in whatever power and the Burris Fullfield II in 4.5 - 14 x 42mm, though it is considerably more expensive, it's a top notch hunting scope, better, imho then an VXII and comparable to any VXIII I have seen. Personally if you like higher magnification then go for it, but remember a 3-9x40 should get you where you need to go the vast majority of the time.