I have a .223 in a heavy 26" stainless with the black compo stocks. I love it; it's a fun gun to shoot and it's plenty accurate for me. My scope is mounted in a Talley one-piece unit made just for this gun (1" scopes only). Now, if only Virgin Valley was still making the lefthand thumbholes and beavertail forearms for this gun, I'd be happier than a pig in poop.