As far as rifles, I use my Rem 270 that i've had for about 17 years, (it was used when I got it) and it's killed every deer I've shot at. My scope is a Simmons 8pt and has always been perfect and only cost $50. ( My wife bought that for me a few years back) The 270 had a redfield on it when I bought it, and now it's on my wifes rifle, ( a marlin 30-30 I bought her 2 years ago) and she's killed 4 deer with it including one nice 8pt thats on the wall. I personally can't see sinking all that money in rifles and scopes just for the big names.