Depends on your intended use....
If tin cans and other "targets of opportunity" at 25 yards or less, or bunny/squirrel hunting are the primary use, a 1-3X or 1.5-4.5X variable would be my choice.
If it's going to be used to punch holes in paper out to 100 yards or so, something like a 3-9X or 4-12X would be preferred.
An all-around compromise would be a 2-7X.
At or about $150, look at the Nikon ProStaff series. For less money, I've had very good luck with Simmons scopes on .22 rifles, but I wouldn't trust them on anything with much recoil.