I can't give much advice about the new market because I can't remember the the last time I bought a new scope.

I usually grab any Nikon Monarch UCC 3-9x40 I see in the $175 range. Same with any Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 I find in the $275-300 range. Both are out there if you have a little patience.

Those who must raise their voice to get their point across are generally not intelligent enough to do so in any other way.