First long range gun, Thompson Contender Compass in .308. looking for a $300.00 (+ or -) scope recommendations. Shooting distance is limited to 300 yards.
At $300 for NEW-age optics, you're going to eventually need factory support if you shoot much. Vortex is going to be excellent in that regard, as is Alan here. If I were buying a Vortex, there isn't anybody on the whole of the internet I'd buy from instead.
That being said, some of the older Weaver (STEEL tube) scopes can be extremely reliable, if you are okay with some lack of sex appeal, and a little lower grade in optical clarity. As a SIGHTING SYSTEM--which is all they're supposed to be--they adjust and hold zero, and have durability that exceeds most modern scopes, and certainly in that price range.
You don't need much magnification at 300, and you don't really need Kowa-level clarity either. But you DO need good adjustments, and ability to tolerate recoil day after day, year after year.