RE: scope?
You can get a VX-I in a 4-12 for the kind of money you are thinking of. The VX-l is a darn good scope. No snob appeal because there are not enough numbers behind it but it will last for many years and shoot better than most people can shoot anyway. The Aetec is a great scope as well. I have a 2.8x10 and a 3x12 on a couple of my rifles right now. Gather light very well and tough as hell. The new ones are up around the 200.00 dollar mark but there might still be some older ones left in stock. 200.00 will buy a good tough reliable scope. My 270 Model 700 ADL synthetic is extremly accurate I have a VX-l on it and the rifle and scope brand new was about 525.00. You can spend a lot more but it won't do a better job.