Free: Contests & Raffles.
Pretty much any scope with a BDC or Mil Dot reticle out of the bargain cave at Cabelas would work great. With inexpensive optics you're better off holding over instead of dialing. Turret repeatability is usually an issue with entry level scopes and can drive you nuts! Run a scope with a holdover reticle (BDC, Mil Dot, etc.) and you'll do just fine. Glass quality is always good but as long as you can see the target you'll do just fine. You don't need 24x optics that are so clear you can read newspaper print at 500 yards. I'm partial to 12-14x under most conditions out 1200 yards.Specifically, I'm a big fan of Nikon Buckmaster scopes at the $300 price point.
Used leupold! Got a long range tactical for a third of new. Warranty can't be beat! don't ban me BOB! Just an opinion.Agree Nikon are really good scopes!I think glass is so good now that it comes down to mechanics.Sorry again BOB. Ill shut up now.
I like the Vortex Diamondback HP with the bdc reticle in that price range. Right at $300. I have one 4-16x42. Great scope for the $$.