I do seem to be going "backwards" with my scope choices, while indulging in my preference for simply quality mechanics and less gadgetry.

My current favourite scope is the Hawke Vantage 4x32. I cannot rate this scope highly enough. Very clear. Nice wide field of view and not at all fussy.

4x is plenty for most of my shooting, while 6x maybe if I'm doing HFT or something. But as Lensman said, if you stick to a fixed mag you do eventually begin to rangefind with what you've got through familiarity of sizes and shapes.

I've done big scopes and have come to the conclusion that I get better balance and feel from smaller lenses. As for light gathering ... I'll match virtually any 50/56mm with the Bushnell, Simmons and Tasco 40mms I have fitted.