RE: scope reccomendation
I put a Nikon Prostaff 4x32 Rimfire on my Savage .22 last Fall, & I'm quite pleased with it. I use it for plinking, gophers, groundhogs, & offhand shooting practice. I found it for about $90 online.
You can spend < $20 @ Wally World, & get a scope that's likely not worth the plastic it's wrapped in. Of course, you can also spend $300+.
Good luck,
FC