[jmr40]

That sorta depends the rifle budget.

There are a few $200 scopes out there that I wouldn't feel handicapped using. Although the ones I prefer tend to be in the $300-$500 range.

There are a few $300-$500 rifles out there that I'd not feel handicapped using. Although the ones I prefer tend to be in the $600-$1000 price range.

I wouldn't blink an eye at using a $300-$500 scope on a $300-$500 rifle. But if I'm scoping a $1000 rifle I want something better than a $200 scope on it.

I think you reach a point with rifles, and especially optics where you have to go up significantly in price to see small gains in performance. I'm certain a $2000 scope is better than a $200 scope, but the 10X price difference doesn't mean the optic is 10X's better. Maybe 10% better. And to some people that 10% better performance is worth the cost.

Also once you reach a certain price point you are paying more for features than quality. One of the reasons I prefer the $300-$500 scopes over the $200 scopes has more to do with the features than the quality.