A Buckmaster scope is worth every penny. I have two Nikon's a Buckmaster 6x18x40 SF and a 3x9x40 Prostaff. I am happy with both. I do however prefer Leupold's on my big game guns simply for the eye relief. Optically the Buckmaster is every bit as good as my Vari-X II and VX-II's The Prostaff is about on the level of the VX-I. If on a budget I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Nikon or Burris or Bushnell Elite.