Need recommendations for short-medium range whitetail gun scope

I live in an area where deer hunters are limited to shotguns and pistols. The area I hunt the most is heavily wooded, 75 yard shots at most, usually 30-50 yards. Occasionally, I'll go to my buddy's place to help him fill a tag or two. Shots usually range from 75-125 yards, but as far as 200.

The scope will be going on an AR15 pistol with a 10.5" 300 Blackout upper. I've only shot it with iron sights out to 100 yards so far, but it's holding good groups with Federal Fusion 150gr loads.

I'd like to get a scope that's 1-(4, 6, or 8) power. I don't really have a preference for a particular reticle, but it needs to have an etched reticle. I don't want to be changing batteries in the field. Doesn't need tactical turrets or anything super fancy. I just need it to be solid, reliable, and affordable. I have a budget of $300 max. Would prefer a new scope at that price, but will consider a used one from a brand that offers a lifetime warranty.

What do you guys recommend?

Skylerbone said:

Might I ask if you're truly wanting etched or just not illuminated only? I understand not wanting a scope with dead batteries and NO reticle, but some have a reticle with a portion that lights up, and many scopes still use wire reticles.

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Good question. I just assumed that scopes with illuminated reticles were either etched or nothing. Didn't know they could illuminate wires. In regards to your question, I don't want a scope that only works with batteries. There must be a permanently viewable sighting system.

JeeperCreeper said:

I'd also say that if you're OK with a 2-7 or similar magnification, you can find alot better options for the price.

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I want a scope with 1x at the low end for close-up work. I don't like 2x at anything closer than 50 yards, I prefer to maximize my field of view and I like to shoot with both eyes open at close ranges. You could say I'm basically looking for a non-magnified optic that doesn't need batteries to function.

I ended up going with the Centerpoint from Amazon, and so far I'm pleased with it. I really like the dotted-ring reticle, and even though I can tell it's not quite a true 1x (more like 1.25x), it works great at close range and doesn't throw me off when shooting with both eyes open. At 1x, I was able to get 3"-4" groups at 100 yards, which I figure is pretty good for a 3 moa dot. It's definitely minute-of-deer accurate. Thanks everyone for the input!