i am going to add my .02..

if you are just looking for a good deer rifle that is accurate and reliable, you don't need to spend even close to $600. I bought a Winny M70 for $400 and it performs quite well. I do want to suggest looking at SAVAGE. i picked up a model 10 in 7mm-08 and i will be foolish to say this isn't the perfect deer rifle. it cost me $350 brand new. 22" barrel, wood stock and cheap scope. As long as i do my part it's does it's part. The rifle is quite durable too and don't even get me started on how accurate this gun is.