I think a fixed six is about perfect for a hunting rifle. I have six or seven different 6x scopes I have aquired over the years. They normally have greater eye relief and look clearer to a comparable variable from the same company set at the same magnification.
The reason they don't get updated is they don't require it. If you want a cheap scope the Weaver is a great bang for the buck right along with SS. You want high end there is Meopta or S&B. There are several in between those.
