like i said im a newbie, so forgive me if im a little silly

as a kid my dad had got me a single shot bolt rifleto plink with but its long gone, i just want to stay away from single shots, ive got a winchester 1890 pump in .22short that used to be my grandpas (shorts are in "short" supply around here) but dont think that will do me any good unless im goin for soda cans. loading a tube or a magazine is not a problem, but due to my nerve loss im prone droppin bullets when loadin, just rather not be droppin em in the woods gettin frustrated is all.

ive gone a couple of times with my father in law, he lets me borrow his kimber but ive got a feeling its more $$$ than i care to be held responsible for and would feel better with my own stuff.

i dont really care about customizing, id pretty much prefer to keep it stock outta the box.

alsowhat would you guys do about a scope, ive been told a fixed 4x would be best for a squirrel gun, but if you were buyin a $300 dollar gun how much would you spend on a scope ?? honestly ive only shot thru a scope a couple of time and dont knowanything bout what to look for in a good one.id like to spend as close to $500 as possible to get a reliable set-up.

any pointers on what would be best for a FOV or lens diameter ?

all help is greatly appreciated by the way