From what you describe, don't ignore the 30-30 in lever action or a .308 Win in a Browning BLR (Browning Lever Action). The 30-30 is not a 300 yard gun (it may be if you use the Hornady LeveRelution ammo), but it can do 200 to a max of 250 if you know the rifle well and the drop of the bullet. I am not saying the 30-30 is what you should buy, but rather not to ignore it as an option.

Unfortunately, the quality of the new Marlin lever actions has gone done since they were bought out by the holding company of Remington.

Have you determined if you are right or left eye dominant? I would do this before purchasing a rifle.

Get your rifle first, and then look at optics, rings and bases. You need to have a scope tube with a mounting area that is long enough to fit the action of your particular rifle.

Here is one website that has decent prices on optics.
www.opticsplanet.com