Suggestions?

Need something that works with wide ring spacing and ~compact, i.e., I really don't need a lot of magnification and want to keep it mounted low.

Update: Looked at a Trijicon 1x4 today and that will work. However, it's a bit more money than I had in mind as the scope will cost more than the rifle it's going on.

Anything else I should look at along those lines (size wise)?

Rumor is that Leupold is resurrecting their 3X in 20mm... nice lite little scope.

Have you looked at the Weaver VX-3? They are usually about $150.

Check the webpage for Leupold's Custom Shop (part of the Leupold website). I'm told that the 3x is, or soon will be, available there by direct order.

If either the Leupold VX-I or VX-II in 1-4X is long enough, they are excellent scopes, though the variable feature is of minimal benefit in a low magnification instrument.