Y'know, I wouldn't obsess on the tuning issue myself. You've got to remember what this forum is. It's full of true airgun hobbyists. Try your purchase out of the box. Shoot it some, break it in, let the parts begin to mesh, and see what you've got. There's no hurry to get a tune, you can decide to do that at any time.
When you buy a new car do you immediately take it to a pro-tuning shop? I'm sure you could find forums where folks would insist that it needs to be done.
As far as CDT's retirement, there's other tuners out there. He's a favorite here, but not the only one in the world. I haven't looked into it, but I sense there's some bad blood between CDT and some other tuner/s. That's their battle, not ours. Try asking on another airgun forum or just use their search function.
As far as the Umarex reconditioned guns, although I've never bought one myself my impression from other people is favorable. I'd definitely look into that option seriously, as you could save enough money to get a decent scope and mount, maybe with some money left over. My experiences with package deal scopes hasn't been good, so buying one separately, in my view, is a real good idea.
Anyway, have fun. The kicks are in the hunt as much as in the kill. Same holds true for a search for a new airgun.
Good luck,
Parks
