I'm getting a Savage .308 hopefully next Thursday, and I want to get a scope for it (of course).  I have a few questions.  First of all, what would be a pretty good scope that is less than $50?  If I need to I can get it from eBay, but I don't want to pay too much.  Also what would be a good magnification/aprature for it?

Lastly, do I put the scope directly on the gun, or will I need a scope mount?

EDITED TO ADD:  Oh, and it's a 26" barrel, bolt action.

I have never seen a scope for $50 that was worth .50. You shuold save untill you can afford a leupold, at the very least.

Go to Wallyworld and get a Simmons 3X9 and take it back and exchange it whenever anything goes wrong...  OR!!   Start Saving...

There ain't no such thing as a "pretty good scope" for less than $50.  You might look around for a used Redfield or equivalent in the $100 range.  That would be a servicable scope.

the rule of thumb is what you spend on the gun, spend on the scope.

the savage is what?
350.00  that get's you into a Leupold Vari-XII 3-9X40mm.  it's nice scope.
or with a little shopping you can get a 3.5-10X40mm Vari-XIII for 400.00