I haven't bought a scope in 15+ years, I'm not sure what the latest and greatest is
The budget really determines that. A basic 1-6x should be fine for a few hundred yards. I'm still using an old Nikon scope that has served me well. I use it to hunt. I don't do the Rambo sniper thing.
When I go shooting with some buddies, they usually wear their tactical pants and set up for 200 yard shots with their over decorated ARs. If we do hand guns, they always want to do 50 yard drill. I prefer to focus on drawing and firing from 2-7 yards.