I would like to spend under $250 for the scope, rings and anything else I would need. If I need to spend more than that to get equipment worth having, then I can just put off the purchase for a while.Whole bunch of em'...what is your budget?
Like svas I have good luck with even the cheap Bushnells. There are certainly better glass to be had, but they tend to hold together and retain zero, and that is what is most important. I would look into buying a Vortex Diamondback, Nikon Buckmaster, or Bushnell Elite 3200, but if it were me I would wait a little while (using the provided scope) and get something that has better glass. On the lower end I would look at Sightron S-II, Nikon Monarch, and Bushnell Elite 4200, which all sell for around $300.00 so you wouldn't have to wait too long. On the moderate end (high end of good value IMO) is the Kahles Helia CL and the Zeiss Conquest, these optics have exceptional glass and are very durable, but somewhat costly (start in the $500ish range). Another higher end scope that deserves a good look in Minox, I have no experience with them, but the features (including Schott glass) look to be an exceptional value. These are available in the $300-600.00 range.I would like to spend under $250 for the scope, rings and anything else I would need. If I need to spend more than that to get equipment worth having, then I can just put off the purchase for a while.
For recommendations it would be to avoid China. Nikon, Bushnell Elite, Sightron, Weaver, Leupold, most Burris, and Clearridge come to mind as all having a budget priced yet quality scope in their lineup.