I never understood the point of buying a rifle that apparently"SUCKS" only to spend 3x what's its worth to make it enjoyable. Just buy a good rifle right from the start. Its like buy a beater civic and putting $4000 rims and tires on.
I used to have a $210 dollar Nikon on it.... but then id decided to switch ALL of my Red rifles to side mount, now the same scope can slid onto my SVT, SKS, or VZ 58 in about 5 sceonds. (just need to sight it in)