Help with scope options.

Yes.
Do not buy a Leupold Rifleman.
The are way below Nikon standards.
Actually, nothing below VX-II is worth buying.

 

I had a Mossberg 270 with a Leupold Rifleman 3x9 40. Missed a great opportunity when the big 8 came out. I could see him through my binoculars but not the Leupold. Sold the gun and scope and I got myself a Remington 700 270. Like you I wanted something that would bring in more light without busting the bank. I went with a Votrex diamonback 3.5x10 50. All I will say is forget all those high priced scopes. I can see well after the sun has gone down and pull off at least a 150 yard shot with no problem. I paid a little over $200 for it. Well worth the money.

 

http://www.riflescopes.com

Lots of good information.

 

Just took a look at the Vortex mentioned here.
Decent FOV, and 50mm lens, at a decent price.
May be worth trying! ????

I myself have some "OLD" Tasco's, W/BDC. They are just as good as any scope costing 3 & 4 times the price. They hold 0, are very clear, and while hunting Maine, in snow, sleet, rain, cold, they never fogged up. Only problem is, they're about 35-40 yrs old and can't be fixed, or replaced. I think Bushnell bought them out.
Then I bought a newer Tasco World Class 3x9x40 for a Muzzleloader, what a piece of junk, ended up returning it.
They can make a good cheaper scope, if they want to!

 

You mean the Opticstalk forum.
Lots of good info....Caution--Leupold lovers will be butthurt learning the truth.