Check out the nearest wally world, they've usually got Savage 110 packages that already come with "decent" 4x scopes. They're a great gun for not a lot of $$$, I'd go with a .243, but it depends on what you like, I use a .30-06 (in Ruger Mark II), and some people use .222 or .223's. The savage would be a good gun for you for sure. Good luck with what ever you get.