Thanks for the feedback so far! That was quick..
I am kind of leaning towards somehting new. Typically the big box stores are never my first choice, but I've been sitting on some gift cards to Bass Pro for a while. I was thinking about using them... Although better prices are easily found online...
So for this rifle, the consensus is stick with 3-9 magnification or less, rather than 4-12 or 3.5-14?
Yes.
You want to keep the package handy and trim, and 9x is more than enough for shooting game at 300+ yards. I shoot 2" and smaller groups at 300 yards all the time with 6x scopes.
I just installed a current issue Leupold VX-1 3-9x40 on a friend's rifle. This model is fully multicoated, has "no coin necessary" click adjustment dials, and is relatively light. It also opens the door to the Leupold custom shop if you "get into it" later and want a custom reticle, target or tactical adjustment turrets and so on. For $230 and free shipping from Midway it's a pretty good deal.
Oops, I forgot about the Bass Pro cards.
