HOGGHEAD -
My choice would be a Leupold 2.5-8X with a B&C crosshair, but if you want more magnification you would not be wrong to to with the 3.5-10X B&C version instead.
If I wanted more low-light ability, maybe go with the 30mm in a VX3L. Not sure, might have to go to their custom shop to get all the features in one scope but it'd still be way within that budget.
Tom