When it comes to optics, buy the best you can afford!
As mentioned above you'll not regret it long term, and your buy once, cry once thought is on target (pun intended!).
The old rule was spend as much non the scope as the rifle, but you do not always have to...as some of the scopes out there in the $700+ cost range are quite good and will provide you with years of quality service. E.g., older Leupold VX-3 line, or newer VX-3HD line, Trijicon AccuPoint line
Yes, there are some great deals by buying used optics. Just be aware that no all manufacturers have the same warranties as others. Buy from someone you know, or from someone with a good trader rating, whether it be on the EE here, or on #######.
My philosophy if you will, is to buy quality glass that is lightweight, rugged, reliable and bright, and provides me with good low light transmission as I am a hunter first.
Some thoughts to consider in purchasing decision:
1) You are mostly shooting from the bench at a range with your Tikka, out to 200 yards, so weight is not a huge factor, but on a trim rifle like the Tikka, a large heavy scope is neither needed, and will throw off the balance and handling for when you do want to learn to shoot offhand. Try to keep it under 22 oz. 16 oz is even better. And objective lense size will affect weight and balance of the firearm. 40-44mm is plenty, and does not get as easily bumped out of alignment whether in transit or while hunting/shooting. 50mm+ objectives can be more prone to this. Mount them in a set of Talley lightweight rings and bases. If you are needing help. most gun stores will do this for you at the time of purchase, and ensure that your ring height will suit your personal cheek weld, eye relief, and scope clearances.
2) As for FFP vs SFP, you won't need a FFP scope for your purposes, and it will be easier to learn to shoot at the closer distances, across the spectrum of magnification used in practicing out to the 200 yard targets. Only lower power settings in a FFP scope, the reticle shrinks and is very hard to see and aim with.
3) As for magnification, a 3-9x40 or 3.5-10x40 will suffice, but if you want to see those little .224" bullet holes better with your scope at 100 and 200 yards, then a 4-12x40 or 3-15x44 may be a better option, if you do not have a spotting scope for checking targets and group sizing.
4) Warranties vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Leupold is a lifetime warranty, regardless if you are the first owner or 20th. And their warranty centre is in Okotoks Alberta, with customer service being quick and easy. In 36 years of owning their products, I have only used the warranty service twice, and for times when I fell and bashed the scope into some rocks. The longest turnaround was 12 days, including shipping by Canada Post both ways (and I only paid for mailing one way), and the scopes were repaired, cleaned, and back on my rifle.
There is a reason that Vortex has an over the counter replacement warranty! They needed it. Hopefully things have gotten better over the years, aswe shipped cases of their scopes back to them in the early years from the LGS I worked at, but I wouldn't own one myself.
As for good glass, the scopes that I have used, own and trust include: Leupold, Swarovski, Kahles, and Trijicon.
I am interested in Zeiss and Leica, as a good friend has had good success with their scopes over the years, and I have been happy with my Geovid RF binos. I just know I was not happy with their older Conquest scopes assembled in the US, but want to try their newer V4 scope.
Hope this helps.
Good luck in your quest!
