I'm new to the Savage world. I've been wanting to build a "practical rifle" for some time now - a short, light, 1-3x or 1-4x optic equipped rifle in .308 for offhand use out to 200 or so yards. (I've heard these referred to as "walking rifles" if that helps.) I was planning on building this - someday - on a Tikka T3 Lite, but I found the Stevens 200 and was able to afford starting the project right now.

I've had good luck with Talley one piece rings/bases on my 700, so I'm leaning to using them on this rifle. I'm trying to decide what optic to use with about a $300 or so budget. So far I'm considering the Nikon 1-4x Monarch African, a Weaver 1-3x, a Leupold Mark AR 1.5-4x or a Leupold VX-II 1-4x. Illuminated would be a plus but I think it's unlikely with any kind of quality in my price range.

Can anyone offer their experiences with less expensive lower powered variables like these? Thanks!