You need to buy a scope based on specs and what is actually reported or confirmable by yourself.

<$50 - I'm not sure I would call these scopes. Some can mount on a 22 and be ok for a kid with other far greater accuracy problem. Definately 0 - 100 yd, low recoil material here.

$50 - $150 - Fully coated optics, hit and miss turrets, usually require some shooting to be sure the zero is done moving. Some decent scopes are available in this range. I was fond of the 6.5 - 20 Simmons, Japan model 44 Mag that I looked at in this range. Other's I would pass on.

$200 - $300 - Mostly multi-coated optics, but some fully multi-coated optics. Star performers here seem to be Leupold VX II or the Super Sniper 10x. IMHO, if one can handle the 10x, the Super Sniper is by far the best.

$300 - $500 - There are many great single zero hunting scopes in this range from Leupold and others. Definately get fully multicoated optics and pretty good glass. Also, here turrets should be absolutely precise for getting to a zero or keeping a zero. Zeiss Conquest is a favorite here.

$600 - $800 - Along with fully multicoated optics, one can have pretty darn good glass and multizero turrets. Target or tactical turrets are great for varminting, long range hunting, etc. These full featured scopes are starting to get heavy.

$800 - $1100 - Full feature specialty scopes for long range tactical or hunting work. Great glass is standard. IOR and Leupold make pretty great long range hunting gear here.

$1100 - $1800 - The best grade of standard scopes with all the features one can imagine. Glass goes from great to super. Europeon hunting scopes are in this range.

$2000 - + - you had better get everything you want here. The standard here is US Optics. Swarovski and Schmidt and Bender maker stuff here too. The glass, turrets and everything should be perfect and even be able to hold their own shooting well after dark due to their ability to manage stray light, illuminated reticles that don't flare, the best of the best glass and coatings. Reticles should be exactly what you want.

If you have to go <$250, look for a fixed power 4x or 6x scope. Your dollar will go much farther. You will be happier with what you get in a fixed power here.

In my opinion, a great medium weight single zero hunting scope can be had for $250 - $500. Avoid Chinese made stuff and compare to the best scopes to determine what is best in your budget.

For multizero, long range hunting, I would look from $500 - $1000. There are lots of good scopes here. They will usually be heavy.

For cost is no object. . .US Optics SN-3 built like you want.