IMO the scope is worth at least $300.00, so you would have $450.00 into the rifle. I don't and won't debate the merits of push feed vs. controlled feed here. If it's strictly a money issue, then I'd buy it, but, if I could afford it, I'd look for a Ruger, Winchester, or CZ in controlled feed, only because that's my personal preference in a DG rifle. I guess it all depends on how much DG hunting you're planning to do. If you plan on using it for mostly plains game, and a buff, or two, then I might consider buying it, and put the money saved toward trophy fees.