I have been using the Marlin .17 for over a year now, I have fired over 1000 rounds with it target shooting. On occasion I've nailed a ground hog, squirrel and rabbit or two out to about 80 - 90 yards. If you check the ballistics of the .17 it shoots virtually flat for about 100 yards (less than 1" from zero). I did not put a top of the line scope on my rifle, I have a BSA Platinum 6 - 24 x with the fine crosshairs, it works just fine. The objective is 44mm. I had a 3 - 9x scope on my .22 Mag and wished I had more power, that is why I went to the other extreme on the .17. Your .17 should hold sub MOA @ 100 yards in the right hands, the Savages are very accurate. To hit something the size of a quarter at 100 yards you have to see it. I setup 12ga shotshell hulls @ 100 yards and plink away using about 18 x. I have a target that you should try with the .17, it's more of a game but very challanging and will improve your shooting. I can't post the target, it si too large but anyone can e-mail me I will send it to them. P.S. The .17 V-max bullet decimates ground hogs and the like! Good luck and enjoy the .17.