i have a 2x7 burris on my 30-30AI contender. couldn't be happier with it. i like the field of view especially. the eye relief does shorten as you turn up power. i use that to my advantage. there are many situations that i don't wanna be shooting with my arms fully extended. same with the 3x12 model, except it has a smaller field of view more in line with all other handgun scopes.
i had a 2.5x8 leupold that i traded to a fellow for a 3x12 burris.........with no regrets.
the leupold does cost more new.
i think either choice should make you happy. a handgun scope of any kind takes some getting used to. especially if a feller has always used riflescopes. it is simply not as easy. my advice is to have an open mind, practice extensively to get used to it, maintain that level of persistence and it will pay off.