FWIW, I have 8 4-12x40 Pentex Gameseekers and would NEVER put 1 on a rifle that recoiled more than a 22-250 or, maybe, a 243. The eye relief is too short for me to want to use that scope on a rifle with much recoil.
The 4-12x40 Nikon ProStaff has more eye relief, which I proved to myself in a side-by-side comparison. Natchez Shooter Supply had new, not refurbed, 4-12x40 Nikon ProStaffs on sale for $140 awhile back. I have 4 of them on Remington 700s in 22-250, 243, 257 Roberts, and 260. So far, so good.
FWIW, I have bought several Philipines-made Simmons Whitetail Classic 3.5-10x40s for $60 from Natchez for myself, my kids, and frields who were on a budget. The Japanese and Philipines built Simmons scopes seem pretty clear and rugged to me. Not Zeiss clear and crisp, but not Tasco clam-pack either.
JEff
