Perhaps you are somewhat in my situation. I CAN "afford" less than Leupold. Way less. If you can afford factory ammo, you can afford Leupold, a Range Rover, and a gun bearer. I went with a Simmons Pro Diamond Master series 4X fixed power shotgun scope. Works great, extremely clear optics, good focus adjustment. It fits perfect on the standard Weaver mount and is very light compared to the Variable power scopes so puts less stress on the rings and mounts during recoil. Regardless of the mount there are only the same 3 screws holding it on. I believe that I bought my Scope, mount, rings, dies, and bullet mold for the price of one of the "quality" scopes, and maybe my 1st bag of brass as well. The load that will be going afield on deer opener with me is the Lee 440gr FNGC (sans the GC) over 20.5 gr of Blue Dot. Produces a 1.5" group@ 75 yards and goes through a 3/4" plywood and 11" of damp (not soaked) phone books. I agree on the quality of Leupold, I just cant afford them on everything. This combo is a sweetheart for me though.