Welcome to the board Day4Day. You'll find allot of knowledgeable people on this site.You picked a nice rifle to get.Your question about scopes,I would recommend you buy a quality scope for your new rifle.Depending on what price range you want to stay in.Right now you can find Leupold's VarXII's for 200.00 or less.For a less expensive scope I've heard the BSA's are not bad.Nikon Buckmaster scopes are very good.I like variable power scopes.2x7, 3x9.If you are only going to have closer shots a straight 4 x will be a good choice.I use to buy strictly Redfield's. After they folded up for awhile ,I went to Leupold. Redfield is now back in business but can't tell you if they are the same quality they were or they have become a cheap scope. Look around and see what one fits your budget.Buy a good scope it pays in the end. Ruger Redhawk