The Leupold VX1 2-7x33 might be a good option at well under your price point. I don't know how it would fit the American but I've got one that's no problem on a 77-22. It's longer than the Leupold RFs but in my opinion is still proportionate to the 77-22 and was easier for me to get the eye relief I needed. I was going to reset the paralax to 50 yards but so far haven't noticed it effecting accuracy.
the eye relief on the center fire model is a tad longer than the rimfire version as I recall. I had thought about doing the same thing myself after my issue because of my limited physical ability of my neck.
