Len,
I use the Leupold 2.5 to 8X on all of my hunting Contender barrels. I haven't had any trouble at all with them, in fact in low light at dawn and dusk I have used the scope to get a better picture of what it is out there. Of course, using them on low magnification helps find what you are looking for especially in low light.

Don Shearer

For what it is worth, I had a Burris 4X on a .223 barrel. I've shot a few, including Leopolds, and never saw any better than my Burris. Foolishly, I traded it away. It was bright, appropriately sized and rugged. Shot many rounds though the .223, and a .357 Herret with no problems.

Len, I've used a number of the scopes mentioned in the responses, although all of them; in particular, I have much experience w/ the Burris 2-7X scope you mention. Personally, I've never felt let down by this scope and it's "light gathering capabilities." Actually, this is my favorite, all-around deer hunting handgun scope. To me, the lower magnification scopes and their smaller objective (usually 20 mm) don't seem as bright as the 2-7X and it's 32 mm objective. The 4X Leupold, 2.5-7X Redfield, and 2.5-7X T/C all have a 28 mm objective (I'm not 100% certain on the T/C). My 4X Leupolds's don't seem to work as well as the Burris in low light. (I also like the increased magnification of the Burris; the Leupold actually only has about 3.5X. ) I have 2 of the Leupold 2.5-8X scopes (they also have a 32 mm objective). The Leupold's are a little clearer than the Burris's , but I haven't noticed a significance difference in low light conditions. I'm particularly fond of the 2-7X Burris because of it's extremely wide field of view. Although I've never hunted w/ a lighted reticle, I can't think of any hunting situation where the absence of lighted reticle prevented me from being able to take a shot.

Len, if you and/or Bob are unhappy w/ your Burris 2-7X's, let me know as I might be interested in another one.

Gary T.