Nikon prostaff is entry level winner - Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40 Rifle Scope, 1in Tube

This would be my recommendation for an entry level rifle scope. I have a ProStaff 3-9 on a 338 WinMag and it has held up nicely, even when the recoil ripped the retainer lug from some aluminum scope rings.

Clarity is good, better than the 'under $100' scopes though not as bright as the Nikon Monarch, of which I also have a few, but which cost almost double.

A very important consideration is eye relief and the 3.8"-3.6" eye relief is great for lighter recoiling rifles from 30-06 on down, and certainly adequate and safe for the magnums like 338 and 300, as long as a shooter is careful and practices good shooting skills. Many more expensive scopes do not have this eye relief and should be avoided.

The BCD reticle is fun, though I consider it a non-essential.

The 90% transmission brightness in the scope is more than adequate for legal shooting times. So for the a fine, first centerfire rifle scope, the ProStaff can be highly recommended.
Pros: price, Nikon reliability, good eye relief
Cons: less light in comparison to Monarch and pricier scopes

This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.