I've got bad eyes, so a scope is generally a requirement. If there is a scope already mounted on the rifle, then I at least know there is probably a viable D&T job underneath. I generally replace both the scope and the rings, but it's important to know the rifle will hold a scope. A smith who can do a good D&T job is hard to come by in these parts.
What factory rifles in the past 50+ years haven't been drilled and tapped?