JD3020-- I had the Savage Edge in a 223 also. I put a cheap scope on it and had no issues at all. A 223 really has limited kick,nothing to worry about.
I had a cheap NCStar scope on it and never had a problem out to 600 yards with it. Well over 4000 rounds down the rifle(awesome accurate rifle).
I did get a great deal on a $800.00 scope,Put it on and other than a different scope and better glass, which did not matter to me.made no difference in my accuracy. So it's like 6 of one or half dozen of other.
Not much help , i know,but don't buy into the hype of having to spend $1000.00 on a scope