I've had a Weaver V-16 4-16 x 42 mm AO Matte Black Hunting Rifle-Scope ($294 from http://www.opticsplanet.net/we...copes-v16-16x42.html) on my Supermatch since ~1989. It is a good scope, and has worked well for me. I've been considering buying something new - maybe because there are more options out, maybe just to try a new toy. I'm not in a position to drop $1500 + on a scope, so recommendations for top of the line Leupold, Nightforce, etc don't really advance my search.

I'd appreciate thoughts on the following -

Fixed vs Variable - I've always like the IOR Valdada 6x30 - illuminated, like the look, fixed seems bulletproof. Unfortunately, I like the higher power for benchresting at 100 yards - zooming in to 14 or 20 power is nice. I'd have to get used to fixed 6X. There is always the SuperSniper 10X as an option, or as shown below, the Falcon.

In variables, I have a Nikon Monarch 5x20 on another rifle. Best glass I own, and I'm hard pressed to be able to see the difference that spending 3x makes. I'm interested in FFP, but it is not a necessity for what I'm doing - so if I'm going variable, I am heavily inclined to the Nikon Monarch.

IOR Valdada Super M2 Tactical 6x30mm, 35mm Tube; .308 Calibrated $590
http://usaoptics.net/ivasum2ta6x31.html

Falcon MENACE 10X42, MP20 RETICLE, side focus design $340
http://www.sightwonders.com/falcon451856metric.html

Falcon MENACE 4-14 FFP, ML16 RETICLE $395
http://www.sightwonders.com/fa...frontfocalplane.html

Nikon Monarch 4-16 x 50mm SF Matte BDC Reticle Riflescope $490
http://www.opticsplanet.net/ni...0sf-riflescopes.html

so, maybe I am answering my own questions - which seems to come down to IOR Valdada 6x or Nikon Manarch 4x16x?

Please let me know your thoughts / pros /cons of these two...