I've been through a few low cost low power variables. There's quite a few really nice ones.
Try a Steiner PX4i, it's really awesome for the money. I like it a lot more than the Strike Eagle.
Really clear and crisp glass and simple effective reticle with daylight bright illuminated dot.
Glass is in a whole other league compared to any I have seen in that price range. I feel like I can see much better at 4X
than some previous scopes on 6X.
They can be had for under $500.00
edit: $485 at Botach and includes nice metal throw lever.
The only Vortex I still have is my 1-4 PST on the AR. I love the reticle and the glass is of decent quality. I wouldn't doubt that the Steiner will have a bit better optics. Wouldn't mind trying the Sightron S-Tax sometime but I just don't like the reticle for this purpose.
Burris MTAC (1-4) isn't the latest or trendiest, but mine served me well for years in general use and 3gun matches out to about 500 yards. I have no complaints about the optics or anything else about it.
I have a Trijicon 1-4x20, great scope... but worth the extra price only if you want it for low light, and battery-free operation. There are lotsa choices that are less expensive.