I recommend the Leupold VX-2 Rifle Scope 2-7x 33mm from Midway for $239.99 with free shipping. I have the Vari-X III 2.5-8x (older version of the VX-3) on my .300 Win Mag and it is excellent - even for small black bears or other small game at 400+ yards.
A somewhat recently developed pet peeve of mine: people over scoping hunting rifles as if they are some kind of world class shooter planning to go after elk, deer etc from long distances.
First of all, quality glass in magnification ranges near 16x or 20x SHOULD cost $800+. And the objective lens /tube needs to be huge to let in enough light for dawn/dusk shooting at max magnification. Plus, as I said below, a 500-600 yard ethical shot on a deer/elk sized animal is very difficult and a bit lucky. That's why the 2-7x, 3-9x, and at most 4-12x is plenty of scope.
Think about it this way: Most scopes do not actually go up to the power they say they do. A 3-9x is actually going to be something like 3.25x-8.4x. But, even then, an 8x scope will make an object at 400 yards appear as that same target would, with open sights, at 50 yards. I HOPE everyone out hunting can hit a 6" circle at 50 yards with open sights.
The next question then is: can you make a 400 yard shot? Well, that's up to you but the point is you will have enough scope with a 3x9 to make such a shot.
Plus, you can get Good glass for $300 In a 3x9.
Obviously folks can do whatever they want, my opinion is worth as little as anyone's, but you should always buy the best scope you can afford....and in a 3x9 this OP an afford decent glass at $250-$300