+1 on CWards advice.

My advice - if you need a scope now and are limited on funds, pick up a fixed power SWFA Super Sniper (SS) in 10x power (or 16x if you must), for $300 new. For the price they are hard to beat. I stepped up from a 10x SS to a 3.5-15 NF (Second Focal Plane) once I saved enough money. I'd recommend the same path. Huge improvement moving to the NF.

I shoot a USO now, and it does have improved features over the NF, but I wouldn't say it's worth twice the money.

NF is the economical point for a good quality scope. I never sold my NF... it lives on my AR now.