I agree too much $ and that scope is worthless imo for what you need.

Regarding the short barrel, that doesn't scare me at all if your typical hunting range is less than 200yds. My son has a Ruger compact .243 with a super short barrel (I think 16.5") and that little gun is a great hunting rifle for where we hunt where 95% of our shots are under 150yds, heck most under 100.