I'm in the market for a scope for a 243 and not sure what to buy (size, brand)? Is there a common, all purpose scope out there for 243. I'd be using it for an all around ranch rifle, varmint shooter, possibly small game, etc...price range is <$375.

Redfield would be my choice they are great scopes and you can save some of your money for ammo.

Unless you're concern about the looks of the rifle, then I highly suggest getting a 50mm scope.
The more I shoot, the more I appreciate the value of getting the largest lense and most zoom combo.
I too only hear good things about Redfield. Also, Niokn to me is the best bang for the buck. For that budget, my choice would be a 4-12x50 Nikon Buckmaster.
http://swfa.com/Nikon-4-12x50-Buckmaster-Riflescope-P51927.aspx

Leupold VX3 2.5-8x 36 mm and pick one ammo for all around purpose. Its good on everything from rats to moose within 250 yards.

Take a close look at a Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40. A demo from Skylar@SWFA or Doug at Cameraland will be within your budget. These are really quality optics at that price point.

I like the Leupold vxii 3-9x40 for general use. The other scopes mentioned are great as well. I also factor in weight as well which some don't but I'm a weight nazi. The nikons tend to be a tad heavier but very solid.

Subscribing, as I am in the same boat as the OP, although on a much tighter budget. I have been looking at the Nikons and redfields as well. I almost pulled the trigger on a 3-9x40, but have since decided to look at a few with more magnification and possibly a bigger objective lense and a mil dot or bdc. I have always had an old Bushnell 3-9x32 that I liked, are Bushnell's any good now?

Most people's opinions of Bushnell are like any budget-end product, some will love em, some hate em, and they'll likely be just fine for most people. I've had a few and enjoyed them.

This is what I would get, have 2 of them and really like them for the price.

Excellent! Looks like I need to do a little homework on different scopes. Thanks for the suggestions.

Whats your budget? These guys will find you the best deal! Wait n see

I would have to agree with the Zeiss 3-9X40.
Check This Out: http://www.samplelist.com/Zeiss-3-9x40-Conquest-Rifle-Scope-DEMO-B-P60102.aspx

I think this would be a great scope for you rifle.

Did you have a price range that you have allowed for just the scope, and have you considered rings as well?

Get the Zeiss and Talley 1 peice base rings. Lap em
And mount that sucker. Gonna be a shooter!

Nikon 3-9x40, BDC. Warne rings

Take a look at the Simmons Whitetail Classic. Midway puts them on sale for $99-$110 every few weeks.

I used to stick solely with Leupold VX3's, but early this year I bought 7 or 8 rifles for my collection, and at $500 a pop for the VX3 it was getting a little expensive.

My Future Father In Law loaned me one of these scopes to try out, and I was very impressed with the glass. I have this scope on a 22-250, .243 and a .270, and not once have I had issues.

Honestly, I haven't even thought about scope rings. I was hoping they wouldn't be too expensive for a Rem 700. That Zeiss is looking pretty good. I looked it up on Amazon and it got 5 stars from all reviewers...