If I only had $1,000 to spend on a scope and rifle I would spend $600-$700 on the scope and $300 on the rifle. Your optics is the most important part of your rig. The first time you shoot a trophy buck right at dark with quality glass you will understand that. There is no way to understand the importance of quality glass until you do shoot a trophy at dusk in a rain storm.

A 1/4 or 1/2 inch group means nothing to a deer at 200 or even 300 yards. Whether your rifle prints a 1 inch group or a 6 inch group at 300 yards you still have a DEAD deer. But only if you can see it, and judge it. Tom.