RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
I use the Banner also. On both the ML and Rifle. I love them. I've never had a issue in anything I consider shooting light. They seem to be rugged and the only fog issue I've had is going from warm to cold. Yeah I'd love to have one of those fancy european scopes, but I'm happy with my affordable Bushnell. I've had a few of the cheaper Tascos, I didn't like them at all. There are nothing like the banners.