Ok,I have a Colt AR-15 Match Target in 16" barrel

Just out of curiousity, what "cheap-o" scope did you have? I'm guessing it's still better than some I have.

Jonny,it was a hammers 3x9 illuminated rec. from ebay years ago.From 0-50 yards it was "ok",I tried to get (more) out of it,LOL then I heard tinging inside of it.Kinda like humm breaking bones maybe,after that the scope was trash,LIKE it wasnt be4!I really want a GREAT mount and GOOD (compact scope) for my Pony.

People Ive talked too have said "If you can afford a Colt AR you can Afford the best glass".Thats not the case,I sold two handguns and put up a lil more $$$ to buy my Colt.LOL...DO NOT FLAME ME,I wanted a Colt so I bought a Colt.

Do you have to have a one piece or will a set of rings do? If so the Burris Xtreme rings are damn solid. Also the Leupold QD rings are good too and both are at about $50-60 for a set. The reality is that you need to open up the funding a bit if you want the Great stuff. In the one piece world there is only one Great.. LaRue. But you're going to be at about half your budget.

Now what kind of optic are you wanting? Specifically what ranges are you looking to use it for. Fixed or variable?

I actually purchase this "cheap-o"scope for under $80 and it's worked much better than I expected. Not the best of course, but works everytime:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280131535156

Get a Smith or comparable riser; use Burris or Leupold rings and get a Bushnell Elite 3200 or comparable scope, and you'll have a nice, accurate setup.