Looking for a budget true 1x in a 1x4x24 variable optic, preferably under $250. any suggestion would be greatly appreciated. 
Either the out of production Burris Fullfield TAC30 1-4x24, which you may find on clearance/closeout/demo (try SWFA sample list and MidwayUSA), or the Burris MTAC 1-4x24 that replaced it, if you can find one on sale.
If you don’t need illumination, Weaver makes a “Super Slam Dangerous Game” 1-5x24 which is usually around $500 but for some reason is occasionally selling at Amazon for just $280-320 or so. Optically it is well ahead of the Burris scopes above. Simple crosshairs and no illumination, but a good scope.
Currently at $499, set an alert on 3camel to find out when it goes to the cheaper price:
http://www.amazon.com/Weaver-Super-Dangerous-Dual-X-Reticle/dp/B003PVO67O
thnx. I have always liked the Burris Fullfield TAC30 1-4x24. didnt know it was true 1x
Primary Arms 1-6. It’s $269 if you can go a little higher. This is their 2nd gen version. I looked through their 1st gen and for a $250 optic it was pretty good. The reticle is a dot-donut with a BDC.