RE: need help justifying my decision-1st gun...
Reily,
I picked up the Savage package in 243 and my buddy picked it up the same day in 270. It came with a Simmons 3-9 scope. My buddies scopehas been fine, not the best optics but has been OK so far. Mine was terrible. After just a few shots with the 243 (mild recoil) neither me nor the gun shop could focus it properly. I have already put a new Nikon on it. MUCH BETTER. Bottom line with the scope that comes with it is that it might be serviceable and get you out in the woods or it could crap out after a few shots. If you can afford better optics do it.
A 3-9 would be all you should need hunting in the NE
Both guns shoot great, very accurate