I'm from the old school that dictates the scope should be highest quality you can afford, and that means it usually costs cost more than the barrel, and often even more than the complete firearm.
That said, I reluctingly bought a NcStar 3-9 Sniper Compact with 7 (or 9?) stage illuminated reticle just to try them out a few years ago. Put it on a 6mm carbine barrel for my Contender that I use for predator calling. Was very surprised not only how well it worked for that application, but how clear it was and how well it held up. Still have it although at the moment its not mounted. So I guess if that one experience means anything, if you have to go cheap glass you could do worse than a NcStar.