FINALLY got to the range today. Here's the report:
First off, the scope sight-in done by the gunsmith was not "dead-on balls accurate." I set up at 50 yards using Fiocchi 142 gr .357 factory loads and a bench rest. Wasn't even getting on paper!
Eventually discovered the gun was shooting about 14" lower than the point of aim. (gunsmith said he had boresighted it dead-on at 100 yards). Messed with the vertical settings for a while, but still couldn't get anything to hit close to point of aim.
Caveat: this is my first scope, ever, and was my first time making scope adjustments. I didn't know if I was doing something wrong, or if something was wrong with the scope/setup.
Hopped over to the 25 yard lane. This time (after a lot more adjustments) I was able to get on paper, get it dialed in, and ended up with sweet perfection!
Got it to consistently hit inside the red, pretty much dead on. Prior to putting the scope on it, I had never shot it farther than 25 yards, so based on that, the scope was a huge improvement. I was going to go back to the 50 yard lane to see how it did after getting it to where I had, but there was a long wait for that lane (Range only has two 50-yard lanes), so I'll have to go back another day. (darn!)
Next time I'll bring different loads to try, too, but I'm feeling really good about the setup now.
As far as the scope itself: I like it. Great clarity, even in low light, and the eye relief is perfect. Of course the gun itself is a little heavier now, but it doesn't feel unbalanced. The 2.75 magnification is perfect for this rifle.