have you found a scope yet? anything 2.5-10 or 3-9 will be great on this rifle. I recommend buying a regular ol hunting used leaupold vxlll in the EE very clear and usually under the $600 range you suggest (full warranty) and when you can put a NF 2.5-10x24 or 32 on it, that is that absolute perfect optic for the rifle, when you are ready you can sell the leupold for what you paid for it and it will serve you well in the mean time. s&B is coming out with 1-8 that would be outstanding but then again 3k, The leupold is NOT the best choice but to buy you time and plenty of shooting pleasure is the best way to spend your money as you won't lose a dime on it when it comes time to sell it.