RE: Scopes for less than $300
I have compared everything under the sun in low light conditions and i can tell you that a leupold VXIIIis hands down better than a nikon Monarchin low light. Monarch actually is more comparable to the VXII line of scopes.Not to mention the leupolds are 100% made in the USA where the nikons are made in japan. and the leupold warranty is the best in the biz...
Pentax makes good glass, only downside to them is they are HEAVY!