I have always thought the important thing was scope clarity. I would purchase a clear cheap scope, about $80. But no more. I have had two cheap scope failures in the last two years. Rifle recoil is not the problem. Both were caused by 4 wheeler viberation. You can shake the scope and hear the insides rattle. Both were Tasco. And yes, I carry the gun unloaded and in a hard gun case on the 4 wheeler. Now I try to find good used scopes at pawn shops. I missed a Burris for $60. The man was paying for it when I arrived. However, I did get a good Redfield 3 to 9 a couple weeks later.