thanks for the input Paul. I think I saw a gun scope combo at Gander Mountain for a good price. It was a Marlin though. It did have the heavy barrel with it. I agree with you about the HMR. It was 185.00 when I bought mine. Now, it costs around 250.00 for the same gun and scope. That is a large increase for only two years. I am going to try to sell her on the Mach2 . The HMR is more than she needs anyway. I don't see her shooting more than 60 yds. You are right, you can't beat the safety provided by the V-Max bullet. If it hits somthing hard enough to ricochet , it just shatters. I think you are right about the the ammo cost as well. Thanks again. Chip


[/align]