$300 is your limit. A Leupold Mark AR 3-9x40 retails for $299.99, How does Barska even enter into this conversation?
There is a plethora of quality optics out there for under $300. Weaver, Nikon, Bushnell, Leupold, Redfield, Meuller and Vortex have optics in your price range that won't ever need to be "Upgraded" unless you think you "need" a 56mm objective or a 1000X magnification range.
Chupa
