Sourdough, when did you buy your Shepherd? I would like to think the newer ones are more rugged.
Keep in mind that the rangefinder feature of this scope is not as valuable as it once was. What I mean by that is the scope came out before affordable rangefinders as it was when I bought a Shepherd. It is still a good feature & comes in handy if the rangefinder is not working, otherwise a
rangefinder reading is MUCH more accurate but using the scope can be a back-up, but so can a Mil-Dot or Bal. Plex. If you are going to be shooting at a distance, get a Range Finder.
As far as scopes for 500-600 dollars is concerned, there are many with a Bal. Plex or Mil Dot for hold overs. Use a range finder & learn where these Mil Dots or Bal. Plex lines fit into your traj. curve & you are in business. For target shooting way out there, using your come-ups (elev. clicks) are more precise but the holdovers work to a point.
Here are just a few in this price.
Leo. VXII 3X9 & 4X12 with L.R. Ret.
Burris Fullfield II & Sign. Sel. with Bal. Plex or Bal. dot
Nikon Mon. & Buckmasters, Mueller, Bushnell & others with Mil Dots.