Yep; get higher rings. The Handi takes some tall ones, especially if the end of the scope falls over the hammer. Save your money and get the best scope you can afford. After you decide on what scope you are going to use, then you will get a better idea of how high the rings will have to be. Many folks buy the high, or extra high, but again it is scope dependent. If you are going to use it for both hunting an varmints, a good 3X - 9X as Petemi has suggested is a good scope as far as power. If you are going to use it strictly for varmints you may want a variable up to 14X or 16X. Your 243 should kick considerably less that your smoke pole. Follow Quickdtoo's advice on ammo, it is good. There are many ways people break in their rifles. Some just take it out and start shooting. Some shoot - clean - shoot - clean for 5 rounds, then do the same thing for 5, five shoot strings cleaning between strings. You can sight in your scope while doing this to save some ammo. If I do not have a hand lapped barrel (Handi rifles are not), I like to polish the bore for a break in, but that is just my preference. Before I forget it, make sure you take the rifle apart and give it a good cleaning and re-lube with a light coating of quality oil. Read the FAQ all the way through, every tip. You will find tips such as keeping the latch/lug area free of oil and pulling the trigger all the way back when you pull it, among many others. It will take some time to do this, but it is very good reading. And welcome to GBO - some of the finest folks you could meet hang out here. Good Luck and Good Shooting