NEF Ultra Varmint .243: Need Scope Recommendation

[Ikari]

I'm looking to pick up a NEF Ultra-Varmint in .243 this summer, and I am looking for a decent scope. I plan to use the rifle as an all-around shooter (target, varmint, possibly deer/small pigs). I was looking at the BSA mil-dot scopes. I like the idea of mil-dots to take some of the guesswork out of range and holdover estimation. In particular, I was eyeing the 4-12X40 and 6-18X40 mil-dots over at BSA's website.

Price is a big factor. I don't want to spend more than about $150 on the scope (since the rifle only will cost ~$250). BSA lists the scopes I mentioned for around $150, but SWFA has them for around $90. Mildot scope for $90...too good to be true? What's the catch?

Does anyone have experience with BSA optics in general, and these scopes in particular? Are they worth the money? Or will the recoil batter them into jagged shards of glass and twisted metal before I'm through the first box of ammo?

If BSA optics are really undesireable, what other options are there for me, that meet these needs, within my budget?

 

[atek3]

On a tight budget Simmons Mag 44 6.5-20x44 Adjustable Objective Target
Field of view 14'-5' at 100 yds., Eye Relief: 2.6"-3.4", Length: 12.8", Weight: 19.5 oz. Truplex Reticle, Black Matte Finish with Target Turrets. Fully multi-coated lenses.
Look around and you can find it for one fifty. It's what I had on my old match 10/22, worked quite well.

atek3

 

[Art Eatman]

Point-blank range for a .243 is, essentially, 300 yards. You will rarely have occasion to take a longer shot at a varmint or a deer. And, on deer, the .243 is best thought of as a 200- to 250-yard critter insofar as a clean, ethical kill. IOW, I wouldn't worry too much about range estimation. "Point it and pull."

Zero your rifle for about two inches high at 100 yards; this is right at dead on at 200 and maybeso five-ish inches low at 300.

Myself, I'd haunt a few gunshows and look for a good used Leupold Vari-X II in 3x9 or 2x7. Those have done well by me for the last three or so decades--as have Weaver or Weaver-style rings and bases...

, Art