Thanks for your responses.
I ended up buying a Ruger M77 Mark II .223 All-Weather Stainless Steel barrel synthetic stock (new for $500) and a Bushnell Elite 3200 3-9X40 scope (new $200). I like the scope rings that came with the Ruger. They seem designed to actually keep the scope firmly in place on the gun. Haven't shot it yet, I'll let you know what I think of the gun and scope after sighting it in at the range.