Hey if you have to have new then the Nikki would be ok until you figure out how much hunting you are going to actually do (please don't take that the wrong way"
Its infinity better than the "no brand name" scopes some retailers fit to their packages.
I helped a young guy sight in in new Remington 770 series purchased locally and it calme with a no name brand scope which was a dog, crosshairs on the piss and a clear as looking thru an empty coke bottle even. your howa/nikko Stirling would be way better than that
Good Second hand deals do come up on here if you don't have to have new.
remember with hunting its not just the rifle and scope you will need especially when getting started.
personally i if I were starting again something like a new or good s/h rifle in 308 would be the go and spend more on some decent binos as you will spend more time looking thru them than your scope.
Upgrade stuff as you find you need to.
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