I think the package deal is the only option I can find for the savage. The ruger comes with a package deal of a redfield revolution scope, which I hear is a great deal. If I go with the savage I would get the Nikon scope and later on I could always upgrade the scope. I have heard the Nikon pro staff scopes are a great deal and can be had for around 200 dollars. My budget is 600 and I understand tax and all that but I can spend a bit more but it's not like I can budget for 800 dollars because anything over the 600 would be coming out of tax return money or my paycheck.