I'd stick with the higher mag scope as well...
Why not invest in a decent set of binos instead?
I shoot rabbits at up to 400 yards and find a pair of binos makes a huge difference to my ability to pick them out at over 100 where the naked eye (mine anyway) starts to play tricks on me. I use rangefinding binos for the job.. scan, find bunny, spot close rock or something then get down behind rifle and get it in the scope.. I use a 12 - 42 X Nightforce. Field of view is not a problem if you have identified the target and target area with binos before turning to the scope for the job.
I love Nikon scopes though for what it's worth but at the price, you'd find a very good set of binos second hand on the airgun bbs sales section I'd guess