I recently got a Model 7 in a 243, with a 20 in stainless barrel. It is a slick little rifle and feels nice. I was wondering how accurate these guns are, and what kind of scope to put on it, is it worth it to have a 12 power scope, or is that to much scope for the gun.

I wouldn't put a heavy scope on a light rifle.

They are usually very accurate, magnification is a preference to the person--and the distance shots are taken....

You'll love the Model 7 for sitting in a deer blind. Especially with the shorter barrel. I have a 4-16 PST on mine, but I also rebarreled with a varmint profile, changed the stock and put a Timney trigger in it. It's not a lightweight hunting rig anymore. Your .243 will reach out there a long way, so variable 12x scope is not wasted on that rifle. There are some lightweight scopes available with 12x and more. My 3-15 Razor LH weighs 16.5 ounces.

The only problem is with all light barrel rifles is they heat up and the point of impact moves.
These guns love cold weather and will shoot great cold.
It is a good deer to carry when walk hunting .

Traded for the same rifle as the OP's for my wife. Put a Timney trigger in it, bedded the action and added a Nikon 3-9 scope. This rifle seems to love Remington Core-Lokt 100 grain factory ammo. Very consistent even with the light barrel. She loves it.

I have two... Both are sub-3/4" 3-shot rifles. I love them! As previously stated, the thin barrels will heat up quickly, so accuracy will suffer after shooting several rounds in a short time frame. One has a Timney, and the other a tuned factory trigger.

Scope power depends on your needs, but I am in the camp that a heavy/big scope on a light/small rifle is defeating the intended purpose.

My 223 version is super accurate with 64gr bullets. Mine wears a 2-7 making it a perfect walking around rifle. They are great rifles IMO.

I appreciate the help, I think I'll put a 3-9 Vortex I have on it for now, but I like the idea of getting it re-barreled with a heavier barrel and changing out the stock. How much would a gunsmith change the barrel on a rife ? I wouldn't think it would take to long.

You got the right one. The 243 feeds straight in where the other calibers are stripped from the mag and enter the chamber at across angle many times scraping the projectile or can jam if you go to fast especially if the magazine box sits up too high.

You'll noticed the beveled feed ramp at the 6:00 position on the 243 just like a good 700 in 30-06. The other calibers seem to have a left, right, and bottom, ramp of different specifications even in the same calibers over the years. Always perplexed me.

Talley intergral rings are the best in my opinion and I've been happy with anything with anything from a 1.5, 4x, 3-9, 2-7, or 2.5-8 Leupolds.

I've never had a model seven string shots

The .223 version does kick Butt!

I think you are wasting time trying to rebarrel and perfect the 243 model, its great already

Personally, I think the SS 243 version with a Grovetec mountain sling, Talley Lows, and Leupold VX2 2-7x is a combo from Heaven. I do like a Leupold FXII 4x though.

http://www.grovtec.com/catalog/47/gt-mountaineer-slings/

I bought a Criterion barrel from Northland Shooter Supply and screwed it onto the action myself. Criterion barrels use an external barrel nut like a Savage rifle. It does take a special tool to remove the factory barrel and you'll have to have headspace gauges to install the new barrel. I've owned a few Criterion barrels and they have all shot great.