Hello. I recently picked up a Zastava M77 that I am planning on turning into a poor man's DMR. For those that don't know, the M77 is an AK pattern 308 with an adjustable gas system and a 20 inch barrel that starts life as a LMG before being imported and ritualistically castrated by the ATF (heres a link: https://www.classicfirearms.com/zast...iautorifle10rd). I picked up a lightly used one for $500 and I am trying to build a working DMR as cheaply as possible. I am trying to keep the entire system under $1000 so the most I can spend on an optic is $250, but I also need a rail mount and rings so $150 is more realistic. I am not new to guns but I am a complete noob at distance shooting so I have no idea what I need. I definitely want a DMR rather than a true sniper rifle, so max range is going to be 800 meters with optimal range between 300 and 600. After doing some research I think I want a 3-10 scope with a BDC reticle, but beyond that I have no freaking clue what brands to look at or even if I am in the right ballpark. If you could give me some suggestions I would very much appreciate it. Thanks.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/598484/weaver-tactical-grand-slam-rifle-scope-3-10x-40mm-1-10-mil-adjustments-mil-dot-reticle-matte
It's a pretty good scope but Mil-Dot reticle.  I'd skip BDC reticles. They are only useful for one round.  Using Mil-Dots you can use hold overs.

I think you're screwed on your goal vs budget in general.
The best I'd suggest as 'low budget but not a total POS' would be a fixed magnification like a 10x or 12x, e.g. something like this:
http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-10x42-Tactical-Riflescope-P53712.aspx

Beyond that, see what Primary Arms may have to offer, or save a bit longer..and keep checking the EE.

PA options:
https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_4_14X44_FFP_Scope_with_308_p/pa4-14xffp308.htm
https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_4_14X44_FFP_Scope_p/pa4-14xffp.htm

I think you should wait and save.  A $150 scope in that power range with any sort of decent ranging reticle or accurate turrets and even borderline glass is impossible, to my knowledge.  If you find anything it will quickly disappoint.  The Weaver Grand Slam Tactical, mentioned above would serve you well.  They are sometimes on sale for $299, but that is still twice what you want to spend.

If you must, the Nikon P-223 3-9x40 with BDC at $200 would be my floor level choice. I think Nikon is running a special with most vendors to include the AR mounts for free or close to it.  I do not care for the reticle and there are tracking issues with the turrets, sometimes.  Some better than others.  They are well made.  Glass is only so-so, but not terrible.  Worth a try. Most users seem to like them.

I see that upper receiver scope mounting is not an option.  You need a special left side mount of some sort.  I have no idea what those cost or whether ring size and spacing are compatible with the scopes being discussed.   There is an AK forum here that might help with that.

https://www.laxammo.com/ammunition/optic-scopes/blackhawk-3.5-10x50-mil-dot-rifle-scope-black-matte-71ts02bk/80-554



Based after the Weaver, at a price that is close to your ballpark.  The Weavers will certainly work, although the SWFA really is the king at that 300 and under range IMO.