Here is a good reference for scope optical quality, from the Optics Talk Forum. If you can spring for a couple hundred on the scope, look for a Bushnell Elite 4200 series. I think those, and the Sightron SII Big Sky series may be the best bang for the buck. And my advice on best bang for for the buck rings are from Warne. Hope this helps
2009 Riflescope Rating Scale
Leica ER, Swarovski Z6, Zeiss Victory
Kahles C - CL & CSX, Premier Reticle, Schmidt & Bender
Kahles KX, U.S. Optics, Swarovski PH & American Lightweight
Bushnell Elite 6500, Leupold VX-7, Nightforce NXS, IOR Valdada, Vortex Razor
Bushnell Elite 4200, Leupold VX-3, Nikon Monarch & Monarch X, Zeiss Conquest
Leupold Mark 4 VX III & VX-L, Meopta, Nikon Monarch Gold & Titanium, Sightron SIII & S2 Big Sky, Vortex Viper
Burris Black Diamond Signature Select XTR & Euro Diamond, Pentax Lightseeker, Trijicon Accupoint, Weaver Grand Slam
Bushnell Elite 3200, Leupold VX-II, Millet Tactical/Buck Gold, Nikko Stirling, Nikon Buckmaster, Sightron SI & SII, Vortex Crossfire & Diamondback, Super Sniper Fixed
Burris Fullfield II & Timberline, Leupold Rifleman & VX-I, Leatherwood, Mueller, Nikon ProStaff, Simmons
Barska, Sightmark, Swift, Truglo
BSA, Tasco, Yukon
ATN, Leapers, NcStar