I can't add to much to what others have said.I to am a believer in purchasing the best optics you can afford.Outdoor life just did a review of rifle scopes.I think the best value was a Nikon and it was not that expensive.I also have a Bushnell elite 3200 on a muzzleloader and have had an elite 4200 on another rifle and they are both excellant scopes with life time warranties.
One of my deer rifles wears a Zeiss conquest($400 at the time)and the other wears a Leuoplod Var III also about $400 at the time.
You are likely better off with an inexpensive rifle and an expensive scope than the other way around.
Check out ebay there are some great values to be had there.Good luck to you!