For that price I wouldn't turn it down either...
It should be fine for the .243, and like I said, "It could be the best scope you will ever own."
All in all it is was a good scope as far as I could tell by looking through it, I do remember it have a solid 1 piece tube and all in all I was actually impressed, but with all them other scopes so close by

Please keep me informed on it's performance, I may decide to grab one myself on my next trip to Bass Pro Shop in old Nastyville.
If you do mount it on the Howa .243, what will you "mainly" use the rifle for?