Dad and I were having this conversation. I have seen more squirrels the last month running around on the ground and collecting nuts and even out in hay/bean fields. He said his grandfather always told him that was a sign of a bad winter.
I have both the 2.5-20 (On a Cross) and the 4-32 (on a Proof MPA hunting rifle). The 4-32 is easier to get behind but by no means is the 2.5-20 difficult.