I was in this same spot not long ago looking for a scope for a hunting rifle. There doesn't seem to be much "in the middle" anymore, there's lots of spendy stuff and lots of junk, but not much middle ground.
I said "ah what the heck"and bought a new Leupold, a VX-3i maybe? 2.5x10x50 . I don't remember for sure. I've only fired about 75 rounds with it so not nearly enough to know one way or the other. But one thing's for sure, they're not what they used to be. The feel and finish is cheap. If it had no name on it, you'd think it closer to the junk side of the divide than the spendy side. I wouldn't trade one of my older Leupolds (15-35 years old) for a new one, I don't care what glass advancements they're supposed to have.
Aint what they once were, but not much is anymore and that's a shame.
