My experience is only with T/C. In fact I spoke to them a few days ago. I requested they send me a screw, as I had broken one, and they called just to be sure they were getting me the right one. Anyway, I would go with T/C. Hunt without a scope for the first year if your budget is that tight. Get the kit if you want to, but I would go with a gun, then get the extras I want, in larger quantities than they give you in the kits.