Honesty, I'd take that $200 and pick up a crossfire II 1-4x. They were $219 just a few days ago off amazon for the V-brite reticle. I have one and it's great for the money. Very clear glass. Then save up $60 and buy a PA mount to put it in.
I'm sure I'll end end with glass on this eventually, but I really want to learn the fundamentals with irons first.