Re: looking for scope for wifes deer rifle?
I've got two scoped hunting rifles, a Remington 700 in 308, and a Savage Weather Warrior in 260. The Remington wears a Redfield Revolution 3-9x40 and the Savage has a Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40 with adjustable objective.
If you're looking for lightweight, the Redfield is stellar for the price. I haven't read any negative reviews and have been extremely pleased with mine. With Leupold's warranty you can't go wrong. I don't like their Accu-range reticle, but that's just a preference thing, I have the Duplex reticle on mine and the picture through the scope is clear and bright.
If you dont mind a little extra weight and want a BDC type reticle Vortex makes a good scope for the money, EXCEPT for their Crossfire line. I like their BDC reticle, as it matches my loads almost exactly out to 500 yards. Sight picture in my Diamondback is very clear and bright, just like the Redfield.