Engin, scopes are so very personal. Give a scope to 10 shooters and you'll get 12 opinions back.
Biggest thing I find is the type of ret you like. I like MTCs christmas tree rets (SCB) as I dont find the deluge if info to be overwhelming. Many do.
If your are after the greys, then something with a floating cross or dot may help. I like illuminated rets too as they may be tracking through canopy or under the canopy where light can vary.
You want something not too fussy on eye relief and isnt tunnel vision so your scope goes black if you are not perfectly aligned.
Maybe even a red dot would be good if your sniping at a feeder station. Perhaps not so good if your yomping through the woodland.
MTC and Optisan have good glass nowadays.... some of it very clear. I agree, optics warehouse have ex display or 2nd hand at ik prices, but warranty will need to be checked.
I am not a Hawke fan but they have come a long way and I believe have no time limit iro their warranty too. I have had mixed results with them but that was some time ago so maybe a different animal now.
Buying 2nd hand will get you better quality but of course, caveat emptor.
Mounts, I never got on with BKL. TGS are shitgun nuts more than riflemen. They are also retailers so probably are focused on recommending ranges they sell.
I usually go Sportsmatch as a minimum though my favourites are A.R.M.S. but a bugga to get hold off and expensive (yankee made).
You may need an arrestor mount if your springing it. Depends on the recoil.
You need the scope first tbh as the height of the mount will be dictated by the objective lens dia. and maybe saddle clash.
Also, if its a break barrel, then you need to make sure the objective wont strike the breaking barrel swing.
In a battle of wits I refuse to engage with an unarmed person.
To one shot one kill, you need to seek the S. Kill only comes from Skill