If you don't have mega bucks to spend yet want a mechancially reliable scope with superb optics, I would suggest you look at the Nikon Tactical/Monarch/new gen Buckmaster. Also, the Elite 4200 variables.
For dirt cheap but a superb scope, the Elite 3200 10X is a smoking deal. The optics are not sharp enough for comp at LR but for plinking (engage a milk jug at 1000m) it works very very well. Fits nicely on an AR too.
Jerry