It's safe to buy a scope on Ebay as long as you purchase it from a seller with close to 100% feedback rating. There always exists the possibility that you could get ripped off, though. Just an inherant risk of buying off of Ebay, no matter what you are buying. 3-9x40 is a very versitile power that should be good for anywhere you hunt. I have owned a new Burris Fullfied II scope and a new Leupold VXII scope in the past year, and the Leupold wins hands down in my book. A new Leupold VXII 3-9x40 is right in your price range, and that is what I would recommend you purchase. It will be the last scope you ever need to buy for that rifle, and you won't be dissapointed. Leupold is one of the most popular brands for a reason.