I have gone through this exercise for over the last year scoping or re-scoping all of my rifles.
My conclusions and purchases:
1. Swarovski Z6 1 x 6. German # 4. Unbelievable field of view, crystal clear optics. This is on my go to hunting rifle and I really do not know how it gets better than this. I absolutely am so pleased with this scope. I could only afford one. They are around $2,500.
2. Leopold VX6 1 x 6. German #4. You can definitely tell the difference between this and the ZX 6, but for the $1,500 lower price, that difference is small compared to the savings. I have not bought one yet but will definitely have at least one.
3. Nikon Monarch 1 x 4. German #4. Without a doubt this is the hands down winner for price versus value and I recently bought another from Amazon for $226. From my own research this is the best scope in the class for the money. Others have their own educated opinions that are valid but do not pass this one over. Take a look at one.
4. Weaver V3. 1 x 3. Standard Plex type. The leader for low price versus quality. If you shop you can get one for around $160. I use these on all of my .22's and keep one as a back-up for my go to hunting rifle. Gives the leopold 1 x 4 a definite run for their money with FOV, weight, and it is about half price.
If you can spend $1,000 on a scope the Leopold VX6 is the winner in that price range. For value the Nikon 1 x 4 Monarch is going to be very tough to beat.