Asked this over at CalGuns, and I figured I'd ask the brain trust here as well. I remember when the 2-7x33 riflescope was generally offered affordably. There were even USA-made versions. We had Leupold VX-1's for $199, Redfield Revolutions for just under that, and so on.

While there are still some around, I'm no longer seeing nearly as many 2-7x33 offerings from vendors these days, which is kinda unfortunate, since the 2-7x33 size is a very nice balance between smaller size than 3-9x40, but still giving good magnification options for short- and longer-distance shooting. For battle rifles or, say, AR's, it's a nice option. It's also a good general-purpose hunting option, e. g. leverguns or bolt guns.

Have others noticed this?

New technology allows them to expand the magnification range, so most are now 2.5-10...ish. But there are still some 2-7's out there, but they are less common.

Replaced, I would think, with a low power variable optic (LPVO) with 1x on the low end. That, plus illumated recticle, allows very fast target acquisition at close range with both eyes open, almost like a red dot. So 1-6x, 1-8x, or even 1-10x.

Yep, and they're a lot more money, too, than the 2-7's were. Any time you start going to 5x ranges of magnification, you're paying dearly for it.

I know, the companies are in business to make money. It's just kind of a shame when the 3-9x40 (same 3x magnification range) remains so available.