@Flyblown; Thanks for that; I'm just a little bit broke at the moment after buying the rifle. Putting some $sss aside for a scope for it. I was going to get another Nikon from Natchez, but it's not worth it if I have to go to Auck to pick it up (bloody NZ Post!). I have got a new, unused, refurbed Nikon Prostaff 2-7; but getting to be an old bugger now with old bugger eyes, so was going to get a 3-9. But bugger it; I may as well just use it! I've got it sitting on my 303 and haven't sighted it in yet so may take it off and put it on the 308 (when my bloody licence arrives!!!) I've got a Redfield Revolution to put back on the 303. The Nikon Buckmaster II on my 223 s a much nicer scope to use compared to the Redfield. Clearer and brighter
I was going to sell my Marlin XS7 708 and put the funds towards a scope. The barrel channel is too tight and it shoots like shit; 4" groups..... I was going to rout the channel but don't want to f*** it up and then have it worthless. My DIY skills are similar to Homer Simpson's mastery of the art ;) So I thought I'd just sell it at a good price as a project gun, be honest about how it shoots and throw the money into a Leupold or Vortex etc. But I'm unsure if I can until my renewed licence arrives. Too be honest; the Howa Lightweight just "feels right" for me.