ORIGINAL: bigdreamin
Well $400 is my budget for just the gun and its not that I can't afford more I just can't justify spending anymore for a gun I won't shoot more than a dozen time a year.
How rugged is that Nikon Pro Sport?
I haven't actually picked up CVA Pro yet but I'm one of those lucky people that ever gun I seem to pick up fits me perfect. Of course it goes without saying I'd never buy a gun I didn't hold first.
p.s. How much of a diffrence does a break open make, I'm sure cleain is much nicer but for as much as I'll use it would an inline sufice?
Well a break open isan inline. The issue of cleaning time is not really all that critical to you. If a model takes five more minutes then a different one, for someone shooting it a week every year and a couple of range sessions... what's the big deal. But you're right, the break opens appear easier to clean and care for.
The Nikon Pro Sport is their bottom of the line rifle scopethat was just never told it was bottom of the line. I like the 2-7x32mm Shotgun/muzzleloader scope. I like them so much I bought some extra onesthat were on sale for future rifle projects. The scope has excellent clarity, a excellent light gathering ability, it seems indestructable so far, sharp looking, great eye relief (which is important), and all for around $139.00 (they had them on sale for $89.95 by mistake now it looks, but too bad. I bought a couple of them.).
I would think that Optima Pro and a Nikon would be a good 150 yard rifle with practice. Another rifle to look at might be an Omega Z5 from Thompson Center. I have seen them for as little as $259.00. If you find after shooting them (and you will) that you really enjoy hunting with them, you could update the rifle with a quality thumbhole stock or who knows. With a Nikon Scope on that, it is all the rifle you would ever need. Plus you have Thompson Center's warranty behind you.