That is the beauty of a forum like this. We express our opinions and others can disagree without an argument. I personally have no problem what so ever with a scope on a side lock. I have several with scopes. If you base it on appearance, then your basically saying that you like the traditional look of the rifle, and that is all fine and good. Others like me like the scope because it allows me to be a better shot. Eyes get old and sometimes need help. That is what a scope does for me. It allows me to make those 100 yard shots with confidence. After all I want to put the largest world of hurt on the game I shoot so that it will not suffer anymore then it must. A scope allows me to do that. The only thing I do not like to see with a scope is people trying to over shoot the capabilities of the bullet and powder they are using.