Vari x iii (or newer)Leupold 2.5-8x36 , or you may luck up and find a Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40.both are good for that target price. Scope market seems soft too.
I haven't seen Vari X III for $250 anywhere.
CameraLand's 3-9 Minox for $85 looks intriguing. I believe a few folks around here have tested them out - maybe they'll chime in.
FC
I've done the Minox experiment. They are extremely fragile. With one exception, every single Minox that I have used, whether I bought it from Doug or a friend bought them, have gone tits up- even the 5 series which are more expensive. I think they are a scope suitable for using in a blind on a 223 or less recoil.
The Weaver Grand Slam is intriguing but the eye relief is a little sketchy and the Nikon Prostaff 5 looks like a good choice.
Keep 'em coming.
