When I got back into hunting after I got out of the service I bought a Banner 4x12x40 AO to put on my 30-06. With it on the 06 I put around 400-500 rds through it and then moved it over to a 257 Roberts that got around another 300 rds. Still going strong, I would still have it but I left it on the 257 when I sold it to a friend recently. If on a tight budget there is nothing wrong with buying the best that you can afford.