I am surprised to see the Leupold Rifleman listed in a 20 year old post. I did not know they had been around that long. I understand they compare with the VX-2.
I have not paid over $200 for any scope in my safe, all purchased new. Several 3-9 VX 2, a 3.5-10 VX 3, several Burris FF II 4.5-14 and a couple 3-9, a couple Bushnell 3-9 4200 elite, and a couple Vortex Viper 6.5-20.
Leupold had a hell of a clearance on VX 2 and VX 3 a few years ago. I picked up one 3-9 VX 2 at Walmart for $145, then managed to get the display model for $74 a couple weeks later.
