I have had my share of cheaper scopes. I am in the process of upgrading when I can however. I will not say that I will ever spend $500 for a scope, because some day I may, but not yet. The most I have spent on a scope was $300, so far. What a difference it makes. The clicks are positive and repeatable, the whole scope just feels solid. When you get a quality scope, you know the difference. The worst thing I did was buy a better scope. That is why I more than likely will not buy a $500+ scope because I will not be happy with my $200 - $300 scopes. It spoils you. I have had mixed results with cheaper scopes. Some have served me well for a number of years, some came apart soon after I got them. The most trouble I have had with cheaper scopes is tracking of the cross hairs. If you set them and leave them, they work OK, but if you start cranking on them they just do not track well. Tasco scopes used to be the best cheap scope on the market, but like a lot of other things, they have found a way of cheapening them up, but cost the same, if not more. It is a crap shoot, it may last you for several seasons or it may shoot loose the next time you take it out. I have a Tasco 2.5X10X42 AO with target turrets that just sets on the shelf. Nothing really wrong with it, but I got a scope I like better. It used to set on my 10-22, now it has a Mueller APV - IMOH a much better scope for just a little more money. Good Luck and Good Shooting