I'd rather have a $1000 scope on a $100 rifle than the other way around.

Check out the Bushnell Elite scopes. Great glass, tough as nails, great warranty, exceptional pricing. Right now Bushnell is offering a $75 rebate on their Elite scopes. That makes the Elite 3-9x40 an astonishingly great deal. It's a great deal, and the best scope you can get for the price they charge even without a rebate.