Ideal western plains game optic....uh....hunting scope

[The Big Game Hunter]

I used the Leupold VX-3i for a couple years with a lot of success and have recently moved onto the VX-5HD. The VX-3i is great, but there is a big step up in quality with the VX-5HD, particularly in terms of the glass quality.
http://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/gifts-for-hunters

 

[taylorce1]

Vortex Razor LH HD 3-15X42 it pretty much checks off all the things on your list for $900. Then there is the the Leupold VX5 HD 3-15X44 it's a little heavier at 19 oz, but it is a 30mm scope. I'd probably go with the B&C reticle in the Leupold and the G4 in the Vortex.