Chuck,
The Leupold 1.5x5 is a good scope with good eye relief.
I'd never go back for brownies in the fall without some sort of illuminated or fiber optic dot. You can use a bigger objective to "gather" light but you still have to see the reticle - damn near impossible at dark-thirty or even later against a dark bruin.
For me, about model perfecto is the Trijicon 1x4;
http://www.trijicon.com/na_en/products/product3.php?pid=TR24-3GAnd good luck on the hunt. You're likely obsessing over every piece of equipment, scenario etc., and will continue to do so until you depart.
