I say it depends on what you intend to do with the rifle and how much money you have. I have always read to spend as much as you spent on the rifle on the optics. That's cool if you have the money, but what if you don't? I have had plenty of guns that shot really well with 50 dollar scopes on them.

If you are talking about target or long range shooting then a high power scope would be nice. And for sure the more money you spend the better the optics will be. But if it is for normal use or light hunting I don't see where you need a 500-1000 dollar scope. It sure would be nice, but a requirement? I don't think so. My .17HMR was $200 and it has a $400 dollar scope on it. However it has a 20 power varmint scope on it and it will shoot 1 inch or better groups at 120 yards if I do my part. Would it be less accurate with a cheaper scope, no, but the one I have sure is nice to look thru at that power.

I have remington 700ml inline muzzle loader that has a BSA Catseye 3.5-10x50 scope on it that cost like 150 bucks. It shoots plenty well at 100 yards and beyond. Before that it had a 50 dollar bushnell 3-9x32 on it. Guess what, it still shot 1 inch groups at 100 yards. Were these scopes as clear and bright as a Conquest, hell no. However they did do the job at a fraction of the cost which was what I could afford on what I make. The deer sure can't tell the difference I'll tell you that much.

If you can easily afford a more expensive scope though I would get it. Or buy from a place like Cabela's where you can return it if your not happy. That is what I did with mine. I tried 4 scopes until I found the one I wanted. It ended up being a Cabela's Alaskan Guide model for 100 bucks more than I really wanted to spend. However for what I wanted to use it for the optics were much better. That is the most I have ever spent on a scope in my life. I doubt I will ever be able to do it agian with my income.

That's just my opinion any way.

Paul