On the cheap, for variable long range magnification, the 6.5x20 50mm Whitetail classic from Midway at $109 is one to consider. If the brother-in-law destroys it you have't lost much $$ for replacement.
Yes I own and use one of these cheapo Whitetail Classic's on one of 30-06 rifles. I also own several of the Japanese Monarchs, Leupolds, Zeiss Conquest, Burris FFII's and XTR scopes on a couple dozen or so rifles ranging in caliber from .223 to 458 Win. Mag.
In my humble opinion the quality of the optics in the older Japanese made Nikon Monarch scopes will be hard to beat by any rifle scope that I know of, new or used, that would sell in the under $200 price range.
For higher quality that the Simmons, Tasco, Bushnell, stuff and much better optics, I would shop for a used Nikon Monarch that was made in Japan. Much better quality than today's Monarch line. My old eyes say superb glass and light transmission, for the $$ spent.
