I'm a Remington 700 fan myself, but there are a lot of good rifles.
Scopes aren't just for people who's eyes aren't what they used to be. They enable a shooter to take advantage of both his and the rifle's ability and become a precision shooter. Sometimes precise shot placement is necessary on big game, and practicing on small varmint type critters takes a scope.
Iron sights work. A scope can make you a better shooter.