The Tasco 2.5x Shotgun scope is a viable alternative for the budget-conscious (I can't believe I just wrote that)....
My brother and I have, over several years and several guns, tried to break one. We'd use it to check accuracy & work up loads for rifles & shotguns, then switch to open sights / "quality glass" once we were sure the rifle got to stay. Most rifles got to stay. Here's what that little Tasco has survived so far:
No.1 in .416Rigby, .416RemMag, .470Nitro
M77MkII .416Rigby, .375H&H
M77 .458
M70 .375H&H, THREE 300winmags
700 .416RemMag, TWO 8mmRemMags
1300 12ga
Currently on a lightweight 9.3x74R double; also survived a previous 9.3x74R
And I can't tell the difference between a 5.5lb slug gun and a 9lb rifle in a heavy caliber as far as recoil is concerned - I just never shoot them sitting down! Also I was taught to shoot w/both eyes open at all times. Still do. I can see the game as the weapon recoils that way. FWIW....
