I'm getting ready to buy a new scope for a .300 Mag I just built and considering the following mid-price scopes all with illuminated reticles:

Burris Euro Diamond 2.5-10x50, 3-12x50
Bushnell Elite 4200 2.5-10x50
Meopta 2100 3-12x50

My wants are from 10-14.5x magnification on the high end, illuminated reticle, max price of $650. Pricewise the Elite 4200 is the cheapest by $100, the Burris's in the middle, and the Meopta the most expensive by $100.

I've been completely satisfied with my Burris FFII's in 3-9x40 so my fall back will be a FFII in 4.5-14. I'm thinking it might be worth the extra money to get better glass in higher magnification scopes so would appreciate any input.

Meopta's have exceptional glass quality, but on a high recoil rifle like a .300 WM, the eye relief "may" be a little short for you.

Very few scope manufacturers make a good lit reticle. The ones that do have names like Schmidt Und Bender, Night Force, US Optics, etc.

Unless you absolutely have to have a illuminated reticle, I'd advise you to either increase your budget to over 1K, or look for a scope without the lit reticle.

+1 to what Cheaptrick said.

Do you really need an illuminated reticle? A Zeiss Conquest or Kahles KX with a 4A reticle will be pretty effective for low light hunting and will be in the same price range.

LWD

+2 on what cheaptrick said.

I just bought a pair of Meopta Meostar 7x42 binox, and they are a "Best Buy". They are so close to the Swarovski SLC's in the same power that it is difficult to see much difference between the two.
I am now a Meopta fan, and am considering their scopes, because the Meopta glass is superb, far better that the other scopes you are considering. I have read that Meopta makes the glass for at least one high end Euro scope and binox maker.

Don

We have quite a few magnums and breaked rifles with Burris Signatures on them with the illuminated e-dot reticle. They are holding up great and work when the last minute of light is upon you.

Thanks Justc, I've decided on the Euro Diamond 3-12, will get it ordered next week.