$450 seems a bit high, $425 or $400 would probably be better, the Simmons scope isn't worth much at all. To answer your questions:

1.) Keep in mind that this gun is designed more or less as a nasty weather hunting rifle, and not a long range tack driver, with a good quality scope, and a quality shooter, it should do fine for hunting out to 400-500 yards, which is about the longest ethical range anyway.

2.) It is as reliable as any other push feed rifle.