In reply to stanger_missle:
I LOVE the OE thumb hole laminate stock, I don't know what's available aftermarket, I'm sure you could buy the thumb hole from Savage, though it might be spendy. I haven't got a lot of experience with others. I shot some of Marlin's 17HMRs when I was shopping, but didn't like where they stuck the magazine, it was in the way of my support hand. I bought mine the first year the thumb hole was available, same year Savage first offered Accutrigger on rimfires, so '04-ish. When I saw the ads for the BTVSS I had to have it, and waited it out, the LGS tried to sell me a few others, but I refrained, and bought the first BTVSS they got in stock.
We got my dad a Ruger 96/17 after he ooohed and ahhhed over mine so much. He's weird, he's right handed, but shoots lefty, plus he's got a thing for lever guns, so win-win. Those are the only 17s I've shot.
As for scopes, any of the big names would be a fine choice, I've read mixed reviews about BSA's Sweet 17, but might be worth the gamble, I considered it but talked myself into spending a little more for the Nikon. The Buckmaster I put on my 17 was ~$250, but I specifically wanted a silver scope to match the stainless barrel, call me vain, and there aren't near as many silver scopes to choose from as there are black. My Buckmaster is an older model, before they came out with the Side Focus (SF) models. It has been great, and has held zero since the first day I sighted it in. I don't recall what rings I used, Weaver Grand Slams, maybe?
I've got a lower end Leupold VX-I on my .270, it has been an excellent scope as well, but it's only 3-9x40, I wanted more magnification on the 17, and the Nikon Buckmaster was a better value than anything Leupold offered in similar magnification.
That said I've got a cheap 3-9x32 Simmons that came on my .270, has been on 3 or 4 different long guns since I got it, it's been on a Marlin 995 for 6-7 years now, it's not as clear as the Leupold or Nikon, but every bit as consistent/accurate.
I've handled and shot some Hi-Point pistols, but not the carbine, never been a fan. I guess as cheap as they are, as long as you pull the trigger and it goes "bang" you don't have a lot to complain about. I've heard others that are a lot more gun savvy than I say terrible things about them, but in the same boat know guys that have had their Hi-Points with thousands of rounds through them without any issue. Personally, I have no desire to own any of their stuff, that doesn't mean I wouldn't buy one if I came across one for the right price.