Thread: Scope Recommendations for low power zoom?

Hey all - I'm toying with setting up a Howa Mini Action in 7.62x39 as a sub 200m hunting/fun gun.

I have a bunch of criteria for the scope and I've been away from centrefire shooting and optics for a while so not sure if I've missed anything.
But here's what I'm looking for:

1. Low power zoom: 1x or 1.5x is ideal on low end, ok at 2x. Max 6x/7x at top end.
2. Must have illuminated reticule - single dot is ok.
3. 30mm preferred but ok with 1"
4. $300-$500 is the sweet spot. Don't want to spend $1000+ for sure

I was thinking of a simple 2-7x32 but seems this is not a popular combo anymore.
Or a LPVO ... but seems their optical quality at the zoom end is not great at this price point?

Let me know your suggestions to check out!